South Carolina is one of the more beloved Southern American states, thanks to its rich culture, classic heritage, and classy Southern Belle ways. From the historic streets of Charleston to the lowland marshes, to the miles of sandy white beaches, you’ll love everything you find in this pristine state.
There’s a little bit of something for everyone, no matter what you’re into or how you like to spend your time. Love to golf? They’ve got it. Want a typical beach vacation with all the tourist trappings? You’ll easily find that as well, at the acclaimed Myrtle Beach. Want a center of culture and class? Try Charleston on for size. Need some spooky ghost stories or urban legends to get your blood pumping? There’s more than enough to go around!
So what are you waiting for? Here are some of the great resorts that you’ll find on South Carolina soil, whether you dream of a plantation-inspired property or just a resort with all of the luxury amenities you crave. It’s not difficult to find, and you may just discover that South Caroline is your new favorite vacation destination, no matter what corner of the Earth you may be traveling from!
Let’s have a look at the best resorts in South Carolina:
1. The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
There’s a beach vacation filled with sand in your shoes, corn dogs, carnival rides, and boardwalks…and then there’s your beach vacation that’s all luxury, all the time. To get the latter, you go to Hilton Head. One of the most prized resorts there is the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort.
It’s received high ratings over and over again from respected travel publications. It has more than 300 suites, and a ton of Studio Suites with their own mini kitchens and private balconies. They have access to an 11-mile lagoon system great for kayaking and canoeing, bike trails, 25 tennis courts, and three golf courses for 54 holes of championship golf.
Additionally, there are two family pools, one adults-only pool, and a kids-only pool. Choose from casual to gourmet dining, enjoy the Ocean Tides Spa, and don’t forget about the Kid’s Camp which allows for Mom and Dad to get just a little bit of alone time.
Website: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/hilton-head
2. Wild Dunes Resort
Located in an area of South Carolina called the Isle of Palms, can you really go wrong? Wild Dunes is known for its upscale, luxury accommodations.
You can choose from condos or traditional rooms, and then get out and about to check out the award-winning golf, tennis and you’re even close to Charleston, so you can check out the city in all of its Southern glory.
From the spa to the sea, fishing to fitness, bikes to boardwalks, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy, whether you’re a family, couple, single friends, or a generational travel group.
Website: https://www.destinationhotels.com/wild-dunes
3. Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
Of course, if you have children, there’s no other name in vacation destinations than Disney. Thankfully, you don’t have to go all the way to Florida to experience the magic. Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is an elegant stop that’s modeled after a vintage hunting and fishing lodge. There’s all the charm and class you could want, but also a ton of outdoor fun for the kids.
Enjoy the 12 miles of beach before heading back to your two-bedroom villa, or hang out by the pool, which has its own water slide and heated spa. You’re right where you need to be to get to all of the golf courses, and you can explore the surrounding area via bicycle.
Need more fun? If you’re a little bit tired of the beach and pool, you can enjoy the Disney Beach House, where there are games and snacks for the kids. There’s also an activity program for kids and teens alike, which includes fun activities like nature walks. Take a boat ride on Broad Creek to meet some friendly dolphins. Top it all off with a night by the campfire.
Website: https://hiltonhead.disney.go.com
4. Montage Palmetto Bluff
Can you say absolutely gorgeous? The Montage Palmetto Bluff is located on the May River a little more than 20 miles from the airport. There, you’re immediately welcomed into a Southern oasis of moss-covered trees, riverside lawns, and all the white architecture you could want.
There’s the signature spa, a signature golf course, a shooting club, paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing to keep you occupied. Choose from traditional guest rooms, cottages, village homes, and suites that are all modeled after the region’s heritage.
This is truly the best of low-country living!
Website: https://www.montagehotels.com/palmettobluff/
5. Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort and Spa at Grande Dunes
But back to the nostalgic beach vacations of your childhood. Myrtle Beach is where to find them, but if you don’t want to give up the luxury just yet, you can book a stay at the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort and Spa at Grande Dunes. There’s a great oceanfront location, spacious rooms, a fantastic spa, two pools, a health club, golf, tennis, and great dining.
The ocean-view rooms are spectacular, and so is the palm tree-lined pool. Guests are always recommending you come back to try this hotel again and again because it simply lives up to high expectations.
Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/myrgd-myrtle-beach-marriott-resort-and-spa-at-grande-dunes/
6. Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa
Of course, Myrtle Beach isn’t the only South Carolina destination where Marriott makes its mark. It’s also in beautiful Hilton Head. Again, there’s a beachfront location and a nice amount of class that blends well with the comfortable atmosphere. Each room has its own private balcony so you can enjoy views of the island and coast.
There are also three golf courses and multiple indoor and outdoor pools. The signature spa has a full menu of great treatments, and the dining really takes advantage of all of the different seafood options that are famous in the area.
Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hhhgr-hilton-head-marriott-resort-and-spa/
7. Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
This resort has seriously won so many awards and recognitions — Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, Best of the South from Meetings Focus, and Reader’s Choice from The Island Packet. Breathtaking views surround the hotel all the way around, whether you’re checking out the gorgeous beach, or the lovely lush gardens.
There are fantastic dining options to choose from, and there’s also some fantastic poolside pampering to be had. The spa is top-rated, and you’re located right where you need to be to check out the area’s top attractions.
Website: https://www.sonesta.com/us/south-carolina/hilton-head-island/sonesta-resort-hilton-head-island
8. North Beach Plantation
For some travelers, seeing a plantation while in South Carolina is an absolute must. North Beach Plantation may just be close enough that you never want to leave the resort! It’s located on a 7-acre island situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Whitepoint Swash. It’s made up of two towers that are connected in the middle (like another famous resort in the Bahamas), and there are plenty of activities on the island for you to choose from.
Try the multiple swimming pools, the multiple spas, a swim-up bar, the private cabanas, a lazy river, a steakhouse, and the sushi bar…everything is delicious! Your room has a private balcony, and you can take advantage of the nearby golf courses, as well as the Beach Fit program. Everything’s perfectly suited to fit your needs.
Website: http://www.northbeachrentals.com
9. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Enjoy this hotel’s miles of perfect beaches and their three separate pools surrounded by lush palm trees. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa has all of the amenities you’ve come to expect from Westin, in one great spot — Hilton Head Island.
Each guest room has a private balcony with a gorgeous ocean view, but if you ever leave your room you’ll find that there is an endless array of activities to take advantage of.
There are tons of nearby shopping and dining options, you can enjoy just about every land and water sport imaginable, there’s the Westin Heavenly Spa, the Westin Family Kids Club, and the adjacent Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club. What more do you need?
Website: http://www.westinhiltonheadisland.com
10. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
Named one of the World’s Best Family Resorts by Travel + Leisure, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort on Hilton Head Island is a great spot for you and the kids. There are three miles of lovely beach, three golf courses, a combination of condos and full houses to choose from on the resort itself, a full-service marina, a tennis center, and an entire lagoon.
You can even kayak or canoe on the lagoon, taking in the full scope of nature that lives in the area. There are shopping and dining options, dolphin watching, paddle boarding, crabbing, fishing, and more. You’ll never, ever get bored here! It’s a great mix of luxury and lively living!
Website: https://www.palmettodunes.com/about-us
11. Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Step into a world of unparalleled luxury at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Golf World Magazine called it the top resort in the United States and it’s been awarded a Forbes Five-Star ranking. There are five golf courses that are home to pro tournaments including the 1991 Ryder Cup and the 2012 PGA Championship.
Tennisresortsonline.com has called it the top tennis resort in the world, with 24 clay and hard courts, as well as great classes and instructional programs so that you can ace your swing. Other activities include kayaking and nature tours, bicycling, and beach lounging. There’s great dining and a fantastic spa to top it all off!
Website: http://www.kiawahresort.com
12. Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
Maybe you want to go for a different experience altogether and stay right by the marina and right by Charleston itself. If that’s the case, Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina may be just perfect for you and your fellow travelers. This resort is on the smaller side at only about 100 rooms, but the service and experience are just as impressive! Every room is fantastically outfitted and has breathtaking views from the balconies.
Other amenities include a private beach all to yourself, complimentary bicycle rentals, complimentary refreshments, boat charters, and concierge services. There’s golf, transportation into downtown Charleston (via an authentic trolley, if you so wish), great dining, a rooftop bar, and plenty more to keep you impressed and happy during your stay.
Website: http://charlestonharborresort.com
13. Anderson Ocean Club and Spa
This Oceana Resort offers luxury accommodations right on Myrtle Beach. The architecture is inspired by Moroccan and Spanish designs, and the amenities are seemingly endless. Enjoy a full-service spa, a pool and fitness center, valet parking, dining options, a lazy river, a huge hot tub, a pool bar, and more. The club has a loyal following of fans who one back year after year, and you may just become one of them!
Website: https://www.oceanaresorts.com/resorts/anderson-ocean-club-spa/
14. The Charleston Place
Nothing says luxury like this getaway. Belmond Charleston Place is located right within the heart of all things Charleston, and it is within easy walking distance of everything you could ever want to see. For the finest of the fine, stay on the private concierge level.
You’ll love the rooftop pool, which is saltwater and heated with porthole windows that overlook the city. A terrace bar overlooks the famous King Street. There’s even shopping right on-site, so you can enjoy upscale goods from your favorite designer, like Gucci. It’s everything you could want in an urban, yet upscale and totally everything-you-need getaway!
Website: https://charlestonplace.com/
15. Beach Cove Resort
Conveniently located and great for families, Beach Cove in Myrtle Beach has access to Barefoot Landing, all the Myrtle Beach attractions, and North Myrtle Beach. Choose from oceanfront suites or your very own condo, which offers all of the luxuries of your very own vacation home.
There are three pools, a kids-only pool, a huge lazy river, and lots of gorgeous landscaping to help you feel private and exclusive. There’s also a racquetball court, dining, shopping, and lots of events going on all the time, perfect for families, couples, and all kinds of travelers.
Plus, you have super-easy access to all the golf you could need! They say they’re the friendliest place on the beach, so find out for yourself!
Website: http://www.beachcove.com/