Car rental South Carolina

Renting a car in South Carolina gives you the choice of exploring both the exciting cities and the natural sights. In the east of South Carolina, you’ll find the popular Myrtle Beach on the coast – a 60km stretch of beaches and a popular vacation spot.

If you’re travelling from Charleston, you’ll need to follow the US-17 N motorway. From Florence, join the US-76 E road network to reach the coast. There’s plenty of parking in the area – simply follow the signs.

When driving in South Carolina, you’ll need to follow American driving regulations: driving on the right side of the road and giving way to the right. When driving in built-up areas,cities or towns, the speed limit is 30mph. On country roads with no lane markings, the maximum speed limit is 40mph but when the lanes are clearly divided, the speed limit increased to 55 mph. On the American Freeway, the speed limit is about 70mph and variations should be signposted.

Head to the north of the state and relax in the peaceful surroundings of the city of Greenville where you’ll find flowing waterfalls in the national forests. Hike through the 1,540-acre Paris Mountain State Park or stay closer to the city and explore the Falls Park on the Reedy – close to downtown Greenville. To reach Greenville from nearby Columbia, use Highway 385.

Across the state of South Carolina, there are a multitude of cities to discover and beauty spots to seek out. Rent a car in South Carolina and travel throughout the state to experience different people and places – whether you have a passion for golf, watersports, hiking or history.

Visit museums in the state capital

No visit to South Carolina is complete without exploring its capital city, Columbia. The city is starting to make a name for itself for art and The Columbia Museum of Art sits at the heart of this art scene.

First opening its doors in 1950, the museum houses over 5,000 years of history in its 26 galleries. The museum has a rolling collection of permanent and touring exhibits, and it plays a huge part in the community too.

At the South Carolina State Museum explore four floors of interactive exhibits on art, natural history, science and technology. Head into the stars with their digital planetarium or enter into an immersive world in their 4D cinema.

Explore the French Quarter in Charleston

With the iconic Pineapple Fountain in Charleston Waterfront Park, a delightful fishing bank with twin wooden piers, and horse-drawn carriages travelling through tree-lined avenues – Charleston is undeniably charming.  This port city played a prolific role in South Carolina’s history – read all about it in the Charleston Museum.

The aptly named Rainbow Row is a short spree of Georgian-style terrace houses that are painted in an array of pastel colours. Rumour has it that the colour of the houses was chosen to help the fishermen and sailors find their way back home after a night in the pub.

Head to Broad Street for a little taste of everything in Charleston. Historic buildings line the street – but you’ll also find independent boutiques and coffee spot down the cobbles of this mile-long street.

Enjoy the oldest public park in America

If parks and gardens are your thing, you’ll be spoilt for choice in South Carolina – where there are tons of outside spaces kept perfectly pruned and adorned with colourful flowers.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens should be top of your list. Next to Charleston International Airport, on the banks of the Ashley River, these gardens stem from the cultivated soil of a 19th-century plantation house.

Founded in 1676 and opened to the local community in 1870, it’s the oldest public park in America. Carrying a romantic aura, stroll through the floral gardens where Azaleas flourish and quaint wooden bridges cross reflective fish ponds. With abundant plant life, flowers bloom all year round which helps forge the perfect conditions for wildlife-spotting.