South Carolina

Much of South Carolina is rural and poor, but the towns along its Atlantic coast offer plenty of interesting destinations for visitors to the state. The most popular place is Myrtle Beach, which plays host to hundreds of thousands of sun seekers every year. Families flock to this popular beach area in the summer, and during spring break university students arrive in droves. Besides the beach, the area is filled with water parks, bars and restaurants, and clothing stores. If you're looking for someplace slightly quieter in the area, try Murells Inlet or Pawleys Island, both just south of the main beaches.

To the south, the sea islands offer a different experience. The beaches are marshy and palmetto-lined and much more relaxed. The fascinating African-based Gullah culture is a strong influence in the area and well worth further investigation. Gullah culture reflects a combination of different African and European influences and dates back to the days of slavery. St. Helena Island is perhaps the best place to visit, with its gorgeous, mostly unspoiled natural landscape. Its beach is clean and almost perfectly preserved, and lined with palmettos and palm trees. You can learn more about the local history at the Gullah Institute, which explores the history of Gullah culture.

The main urban destination in the state is Charleston, which offers a strong contrast to the conservative, rural areas across the rest of the state. Charleston has often been called the most elegant city in the United States. Its historic heart is filled with regal buildings, many with a distinct Caribbean influence -- multicolored stucco walls, wooden shutters and ironwork balconies. Nearby is Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. A local museum contains exhibits about the fort's history and the war.