With a pristine coastline, a rich antebellum history and a charming, historic downtown, Beaufort is more than one of the most enriching getaways in South Carolina. Here travelers discover a unique destination where stunning views of rivers, marshes and moss-hung oaks couple with authentic Lowcountry cuisine and a relaxing rhythm of life to create an experience that stays with them long after they leave.

<p>As a beachside retreat, Tybee Island brings together old and new – clapboard cottages and Bermuda- precisely that soft blend of natural marshes and Atlantic shoreline, modest history and seaside playground that makes Tybee a celebrated family vacation destination. At the south end of the island, the pier and pavilion stretches into the Atlantic, tempting people watchers and fishermen intent on capturing the ‘fish story’ catch of the day. And the authentically refurbished lighthouse and five-acre grounds and outbuildings remind us of her role in guiding mariners to the Savannah River for nearly 300 years. It is precisely that soft blend of natural marshes and Atlantic shoreline, modest history and seaside playground that makes Tybee a celebrated family vacation destination.</p><p>Locals can’t compete with crimson sunsets, wading herons or silky sand dunes; but they roll out dining hospitality, shopping convenience and fun modes of transportation. You’ll find casual waterside restaurants and loftier southern inn-style fare, with fried green tomatoes every bit as popular as delicious servings of fresh fish. You’ll want to join the line-up at The Breakfast Club for mouth-watering omelets and southern grits. Wander to shops and galleries, along the marshes and shoreline in a fun, open air Tybee Cruiser. They’re eco-friendly, electric transportation to liven your tour around the island– but be sure to make a reservation. Just 18 miles and 20 minutes away, Savannah offers a virtual silver platter of Southern heritage, arts, entertainment and exceptional dining. Gather family and friends and plan a lovely day of exploring cobblestone streets, shaded historic squares and parlor-room hospitality! Be sure to include the City Market for a remarkable mix of artist lofts, musical entertainment, boutique shopping and more. </p>

Charming Savannah is the picture of antebellum hospitality, thanks to period architecture and oak-lined streets. It’s tempting to spend your trip just relaxing on vast verandas and sipping mint juleps, but there are plenty of historical sites and museums to explore. Haunting (and possibly haunted) Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the hallmarks of the city, featuring beautiful obelisks, masses of flowers, and ivy-covered crypts. Dine on fresh seafood and creamy grits for a taste of Savannah home cooking.

Historic Charleston is bursting with Southern charm and hospitality. The city feels a bit like it’s suspended in time, thanks to its antebellum architecture and surrounding plantation landscapes. Take in incredible views of the Battery and the French Quarter as you stroll the Waterfront Park, then become inspired by the cultivated beauty of the gardens at Middleton Place. At night, try a ghost tour for an introduction to the spooky side of the city.

Bordered by pristine beaches and a network of marsh creeks, the barrier island of Isle of Palms has been a vacation spot since the late 19th century when it was only accessible by ferry. In 1929, a bridge was built, which opened up the island to more than just local residents. Today, it’s the island’s great fishing, beaches and golf that provide a few of the magnets for visitors. With a laid-back, easy going, resort lifestyle, the most popular fashion statement is flip-flops and a t-shirt. Isle of Palms is a great place to gear down from a hectic lifestyle. The magnificent stretch of beach on Isle of Palms is both photogenic and fun. Once you’ve done your obligatory sunbathing and beachcombing at the Isle of Palms County Park Beach, head to nearby Charleston, a 30-minute drive away, which has historic sites, landmarks, shopping districts, golf courses and family attractions like The South Carolina Aquarium and Fountain Walk, a new dining, entertainment and shopping complex nearby. For golfers, the Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms features two 18-hole courses designed by Tom Fazio and there are several more excellent layouts on the mainland, including Patriots Point and Charleston National Country Club.

Enveloped by expansive beaches, moss-draped oaks, and salt marshes, Saint Simons Island, part of the Golden Isles chain near Brunswick, is a nearly 18 square mile island, once dominated by rice and cotton plantations. Today, it’s a recreation wonderland with superb championship golf courses, miles of bicycle paths, great fishing, historic sites, and excellent restaurants. If you love golf, you’ll love Saint Simons Island, which is home to the 18-hole King and Prince Golf Course and 27-hole Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort. Nearby are 234 more holes of golf at popular spots like the 63-hole Jekyll Island Golf Club and 36-hole Sea Island Golf Club. Anglers have lots of opportunities to fish in the rivers, tidal creeks, sounds and the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll find charters and guides at the Golden Isles Marina, and you can also fish off the St. Simons Island Pier and surf cast on stretches of beach on the island’s north end. For such a compact island, Saint Simons is brimming with historic sites. Don’t miss the Saint Simons Lighthouse, where you can climb the 129 steps for a magnificent view of the island; the Fort Frederica National Monument, which has remnants of the British fort built in the 1700s; and the Bloody Marsh Battle Site, where the Spanish defeated the British in 1742.