Family Travel Charleston, South Carolina
One family vacation spot sure to please those of all ages is South Carolina, also known as a destination “made for vacations.” Thanks to the warm, white sands of Myrtle beach, horseback riding and fishing in the magnificent Blue Ridge mountains, and true Southern hospitality, it’s definitely an area made for family fun.
What To Do
Long considered the crown jewel of the South, Charleston prides itself on refined manners, support of the arts and historic preservation. The richness of the city’s past can be felt just by walking around the Historic District and King Street. There you’ll find homes dating back to the 18th century, plantations and public buildings that have been around for hundreds of years. The Old Slave Mart Museum recounts the story of Charleston’s role in the slave trade by focusing on the history of the building, site and the slave sales that occurred there. The Aquarium has over 60 exhibits including a great ocean tank, which extends from the first to the third floor. Additionally, there are countless art galleries, boutiques, fine restaurants, home and gardens tours, museums and beaches galore.
Beaches
- Kiawah Island - Only 21 miles from historic Charleston, this area boasts 10 miles of undisturbed Atlantic beach and five world-renowned golf courses.
- Seabrook Island - Another serene setting just outside Charleston offers 2,200 acres of lush forest, beautiful salt marshes and a pristine beach.
- Bull Island - The island, considered a Class 1 wilderness location (meaning it has remained relatively unchanged and unaltered by man), translates into a great day trip for nature lovers.
- Folly Beach - Located just eight miles south of Charleston, Folly is the closest beach to the city. It’s a great place to play in the waves, collect seashells, and walk to the lighthouse.
- Isle of Palms - At the marina, you can schedule boat rentals for a day on the open sea or a charter a fishing boat.
Where To Stay
One of the area’s most family friendly resorts is situated in the Lowcountry of South Carolina just between Charleston and Savannah. The Auberge Resorts’ Inn at Palmetto Bluff ranked #4 on Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Hotels for Families in 2012 for good reason. There are a huge number of activities aimed at bringing the family together as well as a variety tailored towards alone time, a balance that General Manager, Marty Wall cites as the key to success.
“We have scheduled dolphin tours on the May River, group kayaking, bocce, croquet, golf, equestrian, tennis and even historical tours,” says Wall. “Most of those activities can be done with a group or on your own. All of our accommodations come with bicycles, which is another great activity to enjoy on your own or with your family. The property is vast and there are so many places to go and enjoy quiet time; sitting along the May River, walking through the historic River Road preserve or taking in the view from the top of one of our tree-houses. The property lends itself to encourage exploration and connections, both inward and outward.”
There’s also canoeing, golf, and a 9,500 square-foot spa tailored you can relax at which your kids partake in one of a number of adventure programs aimed at those between ages 5 and 17.
“Explorers and Pioneers” (ages 5-13), provides arts and crafts, team sports and various daily recreational activities while teens (ages 11-17) have the ability to travel to “Adventure Island” where a leader guides them through rope courses, kayaking and inner tubing. There are also evening adventures complete with campfire stories, shrimping, crabbing and fireside snacks.
“Our Kids Camp allows children to experience positive group interaction in a safe and fun environment,” says David Smiley, Director of Guest Services. “We place an emphasis on cooperation, teamwork, participation and fun. Through arts and crafts, sports, daily recreational activities, and special events, we give children an opportunity to develop teamwork skills, experience fun adventures, and create new and lasting friendships.”
Occasionally, getting the little ones to leave your side can be a challenge, but Smiley says that’s something this AAA Five Diamond Resort specializes in.
“From time to time, the little ones don't wish to leave Mom and Dad so we invite the parents to start camp with us. This allows the children some time to adjust and more importantly make friends in camp. Once they are playing with their new friends, Mom and Dad give them a kiss and wish the fun for the day.”
Festivals
March —Camden’s Carolina Cup horse races
May —McClellanville’s Lowcountry Shrimp Festival
May —Beaufort’s Gullah Festival
May —Spoleto Festival USA
June —The SC Festival of Flowers in Greenwood
October — Gaston’s Collard Festival
Elise Edwards began her career as an award-winning writer, producer and news anchor where her expertise was in celebrity, fashion and beauty. She has two children and lives with her family in Los Angeles.
Published: February 2013
