When it’s time to choose a summer vacation destination, the sandy beaches of South Carolina are calling your name. Venture to Greenville to take part in the Scottish Games; dance the night away at music festivals in Myrtle Beach; or make a splash with jet skis in Mount Pleasant. Book a South Carolina vacation rental for an unforgettable summer adventure. When figuring out the perfect spot for your trip, start with this list of exciting cities in South Carolina.

1. Greenville

A vacation rental in Greenville for your summer vacation puts you close to activities perfect for the outdoor family. Take the kids to the Greenville Zoo to see 80 animal species while exploring the 14 acres of land. Falls Park offers multiple trails to enjoy the cool summer breezes of South Carolina, too. Time your trip for the end of May and attend the Scottish games at Furman University to see athletes in action while grabbing some fresh barbecue from the food vendors.

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2. Myrtle Beach

Enjoy a summer vacation on the sandy beaches of Myrtle Beach. Rent kayaks or canoes from Express Watersports and create your own water-filled adventures with the family, or head over to the Pine Lakes Country Club for 18 holes of golf. With a vacation rental in mid-to-late May, you can awaken your taste buds at the World Famous Blue Crab Festival, while when booking your stay in early June gives you access to a toe-tapping time at the Carolina Country Music Fest on the beaches.

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3. Mount Pleasant

Celebrate summertime with the locals in Mount Pleasant when attending the Party in the Park festival each Tuesday in June at Memorial Waterfront Park. Located next to the Mount Pleasant Farmer’s Market, this weekly event features live music, food vendors and entertainment for everyone in the family. This South Carolina city provides you with historical options for entertainment, too, with access to the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site and the Boone Hill Plantation. Explore the great outdoors with the kids when taking a wildlife tour through Nature Adventures.

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4. Isle of Palms

Opt for an oceanfront summer vacation destination when choosing Isle of Palms. Head over to Palms County Park to take advantage of the warm weather, beaches, picnic areas and playgrounds. Rent jet skis or kayaks from TidalWave Watersports to make a splash in the water, or indulge in food from local vendors and restaurants when attending the Memorial Day Cookout at the end of May in the city park. In May and June, the city hosts the Spoleto Festival that includes musical performances, visual art displays and literature readings. Plan your trip for the July 4th weekend and see a spectacular fireworks display hosted by the city.

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5. Columbia

Columbia is a hot spot for summer fun with access to hiking trails on the Saluda River Trails and water adventures right on the beach. Rent tubes or kayaks from Adventure Carolina to get wet and wild, or opt for indoor fun with tours of the South Carolina State Museum while on your summer vacation. Treat the family to fireworks at Lake Murray over the Fourth of July holiday, or time your vacation for mid June to listen to the soothing sounds coming from the city’s Southeastern Piano Festival.

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6. Hilton Head

Head to one of South Carolina’s most popular vacation destinations when booking a vacation rental in Hilton Head for your summer vacation. Mid May kicks off the summer season with the Music and Taste on the Harbour Festival, complete with fresh seafood and a variety of musical acts. The Memorial Day weekend Hilton Head Island Art Festival is designed to indulge the art enthusiasts. Treat the kids to a day at the Daufuskie Island Stables for some outdoor fun, or delight the golfers with 18 holes at the Harbour Town Golf Links. This vacation hotspot also features 12 miles of beaches for some water-filled activities.

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7. Aiken

Spend your summer trip exploring the history in Aiken. During the summer, the city hosts Civil War re-enactments, as well as tours of the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum. Get in touch with the wildlife at the Carolina Bay Nature Preserve or opt for a hike through the Hitchcock Wood with views of rolling hills along the path.

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8. Charleston

The coastal city of Charleston offers plenty of fun in the sun, as well as cultural and educational activities for the family. Start your adventures with a tour of the Civil War battle sites at the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Get wet and wild with canoes and kayaks from Charleston Kayak Rentals to paddle your way through the cool waters that help you to beat the heat. Send the avid golfers to the Shadowmoss Plantation Golf Course for a rigorous game of golf for the day. When planning your trip for mid June, stop in at the Charleston Carifest to join in the traditional Caribbean Carnival celebration.

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9. Georgetown

Choose a vacation destination with a small town vibe and plenty of historical attractions to entertain the family. This seaside city is home to the South Carolina Maritime Museum and the Rice Museum, both open for tours during the summer. Spend a morning or afternoon teaching the kids how to fish with a fishing excursion hosted by Georgetown Charters. A stop in at the big town clock offers the perfect place for a family selfie or photo.

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10. Lexington

Get out and about with the attractions designed to keep you and the kids walking and paddling in Lexington. Opt for some rentals from AquaFun Paddle to try your skills at paddle boarding. Take a leisurely walk along the Dreher Shoals Dam before the afternoon heat begins to beat down in the summer, or walk the trails of Virginia Hylton Park. The Mercer House Estate Winery offers a cozy place for adults to relax on a warm summer afternoon.

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