Elliott III, James D OD

Enjoying a day at the beach means you'll more than likely be doing that with a large number of other beach-goers. If you want to find a quiet break from all that hustle and bustle but still enjoy a beautiful shoreline, make Edisto Beach your destination of choice. Located about 30 miles outside of Charleston, the beach is strikingly clean and inviting, as amenities like restrooms, family campsites and parking make finding your place on the sand stress-free. Sure, you won't be the only one enjoying Edisto Beach, but it will feel like this magnificent stretch of coastland is all yours when you comfortably stretch out on your beachtowel.

If your kids love to have fun in the sun, there's no better place to let them run wild than Folly Beach, affectionately known as "The Edge of America." This beautiful barrier island is a quick 15 minute drive from downtown Charleston and the Folly Beach County Park is located at the east end of the island. Showers, bathrooms and other conveniences are close by, and the sand, surf and sun of this popular stretch of beach will fast become one of your family's traditions whenever you're in Charleston.

Tour Charleston, LLC has worked hard to maintain its excellent reputation as being the city's premiere tour company. It offers several themed tours that include "The Pirates of Charleston," "The Story of Charleston" and the highly popular "The Ghosts of Charleston." Expert guides and frequent tours assure that your experience with Tour Charleston is a truly memorable, entertaining and educational one, no matter what tour you choose to take.

Cypress Gardens is a nature lover's paradise. Located just outside of Charleston, the gardens can be found inside a black water cypress swamp. This southern conservatory features some unbelievably beautiful flowers, like the camellia in the early part of the year to the antique roses that bloom in mid-spring. Still, the time of year doesn't really matter, as the garden's beauty knows no season. You can also explore nearly 4 miles of nature trails, the Butterfly House, the Swamparium that houses several species of fish, and much more. If you already appreciate Mother Nature and the great outdoors, this attraction will only add to your admiration.