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Drive just a few miles north of Charleston and you'll discover a great beach hideaway at Sullivan's Island Beach. You'll marvel at how inviting and clean the area is, and you'll waste no time kicking off your shoes to stroll hand in hand with your significant other. There are also plenty of historic homes that line the dunes, as well as Sullivan's Island Lighthouse that provide an excellent, unforgettable background for your time outdoors on the beach. If you get hungry, there are plenty of great authentic Lowcountry restaurants close by, so a great meal is not far away at all.

The family will surely enjoy a trip to Middleton Place as its dramatic history will capture the kids' imaginations as they walk through this 18th-century plantation. This historic attraction is listed as a National Historic Landmark and boasts one of the country's oldest formal gardens. Some of the structures on site date back to 1755, including a sugar cane mill and Plantation Stableyards for many animals that is still actively used. Don't miss the gift shop and restaurant area as you round out your visit to this truly amazing piece of Charleston's past.

Charleston's Kiawah Island has been consistently ranked as one of the nation's top beaches. Whether you're visiting for a day or on vacation for a week, you'll waste no time finding your place in the sun on these pristine sands or in the inviting surf. The beach stretches out nearly 10 miles, and within the area you'll also find golf courses and historic plantations, among other outdoor attractions. But no matter how many great things there are to see, you'll find yourself returning to Kiawah Island's unforgettable beaches again and again.

If you want to really dive into a truly memorable experience that tells the tale of Charleston's nature and history, then take a trip to the South Carolina Aquarium. There are more than a few photo-opportunities at this seaside attraction, like the excellent, panoramic views of the historic harbor where the Aquarium makes its home. You'll marvel at the displays that tell the stories of the area's natural regions such as the Coastal Plain, Mountain Forest, Piedmont and the Atlantic Coast. Also, you'll get to view an amazing collection of reptiles, birds and other creatures that are part of several interactive exhibits that the kids will never forget.