Featured Gay Friendly Hotel in South Carolina

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Gay South Carolina

If you are looking for scenic views, glistening sandy beaches, and scrumptious southern cuisine, make sure to put a vacation to the Palmetto State at the top of your list. Despite what you may think, South Carolina provides relaxation and some LGBTQ+ charm that would make any vacation fun and inclusive. 

Whether you want to be whisked away by the South Carolina coastlines in Myrtle Beach or take fruitful walks through beautiful Charleston, you will find plenty to do here. While some may scoff at the South being an LGBTQ+-friendly getaway spot, South Carolina’s gay scene is bustling with the Famously Hot South Carolina Pride offering all sorts of events and festivities to party the days and nights away! Don’t hesitate to add the Palmetto State to your travel list and experience some good southern hospitality! 

Photo Credit: Leonel Heisenberg

What do you want to discover?

What's the Gay Scene Like?

Best Time to Visit South Carolina

Top Things to See and Do in South Carolina

MUST DO: Attractions & Activities

MUST EAT: Gay-Friendly Dining

Travel Safety Tips

Local Expert: Gay Scene in South Carolina

During your stay in South Carolina, you can rest assured that there is a bright and lively gay scene that offers many safe opportunities for fun and relaxation. In accordance with the rest of the nation, South Carolina offers same-sex couples the same protections available to straight couples, with no legal bans or discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. 

That said, take advantage of rich and diverse LGBTQ+ communities in cities such as Myrtle Beach and Charleston during your stay here. Columbia, SC, has a bustling gay nightlife with many LGBTQ+-friendly hotspots and communities nestled within. Be sure to also check out South Carolina Pride if you come during the summer, as pride celebrations are known to go late into the night, with huge parties, fun, and community attracting more than 90,000 visitors annually. When pride isn’t in town, there are still plenty of active LGBTQ+-friendly bars and hangout spots across the state, such as Dudley’s in Charleston or Pulse Ultra Club in Myrtle Beach. 

Best Time to Visit South Carolina

Some of the best times to plan a visit to South Carolina are during the spring months of March to May or the summer months of June to August. The weather and breathtaking lush greenery the southern state offers are best experienced during the spring when temperatures comfortably fluctuate between the 50s and 80s. But, if you love the heat and beaches, plan a trip during the summer when the temperatures are high, but the ocean is refreshing. 

You will find even milder temperatures and less crowded beaches during September, but regardless make sure to pack some sunscreen! Whether you visit South Carolina during the spring or summer, there will always be chances to bask in the sun or immerse yourself in the state's rich nature. 

Photo Credit: KaLisa Veer

Top Things to See and Do in South Carolina

MUST VISIT South Carolina Gay-Friendly Cities

South Carolina offers spectacular opportunities to rest and recharge (or hype up your Instagram feed), but here are just a few suggestions of popular LGBTQ+-friendly places to check out:

Myrtle Beach: A lively LGBTQ+ scene exists in this South Carolina coastal city that offers incredible ocean views and many vibrant attractions. More than 60 miles of beaches lie here, with many routinely ranked as some of the best in the United States, including the 82nd Avenue Beach, coined Myrtle Beach’s gay beach. In addition, the city has been making strides in LGBTQ+ acceptance and safety, with its Municipal Equality Index score more than doubling in recent years. Myrtle Beach certainly has a booming vacation and resort atmosphere that will be sure to entertain you as you walk along the ocean, enjoy the city's plentiful golf courses, or treat yourself to the many dining and entertainment options available all day and night in this South Carolina vacation hotspot!

Photo Credit: Walter Martin

Charleston: Although nicknamed the “Holy City,” Charleston is home to one of the safest and liveliest LGBTQ+ communities in the country. The city is sure to woo incoming travelers with its romantic and charming southern vibes that will leave you full and wanting more! Highlights include the plentiful coastal beachlines, lush parks such as Waterfront and Battery Park, and many historical landmarks to explore and dive into. Gay nightlife is also thriving in Charleston, with Charleston Pride popularly hosted here, bringing an array of LGBTQ+-friendly activities, events, and parades that are sure to bring a festive vibe to your holiday getaway!

Columbia: As the state capital of South Carolina, it may come as a surprise that Columbia boasts such an energetic gay nightlife. But that is the truth, as you will find some of the state’s most popular LGBTQ+-inclusive bars and hangout spots located here. The city ranks favorably among LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the US and is the host of the annual Famously Hot South Carolina Pride festivities. Whether you are enjoying the city's consistent live entertainment, gay clubs, delicious dining, or plentiful shopping options, there is surely something for every kind of LGBTQ+ traveler located here in Columbia, SC! 

MUST EAT South Carolina Cuisine

No trip to South Carolina would be complete without digging into its delicious and deep culinary culture. Whether you’re looking for seafood, barbecue, or some homestyle country cooking, you will surely find something that will delight your taste buds here! 

Some classic Lowcountry cuisine to remember during your stay includes shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and some old-fashioned sweet tea. Be on the lookout for these seafood cravings or some savory barbecue while you experience the Palmetto State. Its mouthwatering blend of Southern and coastal flavors can be experienced in restaurants, bars, and nightclubs throughout the state. Just make sure you pack some cheat days into your travel schedule!

Travel Safety Tips

As with any destination, it is crucial to be mindful of how you can stay safe and comfortable. While there are a plethora of LGBTQ+-friendly hotspots and cities in the Palmetto State, it is still important to be aware of your surroundings and be mindful of what you are doing and where you are going in the state. Be conscientious of what areas you are going into and what personal belongings you have. If you are going out for the evening, always watch your drinks and where you are partying, making sure to avoid walking alone at night. 

Besides these common sense travel safety guidelines for any vacation spot, be extra aware of the weather in South Carolina, as it is known to be hot and humid. To have your best time here, stay hydrated and keep an eye on the weather forecast for any developments to ensure you plan the best trip possible. As long as you know where and what you are doing, keep tabs on the weather, and stay hydrated, South Carolina can be a safe and relaxing LGBTQ+ getaway that will make memories and help you recharge!

Destinations within South Carolina