South Carolina Travel Questions

Straight answers to 24 questions visitors and new residents ask about South Carolina, each from the agency or source that sets the rule, with a link to the full page. Rules and prices change, so check the source link.

• Questions24answered with sources
• Topics4food to moving
• CheckedOct 262026
• SourcesAgencylinked per answer

Food and Drink

What are the main barbecue sauces in South Carolina?

SC PRT says there are four: mustard (Midlands and a band toward the coast), vinegar and pepper (coast), light tomato (Pee Dee and upper middle of the state) and heavy tomato (west and northwest). It says South Carolina is the only state with all four, and that many restaurants now offer several sauces. source

Is there an official South Carolina BBQ Trail?

Yes. SC PRT publishes the SC BBQ Trail Map as a free downloadable PDF covering more than 220 restaurants in Mountains, Midlands and Coastal trails. source

Are grits the official state food of South Carolina?

The state code has no grits section. A 2014 House resolution says the state declared grits its official state food in 1976, but that 1976 act was not found, and a 2000 bill to codify it (H.4806) shows no passage. source

What are South Carolina's official foods and drinks in the state code?

Peach (fruit, 1-1-680), collard greens (vegetable, 1-1-681), boiled peanuts (snack food, 1-1-682), barbecue (picnic cuisine, 1-1-683), milk (beverage, 1-1-690) and South Carolina grown tea (hospitality beverage, 1-1-692). source

When can you harvest oysters recreationally in South Carolina?

SCDNR says the 2026-2027 recreational shellfish season opens Oct. 1, 2026 and runs through May 15, 2027, with a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License required and daily limits of two bushels of oysters and half a bushel of clams. Check for closures before going. source

What is Frogmore stew and is it the same as a Lowcountry boil?

SC PRT describes Frogmore stew as a one-pot dish of shrimp, corn, new potatoes and smoked sausage, also called Lowcountry boil or Beaufort stew. It claims the dish originated in Frogmore on St. Helena Island. source

Full page: Food and Drink.

Outdoors

Do I need a fishing license to fish in South Carolina?

Yes for freshwater (unless it is a privately-owned pond) and for harvesting saltwater species; children under 16 do not need one. A resident annual freshwater license is $10.00 and a nonresident annual freshwater license is $35.00. source

How far ahead can I reserve a South Carolina State Park campsite or cabin?

Up to 13 months ahead, online, by phone at 1-866-345-PARK, or through the park. Camping check-in is 2 p.m. and check-out noon; cabins check in at 4 p.m. and out at 10 a.m. source

How long is the Foothills Trail?

The Foothills Trail Conference lists 77 miles; the Forest Service says 'nearly 80 miles'. Its southern end is at Oconee State Park, and hikers must register at a kiosk. source

Is there a fee to see Issaqueena Falls?

Stumphouse Park charges $5 per vehicle. The falls are an easy quarter-mile walk from the parking lot to an observation deck. source

When should beach lights be off for sea turtles?

SCDNR says to turn out all lights visible from the beach from dusk to dawn, May through October, which is when turtles nest. source

Full page: Outdoors.

Visitor Basics

Can I use my phone while driving in South Carolina?

Not in your hand. Since September 1, 2025 the state's Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act bars holding or supporting a phone with any part of your body, texting, and watching video while driving. Navigation and calls that need no typing are allowed if the phone is not held. First offense fine is $100. source

Do I have to move over for police and tow trucks?

Yes. Slow down significantly and, on a road with two or more lanes each way, move to a lane not next to the stopped emergency vehicle if it is safe. The fine is $300 to $500. source

Can I drink alcohol on the beach?

Not on Myrtle Beach, Folly Beach, Hilton Head Island or Isle of Palms beaches. Each town's own page lists alcohol and glass as not allowed. source

Can I buy liquor on Sunday?

State law says it is unlawful to sell liquor on Sunday except as authorized by law, and retail liquor dealers may not sell between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. Beer and wine may not be sold from midnight Saturday to sunrise Monday except by establishments licensed to sell liquor by the drink during their lawful hours. source

When is hurricane season and how do I find my evacuation zone?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Use SCEMD's Know Your Zone map or the SC Emergency Manager app to find your coastal zone. source

Is the Cross Island Parkway on Hilton Head a toll road?

No. SCDOT stopped collecting tolls on June 30, 2021. source

Full page: Visitor Basics.

Living and Moving

Does South Carolina tax Social Security?

No. The SC Department of Revenue says Social Security benefits taxed for federal purposes are not subject to South Carolina income tax. source

How long do I have to get a South Carolina driver's license after moving?

SCDMV says to apply within 45 days of moving permanently to the state. An eight-year license is $25, and you surrender your out-of-state license. source

How do I get the 4% property tax rate on my home?

Contact your county assessor's office to apply for the 4% legal residence rate on your primary home, before the first penalty date of the tax year in which you first claim it (SC Code 12-43-220). source

What do I pay before registering a car brought from another state?

Property tax to the county treasurer first (the county auditor generates the bill from the VIN and old registration). At SCDMV the published total for a regular passenger vehicle is $305: $250 Infrastructure Maintenance Fee, $15 title, $40 registration, plus the county property tax. source

How do prices in South Carolina compare with the rest of the country?

BEA's 2024 regional price parity for South Carolina is 92.244 on all items, where the U.S. is 100. The housing/rents index is 73.924. source

When is hurricane season and how do I find my evacuation zone?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30 (NOAA). SCEMD's Know Your Zone map lets coastal residents look up their zone by address. source

Is there a property tax break for older homeowners?

The Homestead Exemption exempts the first $50,000 of fair market value of a legal residence for owners over 65, disabled or legally blind; apply through the county auditor. source

Full page: Living and Moving.

More Answers

• NewSouth Carolina AnswersSourced answers for South Carolina trips→
• NewHow Long Does It Take to Drive Across South Carolina?How long it takes to drive across South Carolina→
• NewHow Far Apart Are South Carolina Towns?Straight-line miles between 12 South Carolina towns, from Walhalla to Hilton→

Sources

1. What are the main barbecue sauces in South Carolina?
2. Is there an official South Carolina BBQ Trail?
3. Are grits the official state food of South Carolina?
4. What are South Carolina's official foods and drinks in the s
5. When can you harvest oysters recreationally in South Carolin
6. What is Frogmore stew and is it the same as a Lowcountry boi
7. Do we need a fishing license to fish in South Carolina?
8. How far ahead can we reserve a South Carolina State Park camp
9. How long is the Foothills Trail?
10. Is there a fee to see Issaqueena Falls?
11. When should beach lights be off for sea turtles?
12. Can we use my phone while driving in South Carolina?
13. Can we drink alcohol on the beach?
14. Can we buy liquor on Sunday?
15. When is hurricane season and how do we find my evacuation zon
16. Is the Cross Island Parkway on Hilton Head a toll road?
17. Does South Carolina tax Social Security?
18. How long do we have to get a South Carolina driver's license
19. How do we get the 4% property tax rate on my home?
20. What do we pay before registering a car brought from another
21. How do prices in South Carolina compare with the rest of the

Read on October 26, 2026. How we check: editorial standards; spot a mistake? Tell us.