South Carolina, United States Unit / Apartment Accommodation

South Carolina vacation rentals: a quick guide to choose your unit, apartment, or accommodation

South Carolina vacation rentals come in a spectrum of styles, from compact one-bedroom apartment units ideal for a weekend with friends to expansive apartment accommodations that feel like a private resort. Whether you’re drawn to a sleek city pad in Charleston, a light-filled beachfront apartment unit in Myrtle Beach, or a cozy island retreat on Hilton Head, the right unit can set the tone for your whole trip. In this guide, I’ll share how I pick apartment units and apartment accommodations when traveling with friends, plus a heap of South Carolina destinations, activities, and local experiences that make vacation rentals come alive.

Key SEO note: When you search for “South Carolina vacation rentals,” you’ll see a lot of options that call out terms like “vacation rental unit,” “apartment unit,” and “apartment accommodation.” It’s helpful to think in those terms as you compare spaces, because some listings emphasize the ground-floor access and outdoor seating of a beach condo unit, while others highlight the privacy of a top-floor apartment unit with skyline views. No matter the format, the best holiday rentals in South Carolina give your crew the space to gather, laugh, and plan the next day’s adventures.

Charleston: historic charm, harbor vibes, and premium apartment accommodations

Charleston is a playground for explorers who want a mix of history, waterfront calm, and a pulse of nightlife. I love staying in a well-located apartment unit in or near the French Quarter or the Historic District because it means easy access to cobblestone lanes, anchor-worthy eateries, and sunset viewing spots along the harbor. A Charleston vacation rental unit might put your kitchen steps away from a grocery for a DIY seafood feast, or provide a balcony that catches those warm breezes after a day spent palm-fringed beaches or a walking tour of Rainbow Row.

Where to stay: Look for an apartment unit in the Queen Street corridor or near King Street for boutique shopping and vibrant dining. If your crew wants beach days without hopping in a car, a Charleston condo unit on or near Sullivan’s Island or Folly Beach offers quick beach access and enough space for a group to spread out. Want a blend of modern amenities and historic charm? A modern apartment accommodation in the Cannon Street or Meeting Street area can deliver both the convenience and the vibe you crave.

What to do (in a few days): Start with a morning stroll along the Battery and White Point Garden, then wander the South of Broad streets to admire antebellum homes. Book a guided carriage ride or a ghost tour for some playful thrills after dark. For a foodie day, treat your group to a walking food tour that samples oyster roasts, benne wafers, and regional seafood. Cap the evening with a rooftop cocktail near the Ashley River, then retreat to your vacation rental unit to trade stories and photos from the day.

Local experiences: Quick ferry trip to Fort Sumter for a peek into Civil War history, a visit to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens for a sultry blend of wildlife and lush scenery, and a sunset sail from the Charleston Harbor. A holiday rental unit in Charleston puts the best of city life within easy reach, while still letting you slip away to quieter corners for beach time and privacy. For booking, searchandstay.com makes it simple to compare Charleston vacation rental options by price, neighborhood, and amenity set, so you can find the ideal apartment unit or apartment accommodation for your crew.

Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand: beachy holiday rentals with room to play

When I want sun, sand, and a laid-back weekend with friends, Myrtle Beach is the first stop. The area around the Grand Strand is filled with vacation rental units that range from compact beachfront apartment units to roomy condo complexes with pools, lazy rivers, and direct beach access. If you’re traveling with a crowd, a Myrtle Beach condo unit or apartment accommodation can be that rare space where everyone has a bed and a view, plus a kitchen for impromptu brunches after a day of water sports.

What to look for: For a beach-forward vibe, seek a vacation rental unit with a balcony or patio where you can watch ocean breezes and hear the surf. A two-bedroom or three-bedroom apartment unit often gives you privacy when you want it and shared living space for games and movie nights. Proximity to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, the SkyWheel, and family-friendly arcades is a huge plus for a fun-filled itinerary.

Activities to book from your apartment accommodation: sunrise walks along the sand, paddleboard sessions near the coast, and a round of mini-golf with the crew. If you’re a foodie squad, plan a seafood crawl along the Golden Mile and swing by beachfront cafés for coconut drinks and crunchy fried favorites. Myrtle Beach is also a golf hot spot, so consider reserving a golf course green in advance to make your stay unforgettable. When you’re ready to reserve, searchandstay.com can help you find the best vacation rental unit or apartment unit in Myrtle Beach with the right mix of price and proximity to the coast, entertainment, and dining.

Local experiences: live music nights at oceanfront venues, sunset cruises, and coastal wildlife refuges nearby. If you’re curious about the region’s maritime history, there are museums that pair excellent exhibits with kid- and adult-friendly activities. A well-chosen apartment accommodation in Myrtle Beach can be your launchpad for a week of beach days, boardwalk snacks, and late-night laughs on the patio with friends.

Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry: refined island living in a vacation rental unit

Hilton Head is my go-to for a more relaxed but still active escape. The island offers wide beaches, bike paths, and maritime forests that feel miles away from everyday life, even when you’re just a short drive from a packed nightlife scene. Vacation rental units here often come with access to golf courses, tennis centers, and serene lagoons that invite early-morning jogs and sunset strolls. An apartment unit or apartment accommodation on Hilton Head often features updated kitchens, spacious decks, and views that make your mornings feel like a postcard moment.

What to book: A lower-floor vacation rental unit near Coligny Beach can give you quick beach access, while a higher-floor apartment unit with a balcony can offer panoramic views of the island’s waterways. For a touch of luxury, search for an apartment accommodation within a resort community that includes pools, fitness centers, and on-site dining—perfect for a weekend or a longer stay with friends.

Activities to plan from your rental unit: guided kayak trips through spoil-laden marshes, a sunset sail along the Atlantic, or a biking day through the island’s scenic paths. The Lowcountry’s natural palette—salt air, live oaks, and Spanish moss—makes your IG feed pop, and the island’s restaurants deliver seafood feasts you’ll be lingering over long after dessert. For easy planning, use searchandstay.com to compare Hilton Head Island vacation rental options by neighborhood and by amenity, ensuring your apartment unit suits your crew’s preferences and budget.

Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and the quiet luxury of island apartment accommodations

For a more secluded vacation rental vibe, Kiawah Island and nearby Seabrook Island offer upscale condo units and apartment accommodations with pristine beaches and top-tier golf courses. These destinations are ideal for a friends’ getaway where you want privacy, quiet mornings, and easy access to nature trails. A well-located apartment unit here can be your gateway to long beach days, wildlife watching, and refined dining without ever feeling crowded.

Stay tip: Look for a vacation rental unit that includes access to bike paths, beach gear storage, and proximity to the island’s sanctuaries. An apartment accommodation with a screened porch or terrace can be perfect for after-dark conversations and stargazing sessions. If you’re looking for experiences, consider private beach outings, marina excursions, or guided wildlife tours to make the most of your island stay.

Booking advice: Because Kiawah and Seabrook are premium destinations, I typically search for apartment units with well-reviewed on-site amenities and direct beach access. Use searchandstay.com to filter by “apartment unit” or “apartment accommodation” and compare options by distance to the coast and by guest rating. You’ll often find vacation rental units that offer guest-ready kitchens, stylish living spaces, and the privacy your group appreciates after a day of sun and exploration.

Greenville and the Upstate: city buzz, mountain escapes, and versatile apartment units

South Carolina isn’t all beaches and marshes. The Upstate, led by Greenville, offers a vibrant foodie scene, outdoor adventures, and a nightlife that’s easygoing but lively. A Greenville vacation rental unit can be a chic apartment unit in the city center or a more secluded apartment accommodation near Falls Park, the Swamp Rabbit Trail, and the Blue Ridge Escarpment. If you’re traveling with friends who want day trips and evening playlists, Greenville is a fantastic anchor for your itinerary.

What to do from your apartment unit: spend mornings wandering the Liberty Bridge and Falls Park, sample craft beers in the Village of West Greenville, and end the day with a sunset drive to nearby mountains for a scenic lookout. Food tours highlight Southern flavors—think mashed potatoes with pepper gravy, fried green tomatoes, and peach cobbler—paired with local wines or craft cocktails. Booking a Greenville vacation rental unit or apartment accommodation through searchandstay.com can help you find spaces that fit a group’s layout preferences and budget, with flexible check-in times and convenient access to downtown sights.

Beaufort and the Lowcountry’s quieter coastal towns: old-world charm with modern vacation rentals

Beaufort, with its moss-draped oaks and historic homes, offers a more intimate coastal experience. A vacation rental unit here might be a charming apartment unit tucked into a centuries-old neighborhood or a modern apartment accommodation with a water-view terrace. Beaufort is perfect for small, relaxed groups who want to wander historic streets, explore waterfront parks, and savor Southern seafood in low-key, friendly settings.

Experiences to plan: a guided boat tour to see dolphins, a sunset cruise with your friends, and a boat lunch on the Intracoastal Waterway. History buffs will appreciate a day trip to nearby plantations, while food lovers can hunt for regional specialties at small-town markets and waterfront eateries. When booking, searchandstay.com can help you find the best Beaufort vacation rental unit or apartment unit, focusing on proximity to the water, neighborhood charm, and the ability to host your crew comfortably.

What to look for in a vacation rental unit or apartment accommodation

Choosing a South Carolina holiday rental is all about balance. I look for a few non-negotiables that keep a trip smooth, fun, and social:

• Space: A 2-bedroom apartment unit or larger is ideal for groups of friends who want both shared living space and private bedrooms.
• Outdoor living: A balcony, terrace, or ground-floor patio is a win for morning coffee, sunset chats, and small-group gatherings.
• Proximity: Quick access to beaches, dining, and activities is key. A great apartment unit near a main street or boardwalk can save hours of transit time.
• Amenities: A modern kitchen, reliable Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and on-site pools or fitness centers enhance the stay for long weekends.
• Reviews and reliability: Guest reviews help you understand how well an apartment accommodation matches its listing, especially regarding cleanliness and check-in reliability.

When in doubt, compare multiple options on searchandstay.com. The site makes it easy to filter by unit type (vacation rental unit, apartment unit, apartment accommodation), neighborhood, budget, and amenities, so you can assemble a short list of contenders and pick the one that will maximize your group’s vibe and plans.

Local experiences you shouldn’t miss in South Carolina

South Carolina offers a flavor-packed slate of experiences that pair perfectly with vacation rental stays. Here are a few you’ll want to weave into your itinerary:

• Food and drink tours: Charleston’s dining scene ranges from refined Lowcountry cuisine to casual shrimp boils and waterfront cocktails. A guided food tour is a delicious way to sample multiple spots without logistical fuss, especially if you’re staying in an apartment accommodation with friends.
• Historic site visits: Fort Sumter, Middleton Place, and Magnolia Plantation are just a few of the historic drawcards that bring the story of the South to life.
• Coastal adventures: Kayaking through marshes, paddleboarding in the Atlantic, or a dolphin-watching cruise offer up-close nature experiences—great for a sunny day between beach hops.
• Islands and beaches: Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, and Hilton Head’s wide sands give you miles of shoreline to explore, whether you’re someone who likes long walks at sunrise or sunset cocktails on the sand.
• Outdoor thrills in the Upstate: If you’re based in Greenville or nearby, hiking, zip-lining, and scenic drives deliver adrenaline and scenery in equal measure.

When you’re booking a holiday rental, look for listings that mention proximity to these experiences. A villa or apartment accommodation near the coast, a boardwalk, or a natural reserve can make day trips feel effortless, especially when you’re juggling group plans and late-night laughs.

Booking tips to maximize your South Carolina vacation rental experience

To get the most out of your trip, here are practical tips I’ve picked up from many stays with friends:

• Plan around peak areas: Popular neighborhoods can fill up quickly, especially during holidays and high season. Start your search early and compare several apartment units or vacation rental units in your target area.
• Check for flexible check-in: If you’re coordinating flights and road trips, flexible or late check-in options are invaluable for group logistics.
• Ask about parking and street rules: If you’re staying in city centers like Charleston, you’ll want clear guidance on parking options, permit requirements, and loading zones for luggage.
• Confirm kitchen essentials: A fully equipped kitchen—pots, pans, basic spices, coffee maker—saves you time and money when you’re cooking meals after long days of exploring.
• Review the cancellation policy: Travel plans with friends can shift—look for reasonable cancellation terms, especially for longer stays or peak-season trips.
• Leverage guest reviews: Real experiences from previous guests help you gauge how kid-friendly or party-friendly a space is, how responsive the host is, and how accurate the listing's photos are.

Finding the right unit becomes easier with a reliable search tool. Consider using searchandstay.com to compare South Carolina vacation rental options, filter by Unit, Apartment Unit, or Apartment Accommodation, and locate properties that align with your travel rhythm—whether you’re after beach bliss, city chic, or island serenity.

Planning an unforgettable South Carolina trip with friends

When I plan trips with friends, the itinerary usually balances outdoor activity, food adventures, and downtime in a comfortable apartment accommodation. The right unit becomes the anchor for those moments—sharing a sunset on a balcony, cooking a group dinner after a long day of exploring, and waking up to a new city’s rhythm. South Carolina is an ideal canvas for this approach: beaches for easy days, historic towns for culture, and mountain roads for scenic drives.

Here’s a sample multi-destination weekend that can be adapted to your group and the size of your vacation rental unit:

• Day 1: Charleston arrival, check into your apartment unit, stroll along the Battery at golden hour, dinner at a waterfront restaurant, and drinks on a balcony overlooking the harbor.
• Day 2: Morning cycling or a walking tour through the Historic District, lunch in a casual bistro, afternoon ferry or boat tour, and a night out in the King Street area.
• Day 3: Drive to Folly Beach or Isle of Palms for a beach day, evening seafood feast, and a sunset walk on the sand before returning to your apartment accommodation for a group movie night.
• Day 4: A quick day trip to a nearby plantation or nature reserve before departure, leaving with memories and plenty of photos to share.

Throughout all these experiences, the right vacation rental unit or apartment unit keeps your crew connected and comfortable. With a solid base—whether a Charleston apartment accommodation with a kitchen and a view or a Myrtle Beach condo unit with a pool nearby—your trip becomes more flexible, affordable, and fun. For the best results, searchfor and book your South Carolina holiday rentals via searchandstay.com so you can focus on the plans that make your friends’ trip one for the books.

Final thoughts: why a South Carolina vacation rental is your best travel companion

South Carolina has a friendly, sun-loving spirit, and the best way to tap into it is through a well-chosen vacation rental unit or apartment accommodation. From Charleston’s timeless elegance to the relaxed shores of Myrtle Beach, from Hilton Head’s refined retreats to the Upstate’s urban energy, each destination offers a unique tempo that matches a group of friends who want to mix adventure with downtime. The right apartment unit isn’t just about a comfy bed; it’s about a space that encourages sharing stories, planning the next day’s escapades, and enjoying a little flirtatious banter as the sun dips below the horizon. If you’re ready to start planning, or you want to compare options across multiple South Carolina destinations, check searchandstay.com for vacation rental unit and apartment unit listings that fit your travel style, dates, and budget. Your South Carolina holiday rentals adventure awaits—book the space that lets your crew make the most of every moment.

Want to explore more options? Visit searchandstay.com to find accommodations in the area and filter by Unit, Apartment Unit, or Apartment Accommodation to tailor your search to your preferred layout and amenities. With a little planning and the right South Carolina vacation rental, you’ll have a week of sunshine, laughter, and memories with friends that you’ll be talking about for years to come.