How to Plan an Outdoor Party in South Carolina
Before we dive into the list of venues, let’s go over some general guidelines on how to plan an outdoor party in South Carolina. Here are some things to consider:
- Season and weather: South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate, which means that it has hot and humid summers and mild winters. The best time to host an outdoor party in South Carolina is in the spring or fall, when the temperatures are moderate and the flowers are in bloom. However, you should always check the weather forecast and have a backup plan in case of rain or extreme heat.
- Guest list and budget: Depending on the size and type of your party, you will need to choose a venue that can accommodate your guest list and your budget. Some venues may have a minimum or maximum capacity, a rental fee, a catering fee, or other charges. You should also consider the travel distance and accessibility of the venue for your guests.
- Theme and decor: One of the advantages of hosting an outdoor party is that you can use the natural beauty of the venue as your backdrop. However, you may also want to add some personal touches and decorations to match your theme and style. For example, you can use flowers, lanterns, balloons, banners, or signs to create a festive atmosphere. You can also use props, games, music, or entertainment to add some fun and excitement to your party.
- Food and drinks: Another important aspect of planning an outdoor party is the food and drinks. You will need to decide whether you want to hire a caterer, bring your own food, or have a potluck. Of course, one of the staple meals in an outdoor party is grilled. You would have to rent a rill and contract a grill master if you do not want to do the grilling yourself.
You will also need to consider the dietary preferences and restrictions of your guests, as well as the storage and serving of the food and drinks. You should also provide enough water, ice, cups, plates, utensils, napkins, and trash bags for your party.
- Safety and security: Finally, you should always prioritize the safety and security of your party. You should make sure that the venue is safe and clean, and that you have the necessary permits and insurance for your event. You should also have a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and a phone charger handy. You should also inform your guests of the rules and regulations of the venue, and respect the property and the environment.
Best Outdoor Party Venues in South Carolina
Now that we have covered the basics of planning an outdoor party in South Carolina, let’s take a look at the best outdoor party venues in South Carolina.
- Cypress Gardens
- Folly Beach
- Huntington Beach State Park
- Paris Mountain State Park
- Middleton Place
- Poinsett State Park
- The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island
- Hampton Park
- Chimney Rock State Park
- Falls Park on the Reedy
- Botany Bay Plantation
- Hobcaw Barony
- Lake Murray
- Congaree National Park
- The Watershed Pavilion
- The Cliffs at Glassy
- Janie E Furman Rose Garden
- The Beaufort Inn
- Belfair
- Greenbrier Farms
- Hopelands Garden
- Lovegrove Estate
- Gassaway Mansion
- Myrtle Beach State Park
- Coligny Beach Park on Hilton Head Island
- Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston
- Events at The Davenport
- Corley Mill House & Gardens
1. Cypress Gardens
Located in Charleston, Cypress Gardens is a 350-acre haven featuring serene blackwater swamps, sprawling azalea gardens, and a romantic swan lake. The idyllic setting provides a picturesque backdrop for weddings, receptions, and other special occasions.
2. Folly Beach
Folly Beach County Park in Charleston offers pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a laid-back atmosphere. It features pavilions, picnic areas, and beach access, making it ideal for family gatherings, barbecues, and outdoor weddings.
3. Huntington Beach State Park
Located near Murrells Inlet, Huntington Beach State Park boasts three miles of pristine beachfront, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and shell collecting. The park also offers camping, fishing, and picnicking facilities, making it a great choice for a relaxing getaway.
4. Paris Mountain State Park
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Greenville, Paris Mountain State Park offers stunning vistas, hiking trails, and a 1,000-acre lake. The park’s amphitheater and picnic shelters provide a scenic setting for outdoor concerts, weddings, and family gatherings.
5. Middleton Place
Middleton Place is a historic plantation near Charleston. It features stunning gardens, sprawling rice fields, lodges, and a working stable. The venue offers tours, carriage rides, and special events, providing a glimpse into South Carolina’s rich history and culture.
6. Poinsett State Park
Situated on the shores of Lake Jocassee in the upstate, Poinsett State Park offers breathtaking mountain views, hiking trails, and a variety of water activities. The park’s cabins and campsites provide a rustic escape for nature lovers.
7. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island
Located on Kiawah Island, The Sanctuary is a private club featuring championship golf courses, pristine beaches, and luxurious accommodations. The venue offers a variety of outdoor event spaces, perfect for weddings, corporate retreats, and family reunions.
8. Hampton Park
Hampton Park is a sprawling urban park in Charleston. It features tranquil gardens, a rose garden, and a scenic lake. The park’s picnic shelters, playgrounds, and walking trails make it a popular spot for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
9. Chimney Rock State Park
Located in the Hickory Nut Gorge near Tryon, Chimney Rock State Park boasts a 315-foot granite pinnacle offering breathtaking panoramic views. The park’s hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks provide a challenging and rewarding outdoor experience.
10. Falls Park on the Reedy
Falls Park on the Reedy is an urban park in Greenville that features cascading waterfalls, lush gardens, and a suspension bridge. The park’s amphitheater, trails, and picnic areas make it a popular spot for outdoor concerts, weddings, and family outings.
11. Botany Bay Plantation
Located on Edisto Island, Botany Bay Plantation features expansive beaches, maritime forests, and a historic rice mill ruin. The plantation offers tours, kayaking, and fishing, providing a unique glimpse into the Lowcountry’s natural beauty and history.
12. Hobcaw Barony
Hobcaw Barony is a 9,000-acre nature preserve located near Georgetown. It encompasses diverse ecosystems, including beaches, maritime forests, and freshwater wetlands. The preserve offers guided tours, hiking trails, and kayaking excursions, providing an opportunity to explore the wonders of the South Carolina coast.
13. Lake Murray
Lake Murray is a 50,000-acre reservoir near Columbia. It’s a popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake’s marinas, campgrounds, and picnic areas provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
14. Congaree National Park
Located in central South Carolina, Congaree National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its old-growth floodplain forests and diverse wildlife. The park’s hiking trails, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities provide a chance to immerse oneself in the wonders of the natural world.
15. The Watershed Pavilion
The Watershed Pavilion is a rustic outdoor country wedding and reception venue located in Chester county S.C. It is situated on a 90-acre farm, surrounded by woods, fields, and a pond. The pavilion is a 40 x 60 open-air structure, with a stage, a dance floor, a bar, and a fireplace. The pavilion can accommodate up to 200 guests, and the rental fee includes tables, chairs, linens, and a sound system. The venue also offers a bridal suite, a groom’s cabin, a fire pit, and a catering kitchen.
16. The Cliffs at Glassy
The Cliffs at Glassy is a stunning outdoor wedding and event venue located on the edge of Glassy Mountain in Landrum, South Carolina. It features a chapel, a clubhouse, and a golf course, all with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
17. Janie E Furman Rose Garden
The Janie E Furman Rose Garden is a beautiful outdoor garden and wedding venue located at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. It is a part of the Furman University Arboretum, which covers 750 acres of campus land. The rose garden features over 1,000 roses of various colors and varieties, as well as a fountain, a gazebo, and a pergola. The garden can accommodate hundreds of guests for an outdoor event.
18. The Beaufort Inn
The Beaufort Inn is a charming and historic hotel and event venue located in the heart of downtown Beaufort, South Carolina. It was built in 1897 as a private residence, and later converted into a hotel in 1911. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and features 48 rooms and suites, decorated with antiques and local art. The hotel offers several outdoor venues for parties and events, such as the Garden Courtyard, the Tabby Garden, the Palmetto Courtyard, and the Veranda.
19. Belfair
Belfair is a luxurious and exclusive golf and event venue located in Bluffton, South Carolina. It is a private gated community, with two 18-hole golf courses. It also features a clubhouse, a fitness center, a spa, a pool, and a tennis complex. The venue has several outdoor venues for parties and events, such as the Avenue of Oaks, the Clubhouse Lawn, the Golf House Terrace, and the Lakeview Terrace. The venues can accommodate from 50 to 300 guests.
20. Greenbrier Farms
Greenbrier Farms is a rustic and organic farm and event venue located in Easley, South Carolina. It is a family-owned and operated farm, with over 300 acres of land, where they grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and livestock. The farm offers several outdoor venues for parties and events, such as the Barn, the Pavilion, the Pond, and the Field.
21. Hopelands Gardens
Hopelands Gardens is a serene and scenic garden and event venue located in Aiken, South Carolina. It was originally the estate of Hope Goddard Iselin, a socialite and philanthropist, who donated the property to the city in 1969. The garden features over 1,000 roses of various colors and varieties, as well as a fountain, a gazebo, and a pergola. It boasts of beautiful and enchanting spots to host your outdoor grill party or other outdoor events.
Hopelands Gardens is a popular choice for outdoor weddings, receptions, parties, and concerts.
22. Lovegrove Estate
Lovegrove Estate is a waterfront wedding and event venue located in Summerville, South Carolina. It is a historic plantation house, built in 1736, and surrounded by a magnificent river, beautiful gardens, and Spanish moss. You can use several sites in the premises for your outdoor parties and events, such as the Riverfront Lawn, the Garden Terrace, the Grand Porch, and the Dock.
23. Gassaway Mansion
Gassaway Mansion is a historic and elegant wedding and event venue located in Greenville, South Carolina. It is the largest house in the Upstate, built in 1924, and featuring a grand staircase, a marble foyer, a ballroom, and a library. The venue offers several outdoor venues for parties and events, such as the Front Lawn, the Side Lawn, the Terrace, and the Fountain.
24. Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach State Park is a coastal park in South Carolina that offers a variety of outdoor activities and amenities. Some of the features of the park are:
- A fishing pier that extends into the Atlantic Ocean and provides stunning views of the sunrise and sunset.
- A nature center that hosts educational programs and exhibits about the local wildlife and ecology.
- A campground that has 204 sites for tents and RVs, as well as cabins.
- A beach that stretches for a mile along the park’s shoreline.
25. Coligny Beach Park on Hilton Head Island
Coligny Beach Park is a popular and award-winning beach park on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. It is located at the end of Pope Avenue off Coligny Circle, and it provides access to a beautiful and family-friendly beach.This park boasts a beautiful beach, a splash pad, a playground, and shops and restaurants nearby for a fun and convenient outdoor party.
26. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a historic and scenic attraction in Charleston, SC, that dates back to 1676. It is one of the oldest plantations in the South and has witnessed the American Revolution, the Civil War, and other significant events. It is also known for its beautiful and romantic gardens, which feature azaleas, camellias, roses, and other flowers. This scenic garden is the perfect venue for your outdoor party.
27. Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site in Charleston
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site is where the original settlement of Charleston was founded in 1670, and it offers historical exhibits, trails, gardens, and wildlife for an educational and entertaining outdoor party.
28. Events At The Davenport
Events At The Davenport is a modern and spacious event venue located in downtown Greer, South Carolina. It features a loft, a ballroom, and a rooftop. The venue offers several outdoor venues for parties and events, such as the Rooftop Deck, the Courtyard, the Patio, and the Balcony. The venues can accommodate from 20 to 300 guests, and the rental fee includes tables, chairs, linens, and a sound system. The venue also offers catering, bar, and coordination services, as well as access to the indoor spaces and amenities.
29. Corley Mill House & Gardens
Nestled in the heart of Lexington County, South Carolina, just moments from Columbia, Lake Murray, and Lexing ton town, lies the captivating Corley Mill House & Gardens. This historic mansion, built in 1908, has blossomed into a multifaceted event venue, perfect for weddings, special occasions, and corporate gatherings.
South Carolina is a state that has something for everyone, especially when it comes to outdoor party venues. From romantic to fun to classy, you can find it in the Palmetto State.
And if you are looking for a large BBQ grill for rent, contact Holy City Grills. We are one of the biggest grill rental companies in South Carolina and we can help you plan your next outdoor event.
Happy partying!