From giant peaches to tunnels to nowhere, South Carolina’s highways and rural byways are full of quirky spots to stop and stretch your legs. Here are ten weird, wonderful, and unforgettable roadside attractions across the Palmetto State.
1.
Peachoid Water Tower (Gaffney)
A 135-foot-tall water tower—shaped and painted like a giant peach. This quirky landmark is both a salute to the region’s peach-growing prowess and an unforgettable photo op for travelers on I-85
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2.
South of the Border (Hamer)
An enormous, kitschy rest stop just south of the North Carolina border, packed with souvenir shops, a sombrero-shaped observation tower, neon lights, and a famous mascot named Pedro. It’s part amusement park, part roadside oddity, and all classic Americana
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3.
Stumphouse Tunnel (Oconee County)
A “tunnel to nowhere,” this unfinished rail tunnel was abandoned before the Civil War. You can walk inside for a cool and eerie experience—just remember to bring a flashlight
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4.
Thelma and Louise Elephants (Hardeeville)
Life-size pink and gray elephant statues—named Thelma and Louise (also Big Al and Lizzy)—guard Crazy Joe’s Fireworks for a fun, oversized selfie moment off I-95
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5.
Pearl Fryar’s Topiary Garden (Bishopville)
Three acres of whimsical, hand-sculpted topiary works created by self-taught artist Pearl Fryar. Unusual plant shapes tower and twist, making the garden one of the most distinctive horticultural displays in America
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6.
World’s Smallest Police Station (Ridgeway)
Once the tiniest active police station in the world, this compact kiosk remains a quirky photo stop and piece of small-town history
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7.
Busted Plug Plaza (Columbia)
Featuring the world’s largest fire hydrant—tornado-proof and towering nearly 40 feet—this curious public art installation is a surprise amidst the city’s downtown
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8.
Campbell’s Covered Bridge (Landrum)
The last surviving covered bridge in South Carolina, built in 1909. While not the weirdest, its charming and picturesque setting makes it a notable roadside relic
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9.
Old Sheldon Church Ruins (Beaufort County)
Ghostly remains of a once-grand 18th-century church—a hauntingly beautiful stop just off US 17. With its burned columns and scattered tombs, it’s a truly atmospheric detour
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10.
The Angel Oak (Johns Island, near Charleston)
A massive, centuries-old Southern live oak, claiming a canopy spread of 17,000 square feet. Its gnarled limbs and mythic presence make it a must-visit for those who appreciate the bizarre and the beautiful in nature
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These stops offer more than a photo—they’re a peek into South Carolina’s unique blend of history, humor, and Americana. Whether you’re on a long road trip or just looking for something different, these ten attractions are worth thehe detour.
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