South Carolina offers travelers rich historical sites, subtropical beaches and marshlike sea islands. Charleston is consistently rated as one of America’s best vacation destinations with Fort Sumpter, a great city market and historic homes and plantations. Columbia, the state capital, holds the state museum, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden and the Governors Mansion complex. Hilton Head Island features grand resorts, beaches and a scenic lighthouse. Myrtle Beach has a great beach, boardwalk and amusement parks. Beaufort has carriage tours of antebellum homes and a memorable downtown historic district.