When I think of South Carolina, I think about family vacations.
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That’s for good reason. South Carolina is home to a handful of towns and cities that take pride in their family-friendly atmospheres.
While the state is better known for its expansive beaches and range of summer-centric activities, there are plenty of ways to have fun in autumn and winter.
In fact, South Carolina is a perennial favorite for families that like to travel for the holidays.
Every year, I hear about at least one family vacation in South Carolina. Some stories are from friends whose families seek out more temperate Christmas holidays. Others show up for the state’s most charming and re-visitable Christmas events.
For example, North Myrtle Beach comes alive with festive lights and exciting holiday floats for its Christmas parade. There are other large parades in cities like Carillon and Aiken, along with unique events like the Nights of a Thousand Candles and Christmasville.
But let’s not lose sight of what matters most for families heading to South Carolina for the holiday season: spending quality time together.
As someone who regularly rents Airbnbs and aparthotels to visit family, I can tell you that soaking up downtime is just as important as sight-seeing. Choosing the right rental gives you the power to do absolutely nothing while surrounded by loved ones.
Want a family-friendly Airbnb in South Carolina for your Christmas plans?
Below, you can find options that I would rent over the holidays to spend time with my own family. Each rental has a minimum of three bedrooms, along with extras like game rooms, massive living rooms, and outdoor patios perfect for roasting marshmallows.
Best family-friendly Airbnbs in South Carolina for Christmas
- Best lakeside rental: Luxury 2BR on Lake Saluda
- Best for fans of putt-putt: The Stay & Play Retreat
- Best for casual families: Lakefront Cabin
- Best for large families: Near Beach
- Best for huge families: Heated PVT Pool
- Best remote escape: Lakefront Getaway
- Best Myrtle Beach selection: North Myrtle Beach
Best lakeside rental: Luxury 2BR on Lake Saluda
With lakeside views and multiple fire pits for soaking up that brisk winter breeze, this is a top-notch selection for any family that likes a rustic atmosphere.
In terms of kid-friendly amenities, there’s an outdoor playground, boxes full of boardgames, and canoes and paddleboats that are lake-ready. With brand-new furnishings and plenty of interior space, it’s also a great pick for adults who want a chic setup.
Just keep in mind that there are only three bedrooms and three beds, making this ideal for single-family use.
Best for fans of putt-putt: The Stay & Play Retreat
Didn’t think putt-putt would get its own selection? Sounds like you don’t play enough putt-putt with family. (When my brother and I took my dad around Norway for his birthday a few years back, one of our favorite memories was getting a little tipsy at an indoor putt-putt bar in Oslo. Just saying.)
It’s games galore at this unique Airbnb. The three-bedroom setup might not sound spacious, but there’s a unique double bunk in one room. The hosts also offer a cute theatre setup for the big screen, including popular movie theatre treats.
Beyond a great setup with plenty of open space for communal lounging, this Airbnb offers an unmatched gaming spirit. Out back, you’ll find a putting course along with a neon-lit hot tub and family-friendly fire pit. Nearby, there’s also a massive public playground for any added play-sessions.
Best for casual families: Lakefront Cabin
This cabin has a fully wood-paneled interior, giving it a classic feel—especially when coupled with the gorgeous woodlands outside.
There’s also a private dock out on the water for those who want to soak up the natural tranquility. That being said, you might prefer to hang out inside. Not only does this cabin have a game room with foosball and ping pong, but there’s also a massive board game collection.
The only catch is that the décor and bedroom arrangements are a little basic, meaning this is best for families that will be spending plenty of time outdoors.
Best for large families: Near Beach
This huge beachfront property is geared for summertime adventures thanks to its outdoor pool and beachy décor.
That being said, it’s a fantastic setup for large families (it sleeps up to ten in five different bedrooms) that want to soak up the winter sunshine. There’s a large game room that includes ping-pong, foosball, and cornhole.
On top of that, its multiple living rooms are equipped to handle large-group hangouts—and its open-floor plan makes that even easier.
Best for huge families: Heated PVT Pool
Want a Tiki bar in your rental—one that also includes five bedrooms with space to seep twelve? Despite the unique criteria, I’ve found a perfect fit.
This Surfside Beach selection comes with a neon-lit arcade room, fit with multiple arcade games and foosball. While this rental is decked out with summer beach gear like buckets and chairs, there’s a heated pool out back—meaning you won’t be missing out entirely.
There’s even a mini-putting green, and we all know how I feel about putt-putt.
Best remote escape: Lakefront Getaway
If your family loves rural escapes with peaceful settings, look no further.
This Waterloo rental gives your family plenty of space to roam with three bedrooms and eight beds, along with a large garage-turned-gaming room with arcade titles, shuffleboard, and a pool table. (No putt-putt, I’m sad to say.)
But what has captured my attention is the gorgeous sunroom with lakefront views. Coupled with the cobbled fire pit outside, this Airbnb offers a great way to experience nature in December.
Best Myrtle Beach selection: North Myrtle Beach
Heading to Myrtle Beach for your Christmas getaway? I highly suggest this Airbnb thanks to its gorgeous design and layout, plus its family-friendly features.
The outdoor pool is heated, meaning December swims aren’t off the table. Along with a massive living room perfect for family get-togethers, there’s also an outdoor setup with cornhole and Jenga.
Just keep in mind that it’s a new construction with plenty of white décor, meaning it might not be ideal for little ones.
