Best Holiday Rentals in South Carolina for Families

When I think of South Carolina, I think about family vacations.

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: N ear 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.

Natchitoches Christmas Festival: Louisiana’s Best-Kept Secret

I’m a big fan of a classic and snowy Christmas.

Cue the piles of soft snow, the warm fireplaces, the extra-large mugs of Baileys-filled-whatever, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies.

Without that frigid, almost deadly gust of snowy wind, it just doesn’t feel like Christmas.

That being said, I haven’t experienced a white Christmas in over a decade. My strong opinions are the result of too many Hallmark movies and an overly romantic hankering for the past. (We’re all prone to such flaws when the holidays roll around.)

But when it comes to some of the coolest Christmas events in the United States, not all of them involve snow. Or even cold breezes.

In fact, one of the world’s best Christmas festivities is found in the state of Louisiana—and it’s in a town you probably haven’t heard of before.

Natchitoches is the oldest colonial town in the state, dating back to French settlers who came south from Canada.

Today, it’s better known for its charming downtown streets and its annual Christmas festival. This year, the city is gearing up to celebrate its 98^th annual Christmas party. Here’s what you need to know about the Natchitoches Christmas Festival.

What is the Natchitoches Christmas Festival?

The Natchitoches Christmas Festival was first organized back in 1927—and it remains one of the most well-known Christmas events for locals statewide.

As mentioned up top, Natchitoches has a long history in the state, and its historic downtown area is just as picturesque as the French Quarter in New Orleans.

Though you might be picturing one of those larger-than-life parades that are common to NOLA, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival includes dozens of activities across a six-week period.

The festivities kick off on the Saturday following Thanksgiving and conclude on the Catholic holiday of the Epiphany (January 6).

What is there to do at the Natchitoches Christmas Festival?

Over a six-week period, Natchitoches comes alive with pure Christmas spirit. You can enjoy smaller events each weekend or plan to see the big show on December 7^th.

During this time, local shops also extend their hours for visiting shoppers.

On December 7^th, there’s a small parade and local market with goods from artisans across the parish and state. But if you can’t swing the December 7^th party, have no fear.

Every night at dusk, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival comes alive with its light show—which includes over 300,000 little bulbs across the grounds.

Additionally, you can purchase tickets for the Christmas festivities that take place every Saturday. There are live music events, dozens of shops, Santa meet-and-greets, fireworks, and other kid-friendly activities. There are even bonus events like Christmas tours of local homes.

How can you visit the Natchitoches Christmas Festival?

You can visit the Natchitoches Christmas Festival however you’d like. If you want to see the big sha-bang, I’d highly recommend buying tickets for the December 7^th show as early as possible.

Remember—this is a big deal in Louisiana and in neighboring states.

If your Christmas travel plans are more casual, you can head to Natchitoches on a Saturday. Once again, I’d recommend buying tickets beforehand. While you can usually score some last-minute tickets on a Saturday, that might not be the case every weekend.

Lastly, if you only have a day or two to pass through Natchitoches, you can still soak up the lights and ambiance of the historic downtown area. Not only will shops be open later and showcasing their most Christmas-appropriate goods, but the lights show comes on right when the sun sets.

You’ll fee like you’re walking through a Christmas wonderland even without all the added fanfare.

Best shopping in Palm Springs: Boutiques, Vintage, & More

Palm Springs feels like a Hollywood movie set.

Much of that charm is thanks to its iconic Art Deco architecture and mid-century modern design elements. From its Airbnb rentals to its boutique hotels, you’ll feel immediately intrigued by the 60s-style inspiration.

That being said, Palm Springs hasn’t been left to its own devices since it popped up as a popular getaway for the California elite in the mid-1900s.

It’s been expertly curated since then, slowly becoming a mainstay for winter birds, golf-lovers, and girls’ trips.

They’re after scenic mountain views, endless sunshine, spa treatments, and—in increasing numbers—boutique shops. Like the rest of the city, Palm Springs’ shopping districts are renowned for being both eclectic and upscale.

And with multiple shopping areas to choose from, you might actually struggle to figure out where to go and what to look for. Need a little shopping guide for your next trip to this SoCal staple? Here’s a breakdown of the best shopping in Palm Springs.

Best shopping in Palm Springs

This list focuses on clothing stores and product retail, but I’ve also included a few design stores and vintage shops that encapsulate Palm Springs’ iconic mid-century flair.

Modern Way

Meet one of the oldest antique dealers in the city. You can find items dating back to the 1950s, along with curated collections from designers like Arthur Elrod and Herman Miller. Shop around at two different Modern way locations, both on North Palm Canyon Drive.

Iconic Atomic

A vintage clothing and general store decked out with pieces you won’t find elsewhere. From mid-century home goods to men’s clothing, there’s something for everyone at Iconic Atomic. And, once again, the items available are iconically local.

The Frippery

Vintage clothing and accessories galore are available at The Frippery. I’d keep this boutique shop high on your list—it’s becoming a bit of a cult hit with local hipsters and visiting clothiers.

Bon Vivant

The hardboiled vintage store focuses on home décor and collectibles—but be prepared to shop around. Bon Vivant is a well-known store thanks to its range of goods… but you might need to dig around to find the real treasures.

A La Mod

This upscale vintage store is highly curated. You can find pieces from legendary designers around the world—and the owners of A La Mod probably know the story behind every single item. Just keep in mind that you’ll be paying top dollar for these popular names.

Elizabeth & Prince

The words ‘disgustingly chic’ came to mind when perusing Elizabeth & Prince—but I’d hate to paint the wrong picture. I’m using the word disgusting in a good way, like Rihanna would. This mindful shop is neatly filled with hand-selected pieces that each ring with style and intrigue. Like a museum for coolness.

Just Fabulous

Thrifting is certainly a great way to pass the time in Palm Springs—but this bright boutique shop is great for just about any shopper. You can peruse personalized souvenirs or shop around for home décor at Just Fabulous. Regardless of your selection, it’ll ring with Palm Springs spirit.

The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five

This highly unique collective lets you shop around from multiple brands and designers. From upscale clothing to holistic spiritual items to glassware, you’ll find your ideal hidden gem at The Shops.

Trina Turk

This clothing store highlights the spirited reach of designer Trina Turk—and it’s a brand that fits seamlessly into the Palm Springs landscape.

I have to be blunt… Trina Turk is way too bright and busy for my liking. That being said, I’d probably still buy a piece as a souvenir for my Palm Springs trip. After all, travel is a great way to develop new fashion inspiration, and who doesn’t like to wear their souvenirs?

The Best Michelin Restaurants in San Francisco: 3-Star & 2-Star Selections

When you think of San Francisco, what comes to mind?

Three things pop into my head: the big red bridge, mission burritos, and the modern marvels of company headquarters like Apple, Meta, and Google in nearby Silicon Valley.

(I also think about my first visit to the Tenderloin, but that’s another story.)

The city is a unique blend of history and modernity, to put it lightly. From the days of hippie adventures on Haight Street to its rise as the mainstay of multi-trillion-dollar corporations, San Francisco continues to evolve in unpredictable, unique ways.

I won’t bother delving into the cultural core of San Francisco—I think we should eat our way to it, instead.

As in any city that defies easy summarizing, food is often a surprisingly accurate meter to gauge culture, values, and trends.

And San Francisco is one of the top destinations for foodies in the US, only narrowly beaten by New York City when it comes to Michelin-rated eateries.

Can you name the best Michelin restaurants in San Francisco?

Best Michelin restaurants in San Francisco: Three-star picks

Atelier Crenn

Chef Dominique Crenn isn’t solely focused on her dishes—she’s also curating a world of delectable ambiance and service at Atelier Crenn. Crenn also places a strong emphasis on eco-friendly agriculture.

As with Quince (below) she partners with farms to ensure her produce is grown with regenerative practices. The menu is dairy-free and pescatarian, too, making it a top choice for those who want to sample the best in alternative dining.

Benu

Dubbed an ‘oasis in the center of the city’, Benu offers an Asian-inspired menu from Chef Corey Lee. But expect to be surprised by his simple dishes that are elevated to new heights—then served with a keen eye for visual pleasure.

Nothing is quite what it seems thanks to Lee’s expert ability to offer a twist on favorites like barbecued duck, shark’s fin (faux), and xiao long bao.

Quince

Similar to Atelier Crenn, you’ve likely read through menus similar to Quince’s before—but the Michellin-caliber twist at Quince is the restaurant’s longstanding experience and dedication to freshness.

Chefs Michael and Lindsay Tusk have partnered with a 25-acre farm north of the city, which provides ultra-fresh produce that is grown according to sustainable practices. Each dish is a celebration of every single ingredient.

Best Michelin restaurants in San Francisco: Two-star picks

If you can’t manage a reservation at one of the establishments above, then check out the two-star Michelin restaurants below. I’d say you won’t notice the difference, but I’d hate to project my subpar palette onto anyone.

How about this: You’ll notice the difference, but you won’t mind.

Acquerello. A luxury Italian dining room that’s been around since 1989, producing dishes with visual appeal and delectable complexity.
Birdsong. An atmospheric restaurant that brings out the best in cooking techniques from a range of expert culinary minds.
Californios. A restaurant that turns a passionate and masterful eye toward traditional Mexican cuisine.
Commis. Thai and Chinese heritage meld in this longstanding favorite.
Lazy Bear. A daring and modern take on dozens of classic dishes that ooze with confidence.
Saison. It’s pure innovation and delight at Saison, leading to playful-but-delicious meals.
Sons & Daughters. A sleek eatery that offers modern twists across a detailed tasting menu.

9 Best Christmas Events for Families in the US

The United States isn’t short on Christmas-themed festivities.

From coast to coast, the country lights up with gorgeous displays, festivals, markets, and more. From Maryland to Arizona to Hawaii, you can find Christmas events that are fun for the whole family.

But which are actually worth traveling for?

If your family is looking to add a little bit of festivity to your traditional schedule of decorating the tree, stuffing the stockings, and wrapping presents, you won’t need to search for long.

With dozens of high-profile and high-quality Christmas events dotting the United States, you might find one close to home.

I’ve got nine of the best Christmas events for families listed below. Along with well-known events from Disney, I’ve also listed out other large festivals and markets that are free to the public. We’re moving from East to West—just like Kris Kringle’s sleigh.

Just make sure to book ahead if you need tickets. These popular shows fill up fast.

Best Christmas events for families in the US: East coast

Rockefeller Christmas Tree & Union Square Market (New York City, New York)

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the world’s most iconic Christmas displays—it needs little introduction.

The same for the ice rink located next to the tree. If you’re interested in ice skating, you can rent skates and wait for a turn on the ice—or watch others skate past you. Even people-watching will keep you entertained for a while at this larger-than-life location.

But don’t forget about the city’s other popular Christmas events. The Union Square Christmas Market, for example, is one of the most scenic holiday setups in the city. You can shop around for artisanal products from local creators.

Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude (Kennebunkport, Maine)

Kennebunkport is New England’s best-kept secret when it comes to quaint vacations. This gorgeous little town is home to dozens of attractions, from its cozy main street to its summer camp-style RV parks.

Since 1982, the town has also hosted a Christmas Prelude event. It kicks off the winter holiday shopping season on the first Friday in December. At that time, shops stay open longer as the town prepares for the lighting of the Christmas tree in Dock Square.

Back in 2011, they even added fireworks to the display, which go off after the tree is lit.

Best Christmas events for families in the US: Midwest & Southwest

Las Vegas Christmas Celebrations (Las Vegas, Nevada)

The Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan (Getty)

Dubbed the City of Lights, it should come as no surprise that Las Vegas is an excellent destination for Christmas events.

That’s right—you have choices for celebrating the season in Las Vegas.

There’s the Rockin’ Christmas holiday drive-through experience; the Enchant Christmas Maze that covers over 80,000 square feet; a Cowboy Christmas event at the local rodeo grounds; and plenty more, from ice skating to Santa meet-and-greets.

The Polar Express (Branson, Missouri)

This train ride is one of the most classic experiences that families can have during the holiday season. Rather than wait in lines or wander below fancy light displays, families actually board the Polar Express and cruise the Branson Scenic Byway.

For the next hour, they’re treated to milk and cookie deliveries, audiences with Santa and his elves, Christmas carolers, and plenty more. Fans of classic and wholesome Christmas events need look no further—this event is a favorite for thousands who drive hours to experience the Polar Express.

Best Christmas events for families in the US: the South

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney (Orlando, Florida)

Nobody throws a family-friendly party quite like Disney. Over the Christmas season, Disney World hosts a range of parties for guests. They run from 7 pm until midnight on select days starting in November, giving you time to plan ahead.

The show includes a fireworks show, parade, character meet-and-greets, fake snowfall, and special holiday drinks and treats.

Natchitoches Christmas Festival (Natchitoches, Louisiana)

As one of the lesser-known family-friendly Christmas events in the United States, Natchitoches lets you escape the crowds without skimping on the fun.

This unique festival period runs from November until January 6. The small town is decked out in vibrant Christmas decorations and light displays, which transform the downtown historic district.

Every Saturday, hundreds gather for a mini-festival. Families can take part in the fun with a range of children’s activities. When night comes, the mood shifts as live musicians take the stage and a small fireworks show lights up the night.

Best Christmas events for families in the US: West coast

Snowflake Lane (Bellevue, Washington)

Though Washington State’s Bavarian-style Leavenworth town usually takes the cake for Christmas-themed displays, there are two other Christmas events you should know about. (More on this below.)

Snowflake Lane is a massive show that includes classic parade-style floats.

Think: bright lights, gorgeous displays, and plenty of dancing and music—just the type of thing you’d see at the Macy’s Day Parade, for example. There’s even a Snowflake Lane Factory where kiddos can meet Santa Claus and put in a good word about their wish lists.

Gingerbread Village (Seattle, Washington)

For around 30 years, the Gingerbread Village has been a local favorite at Christmastime. This light display includes larger-than-life art installations that families can walk through. With multiple exhibits and various themes, the show usually covers a range of holiday themes.

This is a lot more than a DIY-style event. While creators are volunteers, they come from all walks of life—even architects and civil engineers have gotten involved. Just beware that the Gingerbread Village usually has a long line that can take hours to clear.

Is it Better to Get a Hotel or Airbnb?

When Airbnb first launched, the hospitality world was flipped on its head.

Suddenly, travelers could access pied-a-terres around the world and manage their own bookings on an easy-to-use platform.

No spiked prices. No loyalty programs. No add-on charges.

At least, not at first.

Since Airbnb revolutionized the way the average traveler books a room, the platform has seen many ups and downs. On the positive side, it’s innovated unique experiences headed by celebrities and iconic settings—and on the negative, it’s also gotten the boot from more than a few cities.

Love it or hate it, Airbnb is now part of the hospitality space seemingly for good.

But with climbing fees, less-than-satisfactory hosts, and a myriad of other creeping concerns, is it better to get a hotel or Airbnb?

There’s no fast-and-easy answer—but there are a few metrics we can use to dig in and learn more.

Is it better to get a hotel or Airbnb? Here’s what you need to consider

Cost: most hotels and Airbnbs are comparable

Airbnbs aren’t the affordable solution to lodging that they once were. To be fair, Airbnbs and hotels both come in all shapes and sizes. There are boutique and high-design options, along with budget stays with the bare amenities.

That being said, with climbing nightly rates and a bevy of unexpected add-on fees (from cleaning to check-in), Airbnb’s competitive pricing is no longer a guarantee.

On top of that, a hotel’s room rates come with a long list of standard amenities, from room cleaning to ice machines to indoor pools.

By contrast, every Airbnb has a different nightly rate with a series of unique fees. In other words, there’s no industry standard in Airbnb like there is in hotels, which means you can find heavy savings… or predatory pricing for sub-par stays.

Amenities: hotel amenities are a stronger guarantee

As outlined in the section above, hotels come with a familiar set of amenities. These amenities are linked to the star rating of the hotel; the more amenities, the higher the star rating.

From buffet breakfasts to rooftop pools, every rating translates to a different set of hotel features.

Airbnbs, by contrast, differ with each location. The only catch is that hosts are responsible for writing summaries of their stays—which may or may not be accurate. In reality, I recommend travelers dig through Airbnb reviews to make sure those amenities are as promised.

Service: hotels have entire teams working for you

Is it better to get a hotel or Airbnb when it comes to service? This time, the answer is a little easier: a hotel has better service.

Airbnb hosts might be hands-on with their guests, offering city guides, recommendations, and other types of support. The key word there is might. Airbnb hosts aren’t required to offer personalized service or even show their faces to guests.

If you like your privacy, that’s probably a huge plus.

If not, go with a hotel. Hotel staff are available to help you do just about anything, from booking taxis to learning about local attractions to dropping off an extra towel.

While that type of attention to care and detail certainly exists at many highly-rated Airbnbs, they’re far and few between in my experience.

Length of stay: Airbnbs are cheaper for longer-term stays & for larger groups

You might think I’ve been paid by Big Hotel to write this article given I’ve been pretty critical of Airbnbs. But there are plenty of ways in which Airbnbs outshine their industry cousins.

Compared to hotels, Airbnbs are a fantastic choice for long-term stays.

Not only are they cheaper to book for longer periods of time, but they’re also a lot more homely. (I lived in an extended-stay hotel for a few months once upon a time—it was soul-crushing despite the quality facilities.)

An Airbnb can become a home-away-from-home for students, professionals, and anyone else who needs to book a place for a few months.

The same is true for larger group stays. Thanks to homey living rooms and other additional spaces, families and large groups can more easily lounge around and hang out compared to a hotel.

Local regulations: Airbnbs face heavy regulations

Airbnb has proved so popular that dozens of cities around the world are actually fighting to regulate the private rental market. Cities like Berlin and New York City have already taken a strict stance on Airbnb rentals, closely regulating when and how hosts can put rooms and apartments up for rent.

By contrast, I’ve never heard of an illegal hotel setting up shop. And I’ve never recommended someone look up the legality of a hotel before booking.

But I do recommend that you look for a regulation code and license number before booking an Airbnb. If you don’t see one listed, it’s possible that it’s being run illegally.

Travel experience: Airbnbs take you closer to the action

One reason that Airbnb has succeeded and grown is thanks to its unique premise. The home-stay setup offers travelers an up-close look at their destination.

They live like locals compared to those who choose a hotel stay.

That type of immersion usually ends up being a memorable part of the trip because it directly shapes the traveler’s impression of a place—either for better or for worse.