Published 20th May. 2025
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The sister states of North Carolina and South Carolina are natural subjects for healthy sibling rivalry. While they share a border (and a name), each has a distinct personality and attracts visitors for different reasons. From mountain hikes to floodplains and a great BBQ debate, we’re doing a deep dive into the North Carolina vs South Carolina debate to help you pick where to visit next. Eager to get planning your USA holiday? Read on for our verdict...
North Carolina knows a thing or two about outdoor activities. The state is home to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, which stretch along the state’s western border and are crossed by extensive hiking trails with iconic views. Visit Mount Mitchell State Park to conquer the highest peak in the Appalachian Mountains or soak in Blue Ridge Parkway’s rugged scenery during a relaxing road trip.
For those less vertically inclined, North Carolina also offers top-notch surfing and kayaking in the Outer Banks (a chain of barrier islands) or fishing and rafting in Lake Lure, Lake Norman and Fontana Lake.
Although South Carolina is less mountainous than its northern sister, that doesn’t stop it from boasting abundant outdoor fun. The state enjoys warmer water, so beaches like Myrtle Beach, Folly Beach and Hilton Head are perfect for swimming and surfing without catching a chill.
After an adventure through a rare old-growth floodplain forest? Congaree National Park is the largest of its kind in the United States and offers a special chance to kayak through the watery scenery.
Verdict: North Carolina for mountain hikes, South Carolina for warm beaches.
Image by Artem Akimov / Getty Images.
Forget the North Carolina vs South Carolina debate – there’s a whole culinary debate taking place in North Carolina alone. This rivalry was born from the differing Eastern and Lexington BBQ styles; the former uses the whole hog with a tangy vinegar-based sauce, while the latter enjoys pork shoulder with a ketchup-based sauce. Either way, both are delicious and can be devoured in legendary BBQ joints across the state.
Wash it all down in Asheville, nicknamed ‘Beer City USA’ thanks to its lively craft beer scene. The city boasts one of the highest brewery-to-resident ratios in the country, so you won’t be short on spots to settle down and sample the local brews.
South Carolina's cuisine is born from African, Caribbean and Gullah influences and tells a flavourful story of the state’s rich history. In the coastal Lowcountry region, dig into dishes like shrimp and grits (local shrimp over creamy, buttery corn porridge) and Frogmore Stew (one-pot shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage and potato) for a taste of the region’s culinary culture.
South Carolina also dips its toes in the great BBQ debate. This state is known for its Carolina Gold mustard-based sauce in the Midlands, a fiery vinegar-pepper sauce in the Pee Dee region and light tomato sauces scattered throughout.
Verdict: North Carolina for BBQ rivalry, South Carolina for culture-rich seafood.
Image by LauriPatterson / Getty Images.
North Carolina’s cultural fabric is woven with influences from the Appalachian Mountains. In the west, Appalachian roots run deep with traditional bluegrass music, quilting, and craftwork still alive and well in mountain towns like Boone and Asheville.
The state also played an important role in early aviation, as Kitty Hawk is where the Wright Brothers first took to the skies. Other historical hotspots include Bath, the state’s oldest town, and Tyron Palace, an 18th-century marvel.
South Carolina’s Charleston is oozing with Southern charm, from its cobblestone streets to its pastel-coloured antebellum homes and historic churches. Along the Lowcountry and on the Sea Islands, the Gullah people have preserved West African culture with their own language, music and cuisine.
History buffs can also visit Fort Sumter, the place where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired. Here, you can enjoy a boat ride through the historic harbour before arriving at the fort and exploring.
Verdict: North Carolina for Appalachian heritage, South Carolina for Gullah culture.
Image by ovidiuhrubaru / Getty Images.
Our final comparison in the North Carolina vs South Carolina toss-up is something all holiday hopefuls should consider: the weather. Both states enjoy a mild Southeastern climate but aren’t quite identical. North Carolina sees more variation due to its diverse terrain, with cooler temperatures and snowfall in the west, and hot, humid summers along the coast.
Over in South Carolina, the weather remains warm year-round, especially along the coast, making it a reliable spot for sun seekers to stretch out on the sands. While summers are steamy in both states, South Carolina takes the cake when it comes to warmer spells and milder winters.
Verdict: North Carolina for seasonal variety, South Carolina for year-round warmth.
Image by Rachid Dahnoun / Getty Images.
Written by Evie Buller | Header Image by Daniela Duncan / Getty Images.
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