Need a little adventure without the hassle of packing a bag? While exploring South Carolina, I found day trips to moss-draped plantations, sun-kissed beaches, and charming historic towns—each one a beautiful blend of Southern hospitality, nature, and culture. "These South Carolina day trips offer the perfect mix of coastal beauty, history, and small-town charm—all just a short drive away."
Highlights:
Unique South Carolina Day Trips:
1. Beaufort
Rating: ★★★★★
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Location:
Beaufort, SCHighlights:
If you’re dreaming of a quiet Lowcountry escape filled with Southern charm and historic beauty, we’d definitely suggest Beaufort. This picturesque town on Port Royal Island is packed with antebellum architecture, a walkable historic district, and coastal adventures that make it a true hidden gem.Recommended For:
History buffs, art lovers, fishing enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a scenic, small-town Southern getaway.What I Love: ♥
The Spanish moss-lined streets, preserved antebellum mansions, strong arts scene, and the chance to cast a line for redfish in some of the nation’s top waters.- Wander through the beautiful historic district with its stunning 19th-century homes and the Federal-style John Mark Verdier House Museum.
- Admire the charm of Port Royal Island and soak in the unique atmosphere of South Carolina’s Lowcountry region.
- Celebrate at the Beaufort International Film Festival, held each February during President’s Day weekend.
- Discover local galleries, coastal-inspired art, and a vibrant cultural scene.
- Fish for redfish, trout, and even tarpon in Beaufort’s well-known saltwater fishing spots—it’s one of America’s top fishing towns.
Distance from Charleston, SC:
About 1 hour and 45 minutes by car.How to Get to Beaufort:
From Charleston, head southwest on US-17 and SC-21 toward Port Royal Island. The scenic drive winds through marshes and charming small towns as you enter the heart of the Lowcountry.2. Bee City
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Location:
Cottageville, SCHighlights:
Looking for a wholesome, hands-on outing the whole family will love? We’d absolutely recommend Bee City—a delightful mix of bee farm, interactive zoo, and educational fun tucked into the Lowcountry countryside.Recommended For:
Families with kids, animal lovers, homeschool groups, and anyone curious about bees, conservation, and wildlife.What I Love: ♥
Up-close views of honeybees at work, an adorable mix of exotic and domestic animals, and locally made honey you can take home.- Learn about the vital role of honeybees in the ecosystem while watching them in action inside live honeycomb habitats.
- Meet animals like wallabies, coatimundis, alpacas, ringtail lemurs, goats, turkeys, and even miniature horses in the petting zoo area.
- Explore the on-site reptile center featuring South Carolina natives such as baby alligators, snakes, frogs, and turtles.
- Shop for local raw honey and other bee-based goodies straight from the source—perfect for gifts or pantry staples.
Distance from Charleston, SC:
About 1 hour by car.How to Get to Bee City:
From Charleston, take US-17 or I-26 West to SC-61, then follow signs toward Cottageville. Bee City is located on Holly Ridge Lane and is well-marked as you approach.3. Bluffton
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Location:
Bluffton, SCHighlights:
If you’re looking for Southern charm without the beach crowds, we’d wholeheartedly suggest Bluffton. This picturesque Lowcountry town near Hilton Head has all the moss-draped oaks, river views, and relaxing vibes you need for a perfect summer escape.Recommended For:
Couples, solo travelers, creatives, and anyone craving a laid-back getaway filled with Southern hospitality, great food, and artful inspiration.What I Love: ♥
The walkable historic downtown, oyster roasts by the river, and kayaking on the scenic May River—plus it's just minutes from the beach if you want it.- Stroll through Bluffton’s vibrant downtown district, home to art galleries, indie boutiques, and award-winning Lowcountry restaurants.
- Paddle the calm, scenic waters of the May River—fishing and kayaking are local favorites.
- Visit the 18th-century Church on the River, considered one of the South’s most beautiful churches.
- Explore the Bluffton Oyster Factory, the only operational oyster factory in South Carolina—and don't miss their autumn oyster roasts.
- Relax with easy access to Hilton Head’s beaches—just a short drive away—making Bluffton the perfect balance of retreat and recreation.
Distance from Charleston, SC:
About 2 hours by car.How to Get to Bluffton:
From Charleston, take US-17 South to SC-170 toward Beaufort County. From Savannah, it’s even quicker—just a 30-minute drive northeast via SC-46.Romantic South Carolina Day Trips:
4. Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve
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Location:
Edisto Island, SCHighlights:
If you’re craving untouched coastline and deep history, you’ve got to check out Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve. This hidden gem on Edisto Island offers peaceful beachscapes, 21 historic sites, and a walk through time among moss-draped ruins and prehistoric wonders.Recommended For:
History lovers, nature walkers, photographers, Lowcountry explorers, and anyone looking to experience South Carolina’s raw coastal beauty.What I Love: ♥
The unspoiled beach, preserved plantation ruins, and the surreal feeling of walking through 5,000 years of human history in one peaceful place.- Explore over 4,600 acres of preserved beachfront, salt marsh, and maritime forest—one of the Lowcountry’s most pristine natural settings.
- Visit the remains of the 1930s-era Botany Bay Plantation, opened to the public in 2008 as a living history preserve.
- See three preserved outbuildings from the 1840s Bleak Hall Plantation, showcasing rare Gothic Revival architecture listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Wander past the remnants of Townsend’s Japanese garden and discover the ancient Fig Island Shell Rings, dating back as far as 5,000 years.
- Reflect at any of the 21 registered historic sites scattered throughout this tranquil, protected space.
Distance from Charleston, SC:
About 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.How to Get to Botany Bay:
From Charleston, take SC-174 onto Edisto Island. Follow signage to Botany Bay Road—note that access is limited to foot and bike traffic once you arrive, and cars are not allowed past the main gate.
5. Edisto Island
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Location:
Edisto Island, SCHighlights:
Craving a beach town that still feels untouched and genuinely peaceful? Edisto Island is one of the last unspoiled gems along the South Carolina coast, where relaxing days, scenic drives, and natural beauty take center stage.Recommended For:
Nature lovers, families, couples, photographers, and anyone looking to slow down and soak up authentic Lowcountry charm.What I Love: ♥
The uncrowded beaches, shaded bike paths, fascinating wildlife, and the way this island balances laid-back vibes with cultural depth and coastal fun.- Visit Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve, a 4,600-acre site with preserved antebellum ruins and shell-strewn beaches.
- Drive the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway, a stunning 14-mile coastal route lined with mossy oaks and marsh views.
- Explore the Edisto Island Serpentarium to learn about native reptiles and local wildlife in a lush outdoor setting.
- Bike shaded trails through quiet forests and past salt marshes—ideal for morning rides or sunset spins.
- Fish with local charters for deep-sea adventures or cast off from the beach for a peaceful afternoon.
- Dine on fresh-caught seafood and Southern classics at locally owned restaurants around the island.
- Shop for coastal gifts, handmade goods, and souvenirs at one-of-a-kind boutiques and shops in the business district.
Distance from Charleston, SC:
About 40 minutes by car.How to Get to Edisto Island:
Take SC-174 south from Charleston, and enjoy the scenic journey through marshlands and quiet countryside. No big bridges, no high rises—just a smooth road into one of the coast’s most beloved escapes.6. Elloree
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Location:
Elloree, SCHighlights:
Want a peaceful Lowcountry getaway with lakeside views and deep-rooted history? We’d absolutely recommend Elloree, a quaint town along Lake Marion where charming downtown shops and rich heritage meet small-town Southern charm.Recommended For:
History buffs, antique lovers, quiet weekenders, and anyone seeking a scenic, slower-paced town with authentic Lowcountry flair.What I Love: ♥
The name “Elloree” meaning “the home I love,” the lakeside setting, and the downtown filled with unique shops and heartfelt history.- Stroll the historic downtown district for antique shops, cozy art galleries, and boutiques filled with local treasures.
- Dine at Southern-style restaurants that dish up regional favorites with a warm, small-town touch.
- Learn about South Carolina’s rural roots and Elloree’s founding at the Elloree Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, with immersive exhibits and stories of local pioneer William J. Snider.
- Enjoy stunning waterfront views along Lake Marion—ideal for a lakeside picnic, photography, or a moment of quiet reflection.
- Celebrate local traditions during annual festivals and cultural events that highlight Elloree’s unique heritage.
Distance from Charleston, SC:
About 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.How to Get to Elloree:
Take I-26 West from Charleston, then head north on SC-6. The route is smooth and scenic as you approach Lake Marion and the heart of Elloree’s historic district.Family South Carolina Day Trips:
7. Georgetown
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Location:
Georgetown, SCHighlights:
Want a peaceful coastal town packed with Southern charm and centuries of history? We’d definitely suggest Georgetown—a historic waterfront gem nestled between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, perfect for exploring Lowcountry heritage without the crowds.Recommended For:
History fans, nature lovers, photographers, foodies, and travelers seeking a laid-back coastal escape rich in culture.What I Love: ♥
Oak-lined streets, colonial-era landmarks, the working lighthouse guarding Winyah Bay, and easy access to one of South Carolina’s most beautiful state parks.- Explore the historic Georgetown Lighthouse, built in 1811 and still in operation—one of only two federally-operated lighthouses in the state.
- Tour preserved plantations and visit Hobcaw Barony, a 16,000-acre research preserve dedicated to conservation and the Lowcountry’s layered past.
- Stroll through Georgetown’s scenic waterfront downtown filled with boutiques, historic buildings, and restaurants serving fresh Lowcountry cuisine.
- Visit Huntington Beach State Park, home to three miles of undeveloped beachfront, salt marshes, and maritime forests teeming with wildlife.
Distance from Charleston, SC:
About 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.How to Get to Georgetown:
From Charleston, take US-17 North up the scenic coastal highway. You’ll pass through charming small towns before arriving in Georgetown’s live-oak-lined downtown waterfront district.
8. Givhans Ferry State Park
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Location:
Ridgeville, SCHighlights:
Looking for a peaceful riverfront escape with a blend of history and outdoor fun? We’d totally recommend Givhans Ferry State Park—a CCC-era gem along the Edisto River, perfect for paddling, picnicking, and unplugging in nature.Recommended For:
Campers, history lovers, families, paddlers, and anyone who loves South Carolina’s riverfront beauty and rustic charm.What I Love: ♥
The park’s limestone bluffs, CCC-built cabins, and a quiet stretch of the Edisto River that feels worlds away—but is just an hour from Charleston.- Fish, float, or paddle along the Edisto River, one of the longest free-flowing blackwater rivers in North America.
- Marvel at the protected copper marl limestone bluffs—prehistoric in origin and designated a Heritage Trust Site.
- Hike scenic trails like the River Bluff Trail and Old Loop Trail, with views of native flora and rich habitats.
- Swim in designated areas of the river, or just relax on its peaceful banks with a picnic.
- Stay overnight in historic CCC-built cabins or host a gathering at Riverfront Hall, which accommodates up to 100 guests.
Distance from Charleston, SC:
About 1 hour by car.How to Get to Givhans Ferry State Park:
From Charleston, take I-26 West to SC-61, then follow signage to the park entrance near Ridgeville. It’s a scenic drive into Lowcountry woodlands and riverfront tranquility.Plan Your Trip