Charleston is widely regarded as one of the best cities in South Carolina, but if you're planning to be here for more than a couple days, you might want to consider taking a day trip or two. The city is surrounded by incredible destinations for visitors of all ages, including peaceful barrier islands, beaches, historic homes, and little-known towns and villages overflowing with antebellum mansions and Southern hospitality. Whether you're looking to escape into nature, learn about the area's history, or simply trade one city for another, here are the best day trips to take from Charleston.
Best Day Trips from Charleston:
1. Beaufort - 1 hour and 45-minute drive from Charleston
I got started in Beaufort because the drive through the coastal Lowcountry had such pretty views. You probably know that the city of Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island, one of the biggest Sea Islands off the coast of South Carolina. I found excellent restaurants there, along with unique art galleries and a historical downtown.
I enjoyed discovering downtown Beaufort which has been designated a National Historic Landmark District. I admired the streets lined with moss-draped oak trees and gorgeous antebellum mansions built before the Civil War.
You are welcome to stroll through the streets on your own of course, but the best way to get a feel for the area is to join a professionally guided tour. For an extra romantic experience, hop in an elegant horse-drawn carriage. Not surprisingly, they are popular for proposals! Map
Distance from Charleston:
1 hour and 45-minute drive south.How to Get to Beaufort:
From Charleston, take US-17 South. Then follow SC-21 South into downtown Beaufort.2. Bee City - 1 hour and 10 minutes from Charleston
You can actually drive just over an hour from Beaufort to Bee City and then return to Charleston via another route on the same day trip.
I found Bee City to be very family-friendly. My son enjoyed seeing a working beehive from behind the safety of a glass wall. You can bottle your own honey and make a small beeswax figurine or candle.
You can also explore the petting zoo, which is home to animals like donkeys, alpacas, ringtail lemurs, and even monkeys.
Driving time from Charleston:
1 hour and 10 minutes by car.How to Get to Bee City:
From Charleston, take US-17 South to SC-61 North. Turn onto SC-651 and follow signs into Cottageville. Then follow the signs for Bee City from the main road.3. Bluffton - 2 hours and 15 minutes
Alternatively, instead of heading to Bee City, you can continue about 40 minutes down the coast from Beaufort until you reach Bluffton. I found excellent restaurants, and eclectic boutique shops in Bluffton and I was glad we drove a little further down south on our day trip from Charleston.
The Bluffton Promenade is the place to be if you're in the mood for shopping, and if you have time for a bite to eat, make sure to stop by the Bluffton Oyster Factory, where you can sample oysters harvested from the May River. Map
If you drive from Charleston:
The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.How to Get to Bluffton:
From Charleston, take US-17 South to I-95 South. Then Exit 8 to merge onto US-278 East. Follow signs to Bluffton’s historic district—The Promenade makes a great first stop.
4. Botany Bay Heritage Preserve-Wildlife Management Area - 1 hour and 15 minutes
If you prefer a much shorter trip, head to Edisto Island where you will find the 4,600-acre Botany Bay Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area. The area is so well protected and preserved that it actually lets you catch a glimpse of how the South Carolina coast would have looked during the time of the original settlers.
Much of the property consists of untouched forest and seashore, but the preserve is also home to several historic structures that you can see, including a plantation house, a gardener's shed, and an icehouse.
A 6.5-mile driving route makes it easy to explore the property by car, but there are also plenty of excellent hiking trails if you want to stretch your legs. I wrote about Edisto Island here if you are in the mood for more things to see and do.
Botany Bay Heritage Preserve-Wildlife Management Area , 1066 Botany Bay Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, Phone: 843-869-2713
Distance from Charleston:
The drive takes 1 hour and 15 minutes.How to Get to Botany Bay:
From Charleston, take SC-174 South through Edisto Island. Follow signs to Botany Bay Road and look for the marked entrance at 1066 Botany Bay Rd.5. Brookgreen Gardens - 2 hours and 15 minutes
Brookgreen Gardens are actually one of my favorite attractions in South Carolina because they are both beautiful and historic. On top of that, you get to admire more than 2000 works done by over 400 prominent American sculptors. I found the creations of of Anna Hyatt Huntington, one of the park's founders, very engaging.
If you want to learn about the site's history as a former plantation, be sure to make time for the Lowcountry Trail, which is lined with interpretive panels. You can also tour the gardens by pontoon boat or by Trekker vehicle.
Stop for lunch at one of the restaurants I wrote about in my article about Murrells Inlet.
1931 Brookgreen Garden Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, Phone: 843-235-6000, Map
Distance from Charleston:
The drive takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.How to Get to Brookgreen Gardens:
From Charleston, take US-17 North toward Murrells Inlet. The entrance is located just south of Huntington Beach State Park on Brookgreen Garden Dr.Romantic Day Trips from Charleston:
6. Columbia Museum of Art - 2 hours and 15 minutes
I felt that the Columbia Museum of Art is a day trip-worthy destination about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Charleston Widely recognized as the best international art museum in the southeast United States, the Columbia Museum of Art is a wonderful place for you to spend the afternoon.
The collections you can see include works from Europe, Asia, and America, and they represent the history of art from antiquity until modern times.
An interactive gallery invites you to play with displays like magnet walls and DIY animation stations, perfect for kids. Your kids can also join exciting scavenger hunts.
1515 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201, Phone: 803-799-2810, Map
Distance from Charleston:
The drive takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.How to Get to the Columbia Museum of Art:
From Charleston, take I-26 West to Columbia. Exit onto Elmwood Avenue, follow to Main Street. Look for the museum at 1515 Main St downtown.7. Edisto Island - 1 hour and 15 minutes
I mentioned Edisto Island while talking about my trip to Botany Bay, but I feel that I need to tell you about a few more things. Nestled between the mouths of the North and South Edisto Rivers, Edisto Island is a secluded coastal paradise perfect for a relaxing day trip from the city. You can just relax on the beach, or go hiking and kayaking. Check out my article to find our about great local restaurants and attractions.
If you like fishing, book a charter to take you as far out as the Gulf Stream. Map
Distance from Charleston:
The drive takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.How to Get to Edisto Island:
From Charleston, take SC-174 South through Hollywood and Adams Run. Follow the signs for Edisto Beach.8. Elloree - 1 hour and 30 minutes
If you are in the mood for a day trip inland from Charleston, I really like Elloree because of its lakeside setting. Established in the late 1800s as a commerce center for farmers in the surrounding area, you will find the tiny town of Elloree on the shore of Lake Marion.
Stroll through the historic downtown core which boasts beautiful brick sidewalks lined with trees. I like that it still features many of its original 20th century buildings, which now house restaurants, antique stores, and an art gallery.
The town itself is a living piece of history as it is, but if you are a history buff like me, you will want to visit The Elloree Heritage Museum & Cultural Center.
Distance from Charleston:
The drive takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.How to Get to Elloree:
From Charleston, take I-26 West to Exit 154B (US-301 North) toward Orangeburg. Follow signs to SC-47 East.Family Day Trips from Charleston:
9. Francis Beidler Audubon Forest - 1 hour
Francis Beidler Audubon Forest lies about 2/3 of the way on your route from Charleston to Elloree so you can easily stop here along the way. I found it fascinating because it's the largest remaining piece of untouched cypress-tupelo swamp forest in the world.
Stop at the Visitor's Center which provides plenty of information about the area's history and ecosystem. I love that its 1.75-mile boardwalk trail is handicap-accessible and it takes you through thousand-year-old trees and across murky blackwaters. It was just a fantastic way to explore the heart of the swamp in a safe and exciting way.
For a more in-depth experience, you can go on a guided walking tour or canoe trip (offered seasonally!). If you visit during the summer, there are special children's activities and programs available as well.
336 Sanctuary Rd, Harleyville, SC 29448, Phone: 843-462-2150, Map
Distance from Charleston:
The drive takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes.How to Get to Francis Beidler Forest:
From Charleston, take I-26 West to Exit 177B. Follow SC-453 North, then turn onto US-178 and follow signs to Sanctuary Road and the Audubon Center entrance.10. Georgetown - 1 hour and 20 minutes
If you'd rather explore up north the coast from Charleston, driving in the direction you would take to get to Myrtle Beach, check out Georgetown.
Often passed over in favor of its more famous neighbors, Georgetown was a joy to discover. You'll be amazed by its rich history, plantation homes, and Southern-style charm.
Once you get there, park your car and head into the compact historic district on foot. The Visitor's Center will provide you with information so that you can go on a self-guided walking tour. I also like the guided walking tours or if you are into paranormal, you can can book a guided evening ghost tour. Map
Distance from Charleston:
The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.How to Get to Georgetown:
From Charleston, take US-17 North along the coast. Once in Georgetown, follow signs to the historic district and Visitor’s Center for maps and tour information.📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- What is Charleston known for?
- Charleston is widely regarded as one of the best cities in South Carolina, but if you're planning to be here for more than a couple of days, you might want to consider taking a day trip or two.
- What types of destinations surround Charleston?
- The city is surrounded by incredible destinations for visitors of all ages, including peaceful barrier islands, beaches, historic homes, and little-known towns and villages overflowing with antebellum mansions and Southern hospitality.
- What activities can visitors enjoy on day trips from Charleston?
- Whether you're looking to escape into nature, learn about the area's history, or simply trade one city for another, here are the best day trips to take from Charleston.
Best Time for Day Trips from Charleston, SC
- March to May – Ideal for mild weather, blooming flowers, and exploring historic sites.
- September to November – Perfect for pleasant temperatures, fall festivals, and scenic coastal drives.
- June to August – Warm summer days great for beach trips, island visits, and water activities.
- December – Enjoy cooler weather and festive holiday events in charming nearby towns.
- January to February – Mild winters ideal for quieter visits to plantations and cultural sites.
Map:
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