Day Trips from Charleston, SC

1. Beaufort

The charming city of Beaufort can be found on Port Royal Island, one of the biggest Sea Islands off the coast of South Carolina, and it boasts excellent restaurants, unique art galleries, and a rich history. The entire downtown core has been designated a National Historic Landmark District, and the streets are lined with moss-draped oak trees and gorgeous antebellum mansions built before the Civil War.

Visitors are welcome to stroll through the streets on their own, but the best ways to get a feel for the area are to join a professionally guided walking tour or to hop in an elegant horse-drawn carriage.

2. Bee City

If you're looking for a day trip to do with children, Bee City is an excellent choice. A working beehive can be viewed from behind the safety of a glass wall, and visitors will learn about the different types of honeybees and why they're so important to the ecosystem.

Groups of 15 people or more can book one of the field trip packages, which offer the option to bottle your own honey and make a small beeswax figurine or candle.

Visitors are also welcome to explore the petting zoo, which is home to animals like donkeys, alpacas, ringtail lemurs, and even monkeys.

1066 Holly Ridge Ln, Cottageville, SC 29435, Phone: 843-835-5912

3. Bluffton

Set on the banks of the beautiful May River, Bluffton is a welcoming village known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, its excellent restaurants, and its eclectic boutique shops.

The streets are dotted with historic antebellum homes, but the town's real architectural highlight is the historic Church of the Cross, which features palmetto-shaped detailing and a rose-hued sanctuary.

The 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.

4. Botany Bay Heritage Preserve-Wildlife Management Area

Encompassing more than 4,600 acres on Edisto Island, the Botany Bay Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area is a unique heritage and wildlife preserve that allows visitors to get 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, 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 for visitors who want to stretch their legs.

1066 Botany Bay Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, Phone: 843-869-2713

5. Brookgreen Gardens

Open to the public since 1931, Brookgreen Gardens was the first public sculpture garden built in America.

The garden features more than 2000 works done by prominent American sculptors; many are the creations of Anna Hyatt Huntington, one of the park's founders, but approximately 420 other artists are featured as well.

Plenty of beautiful walking trails wind their way through the gardens, but visitors who want to learn about the site's history as a former plantation should be sure to make time for the Lowcountry Trail, which is lined with interpretive panels. The gardens can also be toured by pontoon boat or by Trekker vehicle.

1931 Brookgreen Garden Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, Phone: 843-235-6000

6. Columbia Museum of Art

Widely recognized as the best international art museum in the southeast United States, the Columbia Museum of Art is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon.

The collections include works from Europe, Asia, and America, and they represent the history of art from antiquity until modern times.

In addition to the regular permanent galleries, the museum also features temporary exhibits that change every few months.

An interactive gallery invites visitors of all ages to play with displays like magnet walls and DIY animation stations, and family-friendly gallery guidebooks and exciting scavenger hunts are available to keep younger visitors entertained throughout the entire museum.

1515 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201, Phone: 803-799-2810

7. Edisto Island

Nestled between the mouths of the North and South Edisto Rivers, Edisto Island is a secluded coastal paradise perfectly suited to families and anyone looking for a relaxing getaway.

The island has remained largely uncommercialized, and while the main forms of entertainment are kayaking, camping, hiking, and strolling along the beach, the island's main town offers a handful of excellent restaurants, museums, and shops.

Boating is another popular activity with islanders and visitors alike, and the waters around the island offer excellent fishing.

Visitors who don't have their own boat can book a charter to take them as far out as the Gulf Stream.

8. Elloree

Established in the late 1800s as a commerce center for farmers in the surrounding area, the tiny town of Elloree is set on the shore of Lake Marion.

The historic downtown core boasts beautiful brick sidewalks lined with trees, and it still features many of its original 20th century buildings, which now house restaurants, antique stores, and an art gallery.

The town is a living piece of history as it is, but visitors who want to learn more about its story are encouraged to visit The Elloree Heritage Museum & Cultural Center.

9. Francis Beidler Audubon Forest

The largest remaining piece of untouched cypress-tupelo swamp forest in the world, the Francis Beidler Audubon Forest is a magnificent example of Mother Nature at her finest.

A Visitor's Center provides plenty of information about the area's history and ecosystem, and a handicap-accessible 1.75-mile boardwalk trail passes by thousand-year-old trees and across murky blackwaters, allowing visitors to explore the heart of the swamp in a safe and exciting way.

For a more in-depth experience, guided walking tours and canoe trips are offered on a seasonal basis. Special children's activities and programs are held during the summer months.

336 Sanctuary Rd, Harleyville, SC 29448, Phone: 843-462-2150

10. Georgetown

Located between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, Georgetown is often passed over in favor of its more famous neighbors, but visitors who stop here are always amazed by its rich history, picturesque plantation homes, and Southern-style charm.

The compact historic district can easily be explored by foot, and visitors can join a walking tour or conduct a self-guided tour using one of the detailed maps from the Visitor's Center.

Narrated tram tours are also available Monday through Saturday, and visitors who would like to see the town's spooky side can book a guided evening ghost tour.