Day Trips from Charleston, SC

Location:

Beaufort, SC

Highlights:

If you're looking for a Southern getaway that feels like stepping back in time, Beaufort should absolutely be on your list. With antebellum mansions, moss-draped oaks, and waterfront charm, it’s a dream for history lovers and slow travelers alike.

We Recommend This For:

Romantics, history buffs, art lovers, and anyone craving charming streets and coastal ambiance.

What we Love:

The walkable historic district, scenic views of the harbor, and a mix of boutique galleries, restaurants, and cultural tours that immerse you in the town’s past and present.

• Stroll through Beaufort’s National Historic Landmark District where antebellum architecture meets oak-lined streets.
• Explore the local art scene with stops at independently owned galleries and studios dotted throughout downtown.
• Tour by horse-drawn carriage or join a guided walking tour to dive deep into Beaufort’s rich Civil War-era history.
• Dine at waterfront restaurants serving up Lowcountry cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients.

Distance from Charleston:

Plan for a scenic 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. The drive winds through the coastal Lowcountry with plenty of views along the way.

Location:

Cottageville, SC

Highlights:

If you're looking for a fun, educational day trip with kids, Bee City is a total win. It’s hands-on, exciting, and full of animal encounters your whole crew will love.

We Recommend This For:

Families with children, school groups, nature lovers, and anyone curious about honeybees and wildlife.

What we Love:

The live beehive exhibit, interactive field trip packages, and a surprisingly diverse petting zoo that goes beyond the usual farm animals.

• Watch a working beehive up close through a glass viewing wall, and learn about bee biology and their vital role in our ecosystem.
• Join a group field trip (15+ people) to bottle your own honey and craft a beeswax candle or figurine.
• Meet animals at the petting zoo including alpacas, donkeys, monkeys, and ringtail lemurs.
• Enjoy shaded picnic areas and a small café, perfect for taking a break between activities.

Distance from Charleston:

Expect the drive to take about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

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—Bee City is well marked from the main road.

Location:

Bluffton, SC

Highlights:

If you're craving small-town charm with a creative soul, Bluffton is a must-visit. It's got historic beauty, river views, and an artsy vibe that makes wandering feel like a discovery.

We Recommend This For:

Art lovers, history buffs, foodies, architecture enthusiasts, and those seeking a laid-back day trip with a creative flair.

What we Love:

The riverside setting, unique boutiques, and stunning historic gems paired with fresh, local oysters.

• Wander through Bluffton’s charming historic district, where antebellum homes meet art galleries and quirky cafés.
• Visit the Church of the Cross, a stunning architectural treasure with palmetto-inspired details and a peaceful, rose-hued interior.
• Shop at The Promenade, a lively stretch of galleries, shops, and local gems perfect for an afternoon browse.
• Dine at Bluffton Oyster Factory and savor oysters plucked straight from the May River.

Distance 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.

Location:

Edisto Island, SC

Highlights:

If you’ve ever wondered what the Lowcountry looked like centuries ago, Botany Bay will transport you. It’s one of the most peaceful, untouched places you can explore near the coast—and it’s absolutely worth the trip.

We Recommend This For:

Nature lovers, photographers, history buffs, hikers, and anyone looking to unplug in a wild, beautiful setting.

What we Love:

The unspoiled beaches, historic ruins, scenic driving loop, and forested trails that reveal a glimpse of coastal South Carolina’s past.

• Drive the 6.5-mile scenic route through preserved woodlands, past tidal creeks, and toward the coast.
• Explore on foot using marked hiking trails that take you deeper into the forest and toward the beach.
• Discover historic structures like a plantation house, gardener’s shed, and old icehouse, hidden within the preserve.
• Take in views of undeveloped shoreline, where fallen trees line the sand in hauntingly beautiful formations.

Distance from Charleston:

Expect the drive to take about 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.

Location:

Murrells Inlet, SC

Highlights:

If you love art and nature, Brookgreen Gardens is an absolute gem. It's a peaceful blend of sculpture, history, and Lowcountry beauty all in one stunning place.

We Recommend This For:

Garden lovers, art enthusiasts, families, history buffs, and anyone looking for an inspiring day outdoors.

What we Love:

The combination of world-class sculpture, botanical gardens, and rich regional history—plus the serene tours by boat or Trekker.

• Stroll through America’s first public sculpture garden, home to over 2,000 works by more than 420 artists.
• Admire creations by co-founder Anna Hyatt Huntington alongside sculptures by acclaimed American artists.
• Walk the Lowcountry Trail, lined with interpretive signs that tell the story of the site’s plantation past.
• Tour the grounds by pontoon boat or hop aboard a Trekker vehicle for a guided adventure through the landscape.

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:

Location:

Columbia, SC

Highlights:

If you’re in the mood for a dose of creativity and culture, the Columbia Museum of Art is a perfect pick. It’s vibrant, engaging, and offers something fascinating for art lovers of all ages.

We Recommend This For:

Art enthusiasts, families, students, and anyone looking to explore global creativity in an approachable setting.

What we Love:

The wide-ranging collection, rotating exhibits, and interactive spaces that make art fun and accessible for kids and adults alike.

• View masterpieces from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, spanning antiquity through the modern era.
• Explore ever-changing temporary exhibits that highlight emerging artists and bold new perspectives.
• Engage with hands-on displays in the interactive gallery, including magnet walls and animation stations for all ages.
• Keep younger visitors entertained with scavenger hunts, gallery guidebooks, and kid-friendly programming.

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, and look for the museum at 1515 Main St in the heart of downtown.

Location:

Edisto Island, SC

Highlights:

If you're dreaming of a quiet, coastal escape with a slow pace and natural beauty, Edisto Island is pure bliss. It’s peaceful, uncrowded, and perfect for unplugging and soaking in the Lowcountry charm.

We Recommend This For:

Families, nature lovers, beachgoers, anglers, and anyone looking for an uncommercialized retreat by the sea.

What we Love:

The laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, and the chance to really connect with nature—without the tourist crowds.

• Relax on quiet beaches perfect for strolling, shell hunting, and sunset watching.
• Explore scenic hiking and kayaking routes through marshes and maritime forests.
• Fish from the shore or hop aboard a charter boat for deep-sea angling all the way to the Gulf Stream.
• Enjoy local eats, museums, and shops in the island’s small town, where hospitality feels like home.

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 signs for Edisto Beach and enjoy the scenic drive onto the island.

Location:

Elloree, SC

Highlights:

If you love exploring small towns with rich stories and genuine charm, Elloree is a hidden gem. It’s quiet, historic, and full of character—perfect for a low-key day trip with heart.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, antique hunters, art enthusiasts, and anyone craving a peaceful stroll through a picturesque Southern town.

What we Love:

The tree-lined brick sidewalks, restored early 20th-century buildings, and the thoughtfully curated Elloree Heritage Museum & Cultural Center.

• Walk through the historic downtown district, where beautifully preserved storefronts now house art galleries, cafés, and antique shops.
• Visit the Elloree Heritage Museum to dive into the area’s agricultural and cultural past through immersive exhibits.
• Relax by nearby Lake Marion, a peaceful spot for fishing, boating, or simply taking in the view.
• Dine at a local eatery for Southern comfort food served with small-town hospitality.

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, which will bring you into the heart of Elloree.

Family Day Trips from Charleston:

Location:

Harleyville, SC

Highlights:

If you’ve ever wanted to walk through an ancient swamp without getting your feet wet, this is your spot. The Francis Beidler Audubon Forest is wild, peaceful, and full of wonder—perfect for curious minds and nature lovers alike.

We Recommend This For:

Nature enthusiasts, families, birders, photographers, and anyone seeking a unique Lowcountry adventure.

What we Love:

The towering thousand-year-old cypress trees, the serene boardwalk path, and the immersive guided tours that bring the swamp's secrets to life.

• Walk the 1.75-mile elevated boardwalk trail past ancient trees and over still, blackwater swamps teeming with wildlife.
• Learn at the Visitor’s Center, where engaging displays explain the forest’s history, ecology, and importance.
• Join a seasonal guided tour or paddle a canoe through the swamp for a more intimate experience with the ecosystem.
• Engage kids with summer nature programs, scavenger hunts, and hands-on educational activities.

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.

Location:

Georgetown, SC

Highlights:

If you’re driving between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, don’t skip Georgetown—it’s one of South Carolina’s best-kept secrets. With history, charm, and waterfront beauty, it’s the perfect surprise stop that often becomes a favorite.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, architecture lovers, ghost tour fans, and anyone who enjoys strolling through walkable, story-filled towns.

What we Love:

The welcoming historic district, narrated tram and ghost tours, and the preserved Southern elegance that makes the town feel like a step back in time.

• Walk through the charming historic district using a self-guided map or join a guided walking tour to hear insider stories.
• Ride the narrated tram tour offered Monday through Saturday for a relaxed look at Georgetown’s highlights and hidden gems.
• Discover stately plantation homes, waterfront views, and quaint museums throughout the compact downtown.
• Dare to explore Georgetown’s haunted past with a spooky evening ghost tour led by a local guide.

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.