Searching for fun road trip ideas in SC? You’re in the right place! This list provides a wide range of pathways that will take you to the best examples South Carolina has to offer. South Carolina might not be a first choice for many when you think about where to visit in the South, but it offers plenty of things to see.
Given the size of the state, most of these can be accomplished in a day! It also helps in planning a short vacation to get you some day trips out there. Some of these itineraries is going to help you cover destinations that could appeal for your requirements already, helping you save precious period here.
Here are some exciting South Carolina road trips you absolutely cannot miss.
11 Incredible South Carolina Road Trips You Can’t Miss
1. Charleston to Savannah
Highlights:
- Walk along the Battery
- Enjoy a night of Jazz
- Explore Historic Savannah
It takes about two hours to drive from Charleston in South Carolina to Savannah in Georgia. And with the short drive, you will have plenty of time to explore both Charleston and Savannah.
Enjoy a slow walk along the famous Battery to tour local shops in Charleston. If time allows, a Prohibition-era Jazz night at one of the city’s historic bars. Then, head south to Savannah.
While in Savannah, settle into historic sites like Forsyth Park and Bonaventure Cemetery. It is indeed one of the best weekend getaways South Carolina offers!
2. South Carolina’s Premier Beach Destinations
Highlights:
- Myrtle Beach
- Folly Beach
- Hilton Head Island
Myrtle Beach Discover the best-priced beach adventures in South Carolina starting at Myrtle Beach. With its many tourist attractions, the lively boardwalk and scenic coastline of Myrtle Beach have a number of activities you can indulge in. Don’t forget to discover few things that are very interesting and entertaining, while you’re there!
Begin your ride by the beach at Myrtle Beach Then it’s time to head south to Folly Beach, which has been named one of the most charming beach towns in South Carolina.
Some of the same things you can find at Folly Beach include a wide shoreline, an extensive pier, historic lighthouses and many unique shops and restaurants. if your schedule tolerates, spare an additional day or two to appreciate the region more fully from a lovely Airbnb. Hilton Head Island is a buzzworthy South Carolina beach Research concludes with island. There are more beautiful beaches, lots of interesting museums and plenty do to.
3. Cherokee Foothills Byway Adventure
Highlights:
- Walhalla
- Sassafras Mountain
- Campbells Covered Bridge
- Strawberry Hill USA
Drive the very scenic Cherokee Foothills Byway through South Carolina to visit some unique and neat stops along the way. As a quaint town in its own right, Walhalla is where the adventure begins. Then it heads to Sassafras Mountain with a lot of state parks and overlooks along the way.
Moving along to the middle, between Sassafras Mountain stop and finish up at Campbells Covered Bridge. Photo ops abound on this striking red bridge surrounded by South Carolinian woodland. Continue on the road half of a mile to Strawberry Hill USA, one for Florida’s most visited agricultural farm with huge orchards. You can get fresh fruit locally grown and made into smoothies.
4. Charming Small Towns in South Carolina
Highlights:
- Clemson
- Cheraw
- Walterboro
- McClellanville
Hints for a fantastic South Carolina small towns road trip. Start in Clemson, home of the Tigers of Clemson University. The college town includes a mix of academic feel, botanical garden and small-town charm.
Next up is the short drive to Cheraw, often referred to as “the prettiest little town in Dixie” and best known for being home of jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie.
Continue down to Walterboro, an old enclave for wealthy plantation owners in search of escape from the heat. Today the stretch is home to historic buildings and a string of antique shops.
Your final stretch will be to McClellanville, the other smallest town on this east coast venture. And its historic district provides plentiful opportunities for strolling and discovery.
5. Coastal South Carolina Exploration
Highlights:
- Brookgreen Gardens
- Rice Museum
- Boone Hall Plantation
- Fort Moultrie
Head down to South Carolina into the lowcountry starting at Brookgreen Gardens near Murrells Inlet. This site features an expansive garden spread across four former rice plantations.
The Rice Museum, Georgetown – Head further south to visit the first site in history of man gnawing on a peanut — or something. This is where you finds the history of rice cultivation in this region.
Then Booone Hall Plantation. This historical site provides a glimpse into the lives of African Americans during Antebellum and Gullah times. For those looking to learn more about the history of blacks enslaved in the South, it is a worthwhile tour.
End your journey at Fort Moultrie and learn about the history of South Carolina during the Revolutionary War.
6. Haunted South Carolina Tour
Highlights:
- Graniteville Cemetery
- The Tomb of Julia Legare
- Jacksonboro Light
- Battery Carriage House
Your spooky South Carolina guide starts at Graniteville Cemetery, the state’s most haunted resting place. It’s a cool place to hang out and watch for some spectral figures on the prowl.
Now, head east to Edisto Island and the Tomb of Julia Legare. As legend has it, Julia Legare was accidentally entombed while still alive at this very spot — and her bygone spirit continues to linger due to the same.
Just south of Walterboro near Jacksonboro when RR tracks crossed the road. The locals have told stories of a single lantern light drifting up and down the tracks at night, appearing out of thin air.
Battery Carriage House Stay the night in one of their rooms and see if you get any mysterious touches or sounds.
7. South Carolina’s Top Waterfalls Tour
Highlights:
- Wildcat Wayside Falls
- Twin Falls
- Issaqueena Falls
- Reedy Falls
Take a road trip through beautiful South Carolina to visit the best waterfalls in the state of sand and sea. Start with Wildcat Wayside Falls, a 30-foot waterfall that can be seen from the road. Take a break from cruising to stroll along the creek and grab an up-close view before you race back to Twin Falls. One of the best waterfalls in Idaho, Twin Falls are well worth a visit and frequently considered as one of the top-ranked falls.
Then take a little walk to the breathtaking Issaqueena Falls. This 200-foot waterfall is a site to behold and should not be missed. Finally, end your trip at Reedy Falls, booming A twenty-five foot downtown Greenville Waterfall. At the end, this waterfall gives you a sweet urban fall.
8. Low Country Road Trip
Highlights:
- Pawleys Island Pier
- Francis Marion National Forest
- Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area
- Bluffton
The Lowcountry in South Carolina is dotted with coast and natural attractions that are equal parts fascinating and one of a kind. You can start at Pawleys Island Pier, a substantial fishing pier where you could relax and enjoy the ocean views. Take pleasure in the brilliance of guests fishing and crabbing just a couple foot away:
After that, you move around to the Francis Marion National Forest. With it covering so much ground, there is room to hike mountain bike or ride horses and allows those who own the land an excellent spot for their dirt bikes.
Keep driving to the Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area — there are multiple native ecosystems on site, and plenty of wildlife to keep an eye out for. End your vacation in quaint Bluffton, where you can peruse the historic district and experience its lively nature. This journey offers a tapestry sure to fill your Lowcountry travel bucket.
9. Oscar Wingington Scenic Byway
Highlights:
- Nantahala National Forest
- Bad Creek Overlook
- Foothills Trail
The Oscar Wingington Scenic Byway provides an excellent path through South Carolina’s beautiful countryside. Begin your adventure by visiting Nantahala National Forest – you can head for a hike, or simply spend some time having a picnic before heading further here.
Do not fail to stop at the Bad Creek Overlook on your drive. This overlook offers a great look at the water of Bad Creek as it flows through this harsh setting. This is a great road with scenic overlooks and plenty of hikes right off the side. A challenging 4.3 miles, or Foothills Trail to Oconee State Park for a prolonged journey full of enriched experience This trail can be the perfect end to your scenic adventure.
10. Revolutionary War Road Trip
Highlights:
- Drayton Hall
- Columbia
- Battle of Musgrove’s Mill State Historic Site
- King’s Mountain National Military Park
South Carolina is a huge part of Revolutionary War history and has many historical sites to explore. Follow this road trip to hit some of the stops along the way. Start at Charleston’s Drayton Hall, the last remaining plantation of its kind in existence and an icon of South Carolina architecture.
Travel on to Columbia for museums taking you through the state’s storied past from pre-Colonial times forward to the Revolutionary War. Spend a day exploring the city and then make plans to visit Battle of Musgrove’s Mill State Historic Site. At this stop, you will get to hear about one of the most important battles during war as well have an option to see visitor center and go for battlefield tour at viewpoint.
End your trip at King’s Mountain National Military Park. You can visit this site and explore the vast museum, view a reenactment film or hike to different battlefield loop in order learn more about what took place.
11. Hidden Gems of South Carolina
Highlights:
- Devil’s Kitchen at Caesars Head State Park
- Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden
- Old Sheldon Church Ruins
- Old Slave Mart
Here is a fantastic travel itinerary for some of South Carolina’s hidden gems. Start with the absolutely ordinary and weirdly named Devil’s Kitchen at Caesars Head State Park, a rock formation by any other name.
Drive over to Bishopville and visit the Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden. Local topiary artist Mary Watts has designed and executed multiple whimsical displays throughout this small-town garden, surrounded by an overarching canopy of oak trees.
Then it is off to the Old Sheldon Church Ruins. Even though it has burned to the ground several times, the ruins of this grand church present a peaceful place to contemplate and explore its immaculate domain.
Finish your journey in Charleston at the Old Slave Mart. This is a notable site standing as the only remaining building of its kind and offering an insightful view into Charleston’s days when it was one of, if not the most notorious slave trading port.
Conclusion
South Carolina is full of unique experiences big and small; scenic byways, historical sites as well secret places tucked away in quiet little towns. These quests will reveal the heart of South Carolina, create memories and appreciation for its diverse topography as you set out.
