Campbell's Covered Bridge, the only remaining bridge of its type in the state of South Carolina.

11 Most Scenic Road Trips to Take in South Carolina

South Carolina is a US state located on the southeast coast of the country and is shaped like an inverted triangle. The state is bordered by North Carolina to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the East, and Georgia to the southwest. It is affectionately referred to by the nickname The Palmetto State, because of the many palmetto trees, which are the official state tree. Travelers planning a visit to South Carolina are likely to find themselves flying into Charleston, but beyond this historic city, there is much to explore. See more of the Palmetto State by embarking on an epic road trip with these most scenic route options to choose from!

Ideal Destinations For A 3-Day Weekend In South CarolinaMoreover, housing over five million people, the state is known for its southern hospitality and vibrant culture, which is sure to make any trip here wonderful.

Charleston To Hilton Head Island

Aerial drone view over the bridge on the cross island parkway with marshland below — Bridge on the cross island parkway with marshland below on Hilton Head Island. Image credit Helioscribe via Shutterstock

The route from Charleston to Hilton Head Island is approximately 98 miles and is a beautiful road trip option with coastal views and photo-worthy scenery. Travelers can stop along the way to enjoy peaceful beaches in Hunting Island State Park or spread out a blanket for a picnic at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Before arriving at Hilton Head Island, you might want to book a night in Beaufort, South Carolina, which is a hidden gem of the Lowcountry.

North Myrtle Beach To Georgetown

Front Street with shops and the old clock tower Georgetown, South Carolina. Image credit Andrew F. Kazmierski via Shutterstock.com

The drive from North Myrtle Beach to Georgetown, South Carolina, is approximately 58 miles and offers scenic coastal views along US-17. This beautiful road trip option starts with relaxation and tranquility in the vacation town of North Myrtle Beach and ends in the state’s third-oldest city, founded in 1729. The drive is never dull, with many seafood restaurants and beaches to stop at in Garden City, Litchfield by the Sea, and Pawley's Island. Plan to spend an evening in Myrtle Beach proper to enjoy the restaurants on the boardwalk and promenade, such as Banditos Cantina or Art Burger Sushi Bar.

The Edisto Island National Scenic Byway

Oak trees along the dirt road to Botany Bay Plantation on Edisto Island, South Carolina.

The Edisto Island National Scenic Byway is a 17-mile, two-lane road that makes for a lovely afternoon drive through the Palmetto State. The byway runs through the southernmost portion of SC 174, providing scenic views of the Lowcountry. More than 50% of Edisto Island’s land area is protected, making it a haven for endangered species and plant life. Attractions along the way include several churches, the Dawhoo River Bridge (McKinley Washington Jr. Bridge), and the Edisto Mystery Tree.

Kings Mountain National Military Park To Fair Play

Blacksburg, South Carolina, Kings Mountain National Military Park entrance. National Park Service sign. Park commemorates Battle of Kings Mountain, a pivotal battle in the Revolutionary War — Blacksburg, South Carolina, Kings Mountain National Military Park entrance. Image credit EWY Media via Shutterstock

The Kings Mountain National Military Park in South Carolina marks an important site, the Battle of Kings Mountain, during the Revolutionary War in 1780. It’s located near Blacksburg, South Carolina, and is the starting point for a lovely road trip through the Palmetto State ending in Fair Play. The route is around 110 miles and passes through charming towns like Spartanburg, Valley Falls, and Greenville.

Oscar Wigington Scenic Byway

Overlooking Lake Thurmond, Sumter National Forest, South Carolina — Lake Thurmond, Sumter National Forest, South Carolina.

If you’re in South Carolina, the Oscar Wigington Scenic Byway is worth adding to your itinerary. This rewarding road trip is around 15 miles long and follows a winding, two-lane road through upstate South Carolina. You’ll drive along SC 107 through Sumter National Forest, with opportunities to stop at hiking trails, campsites, and waterfalls along the way. Walhalla Fish Hatchery, Moody Spring, and the Chattooga River are some of the most beautiful water attractions en route.

Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway

Caesar's Head Mountain Road with fall colors — Caesar's Head Mountain Road.

The Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway through South Carolina travels through the northwestern part of the state. The Blue Ridge Mountains are a highlight of the route, visible from the byway along with crystal-clear lakes and waterfalls. Along the byway, there are access points to more than 120 waterfalls and 150,000 acres of public land. This is a perfect road trip for outdoor enthusiasts who want to see the natural beauty of South Carolina. Points of interest to stop at include Caesar's Head State Park and Campbell's Covered Bridge.

Ashley River Road

Lane of spring blooming azalea bushes under arched live oak trees draped with hanging Spanish moss at Magnolia Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina. — Magnolia Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina.

The Ashley River Road is a worthwhile road trip for anyone visiting South Carolina. It is an 11-mile stretch of road on South Carolina Highway 61, which runs parallel to the Ashley River. The drive is scenic and has several points of interest to make stops at along the way. You will get to see the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Fort Bull Confederate Earthworks, Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, and Middleton Place as part of this South Carolina road trip. Dramatic, old trees arching over the roadway add to the beauty.

Savannah River Scenic Byway

Clarks Hill Strom Thurmond Dam looking down river.

Another must-drive route on the list of scenic byways in South Carolina is the Savannah River Scenic Byway. The byway is 110 miles long, running from south of Clarks Hill, north on South Carolina Highway 81. The landscape isn’t the only scenic part of this road trip; there are many beautiful towns to pass through along the way as well, including Clarks Hill, Modoc, Parksville, McCormick, and Willington. For natural beauty, stop at Hickory Knobb State Park and Lake Strom Thurmond Reservoir along the drive. On the Highway 28 Bypass, you’ll also want to grab a freshly baked pastry at the Swartzentruber's Bakery.

Sheldon To Little River (Via US-17)

Overlooking Old Sheldon Church ruins, South Carolina — Old Sheldon Church ruins, South Carolina.

There are many routes for driving from Sheldon to Little River, South Carolina, but the most scenic option takes you right along the Atlantic Coast. The drive via US-17 is approximately 185 miles and can be completed in close to 3.5 hours when driving straight through. However, you’ll want to break up the drive over a few days to provide enough time to stop and enjoy attractions along the way. Spend a night in Myrtle Beach, a few days in Georgetown, and even stop in Charleston.

Florence to Hardeeville

Aerial views from over Interstate 95 at Lake Marion in Santee, South Carolina — Interstate 95 at Lake Marion, South Carolina.

The drive from Florence to Hardeeville is one of the best road trips in South Carolina, taking you 162 miles via I-95. The route crosses Lake Marion, but that’s not the only beautiful scenery to witness on this cross-state drive. Attractions to see along the way to Hardeeville, which is near the border with Georgia, include Santee State Park and the Edisto Memorial Gardens in Orangeburg.

Journey To The Blue Ridge Mountains (Greenville To Asheville)

Drone Aerial of the Downtown Greenville, South Carolina SC Skyline — Downtown Greenville, South Carolina.

Go beyond the scenery of South Carolina by starting in the Northwest part of the state and venturing into neighboring North Carolina. The charming city of Asheville, North Carolina, is the final destination on this route, which spans approximately 62 miles via US-25 and I-26. Although you can drive the route in just over an hour with no stops, it is worth dedicating an entire day to the adventure to see some of the major attractions along the way. Sites to see include the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, the North Carolina Arboretum, and the Biltmore Inn.

Most Scenic Road Trips To Take In The Mid-SouthA scenic drive through the Mid-South offers everything from maritime living to island life, caves, and natural enclaves.

South Carolina is a gorgeous state with many different landscapes, from the Lowcountry to the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Foothills, to explore. Road-tripping through South Carolina towards Georgia or North Carolina is a fun experience with many natural wonders and historic sites, no matter the route.

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Robynne Trueman September 11 2023 in Places