7 Great Road Trips To Take In South Carolina

A road tripper will have an electrifying mix of feelings and experiences while exploring the Palmetto State. There is the diagonally positioned I-26 that features awe-inspiring Upcountry mountain views and Lowcountry Colonial architecture. Charleston, for instance, is often ranked the most beautiful city in the United States. You can have a taste of the Cherokee Scenic Byway that follows the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwestern part of South Carolina. Here, you will be welcomed into a world of scenic mountain vistas and crystal-clear lakes. There is Hilton Head, Edisto Island, and stolen views of Lake Hartwell, depending on which route you choose. Ready to hit the road? Discover below seven great road trips to take in South Carolina.

Charleston To Myrtle Beach

Charleston is the most beautiful city in America. One can explore it via a carriage ride or a historic guided tour, provided a plate of shrimp and grits at the iconic Fleet Landing Restaurant is part of the adventure. From the city, several attractions line the route, including Santee Coastal Reserve, a quiet, beautiful place with massive live oaks. From there, the next stop is Huntington Beach State Park, with its sprawling, Moorish-style mansion, which will demand at least an hour. Next up is the Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk, a tasty waterfront boardwalk lined with lively eateries. Myrtle Beach is an established vacation destination with many captivating attractions. One of these is Ripley's Believe It or Not!, a one-of-a-kind museum whose kitschy oddities are unlike anything you have ever come across.

Greenville To Fair Play Via West Union

Set against the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville — or G Vegas — anchors South Carolina’s Upstate region. Start at Pita House, a cash-only establishment that otherwise serves the best Mediterranean food you will ever taste. Just a short drive out of Greenville, you will find the heavily wooded Nalley Brown Nature Park, a lovely spot to stretch and enjoy some quiet time. You continue on U.S. Route 123 through Clemson ( stop by the South Carolina Botanical Garden) before branching on Highway 28S to West Union. From West Union to Fair Play, you will enjoy one of the most beautiful drives in the entire state: the Cherokee Scenic Byway. Fall is particularly a beautiful time for this trip because of the heartwarming color show. Crown your adventure with tender and moist briskets at the Spotted Pig BBQ at Fair Play.

Charleston To Hilton Head Island

Charlestown is routinely ranked among the most beautiful cities in America. The Holy City is known for its pastel-colored houses, moss-draped oaks, and stunning architecture. Hilton Head, on the other hand, steals the show with its natural beauty, white-sand beaches, and world-class golf courses. The whole trip is about 100 miles and slightly over two hours. From the endless attractions in Charleston, including the Magnolia Gardens, you will want to hit Shem Creek Park for a delicious meal amid heartwarming Charleston Harbor views, Beaufort's Historic District, and Hunting Island State Park. The historic Hunting Island Lighthouse, whose history predates the Civil War, has a tower that provides jaw-dropping views of the ocean and the infinite horizon. Not to be overlooked is another criminally underappreciated gem: The Coastal Discovery Museum.

Charleston To Congaree National Park

The road trip from Charleston to Congaree National Park is slightly over 100 miles. You can explore Charleston’s stunning waterfront, and spend some time at the tranquil White Point Garden, hitting the road for what will turn out to be two hours of surprises. Audubon's Beidler Forest Sanctuary is up the road in Harleyville. It features a well-maintained boardwalk, lots of wildlife, and a peaceful, beautiful pond. There is McCord's Ferry in St Mathews, an awesome Revolutionary War history site that will transport you back to the 1700s. Other attractions include the Fork Swamp Trailhead, Bates Ferry Trailhead, and Longleaf Campground. Do not miss the Bannister Bridge Canoe Access, a fantastic paddle area along the western edge of Congaree National Park.

Columbia To Aiken

Columbia is South Carolina’s capital city. It is also historic and hosts several cultural attractions, including the immersive Columbia Museum of Art, which houses a thoughtfully curated collection of Renaissance masterpieces, modern works, and engaging rotating exhibits. There is the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, where you can put up a hammock and relax by the river. Four Oaks Farm in Lexington, with its massive candy collection, should be a required stop, especially if tagging young ones along. On reaching Aiken, the center of South Carolina's "Thoroughbred Country," pass by the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, especially if you want to glimpse into the area's equestrian culture and heritage.

Florence To Hardeeville

The section of Interstate 95 between Florence to Hardeesville is dotted with several off-the-beaten-path cities and attractions. The whole trip takes 162 miles. You can start at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, where you will lock eyes with alligators amid beautiful views and an enchantingly tranquil ambiance. There is Santee State Park in Santee, one of the most popular fishing destinations in South Carolina. The state park sits on the banks of Lake Marion, South Carolina’s largest lake. There is a marker recognizing the spot where an atomic bomb was accidentally dropped in Florence — and the surprisingly immersive Florence County Museum — a nice place to appreciate art and learn fascinating stories about Florence County.

Greenville To The Cliffs Valley - Golf Course & Clubhouse

If there is a way to enjoy some of the best views in South Carolina while breathing the air of North Carolina, it will have to be an adventure that takes you to the Blue Ridge Mountains, so named for the blue haze that wraps the mountains. Highlights include The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, Conestee Nature Preserve, a cool space to hear the sound of chirping birds as you stroll along a beautiful boardwalk and inhale delicious views on every side. The next stop should be Trailblazer Park in Travelers Rest, a fun, lively space to relax and people-watch. If you can, a detour to the Paris Mountain State Park will be advisable. Otherwise, the Cliffs Valley - Golf Course & Clubhouse is a beautiful place to enjoy a round of golf or just drive through.

The Takeaway

A road trip in South Carolina can feature the peaceful, pastoral landscapes in the Upcountry, an area that is also known for its beautiful mountain views and crystal-clear lakes. It can also introduce one to the nautical charm of the Lowcountry, complete with its white-sand beaches and delicious waterfront views. Whichever route you take, your view of the Palmetto State may never be the same again.