There is so much to see in South Carolina that sometimes it can be a daunting task to figure out where to start. From the beautiful mountains in the north to the marshlands and beaches in the south, there is so much to cover and if you don’t know what you are looking for you could definitely miss something worth seeing. You can pick and choose what you would like to see from these day trips in South Carolina. With so many choices, I’m sure you will find one or two that will make you want to get in your car.

1. Cruisin' the ACE Basin Day Trip
Henry de Saussure Copeland/Flickr
Henry de Saussure Copeland/Flickr
hoan luong/Flickr
You can do the east side or the west side. Both start at US17. Both will take you over, around, and through the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers. The beautiful scenery will take your breath away from the miles of marshland to the native wildlife. Summer only gets better with a trip like this!

Learn more about the ACE Basin.
2. Walhalla to Whitewater Falls
David Ellis/Flickr
Glenn Marsch/Flickr
Is there anyone who doesn't love the mountains? I didn't think so and the best thing about the mountains of South Carolina is that they are never too far away. You start in Walhalla, SC and work your way to Whitewater Falls. This day trip will take you 75 miles through mountains, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and gorges. It is a wonderful time to pack a picnic basket and soak up the sereneness that surrounds you. This is one of the best day trips you can take to experience the beautiful mountains in this state.
3. Branchville, SC to Orangeburg, SC
Gene Bowker/Flickr
Gene Bowker/Flickr
They are only a 20 minutes from each other and each have a wealth of sights to see. Branchville is the oldest railroad junction in the world and if you visit on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday you can have dinner at The Eatery which is a restaurant next to the museum. A great way to start the trip. From Branchville you head to Orangeburg and spend the day touring the historic downtown and don't forget about Edisto Gardens. A very beautiful spot to stretch your legs and take in fresh air as well as the gorgeous sights.
4. Visit historic Camden, SC
Pat Henson/Flickr
mystuart/Flickr
Photos of Lancaster, SC and surrounding areas/Flickr
Camden is our state's oldest inland town. It was founded in 1732 and established by a decree from King George II. If you choose this trip be sure to take in the Kershaw-Cornwallis House, the Camden Clock Tower, the Robert Mills Courthouse, and the Goodale State Park. There are over 60 buildings listed on its National Historic District!

Learn more about Camden.
5. Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region/Flickr
Larry Myhre/Flickr
Henry de Saussure Copeland/Flickr
This wildlife refuge is over 66,000 acres of avian sanctuary, 2 lighthouses, and the famous Boneyard Beach! There are 277 species of bird and it is home to the Loggerhead Turtle. It is only accessible by boat, but you can take the ferry across and spend the day.

Learn more about the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.
6. From Awendaw to Biggins Church Ruins
Matt Drobnik/Flickr
Fred D. Nichols/Wikipedia
Dave Huth/Flickr
Start in Awendaw, SC and visit the Center for Birds of Prey. You can drive from there on this 48 mile trip to Biggins Church Ruins. There are so many things to see along the way. There are historic sites, lazy rivers, and so much more.
7. Spend the day in our Capital
David/Flickr
Yeonsang/Flickr
geraldbrazell/Flickr
Take in the amazing art installations around the city, window shop and take in lunch in the Vista neighborhood, and go hunting for dinosaurs in the Columbia Museum!

Learn more about Columbia here.
8. Lake Moultrie Loop: Pinopolis to Diversion Canal
jalexartis/Flickr
Jess Birch/Flickr
Take in Lake Moultrie, Bonneau Beach, Pinopolis, Old Santee Canal, General Francis Burial Site, and Diversion Canal.

Learn more about the Lake Moultrie Loop.

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9. Visit Georgetown, SC
Simon/Flickr
Linda DiDomizio/Flickr
Linda DiDomizio/Flickr
Linda DiDomizio/Flickr
Nestled between Charleston and Myrtle Beach is Georgetown, SC. However, it is not just a stop over. Georgetown is busting at the seams with history and, in fact, was once among the richest cities in America! Make sure you stroll along the Harborwalk, visit the historic district, and don't forget to snap a picture of the Champion Oak. What a nice way to spend a day.

Learn more about Georgetown here.
10. Putt around Parris Island, SC
denseatoms/Flickr
Tricia/Flickr
evilgurl/Flickr
tiffany renee/Flickr
The history begins here in 1562 with the French, moves on to the Spanish, and ends with the Marines! Parris Island is more than just a place where Marines train. It is an island with considerable history and beauty. There are monuments to take in as well as the beautiful scenery and a museum. Make sure you take in the walking trail while breathing in that sweet salt air.

Learn more about Parris Island.
11. Move on the Midlands: Newberry Loop
Pete Zarria/Flickr
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Lance Couzens/Flickr
This loop will take you 110 miles from beginning to end. You will see the charm of the South in quaint towns, beautiful old churches, rivers, and forest. Be sure to take in the Newberry Opera House, downtown Newberry, and the Sumter National Forest.
12. Woods Bay to Cheraw, SC
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Jennifer Arrow/Flickr
Mike Beauregard/Flickr
This is one of the South Carolina day trips that will take a little longer time-wise. It will take you around 115 miles from point to point. You will see beautiful fields of peaches and cotton blooming gloriously in riotous color. You will can stop at the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Sugarloaf Mountain, dip your feet into the cool waters of Lynches River, or cross over the river on the swinging bridge at Lynches River County Park. Spring through early autumn is the best time for this trip so you see nature at its finest!
13. Charleston to Francis Beidler Forest
Angi English/Flickr
Rob Bole/Flickr
M Fletcher/Flickr
Starting in Charleston at Drayton Hall this trip will take you 70 miles through the beautiful plantations of Charleston including Magnolia Plantation.
14. Sassafras Mountain
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
It is the 29th highest point in the United States and although that doesn't sound like a lot, in the grand scheme of things we should be very proud! The top is not well marked and hard to find, but it is definitely there. It would be great to stand at the exact mark on the mountain and take a picture.

Take a peek at the breathtaking views you're going to see from Sassafras Mountain:



Learn more about Sassafras Mountain.
15. Take a jaunt from Jones Gap to Keowee-Toxaway
Josh Tremper/Flickr
Day Trips in South Carolina
Jeff Walters/Flickr
David Ellis/Flickr
An 80 mile trip that will take you up and down the Blue Ridge Escarpment that the Cherokee called the "Blue Wall". The trip includes a hike with some of the most spectacular views you have ever seen including waterfalls! Definitely a day trip that is going on my list!

And to think that this is only a handful of the day trips in South Carolina that you could take! You know what I’m going to do? I’m going to start at the beginning and work my way to the end! What about you?

For more fun day trip ideas, check out this 12-Month South Carolina Day Trip list that will fill your entire year with memorable adventures.

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More to Explore

Best Day Trips In South Carolina

Leah | July 17, 2020

What are the most unique things to do in South Carolina?

There are so many things to do in South Carolina that it's truly hard to list them all. If you're looking for something to experience in the state that you won't be able to anywhere else, try some of these unique activities. For example, there is only one tea plantation in the United States, and that's the Charleston Tea Plantation. You can visit it and tour the farm and tea factory. The Congaree National Park, located in Hopkins, has the largest tract of old-growth hardwood forest in the entire state. There are boardwalk trails winding through the trees that'll allow you to explore it in the most beautiful way.

What are the best road trips through South Carolina?

With an immense amount of places to visit in South Carolina, one of the best ways to check a lot of them off your list it through road trips. Luckily, there are quite a few fun ways to travel around the Palmetto State and enjoy some of its best sights. To keep the trip short, try this South Carolina road trip that'll take you to 9 amazing places all on just one tank of gas. You can explore the state's beautiful lighthouses on this South Carolina Lighthouse Road Trip. And if you're feeling brave and up for some spooky encounters, take this South Carolina Haunted Road Trip - if you dare.

What are the coolest attractions in South Carolina?

Experience the best attractions in South Carolina by visiting any one of these places. Lake Jocassee is by far one of the most fun places for summer fun. It has refreshing, blue waters, beautiful scenery, and plenty of ways to enjoy it all. The city of Greenville could be considered a cool attraction all on its own, with plenty of interesting places to visit, great restaurants, and, of course, the beautiful Liberty Bridge over the falls on Reedy River.

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Featured Addresses
Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina, USA
Walhalla, SC, USA
Whitewater Falls Rd, Salem, SC, USA
Branchville, SC 29432, USA
Orangeburg, SC, USA
Camden, SC 29020, USA
Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina, USA
Awendaw, SC 29429, USA
Biggin Church, Moncks Corner, SC, USA
Columbia, SC, USA
Lake Moultrie, South Carolina, USA
Georgetown, SC 29440, USA
Parris Island, SC 29902, USA
Newberry, SC 29108, USA
Cheraw, SC 29520, USA
Charleston, SC, USA
Audubon's Beidler Forest Sanctuary, 336 Sanctuary Rd #3324, Harleyville, SC 29448, USA
Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina 29635, USA
Jones Gap, South Carolina 29635, USA
Keowee Toxaway State Park, 108 Residence Dr, Sunset, SC 29685, USA