These 15 Amazing Day Trips Will Have You Falling in Love With South Carolina All Over Again

There is so much to see in South Carolina that, sometimes, figuring out where to start can be daunting. 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

You can do the east or west sides of the ACE Basin, a national wildlife refuge in South Carolina. Both start at US17 and 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 South Carolina day trip like this!

2. Take a drive from Walhalla to Whitewater Falls

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 75 miles through mountains, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and gorges. Packing a picnic basket and soaking up the sereneness surrounding you is a wonderful time. This is one of the best day trips you can take to experience the beautiful mountains in this state.

3. Take a day trip from Branchville, SC, to Orangeburg, SC

They are only 20 minutes from each other, and each has 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 at the Depot, which is a restaurant next to the museum. It's 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 Memorial Gardens. It is a beautiful spot to stretch your legs and enjoy fresh air and gorgeous sights.

4. Visit historic Camden, SC

Camden is our state's oldest inland town and a perfect destination for a day trip in SC. It was founded in 1732 by a decree from King George II. If you choose this trip, be sure to visit the Kershaw-Cornwallis House, the Camden Clock Tower, the Robert Mills Courthouse, and Goodale State Park. Over 60 buildings are listed in its National Historic District!

5. Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

This wildlife refuge is over 66,000 acres of avian sanctuary, with two lighthouses and the famous Boneyard Beach! It is home to 277 species of birds and the Loggerhead Turtle. The refuge is only accessible by boat, but you can take the ferry and spend the day there. Visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website for Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge location information.

6. From Awendaw to Biggins Church Ruins

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

Take in the amazing art installations around the city, window shop, and lunch in the Vista neighborhood. You can even go hunting for dinosaurs in the Columbia Museum. Columbia is a fantastic day trip in South Carolina!

8. Lake Moultrie Loop: Pinopolis to Diversion Canal

Take in Lake Moultrie, Bonneau Beach, Pinopolis, Old Santee Canal, General Francis Burial Site, and Diversion Canal along the Lake Moultrie Loop. This adventurous SC day trip will require some hiking, so make sure you're prepared!

9. Visit Georgetown, SC

Georgetown, SC, is nestled between Charleston and Myrtle Beach. However, it is not just a stopover. Georgetown is busting at the seams with history and, in fact, was once among the wealthiest cities in America! Make sure you stroll along the Harborwalk, visit the historic district, and snap a picture of the Champion Oak. What a nice way to spend a day.

10. Putt around Parris Island, SC

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 beautiful scenery and a museum. Make sure you take in the walking trail while breathing in that sweet salt air.

11. Move on the Midlands: Newberry Loop

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 forests. Be sure to take in the Newberry Opera House, downtown Newberry, and the Sumter National Forest.

12. Woods Bay to Cheraw, SC

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 can stop at the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Sugarloaf Mountain, dip your feet into the calm 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

Starting in Charleston at Drayton Hall, this trip will take you 70 miles through the beautiful plantations of Charleston, including Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. This is one of the most scenic and historic day trips in SC.

14. Sassafras Mountain

It is the 29th highest point in the United States, and although that doesn't sound like a lot, we should be very proud in the grand scheme of things! 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 Sassafras Mountain and take a picture. You can either drive to the top or hike to the mountain's summit—the choice is yours!

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

15. Take a jaunt from Jones Gap to Keowee-Toxaway

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. It's definitely a South Carolina 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 will 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 to fill your entire year with memorable adventures.