Have you ever felt like that planned vacation will never come around? That it is months away and all you can think about is hitting the road and seeing something new? Have you found yourself wanting to shed the familiar for something different for a change? If you’re anything like us, you’re likely researching “unique day trips near me” in South Carolina about every other day. The following 14 unforgettable day trips in South Carolina are at your fingertips – and may just be the answer for you! They show off our fun-filled state and there’s a unique destination no matter what type of experience you wish to have.

1. Go smell the roses.
Charles Hanscom
shoutabout
Dotting South Carolina are large glorious gardens, all for your pleasure. Acres upon acres of relaxation await you while the kids can be off feeding the ducks or running and playing hide-and-seek. The garden shown above is the Edisto Memorial Gardens, and you can learn more about it by following the link.
2. Learn about cotton in a whole new way.
Lee Co. Chamber of Commerce
In the quaint town of Bishopville stands the first stop of the 'Carolina Cotton Trail' known as the South Carolina Cotton Museum. It will take you back two centuries and shows you how it was done from the farming to the factory. Learn more about the South Carolina Cotton Museum here.
3. Take a drive down to historic Charleston.
Tripadvisor Management
Charleston holds so much that you could extend your stay for a weekend or longer if possible. However, if not, I say you should definitely check out the Charleston Market with their unique goods from handwoven baskets to homemade clothes and edibles!

4. Take a tour of our capital.
American Art Gallery LLC
South Carolina's State House and grounds is a great way to spend the day. They offer tours of this beautiful blue granite building and the grounds are there for you to meander about. There are hidden treasures everywhere on the grounds and gorgeous statues. Don't forget your camera!
5. Pack a picnic basket and visit a state park.
Laura Pruett
Stateparks.com
South Carolina has 47 state parks for you to choose from and all of them are unique in their own way. They offer everything from archeology to zipline fun.
6. Take a walk on the wild side.
Flickr/Charles Barilleaux
Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia is 170 acres and includes the Botanical Gardens. There is nothing better than feeding giraffes, watching the lions laze in the sun, or the Galapagos tortoises. Learn more about the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden here.

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7. Visit an aquarium!
The Website Factory
A trip to the aquarium is a fun activity for people of all ages. A great South Carolina aquarium to visit is Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach.
8. Take the scenic route.
Amy Brayfield
The Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway will give you nature overload at its finest. Originally used as a route for fur traders and the Cherokee to travel from Tennessee to Charleston, it now is 112-mile vision of delight especially when fall comes to the area. This website has more information about the byway.
9. Go treasure hunting!
Joan Perry
Eric
In out-of-the-way spots all over South Carolina you will find some of the most unique museums ever to be seen. Take a trip to Elloree, SC and visit J's Tea-riffic Teapot Museum (the museum, unfortunately, has closed but the giant blue teapot is still there to see) or jaunt over to Bishopville, SC to see the Button King Museum. Be sure to check ahead of time if they are open, since they aren't always available to visit. Visit this website for more information.
10. Take in some sun.
Fillg
With over 2000 miles of coastline, it is a sure bet that you are going to find a beach that will please you. Take sunscreen, a good book, and a packed lunch for a day in the sun. I'm told that naps are best when you can hear the waves crashing upon the shore!

11. Venture back in history and explore the Revolutionary War sites.
Our Upstate SC
I always say that it is better to learn on your feet than in a classroom.
12. Stand on the green and take a deep breath.
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
South Carolina has a total of 462 golf courses. With that many courses about there is sure to be one near you. Even if you are a beginner or if you have never picked up a club in your life, you will find yourself a world away once you start walking the greens, enjoying the fresh air, and the camaraderie that comes with golfing.
13. Learn to flow.
Wild Water
Have you ever been rafting? How about white water rafting? A trip down Chattooga River can give you that experience. There are multiple ways to take this excursion. Wildwater Rafting is one way, and they have more than just rafting.
14. Find Pedro at South of the Border!
Amy
Any list of unique trips in South Carolina would not be complete without South of the Border. Kick up your heels and pull out your inner child as you enter this South Carolina staple. Chock full of silliness and child wonderment, you are sure to have a day filled with laughter and, really, what more could we ask for?

Let go of that daily grind and let your hair unwind for a day or two. Pack that lunch, pack the car, pack the kids or that special someone (and don’t forget that camera!), and leave your cares behind.

If you’re looking for more enjoyable activities to try throughout the Palmetto State, here is an entire list of bucket-list-worthy adventures in SC.

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More to Explore

Unique Day Trips In South Carolina

Leah | September 25, 2020

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

  • Congaree National Park
  • Pretty Place Chapel near Cleveland
  • Old Town Bluffton

 

Explore more of the Palmetto State by trying out more fun things to do that you won't find in many other places. Talk a stroll through the largest tract of old-growth hardwood forest at the beautiful Congaree National Park. You can walk along boardwalks among the trees and be at total peace in a place that's one-of-a-kind. For a unique spot for peace and reflection, visit the Pretty Place Chapel near Cleveland, South Carolina. It overlooks a beautiful view and there's no other chapel quite like it in the world.

What are the best South Carolina attractions?

Some of the best South Carolina attractions include:

  • Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
  • Fort Sumter National Monument
  • Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

 

South Carolina has many awesome places to visit, some of which are even the most-visited destinations in the country. Charleston is considered a travel must-do by many publications for its history, scenery, beautiful sights, and great restaurants. South Carolina has a special not-so-secret spot that is said to be a "fountain of youth," or healing springs. God's Acre Healing Springs is easy to miss but worth stopping for. The water that flows from this pipe is said to contain healing properties and people will drive for hundreds of miles to fill up their jugs. It's located in Blackville, South Carolina.

What underrated places in South Carolina should I visit?

Take a South Carolina getaway at a place you might not expect. There are many beaches to visit in the state, but there's a special one that can only be reached by ferry. This secluded spot, called Boneyard Beach, is quiet, beautiful, and a great destination if you want to skip the more popular, busy parts of the coast. It is located on a small island known as Bull Island, South Carolina. Some say the most unique hotel in the state is the Mansfield Plantation, a former rice plantation and the oldest in the US. Today, it is a stunning bed & breakfast in Georgetown, South Carolina that will give you an overnight experience like no other.

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Explore South Carolina

Featured Addresses
Edisto Memorial Gardens, 200 Riverside Dr SW, Orangeburg, SC 29115, USA
121 W Cedar Ln, Bishopville, SC 29010, USA
Charleston, SC, USA
Columbia, SC, USA
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210, USA
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, 1110 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, USA
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, 3671 Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
2732 W Cleveland St, Elloree, SC 29047, USA
Bishopville, SC 29010, USA
Wildwater Chattooga: Rafting & Canopy Tours, 1251 Academy Road S-37-14, Long Creek, SC 29658, USA
South of the Border, SC 29547, USA