Take This Hidden Gems Road Trip When You Want To See Some Little-Known Places In South Carolina
Undoubtedly, exploring the Palmetto State on your time off is a great way to put down the screens and discover some cool, hidden gems in South Carolina. From our mountains to the sea, this road trip promises to deliver some new-to-you spots that you’ll want to add to your bucket list. Visit them all for the first time, then head out to see them again. You’ll love these spots for repeated visits. Let’s get started, shall we?
For an interactive experience, we’ve partnered with our friends over at Roadtrippers so you can better plan your trip. Check out the map below!
Our first stop includes some of the most beautiful nature in the state. Named "One of the Last Great Places On Earth" by National Geographic, Lake Jocassee is a mountain oasis filled with crystal clear water and endless views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Undoubtedly, the best spot to gain access to the lake is the fabulous Devils Fork State Park. First, plan on spending the morning basking in the beauty that surrounds you. Then, rent a villa or bring your tent or camper to spend the night and wake up to this pristine paradise.
Learn more about what your first stop might be like at Lake Jocassee.
Devils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676, USA
Next up is this hidden gem located in the upstate. It features 295 acres of plants, flowers, woodlands, and manicured landscapes with plenty of wide open space to wander in wonder. We particularly love this stop because it's free, which means you'll want to come back every chance you can!
A state park is certainly a great reason to stop. But add a resort into the mix and you'll be in heaven. Rather than book an entire week, simply cruise in here for a wonderful picnic as you make your way along the journey. Then, check out the resort amenities for a future weekend getaway with the family. The park has an 18-hole golf course, a swimming pool, cabins, a lodge, and a campground.
Urban Exploration at its finest is what you'll find just off the beaten path in Cayce when you stop here. Besides being pretty, there's also a ton of history. You'll find four massive kilns from the 1800s which remain from a brick making operation that was once located here. Their haunting abandoned beauty is astounding.
Step inside the hidden gardens surrounding the Governor's Mansion to discover outdoor "rooms" that will delight your senses. Although the gardens hide in plain sight, in essence they're hidden simply because most people don't know you can explore them - and for free!
Though this trip is full of fun, your next stop is likely to put even more pep in your step. People have been turning to this Fountain of Youth in South Carolina for ages. With all the healing properties in the water, we're not surprised. Learn all about the spring and how it came to be deeded to God (yes, it was left in a will to God, himself). Find out more about how you can dip into God's Acre Healing Springs, our very own Fountain of Youth! This is certainly something you might find only in South Carolina!
God's Acre Healing Springs, Springs Ct, Blackville, SC 29817, USA
As much as we love the more scenic stops on this road trip of cool places to visit in South Carolina, we think this spot is especially worth visiting. Popping into this adorable honey farm and zoo out in the wilds of South Carolina is just about mandatory. Visitors can first hand feed some of the animals, then sign up for a personal animal encounter and go see how honey is harvested. The kiddos will love this almost as much as you do!
Following your bee experience it's time for a little extra relaxation. Unlike the perception of Hilton Head which includes tourists and lots of activity, visiting this tiny little-known park on Hilton Head is nice and calm. This is certainly a beach only the locals know about. Swim. Sun. Relax.
Finally, after a long day of roadtripping to the most beautiful places in South Carolina, it's time to sit back and reflect. Due to the pace of life here, there's a good chance you'll want to stick around for a while. Camp, swim, hike, and check out the only lighthouse in South Carolina where visitors can climb to the observation deck atop the tower. Hunting Island may not be hidden, but you'd be surprised just how many South Carolinians have yet to visit the state's most popular state park.
Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
While South Carolina has some really great obvious places to explore, many are full of tourists making it hard to enjoy. Another great reason to check out the spots on this list is that you’re bound to find plenty of quiet. Further, you’ll have enough elbow room when you get out of the car. But now we’re particularly interested in how many of these cool places to visit in South Carolina you’ve already seen. Head to the comments and let us know where you’ve been!
The list doesn't end there. There are plenty of things to see here in South Carolina that are nothing short of amazing. Add these to your list and plan some day trips for the next year.
What are the best day trips in South Carolina?
The best day trips in South Carolina lead to all corners of the state and are filled with beauty, history and lots of fun. We love the summit at Table Rock, which is reachable via a moderately challenging hike. If you love enjoying time on the coast, you'll want to check out the hidden beaches road trip which can be done in a day. And, if you have the time to take two days consider a weekend in vibrant and artsy Greenville. For more great day trips in South Carolina, check these out to fall in love with South Carolina all over again.
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Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
