9 Amazing Places You Can Go On One Tank Of Gas In South Carolina
Road trips are a fun way to spend the weekend or even a full day. South Carolina is just the perfect size to make it across the state on the average tank of gas. With no extended sightseeing stops it’s also very possible to make it all the way from the mountains to the sea in just one day, an excursion that ranks among the best road trips in South Carolina.
We’ve put together 9 notable and amazing places you can go on one tank of gas in South Carolina. Are you ready for a road trip? Here’s the link to the Google Map that provides all the navigational information. The trip is just over seven hours. There are roughly 13-14 hours of daylight during this time of year. If you plan wisely, then it’s possible you may be able to get to all of these in one day. Ready? Let’s go!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The trail to the falls is short and easy. You'll find it in the Stumphouse Mountain Park near Walhalla. The hike takes you to the top of the falls, but there is also another trail that will take you to see the whole thing.
The location for Issaqueena Falls is plotted in the Google Maps link above, however if you're using another map app, Issaqueena Falls has no physical address. Here's a long form description of how to get there: Take Interstate 85 Exit 1 to SC 11, then SC 28. From Walhalla, drive west on SC 28 for 6.9 miles. Turn right at the sign for Stumphouse Tunnel Park. The Issaqueena Falls trailhead is in this park.
2. Take the perfect selfie at Table Rock - near Pickens, SC
Not everyone has the time or the skill to hike the 3.5 miles (one-way) to get to the top of Table Rock. Luckily for you, there's just not enough time on this roadtrip to do more than stop at the State Park welcome center to check things out and take a selfie with this giant slab of granite looming over your shoulder.
3. Get inspired at Pretty Place Chapel - Cleveland, SC
The Fred W. Symmes Chapel is one of the most inspirational spots you'll find anywhere. This roadtrip plans to get you there early in the day, but you'll need to call them first to make sure it's not closed for a private function. Here's the number: 864.836.3291x0. If it's closed, you may want to plan your trip for another day. This is one you won't want to miss...
4. Walk across Liberty Bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy - Greenville, SC (take a selfie)
This cable-suspension pedestrian bridge is an engineering masterpiece. At just over a football field in length, the curved bridge offers unobstructed views of the waterfall below.
5. Fill up at a landmark: Whiteford's Giant Burger - Laurens
Stop for lunch at this landmark of a restaurant that's been serving Laurens since way before Kennedy was in the Whitehouse. Have a quick lunch and be on your way to the next stop.
6. Pay homage at the South Carolina State House - Columbia, SC
The next place to see, the South Carolina State House, is worth at least a drive-by. And if you feel inclined to get out for a tour, they're free and offered Monday - Friday. More info.
7. Discover a hidden curiosity at the UFO Welcome Center - Bowman, SC
How many times in your life will you get the opportunity to see a UFO Welcome Center? It's right off Interstate 26 (within a few miles) and worth it for the selfie you'll get. Does it belong wedged between the State House and Old Sheldon Church Ruins? Absolutely...it's very noteworthy.
8. Visit the Old Sheldon Church ruins - Yemassee, SC
You'll find the drive to Old Sheldon Church on Old Sheldon Church Road nearly as inspirational as seeing the ruins. It's covered mostly with a canopy of old oaks and Spanish moss. And the church is spectacular.
9. Dip your toes in the Atlantic at Hunting Island State Park - St Helena Island, SC
South Carolina's most-visited State Park is the final stop on this road trip. Tours are offered for a small fee of $2.00. The last entry into the lighthouse is at 3:45p.m. If you get to the state park after 3:45p.m. the rest of the park is open until 9:00p.m. during daylight saving time. Note: There is an entry fee to get into the state park.
Whether you plan a whole weekend or you think you can make it in one day, these places are among the very best road trips in South Carolina. So what are you waiting for? Share this article with someone you’d like to go with you.
Comments are always welcome below or on Facebook and be sure to let us know what you think are the best road trips in South Carolina.
Can’t get enough of the Palmetto State? We don’t blame you — there’s so much to see and do in this pretty place. The best way to get to know South Carolina is to explore it like a local.
Address: Issaqueena Falls, South Carolina 29691, USA
Address: Table Rock, South Carolina 29671, USA
Address: 100 YMCA Camp Rd, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Address: Falls Park Dr, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
Address: 212 Hillcrest Dr, Laurens, SC 29360, USA
Address: 1100 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Address: 4004 Homestead Rd, Bowman, SC 29018, USA
Address: Old Sheldon Church Rd, Yemassee, SC, USA
Address: Hunting Island State Park Beach, South Carolina, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Road Trips In South Carolina
March 15, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
Are there any food-related road trips in South Carolina?
The Southeastern Coast of the United States is coveted for its beaches and pleasant, balmy weather. Tourists can’t get enough of the area, and South Carolina has become a favored vacation destination for tourists from all around the world. What visitors often do not realize, however, is that the touristy eateries are often just coveted by tourists. Locals have their own preferred dining destinations, and the best way to experience a day in South Carolina is to spend it like a local. You can explore cozy country restaurants on a road trip, or you can embark on the local taco trail. Wherever you go, just remember to bring your appetite!
What are the best day trips in South Carolina?
The Palmetto State is an incredible destination for a long, relaxing vacation or a super speedy day trip (although you need at least a weekend trip if you’re an out-of-towner looking to get a taste of local culture). If you’re a local hoping to take a staycation, you will find that there is much to do… particularly if you are a fan of the great outdoors. You can take a nature-themed road trip, or you can effortlessly spend a day at the beach. You can embark upon a lighthouse road trip down the coast, or you can explore the spookiest places with infamous histories. There’s much to see and oodles of things to do in South Carolina!
What are the most popular attractions in South Carolina?
After you’ve explored some of the best one tank trips in South Carolina, you just might find yourself wondering what more there is to do. Many people come to our state for our beaches, but there’s so much more to the local landscape than just beaches. If you want to explore the area like a local, simply ask us for a few suggestions. We’re a friendly bunch, and we’re happy to point you in the direction of the best local attractions!
Robin Jarvis is a travel and entertainment 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 spent more than two decades living on the coast in South Carolina and currently lives in the mountains of North Carolina - although she still makes it back to see family in South Carolina quite often. When she's not working, she loves to hike, kayak, and check out new adventures. Get in touch at [email protected]
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