Last updated on August 1, 2024 by Krysti
Interested in exploring beyond Charleston? You’re in luck! Because I’ve got you covered with the ultimate list of the best day trips from Charleston, SC!
Bursting with history, charm, and a vibrant cultural scene, Charleston is a fantastic destination in its own right.
However, if you’re here for an extended stay — or if you’re a local looking for new experiences — you might find yourself seeking adventure outside of the city.
And luckily for you, Charleston is surrounded by a treasure trove of remarkable destinations.
I spent three years living just outside of the city and had the opportunity to explore much of the Lowcountry.
During that time, I was continuously impressed by all of the unique and stunning hidden gems that I encountered.
From idyllic beach escapes to scenic coastal towns, charming small cities, and historical getaways, there truly is something for everyone – just a short drive away.
That being said, let’s hit the road and discover the best day trips from Charleston, South Carolina!
How to Get Around Charleston & Beyond
The best and easiest way to explore Charleston and the surrounding area is by car.
While public transportation is available in the downtown area, it’s difficult to get around anywhere else without your own means of transportation.
You could try and utilize taxis or ride-sharing services, however, this adds up really quickly and can get quite expensive.
As such, your best bet is to rent a car upon your arrival – or drive to Charleston and bring one with you.
Most car rental companies can be found at the Charleston International Airport. Although, there are also a few located in the downtown area as well.
Map of Day Trips From Charleston, SC
To help you plan out your Charleston day trips, here’s a map overview of all the destinations mentioned in this guide.
If you’d like to view an interactive version of this map, click here!
11 Day Trips From Charleston, SC
Without further ado, let’s get right to it and discuss the best day trips from Charleston, SC! All the destinations mentioned in this guide are two hours away or less, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore them!
Mount Pleasant
The boardwalk at Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant.
Distance: 6 Miles
Location: South Carolina
Honestly, no Charleston itinerary is complete without a visit to Mount Pleasant.
Situated just across the Cooper River, the town of Mount Pleasant is one of the most popular and easiest day trips from Charleston, SC.
Here, you’ll find a variety of fun-filled attractions, local restaurants, cozy bars, cute cafes, and exciting outdoor activities to keep you busy.
On top of that, the city is known for its small-town charm and scenic coastal views.
Given its close proximity to Charleston, you can easily spend an entire day here – or even just half a day, if you’re short on time.
Best Things to Do in Mount Pleasant
- Visit Boone Hall Plantation: Founded in 1681, Boone Hall is a former slave plantation that hosts a variety of educational tours and exhibits. Some of the most popular include guided tours of the plantation house, independent tours of the slave cabins, and traditional Gullah presentations.
- Explore Shem Creek: A lively boardwalk situated along the marshy coastline, Shem Creek is the best place to go for waterfront dining and drinks. You can also rent kayaks or paddle boards here if you’re interested in exploring the surrounding waterways.
- Tour Patriot’s Point: A famous maritime museum, Patriot’s Point offers an inside look at naval history. Here, you’ll find two decommissioned warships, as well as the official Medal of Honor Museum and the country’s only 3D Vietnam Experience Exhibit.
- Admire the Arthur Ravenel Bridge: Connecting Mount Pleasant to the city of Charleston, the Arthur Ravenel Bridge is an iconic landmark. You can catch stunning views of it from the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. Or, you can run, walk, or bike across its pedestrian lane.
- Discover Palmetto Islands County Park: Spanning 943 acres, Palmetto Islands County Park is a family-friendly destination that offers a wealth of activities. From nature trails to playgrounds, picnic shelters, boat rentals, volleyball courts, and a waterpark, there’s something for everyone here.
Sullivan’s Island & Isle of Palms
The beach on Sullivan’s Island.
Distance: 10-15 Miles
Location: South Carolina
Nestled just north of Charleston, Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms are two fantastic destinations that are certainly worth visiting.
Known for their stunning beaches, incredible coastal views, and diverse outdoor activities, both of these islands are perfect for a day trip outside of the city.
In addition to this, they’re conveniently located next to each other. So, it’s completely possible to visit them both in one day.
Or you can simply choose one or the other – depending upon your interests.
Best Things to Do Around Sullivan’s Island & Isle of Palms
- Go Beach Hopping: Both islands offer stunning beaches for you to explore. So make the most of your day and hop from sandy destination to sandy destination. The most popular public beaches here are Sullivan’s Island Beach and Isle of Palms Beach.
- Visit Fort Moultrie National Historical Park: Situated on Sullivan’s Island, Fort Moultrie is a historic fort that played an important role during the American Revolution, the Civil War, and World War II. Today, it’s open to visitors, who are welcome to explore the fort and its many museum exhibits.
- Bike Around the Island: Rent a bike and ride around one of the islands. There are several bike rentals you can choose from – or you can join a guided bike tour. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning coastal views and beautiful beachfront landscapes.
- Join a Barrier Island Eco Tour: If you’d like to get out on the water consider joining a boat tour. Most tours are offered via Barrier Island Eco Tours, which is located on Isle of Palms. Options include sunset cruises, wildlife exploration, and crabbing charters, among others.
- Hit up the Golf Course: Isle of Palms also happens to be a pretty well-known golf destination. The golf courses here are situated within the Wild Dunes beach resort, where you’ll find two courses to choose from.
Folly Beach
The pier at Folly Beach at sunset.
Distance: 11 Miles
Location: South Carolina
It goes without saying, but Folly Beach is one of the most popular day trips from Charleston, SC – especially during the summer months.
Known for its white sandy shores and vibrant water sports scene, Folly Beach is a hotspot for sun-seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
In addition to this, the island also boasts a variety of local eateries, cozy bars, quaint cafes, and unique boutique shops.
Add in the fact that Folly Beach is situated just 20 minutes outside of Charleston and you’ve got yourself the perfect summer getaway complete with beachy vibes and coastal charm.
Best Things to Do in Folly Beach
- Discover the Local Beaches: Folly Beach is most known for its beaches – which are stunningly beautiful and fun to explore. While the city’s namesake beach, Folly Beach, is the most popular on the island, Folly Beach County Park is another option that is typically a bit quieter and a little less crowded.
- Partake in Water Sports Activities: Along the shores of Folly Beach, you’ll find a number of water sports companies from which you can rent equipment. Popular activities include paddle boarding, kiteboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing.
- Join a Boat Tour: In addition to water sports, there are also guided boat tours that you can join. From sunset cruises to dolphin sightseeing tours, party boats, crabbing excursions, and fishing charters, the options are endless.
- Admire Morris Island Lighthouse: Situated off the north coast of Folly Beach, Morris Island Lighthouse is a historic and picturesque landmark. While you can’t visit the lighthouse up close, you can walk out to the coastline and admire it from the beach.
- Explore the City of Folly Beach: The downtown area of Folly Beach is where you’ll find all of the city’s shopping and dining destinations. In addition to this, there are several live music performances and festivals that take place across the city throughout the year.
Kiawah Island
Photo of beach on Kiawah Island by Lorimcm via Unsplash.
Distance: 27 Miles
Location: South Carolina
While Kiawah Island is mostly known as a resort destination, it’s still a great option for a day trip from Charleston.
Situated only about an hour away, the island offers pristine beaches, lush natural landscapes, and a variety of fun-filled activities.
What’s more, it’s located close to several other popular attractions, including Seabrook Island and the Charleston Tea Plantation.
So, it’s completely possible to visit multiple destinations in one go!
Best Things to Do on Kiawah Island
- Enjoy the Beach: Most beaches along Kiawah Island are privately owned by resorts. However, there is a public beach access point that visitors can take advantage of – Kiawah Beachwalker Park. Through this park, you’ll have access to the beach, a boardwalk, a seasonal snack bar, and several other beachfront amenities.
- Bike Around the Island: Kiawah Island is a gated community, so unless you’re staying on the island, you’ll be a bit limited in terms of where you can drive. However, you are free to travel to most places if you’re walking or biking. So, consider renting a bike and exploring the island that way. In all, there are 30 miles of biking trails for you to utilize.
- Hit Up the Golf Course: In addition to its beaches, Kiawah Island is known for its golf courses, which are some of the best in the state. And thankfully many of them are open to the public, including all of those found at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
- Discover the Charleston Tea Garden: Situated on nearby Wadmalaw Island, the Charleston Tea Garden is one of the few active tea-growing operations in the United States. The property is open to visitors and offers both factory and trolley tours. Of course, there’s also a gift shop, where you can pick up a few tea-related souvenirs as well.
- Visit Seabrook Island: Seabrook Island is another small barrier island located just south of Kiawah Island. Here, you’ll find more beaches and golf courses, as well as several outdoor activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and horseback riding.
Cypress Gardens
The swamp at Cypress Gardens.
Distance: 32 Miles
Location: Moncks Corner, South Carolina
Situated in nearby Moncks Corner, Cypress Gardens is a 170-acre preserve and botanical garden.
Renowned for its picturesque swamps, lush gardens, and tranquil waterways, this hidden gem provides a peaceful retreat from the city.
It also happens to be Hollywood famous. Remember that boat scene for The Notebook movie? That was filmed here! As were a few scenes from the Outer Banks TV show!
While you’re here be sure to also check out the town of Moncks Corner. Here, you’ll find a few other notable attractions, namely the Old Santee Canal Park and Mepkin Abbey.
Best Things to Do Around Cypress Gardens
- Wander Along the Walking Trails: Cypress Gardens is home to an 80-acre swamp through which you can wander. There are 4.5 miles of trails that weave across the property, over bridges, and around ponds. Just be sure to keep an eye out for alligators, as they are known to frequent the area.
- Hop Aboard a Rowboat: If you’d like to recreate your very own Notebook scene, there are rowboats that you can take out into the swamp. Join a guided tour or take your own boat out and follow the marked trail. Either way, you’ll have the opportunity to witness some of the swamp’s most picturesque landscapes.
- Visit the Butterfly House & Swamparium: On the grounds of Cypress Gardens, you’ll find a few more attractions, most notably the Swamparium and Butterfly House. Admissions to both of these are included with your entry ticket, so be sure to stop by and give them a quick tour.
- Discover Old Santee Canal Park: Situated just north of Cypress Gardens lies the Old Santee Canal Park. Spanning 194 acres, this park was built to commemorate America’s first-ever summit canal. The property is home to a wide variety of exhibits and attractions, including an interpretive center, the historic Stony Landing home, the Berkeley County Museum, as well as several walking and paddling trails.
- Visit Mepkin Abbey: Established in 1949, Mepkin Abbey is a Trappist monastery nestled alongside the Cooper River. An active monastery to this day, the property is open to visitors (religious or not) who are interested in touring the church and exploring the gardens.
Edisto Island
Botany Bay Heritage Preserve on Edisto Island.
Distance: 42 Miles
Location: South Carolina
Edisto Island is one of the best day trips from Charleston, SC, for those looking to explore a bit off the beaten path.
Situated about an hour south of Charleton, Edisto Island is less developed than many of the other islands that you’ll find along the Carolina coast.
This means you can expect to encounter untouched, pristine beaches, stunning nature preserves, as well as a more laid-back atmosphere.
It’s the perfect serene retreat for anyone looking to immerse themselves in South Carolina’s natural beauty.
Best Things to Do on Edisto Island
- Explore the Island’s Beaches: On Edisto Island, you’ll find two incredible beaches. There’s the public Edisto Beach as well as the Edisto Beach State Park. At both locations, you can expect minimal amenities, but absolutely incredible coastal views.
- Discover Botany Bay Heritage Preserve: Spanning 4,600 acres, Botany Bay is a coastal wildlife refuge that offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. In addition to stunning beaches (no swimming allowed, unfortunately) and endless walking trails, the preserve is also home to a number of historical sites.
- Join a Boat Tour: If you’d prefer to get out on the water, there are opportunities for that as well. Several boat companies offer tours ranging from dolphin encounters to sunset cruises, scenic tours, and river explorations.
- Stop by the Edisto Serpentarium: Self-proclaimed as the first true serpentarium in South Carolina, the Edisto Serpentarium is home to a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians. Indoor and outdoor enclosures offer the chance to view these animals up close. Meanwhile, educational presentations shed light on them and their native habitats.
- Visit the Edisto Island Museum: Offering a glimpse into the history of Edisto Island, the Edisto Island Museum hosts several events and exhibits throughout the year. While it’s a small museum, it’s a great place to go if you’d like to learn more about the people who originally called the island home.
Beaufort
Photo of a creek in Beaufort by Julianne Clark via Unsplash.
Distance: 70 Miles
Location: South Carolina
Renowned for its rich history and coastal charm, Beaufort is one of the most popular day trips from Charleston, SC.
Located approximately an hour and a half away, this historic city offers a captivating blend of antebellum architecture, scenic waterfronts, and Southern hospitality.
As the second oldest city in South Carolina, Beaufort just might remind you of Charleston – and if so, you wouldn’t be wrong. In fact, many consider Beaufort to be a smaller, less crowded version of Charleston.
So, if you’d like to delve deeper into the historical highlights of South Carolina while avoiding the hustle and bustle of larger cities, then be sure to add Beaufort to your itinerary!
Best Things to Do in Beaufort
- Wander Through the Historic District: The historic district of Beaufort is where you’ll find many of the city’s oldest homes as well as the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Here, you can wander the streets as you take in the incredible architecture or join a guided tour for more educational insights.
- Hike or Bike the Spanish Moss Trail: Built over a former railway, the Spanish Moss Trail is a 10-mile scenic recreational path that offers incredible coastal views. It travels from Beaufort to the nearby town of Port Royal, passing by stunning marshes, creeks, and historical landmarks.
- Visit the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park: Meant to commemorate the transition away from slavery, the Reconstruction Era National Park offers an inside look at what life was like in Beaufort during this time. Within the park (which is spread throughout the city), there are several educational exhibits, historical buildings, as well as a hiking trail utilized by Martin Luther King Jr.
- Explore the Beaufort River: For incredible coastal views and wildlife sightings, join a tour of the Beaufort River. There are several for you to choose from, including kayaking and paddle boarding tours, sunset cruises, and dolphin sightseeing tours.
- Discover Hunting Island State Park: Encompassing approximately 5,000 acres, Hunting Island State Park is South Carolina’s most popular state park. Here, you’ll find five miles of pristine beaches, 8 miles of hiking and biking trails, several campgrounds, a few fishing piers, as well as the island’s famous lighthouse.
Myrtle Beach
The main beach at Myrtle Beach with the Skywheel.
Distance: 98 Miles
Location: South Carolina
Aside from Charleston, Myrtle Beach is one of South Carolina’s top destinations. And for good reason – it has so much to offer!
From white sandy beaches to lively boardwalks, family-friendly entertainment, and delectable seafood, Myrtle Beach is ideal for visitors of all ages.
What’s more, it’s only located 2 hours away from Charleston, which makes it a convenient and exciting option for a day trip or a longer getaway.
While Myrtle Beach is most popular during the summer months, it does offer a wealth of activities and attractions that can be enjoyed year-round.
Best Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
- Explore the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade: Spanning 1.2 miles along the waterfront, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk offers great views of the ocean as well as beach access. It also happens to be home to a number of establishments, including restaurants, boutique shops, arcades, and the city’s famous Skywheel.
- Discover the Amusement Parks: Myrtle Beach is home to a wide variety of amusement parks and water parks. While there are countless options for you to choose from, some of the most popular include Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Myrtle Waves Water Park, and WonderWorks.
- Enjoy the Beach: No visit to Myrtle Beach is complete without a stop by the beach. And thankfully, the city is home to plenty of them. Some of the more notable include North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach State Park, Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, and, of course, Myrtle Beach (via the Boardwalk).
- Parktake in Water Sports Activities: Many of the beaches along Myrtle Beach offer a variety of water sports activities for you to partake in. From surfing to jet skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, and parasailing, the options are endless.
- Visit Huntington Beach State Park: Situated just south of Myrtle Beach lies Huntington Beach State Park, a 2500-acre nature preserve. Popular activities here include swimming, camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Hilton Head Island
Coligny Beach at sunset on Hilton Head Island.
Distance: 98 Miles
Location: South Carolina
Continuously ranked as the #1 island in the continental US, Hilton Head Island is one of the best options for beach lovers and sun enthusiasts alike.
Home to 12 miles of white sandy shores, this coastal gem offers a stunning backdrop for recreation and relaxation.
Meanwhile, further inland, you’ll find a variety of other exciting attractions and activities to explore.
From pristine maritime forests to world-class golf courses, and some of the best seafood around, Hilton Head Island has a bit of something for everyone.
Best Things to Do on Hilton Head Island
- Explore the Island’s Beaches: There are several beaches on Hilton Head Island that you can explore. However, some of the most popular include Coligny Beach, Folly Field Beach Park, and Driessen Beach (also known as Bradley Beach).
- Discover Harbor Town: Home to the island’s iconic candy cane lighthouse, Harbor Town is a prominent and iconic marina. Here, you’ll find a variety of establishments including boutique shops, local eateries, quaint cafes, and several boat tours.
- Visit the Sea Pines Forest Preserve: Encompassing 600 acres of marshland and maritime forest, Sea Pines is a great place to get out and enjoy nature. Popular activities here include hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, and boating.
- Shop at Shelter Cove Towne Centre: If you’re in search of souvenirs, then Shelter Cove is the place to go. As the island’s premier shopping destination, the complex is home to several boutique stores, a variety of local restaurants, and cozy cafes. Many lively events are also hosted here throughout the year.
- Tee Up at the Golf Course: Hilton Head Island is another popular golf destination in South Carolina. In fact, the island has so many golf courses that it is often referred to as the “Golf Island.” Some of the most notable and famous courses here include Harbour Town Golf Links, Atlantic Dunes, and Heron Point.
Congaree National Park
Boardwalk at Congaree National Park in South Carolina.
Distance: 103 Miles
Location: Hopkins, South Carolina
Spanning more than 26,000 acres of preserved land, Congaree National Park is one of the most popular day trips from Charleston, SC among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Known for its ancient forests and expansive flood plains, this national park is home to one of the largest and best-preserved bottomland hardwood forests in the United States.
Here, you’ll find a large network of hiking trails that weave through the forest, offering the opportunity to view it up close. And, of course, there are endless opportunities for other outdoor activities as well.
Given that the park is situated about two hours away from Charleston, you should have plenty of time to discover this unique landscape.
Best Things to Do in Congaree National Park
- Explore the Hiking Trails: Congaree is home to a variety of hiking trails. While some travel through the forest, others go down into the floodplains, where you’ll find miles of boardwalk to explore. It’s important to note, however, that flooding is common here. So, it’s best to check online or with the visitor’s center for the most up-to-date trail openings.
- Hop Aboard a Kayak or Canoe: If you’re interested in discovering the waterways of Congaree, you can do so on a guided tour via one of the park’s authorized outfitters. Or, alternatively, you can bring your own equipment and head out on your own.
- Go Fishing: As long as you possess a South Carolina fishing license, you’re welcome to fish within the park. Just be sure to pay close attention to the park’s rules and regulations.
- Join a Ranger-Led Program: Throughout the year, the park offers a variety of ranger-led programming. Events include hikes, discovery walks, and yoga, among others. You can view the complete schedule of events here.
- Appreciate Nature: The park is absolutely beautiful – and quite unique in terms of its ecosystem. So be sure to take a moment and truly appreciate it. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of some of the wildlife that lives here. Bobcats, deer, armadillos, turkeys, alligators, and a wide variety of birds are known to frequent the area.
Savannah
Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia.
Distance: 107 Miles
Location: Georgia
If you’d like to explore another iconic Southern city, consider heading to Savannah, Georgia.
Dubbed the “Hostess City of the South,” Savannah is known for its historical architecture, stunning coastal landscapes, and rich, vibrant history.
While I do recommend spending more than a day in this beautiful city, if you’re short on time, a day trip is definitely possible.
The city is located only 2 hours south of Charleston, so if you leave early enough, you should have plenty of time to hit up some of the city’s most famous highlights.
Best Things to Do in Savannah
- Discover the Historic District: Located in the downtown area, the historic district is the heart and soul of Savannah. Here, you’ll find several notable attractions including Forsyth Park, Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, and all of the city’s 22 historic squares, including Chippewa Square, Ellis Square, and Johnson Square. In addition, the area is home to a number of quaint cafes, small shops, and delectable restaurants.
- Explore River Street: River Street is a historic cobble-stoned promenade that dates back more than 300 years. Known for its incredible views of the Savannah River, the street is home to a variety of boutique shops, cozy restaurants, lively breweries, and stunning galleries. This is also where you can join the city’s famous riverboat cruises.
- Go On a Walking Tour: One of the best ways to see Savanna is on a walking tour. There are several for you to choose from, but some of the most popular include ghost tours, historical tours, food tours, and pub crawls.
- Visit Historical Cemeteries: Believe it or not, Savannah is known for its beautiful and historic cemeteries. In fact, many of them are open to visitors and they even offer guided cemetery tours that you can join. A few of the most notable cemeteries are the Bonaventure Cemetery, the Colonial Park Cemetery, and the Laurel Grove Cemetery.
- Visit the City’s Best Museums: Savannah is home to a variety of unique and historical museums. While there are countless options, some of the most popular include the American Prohibition Museum, the SCAD Museum of Art, the Savannah History Museum, and the Mercer Williams House Museum.
Looking to spend more time in Savannah?! Then be sure to check out my Charleston to Savannah road trip itinerary!
Final Thoughts: Day Trips From Charleston, SC
So there you have it – my top picks for the best day trips from Charleston, SC. Hopefully, this guide is helpful in planning your own adventures in and around the Lowcountry.
No matter where you decide to go, you’re bound to create lasting memories. After all, Charleston and its surrounding gems truly are some of the best destinations in the Southeast.
Interested in taking a few day trips from Charleston, SC? If so, where would you like to go? Let me know in the comments below!
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