Five Awesome Day Trips: South Carolina

South Carolina is known for beautiful beaches, family resorts, historic attractions, and Low Country cuisine. Each of the four major regions are unique with culturally and historically significant points of interest that attract visitors throughout the year. From beautiful gardens and historic homes to small towns with charming downtowns, there’s something for everyone in South Carolina. Our day trip recommendations take you from Columbia to destinations along the coast and upstate to the west.

Here are five great destinations around the Palmetto State:

Beaufort (Small Town Experience)

Beaufort is one of the South’s prettiest towns, draped with Spanish moss and framed by picturesque coastal vistas. Downtown covers the area between Bay Street and Craven Street, Carteret Street and Monsoon Street. Within these blocks you will find shopping, dining, art galleries, and entertainment. Have lunch at Plum’s and then visit the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park to sit on a swing and take in some of the best views around. The Old Point is the heart of the town’s historic district. Walk through the neighborhood to see the stately mansions and well-preserved architecture, including “The Big Chill” house. To get more of the area’s history and rest your feet, take a carriage tour with Sea Island Carriage Company.

Charleston (Tours & Experiences)

Every year Charleston is one of the most recommended destinations in the United States. It would be easy to stay for a week at a luxury hotel and spend each day experiencing art, culture, heritage, and historic points of interest. This day trip gives you a taste of Charleston, focusing on the culinary masterpieces and one of the top reasons the city is so popular. Reserve a spot with Charleston Culinary Tours to experience the best of Charleston history, food, and drink with a unique historic tour that highlights local cuisine and cocktails. After your tour, try one of Charleston’s highly rated restaurants, including FIG, Husk, Magnolias, The Ordinary, and Rodney Scott’s BBQ.

Georgetown (Museums & Attractions)

Historic Georgetown is located 125 miles southeast of Columbia in the Low Country region. This charming destination is the third oldest city and second largest seaport in South Carolina. While in town, enjoy the great restaurants and boutique shops centered around Front Street and explore a few of the local museums. The area has a rich maritime and agricultural history and still retains traces of its colonial roots. This day trip focuses on the local heritage with a visit to the iconic Rice Museum. The museum is located downtown in the Old Market Building, with a permanent collection that tells the history of rice cultivation in Georgetown County. Across the street from the museum in the Kaminski Hardware Building are the Rice Museum’s Maritime Museum Gallery and the Prevost Art Gallery.

Greenville (Parks & Recreation)

Greenville is located about an hour and a half northwest of Columbia. For a small city, it has a great variety of activities: top-notch dining, museums, theatre, and shopping. This day trip explores the beautiful local parks. For an afternoon that the whole family will enjoy, head to nationally acclaimed Falls Park on the Reedy River. The highlights of this 32-acre park are the pedestrian suspension bridge and the cascading Reedy River Falls. History buffs will appreciate the plaques scattered throughout the park that explain the different eras of the site, including the original grist mill from the late 1770’s (the ruins of which are still standing). If you’re visiting in the summer, make sure to catch a performance of the annual Shakespeare Festival held here. For a wonderful meal with a view of the falls, make reservations at the charming French restaurant Passerelle Bistro. Located a few minutes from downtown Greenville, Paris Mountain State Park is another fantastic spot to enjoy the outdoors. There are four lakes, camping facilities, a swimming area, and 15 miles of hiking trails.

Courtesy of Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau

Hilton Head Island (The Outdoors)

Hilton Head Island has 12 miles of relaxing beaches, world-class dining, and a natural beauty that encourages outdoor adventure. This day trip focuses on biking as the perfect way to soak up the beautiful surroundings. The entire area is connected by bike paths, providing a safe and easy way to navigate the island. Sea Pines is a private resort community (you can get a day pass for a small fee) that has over 15 miles of bike paths to explore. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is one of the resort’s most popular places for biking. This protected wildlife habitat features wetland boardwalks, docks, paved trails, and more. Don’t miss the Sea Pines Shell Ring, a 4,000-year-old archeological site created from the discarded shells of former island inhabitants. After your day of exploring, bike to The Quarterdeck for lunch on the waterfront.

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hours at attractions may be limited. Make sure to check the websites and add to your list for future travels!