Who's up for a drive through the most beautiful state in the country? South Carolina has an insane amount of natural beauty to admire from the comforts of your air conditioned car. Or, if you don't care how your hair looks along the way, then why not roll down the windows and get some fresh air while you see the sights on these eight beautiful byways in South Carolina? They're perfect for a scenic drive!
The Savannah River National Scenic Byway is 100 miles long and involves five different highways that basically run parallel to the Savannah River. It starts in Oconee County and ends on Highway 28 near to where the bridge crosses into Savannah just past Clarks Hill. As you may guess, there are some beautiful charming small towns along the way and many historic sites. Here's a link to a map to help you navigate this great scenic drive.
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2. Bohicket Road South Carolina Scenic Byway (S-10-20)
If you've ever been to see the legendary Angel Oak on Johns Island then you likely traveled Bohicket Road to get there. It's a gorgeous drive with moss draped oak trees staking claim to both sides of the highway forming a nice shady canopy overhead. This is definitely a top-down kind of drive.
3. Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway (SC 11)
This is probably the most popular scenic drive in the state, simply because it's a nice diversion from busy Interstate 85. It crosses five counties and is more than one hundred miles of sheer beauty. The drive offers some great long range views as well as a great view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
You'll skip along the the marsh tops like an airboat on this great 14-mile journey out to Edisto Beach State Park. Bring a lunch and enjoy the park before you head back home.
This historical trail is perhaps one of the oldest routes from Charlotte to Florida. You can pick it up in Fort Mill and drive the Woodpecker Trail through South Carolina to where it crosses into Georgia at North Augusta. The entire trail from Charlotte to Florida is just over 200 miles long. More information and maps can be found here.
6. Ashley River Road National Scenic Byway (SC 61)
The Ashley River Road National Scenic Byway is loaded with historic plantations that are popular spots to visit in Charleston. The Scenic Byway is only 11 miles long and passes by three plantations: Middleton Place, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and Drayton Hall.
Trails and parks make this drive a great one to plan for many recreational stops. But don't worry; it's only 13 miles long so you'll have plenty of time to gawk at the beautiful vistas or dawdle on the trails along the way.
8. Old Sheldon Church Road South Carolina Scenic Byway (S-7-21)
Folks who've taken the turn onto Old Sheldon Road from Highway 17 in the Lowcountry know just how incredibly beautiful and inspirational the road to Old Sheldon Church is. You may be surprised to learn that this South Carolina Scenic Byway actually extends another five miles beyond the Old Sheldon Church ruins.
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Which one of these scenic byways in South Carolina will you be driving on first? We'd love to hear which one is your favorite. Tell us in our comments section.
We have some great big cities in South Carolina. Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head are renowned all over the South as an epic summer travel destination, and Charleston's historic charms are known worldwide. With that being said, it's the small towns that make the Palmetto State really special, and if you ask us, there's no better way to get to know South Carolina culture than by checking out some of our smallest locales. If you feel the same way, we think you'll love this wonderful road trip we've got planned for you today. It's a long one, and you'll definitely want to take at least three days to enjoy it, but this small-town road trip will take you to five of our favorite little destinations in the state.
This six-hour road trip requires about 350 miles of driving, but if you don't have the time or budget to enjoy the whole trip, you can customize the itinerary on Google Maps to remove or rearrange stops. You'll want to set aside at least a few hours to explore each city, and this is a perfect option for a three-day weekend adventure.
Georgetown is the third oldest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina
We'll start our trip in the coastal town of Georgetown. As the third-oldest city in South Carolina, there are some really cool historical landmarks here. The Rice Museum is one of our favorite museums in the state. Once an open-air public market, it now provides a look into the past. Guided tours are offered throughout the day and last about 45 minutes. The museum is also home to an art gallery that showcases works from local artisans.
Our next stop is Lake City, a Florence County town with about 6,000 residents. This creative community has colorful murals, lots of public art, and several art galleries. It's also home to Moore Farms Botanical Garden and Lake City Park. This is such a unique place, and it's a perfect representation of a small Southern town.
Our third stop lies just outside of Greenville, which is also worth a visit if you've got the time. Greenville is not a small town, but with a growing population of more than 70,000, it's so much fun and a blast to explore. The Greenville suburb we are featuring on this road trip is Travelers Rest. It's nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has historically served as a great resting point for those looking to head into the mountains, hence the somewhat unusual name. With restaurants, a wonderful farmers market, and plenty of local shops, there's a lot to check out here, so don't spend too much time resting!
Traditional American Red Barn With Blue Sky near Landrum, South Carolina.
Our fourth stop is Landrum, a historic city with a population of 2,600. If you love shopping for bargains, you'll want to plan to spend extra time here. Landrum is home to some of the best antique stores in the state. It's a great spot for an overnight visit - consider a stay in this charming riverside cabin.
Brilliant skies over and reflected in the Catawba River in York County, South Carolina
We'll end this fun trip in York, a historic town that's home to nearly 200 historic buildings. The entire downtown area has been named a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. You'll find lots of wonderful shops here, and The Garden Cafe is one of our favorite restaurants in the state - it's got a great al fresco dining area.
How many of these small towns in South Carolina have you visited? Is there anything that you think belongs on the trip? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Of course, no road trip is complete without a few bites to eat! Check out our favorite on-the-go travel snack ideas that are perfect for all your trips, whether you're heading across the state or just across town.
Road trips are the best way to see the sights in South Carolina. The Palmetto State’s dreamy scenic roads make for the best road trips, and since you’ve got your own wheels, you’re not tied to a specific schedule...you can make as many stops as you want! If you want to fill your calendar with epic road trips, but you’re not sure where to go, then the best road trips in South Carolina are just what you’re looking for. The following are just 11 of our favorite South Carolina road trip ideas.
Route: Dawhoo River Bridge > King’s Farm Market > Edisto Island Museum > Presbyterian Church > Botany Bay > Edisto Beach State Park
Distance: 17 miles
Trip Time: One Day
This quick and easy road trip in South Carolina takes you through Edisto Island, stopping off at some of the most popular attractions along the way. From gift shops to ghosts, this one-day road trip includes a little bit of everything, including a beach stroll along Botany Bay Beach. Quick road trips in South Carolina like this one can easily be completed in a day.
Route: Long Shoals Road > Keowee Toxaway State Park > Riley Moore Falls > Westminister > Chau Ram County Park
Distance: 41 miles
Trip Time: 1.5 hours
This three-day road trip in South Carolina takes you to some of our favorite swimming holes where you can splash the day away. With just 41 miles between locations, this is one of the best weekend road trips in South Carolina because you won’t be spending too much time in the car driving to all the sights. It also makes it easy to set up a home base with a fun vacation rental so you have somewhere to relax between swimming holes.
Route: Huntington State Park > Brookgreen Gardens > Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk > The Claw House > Garden City Pier
Distance: 12 miles
Trip Time: 35 minutes
This road trip may clock in at a mere 12 miles, but it’s chock full of some of the best places to see the sunrise and sunset in South Carolina. This is one road trip you’ll want to get an early start for, but once you see the sun coming up over the horizon at Huntington Beach Start Park, you’ll be pumped up and ready to tackle the rest of the amazing stops along the way.
Route: Gist Bridge > Crybaby Bridge > Graniteville Cemetery > Julia Legare’s tomb > Jacksonboro Light > Battery Carriage House > Alice Flagg’s Grave
Distance: 403 miles
Trip Time: 8.5 hours
Are you a believer in the paranormal? Well, you might be after taking this legendary haunted road trip to some of South Carolina’s most notoriously haunted sites. Since the road trip is a bit long for one day, be sure to book a room at the Battery Carriage House, also known as 20 South Battery, one of the most haunted places to stay in Charleston.
Route: Wildcat Wayside Falls > Carrick Creek Falls > Twin Falls > Issaqueena Falls > Chau Ram County Park > Cedar Falls > Reedy Falls
Distance: 189 miles
Trip Time: 4.5 hours
Spring is the perfect time of year to hit the road, and this lovely waterfall road trip in South Carolina takes you to some of our favorite cascades in the state. From the tiny and mighty to the towering, 200-foot Issaqueena Falls, seeing these beautiful waterfalls during spring should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Trip Time: Gaffney > Cowpens National Battlefield > Campbells Covered Bridge > Poinsett Bridge > Long Shoals Wayside Park > Keowee-Toxaway State Park > Chau Ram County Park
Take those lazy summer days and turn them into an epic summer road trip in South Carolina that covers some of the most scenic byways and state parks in the state. This road trip even includes some of our favorite sweet shops along the way, because everyone knows the best road trips always include the best snacks.
Route: South Cove County Park > Stumphouse Tunnel > Oconee Station State Historic Site > Mountain Rest Cafe > Falling Waters Scenic Byway > Moody Spring > Oscar Wigington Overlook >
Route: Landsford Canal > Springs Recreation Park > South Carolina State Hospital > Saluda Mill > Building M17, Charleston Navy Base > Fort Freemont >
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What better way to embrace the wintry landscape than embarking on a South Carolina road trip to some of the state’s most iconic abandoned places? From historic sites that were abandoned by the railroad industry to abandoned military bases and hospitals, this road trip takes you to the abandoned side of South Carolina, where Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming her territory.
All aboard! This train-themed road trip is a perfect, family-friendly road trip that’s great for families with kids of all ages. Don’t be fooled, even though this road trip is centered around trains, you’ll be doing the driving here. Of course, you’ll have options to step aboard historic trains like the Rockton, Rion, & Western, South Carolina’s only historic train, but this unique road trip highlights the railroad industry in South Carolina, stopping off at quirky train-themed restaurants, abandoned train tunnels, and a few museums.
Road Trip to South Carolina Landmarks & Natural Wonders
Small towns are the heartbeat of The Palmetto State, and this epic road trip showcases some of our favorite small towns in South Carolina. Starting off in Clemson, which is beautiful year-round, this road trip covers a lot of ground, zig-zagging all over to charming small towns like Cheraw, Newberry, and Walterboro before ending in McClellanville, a tiny but mighty town with a wonderful historic district.
Which South Carolina road trips are you adding to your calendar this year? What do you believe are the best road trips in South Carolina? Let us know in the comments section!
