With so many places to enjoy and things to do in South Carolina, the year ahead is poised to be the best ever. If you're like us, then you appreciate a little planning in advance when it comes to day-trip excursions. So we've put together a list of the best day trips in South Carolina that, with a short 3.5-hour ride from one border to another, anyone should be able to pull off in a single day with an early start and some planning ahead.

1. January: Hunting Island State Park

Pick an unseasonably warm weekend and make the journey over to Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina's most visited state park. Even on the busiest day in the summer, the beach here never feels crowded. Maybe that's because it's more than four miles long. Hunting Island is located a mere 17 miles east of Beaufort and is well worth the journey from even the farthest corner of the state.

2. February: Ripley's Aquarium

Travel under the deep blue sea on a 340-foot glide path and come within inches of sharks swimming over and all around you at the well known and loved Ripley's Aquarium. Winter is the perfect season for natives to enjoy all the aquarium has to offer without being elbow-to-elbow during the busy season in Myrtle Beach.

3. March: The Summit At Table Rock

Go tell it on a mountain from the summit of Table Rock. Slow and steady is the name of the game on this three-mile trail in South Carolina Find a warm day and get an early start so you'll have plenty of time to have a seat and admire your kingdom after you reach the top. This is definitely one of the best day trips in South Carolina!

4. April: Cape Romain Lighthouse Tour

Journey by ferry over to tour the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge - this includes viewing two historic lighthouses. The light built in 1827 is the oldest remaining lighthouse of its kind in America!

5. May: Campbell's Covered Bridge

If you're searching for great "getaway spots near me," pack a cooler and pop over to Campbell's Covered Bridge, the oldest remaining covered bridge in South Carolina. This 10-acre park is maintained by Greenville County Parks and is a wonderful place for a springtime picnic.

6. June: Pretty Place Chapel

Whether you arrive in time to watch the sunrise or visit at any point during the day, a trip to Pretty Place Chapel (a.k.a. Fred W. Symmes Chapel) in Cleveland is sure to be an uplifting and treasured experience.

7. Botany Bay

Travel through one of the most beautiful tree tunnels in the state en route to the Botany Bay Heritage Preserve. Walk among the historic buildings in the preserve and then find the half-mile trail that leads to the most remote beach in the state and a beautiful boneyard of trees in the sand. Bring plenty of water for this July adventure, but the occasional ocean breeze should help with the heat.

8. August: Lake Jocassee

Cool off in the cool waters of the most pristine, crystal clear lake in the state - Lake Jocassee. If shooting for an extended stay, find a cozy airbnb rental, or reserve a cabin or campsite at Devil's Fork State Park. Day use at the park is permitted, but limited. You'll need to arrive very early in the morning to assure you get in, but rising early for this day trip is something you'll absolutely be glad you did.

9. September: Charleston Harbor

Board the underrated and little-known water taxi in Charleston to embark on the most affordable mode of transportation to explore Charleston Harbor, as well as some significant attractions in both Charleston and Mt. Pleasant. Once you hop aboard you can ride all day for one price. It's the most affordable harbor cruise in the market.

10. October: Glendale Shoals Heritage Preserve

Discover a bit of history hiding in plain view at Glendale Shoals Heritage Preserve, the site of a former textile mill town. The preserve includes some astounding ruins, a newly restored pedestrian bridge the workers once traveled upon to get to the mill, and a lovely park that includes a waterfall.

11. November: Falls Park On The Reedy

Chase waterfalls AND the splendors of autumn at Falls Park On The Reedy, featuring the best urban waterfall in the entire southeast. Afterward, pop a few hundred feet up the street to explore Greenville's busy Main Street.

12. December: The Christmas House

Craft a holiday-themed day trip to The Christmas House, a fantastic residential Christmas lights display near Inman. The family has been putting out lights since 1960 and each year the displays get better and better. The best time for taking photos without a special lens, though, is just before sunset... leaving plenty of time for you to get back home and snuggled into your own warm bed.

It's going to be a busy - and fun - year. How many of these do you see your family embarking upon in the coming months? What other day trips are on your bucket list for the year? We'd love to know your answers to both questions, so join the discussion!

If you find you can't get enough of all the amazingness North Carolina has to offer, you might want to check out our North Carolina travel guide!