Surrounded by coastal islands, centuries-old historic sites, and parks teeming with wildlife, Charleston serves as a fantastic basecamp for day trips—once you’ve had your fill of chef-driven restaurants and rooftop cocktails, of course.
Whether strolling through a swampy forest, paddling salt marshes, or learning about Gullah culture, this list of optimal day trips includes options for a range of travelers. Public transportation is not a practical option; therefore, these destinations must be reached by car or, in some cases, an organized tour.
Immerse Yourself in History and Nature in Beaufort & the Lowcountry
For movie-set backdrops and a celebration of Gullah culture, drive south to Beaufort (pronounced Byoo-furt) and its neighboring islands. Located on Port Royal Island, Beaufort is a walkable riverside town with streets lined with antebellum homes and twisting magnolias. Cafes and galleries fill the small downtown. Iconic movies filmed here include The Big Chill, The Great Santini, and Forrest Gump.
A collection of marshy, rural islands lies just east. St Helena Island is considered the heart of Gullah country, where descendants of enslaved West Africans preserve their unique culture and history. The Penn Center was one of the first schools for freed enslaved individuals, and its museum traces the history of the school. Two buildings on the property are part of the Reconstruction Era National Historic Park. Nearby, Hunting Island State Park features a maritime forest laced with trails, and its marshes and saltwater lagoon serve as prime spots for wildlife watching. Scan the white sand beach for seashells.
How to Get to Beaufort: Beaufort is 70 miles south of Charleston via US 17 S and US 21 S. Continue south on US 21, also known as the Sea Island Parkway, to reach St Helena Island and Hunting Island State Park.
Tour the Ashley River Plantations
Three sites north of Charleston offer a chance to learn and grapple with the horrific legacy of slavery in the US. While these sites are recommended for their excellent educational talks about slavery, the modern-day grounds are well-maintained, and the live oaks draped with Spanish moss evoke thoughts of the Southern Gothic.
The first in the lineup, Drayton Hall, is a Palladian brick house completed in 1738, making it the oldest unrestored plantation house open to the public in the country. Magnolia Plantation feels more commercial, featuring a tram, zoo, and house tour, but it does provide a swamp garden trail with alligators lurking at the edges. Designed in 1741, the beautiful gardens at Middleton Place are the oldest landscaped gardens in the US. Enjoy delicious Lowcountry fare at Middleton Place Restaurant. It may be challenging to visit all three plantations in one day; however, two can be done comfortably.
How to Get to the Ashley River Plantations: From downtown Charleston, follow Hwy 17 S to Hwy 61 N, also known as Ashley River Rd. Drayton Hall is 12 miles from downtown.
Stroll a Swampy Forest at Congaree National Park
The Boardwalk Loop Trail at Congaree National Park twists through the largest contiguous old-growth bottomland forest in the US. Here, you’ll stroll past swaths of dark muck and a soggy woodland filled with bald cypress, tupelo, and hardwoods—it’s simultaneously eerie and mesmerizing. From mid-May through mid-June, synchronous fireflies blink in unison in the park—one of the few places in the world where this light show occurs. The Cedar Creek Canoe Trail is a fifteen-mile paddling path through the primeval forest.
How to Get to Congaree National Park: The park is 105 miles northwest of Charleston via I-26 W, I-95 N, and several country highways.
Explore the Charleston County Sea Islands
Paddling, learning, and sunbathing are all options on the close-packed barrier islands south of Charleston. On St James Island, tours of McLeod Plantation delve into the lives of the plantation’s former owners and the enslaved African Americans who lived and worked here. The centuries-old Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island stands as one of the oldest living organisms east of the Mississippi River. Just south, Kiawah Beachwalker Park is the only publicly accessible beach on swanky Kiawah Island. Rent a bike to cycle on 10 miles of sandy shores or take a kayaking tour to explore the island’s coastal marshes. If you prefer history over sand, head to Wadmalaw Island to tour the Charleston Tea Garden, the only tea plantation in the country.
How to Get to the Charleston County Sea Islands: From Charleston, take US 17 S to Folly Rd Blvd. Turn left and follow it to Country Club Dr and McLeod Plantation. Follow SC-700 W to reach the Angel Tree and the tea garden. Turn left at SR 10-20 from SC-700 W to reach Kiawah.
Unwind at Brookgreen Gardens
Home to an enchanting collection of botanical gardens adorned with statues, Brookgreen Gardens is a wonderful place to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature and art. Encompassing more than 9,000 acres on former rice plantations, the sprawling gardens display the largest collection of American figurative statuary in the US. An alley of 250-year-old live oaks anchors the various gardens, showcasing local beauty with grandiosity. The gardens are particularly stunning during the Night of 1000 Candles when candles and lights illuminate the grounds. Seasonal blooms are listed on the website, providing information for your visit. For delicious Southern comfort food, head to the Rustic Table in nearby Pawleys Island.
How to Get to Brookgreen Gardens: The Gardens are located in Murrells Inlet, 80 miles north of Charleston via US 17N. Myrtle Beach is 16 miles north of the Garden.
See What’s New in Columbia
The state capital and home of the University of South Carolina, Columbia is currently experiencing a revival. The revitalized Main Street District is now home to numerous new restaurants, whimsical public art installations, a global collection at the Columbia Museum of Art, and the beloved Nickelodeon arthouse theater. The popular Soda City Market stretches across a four-block section of Main St on Saturday mornings. At the Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens, recognized as one of America’s top zoos, visitors can see lions, giraffes, and penguins before ziplining over the Saluda River. For craft beer lovers, Hunter-Gatherer Brewery at the Hangar is a must-visit. Additionally, head to Bourbon for delightful Cajun-Creole cuisine alongside your favorite whiskey. The city’s Pimento Cheese Passport recommends 14 places to experience the delectable cheese spread.
How to Get to Columbia: Follow I-26 west to exit 115, then proceed with US 321 N to Columbia, which is located 115 miles from Charleston.
