9 Amazing South Carolina Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive In 2025

South Carolina has an extensive history and is one of the most storied states in the country. It is one of the original 13 colonies and today is bordered to the north by North Carolina and to the south by Georgia. Given its history and geographic location, modern-day South Carolina is a popular destination for vacationers, with several unique spots that are perfect for a visit. Whether you are a resident of the state or flying into town from one of its three major international airports, these nine locales make the perfect play for a day trip.

Starting City: Charleston

Savannah, Georgia

If you are arriving in South Carolina via Charleston, you will be flying into Charleston International Airport. It may seem unusual to visit South Carolina and then immediately cross over into Georgia, but few places are more renowned for their historic landmarks than Savannah. Once you have arrived in town, you need not look any further than the Historic Landmark District to find a wealth of history. Numerous 18th- and 19th-century homes dot the area between countless museums and park squares, and landmarks dot every corner as you walk the area. Locations such as the Harper Fowlkes House boast Greek Revival architecture, while the Independent Church has stood for over 250 years. Then there are the numerous museums that call the area home, such as the Savannah History Museum, where visitors can enjoy exhibits that depict the city's history from the time of the Revolutionary War to the growth of jazz in the region.

Hilton Head Island

A trip to Hilton Head Island makes for a beautiful day outdoors and on the water. Your first stop should be the Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum, a red-and-white striped lighthouse that has guided ships through the harbor for decades. The museum tells the story of the island as you climb to the observation deck for an impeccable view of the waters. Just minutes away, you can enjoy those incredible views up close at the Coligny Beach Park, which stretches out along the North Atlantic Ocean. Nearby, you will find restaurants and shops around Coligny Plaza so you can take home mementos of your trip. And not far away, you can contract with IslandAce Adventure Tours for a nature tour of the surrounding coastline and a chance to spot the Bottlenose Dolphins that call the area home.

Murrells Inlet

A trip north of Charleston is perfect for nature lovers. Your first stop in the area should be Huntington Beach State Park, which is tucked against the waters of Long Bay. Trails wind through the area, and there are multiple spots to fish or simply enjoy time along the shore. The Nature Center is open for those who want to learn more about the local wildlife, while biking and hiking trails lead to calm locales like Mullet Pond. Not far away, you can find Brookgreen Gardens. This special destination seamlessly blends nature, art, and history. The gardens were established to preserve the plants of the southeast, but also to highlight American sculptures. Brookgreen was the first public sculpture garden in the country and remains a popular destination today. One final option for those spending time outdoors in the area is the Lowcountry Zoo. Not far from Brookgreen Gardens, the zoo showcases some of the area's native species, including white-tailed deer, hawks, and red foxes.

Starting City: Greenville

Paris Mountain State Park

Visitors to Greenville will be arriving at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. From there, it is just a short drive to Paris Mountain State Park, a perfect destination for outdoor lovers. Visitors will first want to stop by the Park Center to see the exhibits highlighting the area and all that it has to offer. From there, your journey in the park begins. You may want to hike to Reservoir Number 3 if you plan to go fishing. Of course, you can always go bird watching while hiking and biking, or rent a paddleboat for a foray onto the water. An alternative is to head into the water for a swim, with the swimming area clearly marked for visitors.

Lake Robinson Park

A half-hour drive north of Greenville will take you to Lake Robinson Park. The park is situated where the South Tyger River meets Lake Robinson, making it the go-to destination for anyone who enjoys spending time on the lake. Lake Robinson is a popular recreational area where anglers cast lines from the fishing piers into the water. The lake covers almost 800 acres, and visitors can head out onto the water on kayaks or paddleboats. There are also plenty of walking trails leading to picnic areas where you can relax over a meal, or you might want to soak in the water during a calm afternoon. Hikers and bikers can also enjoy 17 miles of trails across the park that make for an active afternoon before you cool off in the water.

Historic Downtown

Downtown Greenville is one of the most popular destinations in upstate South Carolina, thanks to its combination of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Yet these locations are also rooted in a long history. Greenville's downtown has slowly evolved over the centuries, from when Main Street was a simple dirt road. Shops sprung up along the street over time, and today, the storefronts still reflect some of the original ones that emerged during the early 1900s. Nearby neighborhoods, such as the Heritage Historic District, sit just outside of downtown and still showcase 1920s-era bungalows and many buildings constructed in older architectural styles. These areas make for excellent walks and a chance to admire these vintage buildings. For those who want the full history experience, you can head to the Upcountry History Museum, where full replicas of scenes from the town's history bring the past to life.

Starting City: Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach

Those arriving in Myrtle Beach will be arriving through Myrtle Beach International Airport. From there, it is just a short drive to North Myrtle Beach, a destination for people who simply want to have fun. Here, you can spend the day out on the sands, walking the beach, and enjoying views of the ocean. However, people often indulge themselves at Barefoot Landing, a popular hub for the community and visitors, which sits next to the Intracoastal Waterway. There are all sorts of fun to be had here; you may want to stop for food at the Flying Fish Public Market and Grill. Alternatively, you might want to catch a show at either the Alabama Theatre or the House of Blues. There are also numerous shops in the area, making North Myrtle Beach the ideal spot for anyone seeking fun in the sun, shopping, dining, and evening entertainment.

Georgetown

Georgetown is older than the nation, having been founded in 1729, and it is among the oldest cities in South Carolina. A day trip to the area is a must for history lovers. Buildings in the region are a combination of cozy shops and dining establishments, as well as well-preserved buildings that hark back to a bygone era. These buildings have been well-preserved, and as you walk along the streets, you will see placards and statues celebrating the city's long history. One notable location includes the Bethel AME Church, established in 1865 after the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed the slaves, and was the first separate Black church in the county. Another building in the area, the Winyah Indigo Society Hall, was erected in 1853 as a school, community meeting place, and library, and also served as a hospital for Federal troops after the Civil War broke out. While you are in the area, though, be sure to stroll along the Georgetown Harborwalk. Less a tribute to history and more of a celebration of the area's love of the water, visitors can enjoy a meal along the boardwalk or even enjoy an afternoon boat show.

Wilmington, North Carolina

Another historic destination that is perfect for a day trip is located just one state over in North Carolina. Wilmington is known for its Historic Downtown and River District. Visitors to the riverwalk can stroll along markets, art galleries, and dining locales as they make their way to the historic Battleship North Carolina, a refurbished World War II battleship. There, they can observe the waters from the observation deck and see how sailors spent their lives aboard. The National Register Historic District, on the other hand, holds 230 blocks dotted by many notable examples of Victorian-era architecture. The Bellamy Mansion is a particularly noteworthy structure as it is one of the most spectacular structures in the area. The mansion is a 10,000-square-foot home that boasts Greek columns, Italianate highlights, and a sheer decadence that makes it a standout destination in Wilmington.

So Much To See In South Carolina

South Carolina is a storied state with a rich history and numerous amazing destinations, making it an ideal destination for day trips out of any of its cities with an international airport. Some may prefer to take the drive to Myrtle Beach to enjoy the ocean air while shopping. Others might choose to stay in town to explore all the historic sights available in Greenville. Regardless of your preference, if you are going to be day tripping from any of these major locations, consider these nine destinations when you head out for the day.