10 South Carolina Road Trip Ideas (With Hidden Gems Along The Way)
South Carolina might be best known for Charleston’s historic charm and Myrtle Beach’s boardwalk buzz, but hidden throughout the state are scenic drives, mysterious swamps, barrier islands, and sleepy mountain towns that reveal a deeper beauty. This post is all about showing you the best SC has to offer with 10 South Carolina road trip ideas that blend iconic stops with off-the-radar treasures waiting to be discovered!
1. Lowcountry Coastline Drive (Charleston to Beaufort)
Start your journey in Charleston, where pastel-colored homes and cobblestone streets set the tone. As you head south along Highway 17, the route winds through marshlands, Gullah Geechee communities, and ancient oak tunnels. Discover secluded plantations, tidal creeks, and Spanish moss sanctuaries that seem frozen in time. Beaufort offers a quieter version of Charleston, with historic homes, sea islands, and rich Civil War history.
Ideal Time to Go:
March to June or September to November
Hidden Gems to See:
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Botany Bay Plantation (Edisto Island)
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Old Sheldon Church Ruins
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Hunting Island State Park’s lighthouse trail
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Charleston, Magnolia Plantation, Angel Oak Tree
Day 2: Edisto Island, Botany Bay, overnight in Beaufort
Day 3: Explore Hunting Island State Park and Port Royal
2. Blue Ridge Foothills Scenic Drive
In the northwest corner of South Carolina lies a mountainous wonderland many overlook. This drive through the Blue Ridge foothills reveals cascading waterfalls, winding mountain roads, and charming small towns like Walhalla and Table Rock. Autumn is especially magical with golden and red foliage lighting up the mountainsides. It is also close by to the incredible Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as one of America’s most famous scenic drives, the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Ideal Time to Go:
October for fall colors, late spring for waterfalls
Hidden Gems to See:
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Twin Falls Trail
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Stumphouse Tunnel & Issaqueena Falls
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Sassafras Mountain (highest point in SC)
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Table Rock State Park and trails
Day 2: Walhalla, Stumphouse Tunnel, and waterfalls
Day 3: Drive Highway 11 to Sassafras Mountain lookout
3. Hilton Head & the Sea Islands Loop
While Hilton Head is famous for golf and beach resorts, the real charm of this road trip lies in exploring the quiet, less-developed sea islands nearby. Travel back in time with Gullah culture tours, dirt roads through marshes, and dolphin-spotting cruises.
Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring to early fall
Hidden Gems to See:
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Mitchelville Freedom Park
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Daufuskie Island (accessible by ferry)
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Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Explore Hilton Head Island beaches and trails
Day 2: Ferry to Daufuskie Island, learn Gullah history
Day 3: Hike Pinckney Island trails, stop in Bluffton
4. Congaree National Park Adventure
Home to some of the tallest trees in the Eastern U.S., Congaree’s mysterious floodplain forest is a world of its own. Boardwalks float above swamplands, and in late spring, synchronized fireflies light up the night sky. This is a highly underrated park and one of the most recommended to see in terms of East Coast National Parks.
Ideal Time to Go:
May for fireflies or fall for cooler hiking
Hidden Gems to See:
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Weston Lake Loop Trail
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Canoe or kayak along Cedar Creek
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Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive and hike boardwalk trail
Day 2: Paddle the Cedar Creek canoe trail
Day 3: Explore nearby Congaree Bluffs, visit Columbia
5. Grand Strand Coastline Cruise (Myrtle Beach to Georgetown)
Skip the crowded boardwalk and explore the Grand Strand’s quieter sides—wildlife preserves, old rice plantations, and shell-strewn islands await on this coastal drive.
Ideal Time to Go:
April to October
Hidden Gems to See:
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Huntington Beach State Park (alligators, trails)
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Atalaya Castle
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Hobcaw Barony & the historic village of Georgetown
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Myrtle Beach to Murrells Inlet boardwalk
Day 2: Huntington Beach, Atalaya, Brookgreen Gardens
Day 3: Visit Hobcaw Barony and historic Georgetown
6. South Carolina Midlands Historic Loop
This inland route gives you a taste of Revolutionary War battlefields, cotton fields, old railroads, and charming downtowns like Camden and Newberry.
Ideal Time to Go:
Spring and fall
Hidden Gems to See:
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Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site
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Rose Hill Plantation
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Sumter Opera House
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Camden historic sites
Day 2: Rose Hill Plantation and local wineries
Day 3: Explore Sumter and Newberry
7. Lake Murray to Saluda Shoals River Trip
Perfect for families or couples seeking relaxation, this trip includes lakeside towns, kayaking routes, and serene riverside parks near Columbia.
Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring through summer
Hidden Gems to See:
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Dreher Island State Park
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Kayaking the Saluda River
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Riverbanks Botanical Garden
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Lake Murray picnic or boat rental
Day 2: Kayak Saluda River, visit Saluda Shoals Park
Day 3: Explore Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden
8. Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway (Highway 11)
A legendary scenic drive through the Upstate that takes you through rolling hills, mountain backdrops, and state parks filled with trails, waterfalls, and panoramic views.
Ideal Time to Go:
September to November
Hidden Gems to See:
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Wildcat Branch Falls (roadside)
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Keowee-Toxaway State Park
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Campbell’s Covered Bridge
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive Hwy 11, stop at roadside waterfalls
Day 2: Keowee-Toxaway hiking and lake views
Day 3: Visit Campbell’s Covered Bridge and nearby farms
9. Historic Plantations & Gardens Trail
Starting in Charleston and winding through the Ashley River region, this road trip highlights centuries-old plantations, cypress swamps, and some of the most beautiful gardens in the South.
Ideal Time to Go:
March to May for peak blooms
Hidden Gems to See:
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Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
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Middleton Place
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Cypress Gardens (kayak through flooded forest)
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Middleton Place, Butterfly Lakes walk
Day 2: Magnolia Gardens and swamp boat ride
Day 3: Cypress Gardens and historic sites near Goose Creek
10. Southern Soul Food & Small Town Charm Tour
This unique loop winds through small-town South Carolina with stops for local diners, hidden BBQ joints, and unexpected charm in towns like Abbeville, Edgefield, and McCormick.
Ideal Time to Go:
Any time of year
Hidden Gems to See:
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Carolina Moon Distillery (Edgefield)
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Burt-Stark Mansion (Abbeville)
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Hickory Knob State Resort Park
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Abbeville’s historic square and local eats
Day 2: Edgefield distillery and clay studio
Day 3: Stay lakeside at Hickory Knob
Packing List for a South Carolina Road Trip:
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Lightweight clothing & rain jacket (humid climate)
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Hiking shoes or sandals with grip
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Bug spray & sunscreen
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Cooler for picnic supplies and drinks
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Binoculars (for birdwatching and wildlife spotting)
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Camera or phone with charger
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Maps or downloaded offline GPS (some rural areas have spotty service)
Things to Know Before You Go:
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Many hidden gems are on backroads, check road conditions and bring a full tank.
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Be aware of alligators in swamp and coastal areas, observe from a distance.
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In summer, heat and humidity are intense, stay hydrated and avoid midday hikes.
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Watch for firefly events and festivals (like in Congaree) by checking NPS or local calendars.
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Some plantations charge separate fees for house tours, gardens, and exhibits.
Conclusion:
Whether you want waterfalls and mountaintop views, hidden beaches, or eerie swamp forests, South Carolina offers a rich variety of road trip adventures that mix popular stops with secret spots. Try one of these itineraries for a unique experience—and if you have any questions or favorite spots to add, drop a comment below!
