Best Day Trips From Charleston South Carolina

Heading out of Charleston means a romantic drive through the area’s Lowcountry. Whichever direction you head in, there’s history and phenomenal natural beauty at every turn. You may wish to go inland to the swamps and forests of South Carolina, or choose to cruise along the coast to discover beaches or more established cities. The journey will be as much fun as the destination, whether you escape to play sports, follow trails or simply sit and enjoy the bustle of a new city with a drink in your hand. Here’s our pick of the best day trips around.

McClellanville

If you like scenic drives, the trip to McClellanville is the one for you. This relaxed fishing village half-way between Charleston and Georgetown is only one hour and 20 minutes away but offers the relaxation you may be searching for. As a close-knit but friendly community, this spot famously celebrates the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival every spring and is also home to a visit-worthy village museum honouring the settlements of the Sewee Indians. Time permitting, head inland to the Francis Marion National Forest where you can follow some stunning trails.

Givhans Ferry State Park

Savannah and Tybee Island Beach

The famous city of Savannah – only two hours away – is Georgia’s oldest and arguably most scenic spot. Stroll through any of its 22 historic squares, along the charming cobblestone streets by the river or head to Forsyth Park to gaze upon the renowned hanging Spanish moss or simply sit and eat very well. Thirty minutes away is Tybee Island, five miles of white-sand beaches with a light station you will want to photograph as soon as the sun begins to set.

Charleston SUP safaris

Only a 30-minute drive from Charleston on the flatwater of the Folly River is a company that will introduce you to the genteel sport of paddleboarding. Fantastic for beginners, any introductory lessons you may need before you dive in are quickly covered. How else could you combine a guided tour, the languid appreciation of Lowcountry scenery and some sports activity all at once? It’s a breeze.

St Helena Island

Less than a two-hour drive from Charleston is St Helena Island where, in 1861, white Southerners were exiled by Union troops which in turn liberated 10,000 slaves. Many generations of those freed have resided here. The York W Bailey Museum recounts this important slice of African-American history and how the culture here merged with that of the Native Americans. After absorbing the area’s history, enjoy the local food at Gullah Grub which includes chowder, gumbo, ribs and shark.

Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area

Those searching for wild natural beauty should head for Botany Bay on Edisto Island – a ghost island, as such. Where once there were coastal plantations and a world abundant with sea cotton, there are now only ruins. The area has no shops, boardwalks or activities and only the rugged coastline that presents itself to the sea. The beach throws up all kinds of bones and the lagoons are teeming with birdlife and other creatures. A contemplative and haunted paradise.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.