MileHacker Logo
Day Trips from Charleston

Day Trips from Charleston

Charleston South Carolina, USA Travel Guide

Organized Tours versus Independent Travel

Organized tours bring ease for destinations like Fort Sumter, Boone Hall Plantation, and other plantation visits. Transport is often part of the package, and a guide shares context. They remove the bother of driving and parking.

Independent travel allows greater adaptability for multiple stops or exploring at your own pace. This often means having a rental car for most longer day trips, so you set your own schedule and visit less known spots.

Considerations

  • For most day trips outside Charleston, a car is the main way to travel.
  • Limited public transport choices exist for Mount Pleasant; personal vehicle use generally makes travel most adaptable.
  • Organized tours may be better for first-time visitors seeking structured visits.
  • Independent travel is for those who enjoy self-guided discovery.

Nearby Destinations

Explore charming towns and islands close to Charleston, each with its distinct character and attractions.

Accessible Locations

Many interesting locations are within a short drive of Charleston, excellent for a day's outing.

Popular Spots

  • Mount Pleasant: 15-20 minutes. Patriots Point, Shem Creek, Boone Hall Plantation.
  • Isle of Palms / Sullivan's Island / Folly Beach: 20-40 minutes. Beach relaxation, water sports.
  • Johns Island / Wadmalaw Island: 20-40 minutes. Angel Oak Tree, Charleston Tea Garden.

Further Afield

Discover more distant locales that still work well for a day trip.

Extended Day Trips

  • McClellanville: About an hour north. Historic fishing village, gateway to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Beaufort: 1 hour 15 minutes south. Charming historic coastal town with antebellum architecture.
  • Beaufort has a connection to film (e.g., "Forrest Gump" bench).

Suggested Itineraries

Half-Day Trips

  • Fort Sumter: Allow 3 hours for the ferry and island visit.
  • Boone Hall Plantation: Spend 2-3 hours exploring the grounds.
  • Shem Creek (Mount Pleasant): Allocate 2-3 hours for the boardwalk and a meal.
  • These trips are a good choice when time is limited.

Full Day Trips

  • Combine a plantation visit with a beach trip.
  • Example: Magnolia Plantation in the morning, Folly Beach in the afternoon.
  • Dedicate a full day to a neighboring historic town like Beaufort.
  • Allow time for walking tours, dining, and shops in Beaufort.

Multi-Day Extensions

  • Barrier Island Exploration1-2 nights
  • Beaufort & Hilton Head2-3 days
  • Savannah, GA2-3 days
  • Offers a distinct charmSimilar to Charleston
  • Savannah (GA)Southern history, architecture
  • Asheville (NC)Mountain scenery, breweries
  • Columbia (SC)State capital, museums
  • Myrtle Beach (SC)Commercial beach resort

Travel Tip

Interstates (I-95, I-26) link Charleston to major cities across the Southeast, making regional travel straightforward.

Natural Escapes

The Lowcountry's natural setting has numerous choices for outdoor enthusiasts.

James Island County Park

An extensive park on James Island, with trails for walking, a dog park, and a climbing wall.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Located in Ravenel, with over 6 miles of trails through varied Lowcountry habitats, good for birding.

Hunting Island State Park

Near Beaufort (1.5 hours away), this barrier island is a beautiful beach and a historic lighthouse.

Scenic Landscapes

Discover the unique natural beauty of the area's protected lands.

Locations

  • Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve: On Edisto Island (1 hour away).
  • This preserve has a pristine beach, known for its "boneyard beach."
  • Dead trees stand on the shore, a sight for nature photography.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Experience the changing natural cycles of the Lowcountry throughout the year.

Yearly Events

  • Migratory Bird Patterns: Fall and spring bring diverse bird species, ideal for birdwatching.
  • Sea Turtle Nesting: May to October, loggerhead sea turtles nest on barrier islands.
  • Conservation efforts are in place to protect these nests; guided turtle walks are sometimes an option.

Local Geography

Charleston is a coastal city.No mountains are in the region.
Rural areas nearby.Historic plantations.
Agricultural experiences.Tea and wine production.
Access days at Botany Bay.Can be limited; check before visiting.
Lowcountry's natural environment.Good for outdoor activities.
Wildlife spotting.Alligators are present in certain areas.

Green Travel Tip

  • Avoid littering, especially near waterways and beaches.
  • Litter harms wildlife and pollutes the environment.
  • Use designated trash receptacles when out and about.
  • Your thoughtfulness helps preserve the beauty of nature.
  • Protect the Lowcountry’s fragile ecosystems.

Cultural Excursions

Discover historical and cultural sites beyond Charleston's main peninsula.

Historical Sites

Journey to sites outside the immediate downtown area that reveal Charleston's past.

Prominent Plantations

  • Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens: One of America's oldest working plantations.
  • Known for its "Avenue of Oaks," it holds insights into Gullah culture.
  • Drayton Hall: Oldest unrestored plantation house in America, presenting 18th-century life.

More Historic Venues

Continue your exploration of significant historical properties nearby.

Gardens and History

  • Middleton Place: Features America's oldest landscaped gardens.
  • Visitors can explore stableyards and a historic house.
  • The gardens are especially beautiful in spring.

Rural Villages & Agricultural Areas

Experience the Lowcountry's agricultural heritage and traditional village life.

Country Charm

  • Wadmalaw Island: Home to the Charleston Tea Garden, America's only tea plantation.
  • It also holds Deep Water Vineyard, a local winery, for tours and tastings.
  • McClellanville: A small fishing village with a charming historic core.

Pilgrimage Sites

Charleston is not a major pilgrimage destination. Its historic churches are mainly architectural and historical attractions.

Historic Churches

  • St. Michael's Church.
  • St. Philip's Church.
  • These structures offer architectural beauty and historical depth.

Local Insights

Gain a appreciation for the local culture and history during your visits.

Gullah Culture

Many plantations offer insights into Gullah culture, an important aspect of Lowcountry heritage.

Preservation Focus

Drayton Hall highlights preservation over restoration, offering an authentic glimpse of the past.

Community Life

McClellanville provides a picture of a traditional Lowcountry community reliant on the sea.

Cultural Tip

Support groups focused on preserving Charleston's historic buildings and Gullah Geechee culture. This keeps the city's distinct character and heritage alive.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider adding a few days to your trip to explore more of the region, or connecting to other Southern destinations.

Extend Your Stay

1-2

Nights on a Barrier Island

Spend time on Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, or Sullivan's Island for a laid-back coastal experience.

2-3

Days in Beaufort & Hilton Head

Visit the charming town of Beaufort and the resort island of Hilton Head, broadening your Southern coastal journey.

2

Hour Drive to Savannah, GA

Combine Charleston with Savannah, Georgia, for another historic Southern city experience with its own distinct charm.

Logical Next Destinations

  • Savannah (GA): A natural next stop for those keen on Southern history and architecture.
  • Asheville (NC): For a contrast to the coast, this city has mountain scenery and an artsy vibe.
  • Columbia (SC): The state capital, with museums and a distinct view of South Carolina.
  • Myrtle Beach (SC): For a more commercial beach resort experience.
  • St. Augustine (FL): Further south for historic coastal cities.
  • Blue Ridge Mountains: A diverse Southern experience encompassing mountains.

Transportation Connections

  • Interstates (I-95, I-26) link Charleston to major cities across the Southeast.
  • Amtrak services reach some nearby cities.
  • Greyhound services also reach nearby cities.
  • These offer alternative transport choices for regional travel.
  • Planning ahead for bus and train travel is advised.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Historic Coastline Route

Travel from Charleston south along the coast to Beaufort, then to Savannah (GA), and potentially further to St. Augustine (FL) for a journey through historic coastal cities.

Mountains to Sea Route

Begin in Asheville (NC) in the Blue Ridge Mountains, travel through Columbia (SC), and finish your trip in coastal Charleston (SC) for a varied Southern experience.

Diverse Southern Experience

This route covers mountains, a state capital, and the coast, presenting a wide range of Southern landscapes and cultures.

Planning Tip

When planning multi-day extensions, research accommodations and book transportation early, especially during peak seasons.
← Previous
Things to Do in Charleston
← Back to Charleston
Next →
Charleston Travel Tips

Next Up: Charleston Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Continue to Charleston Travel Tips