Are you looking for something new and different to do on a sunny afternoon in the Lowcountry? If so, plan an exciting excursion to discover to unique destinations in the area. There are dozens of day trips from Charleston, SC, available to you. With just a little bit of planning and plenty of adventurous spirit, you’ll find a vibrant section of the Lowcountry to explore. Check out our list of great day trips from Charleston, SC. Then, start planning your next outing!
6 Day Trips from Charleston, SC, You Will Love
Whether you’re looking for quaint fishing villages, important historic sites, protected natural destinations, or family-friendly fun, there are plenty of Charleston day trip ideas nearby. Below, you’ll find just a few of great recommendations. All times provided are estimated from our office near Seabrook and Kiawah Islands, just southwest of downtown Charleston!
Wadmalaw Island, SC | 30 minutes
If you’re looking for a quick trip from Kiawah or Seabrook Island that offers plenty of unique attractions, head to Wadmalaw Island.
There, you’ll find the Charleston Tea Plantation and Deep Water Vineyard.
At these destinations, you’ll learn about the local tea, wine, or vodka producers, see their facilities, and learn how their products are made.
Tours at each location are followed by ample sampling opportunities, of course!
Shem Creek | Mount Pleasant, SC | 45 minutes
Just over the Arthur Ravenel Bridge, you’ll find Shem Creek - a popular spot for locals and guests alike.
This wonderful waterway boasts a variety of excellent bars and restaurants that are perfect for enjoying waterfront dining at sunset.
Shem Creek also offers kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating opportunities. While you’re there, keep an eye out for dolphins surfacing in the creek or the fleet of shrimp boats that dock nearby!
Cottageville, SC | 1 hour, 10 minutes
Cottageville, SC, is home to the Bee City Honey Farm and Petting Zoo. A fun destination for families, Bee City is abuzz with activity throughout the year. The farm produces local honey and offers unique ways to learn about the process. You’ll enjoy train rides and educational classes and even see an active hive behind the protection of a glass wall. Bee City also has an interactive petting zoo and nature center that features monkeys, ringtail lemurs, llamas, alpacas, deer, goats, sheep, bunnies, and reptiles to feed and pet.
Walterboro, SC | 1 hour, 15 minutes
Affectionately known as the “Front Porch of the Lowcountry,” Walterboro, SC, is a lovely day trip destination. The historic town is home to the South Carolina Artisans Center, the official Folk Art and Craft Center of the state, as well as quaint shops, antique stores, and delicious dining opportunities. Walterboro also has a thriving wildlife sanctuary, museums to explore, and a fantastic farmers market that is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays, May through October.
Edisto Island, SC | 1 hour, 15 minutes
Edisto Island, SC, features the wide marsh vistas and moss-covered oak trees for which the Lowcountry is known. Another highlight is Botany Bay, the 4,000-acre natural jewel of the island.
You can discover miles and miles of breathtaking scenery, plus interesting historic sites, by driving along the Highway 174 National Scenic Byway on Edisto Island.
This 17-mile route takes you through the island from the Intracoastal Waterway to the beach.
Along the way, you’ll find historic landmarks like Windsor Plantation, a sweetgrass basket stand, 19th-century churches, and the Edisto Island Museum. The museum features Civil War and Gullah culture photographs and artifacts, restored slave cabins, and more.
McClellanville, SC | 1 hour, 20 minutes
If you travel up the coast for just 1 hour and 20 minutes, you’ll find the coastal town of McClellanville, SC. This small fishing village offers one of the best road trips from Charleston, SC, because there is something for just about every interest in McClellanville. You’ll find the historic Hampton Plantation, the Camp Romain National Wildlife Refuge, and Blue Pearl Farms, which boasts over 2,000 blueberry bushes, to visit.
McClellanville is also a popular destination for special events. Each month, Blue Pearl Farm hosts “Blueberry Jams.” These events invite crafts vendors, food trucks, and local bands to the farm for food and fun. The town also hosts other notable events, including the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival and the Blessing of the Fleet.
Find Your Lowcountry Dream Home with Pam Harrington Exclusives!
Do you dream of exploring the Lowcountry and taking day trips from Charleston, SC, every weekend? If so, Pam Harrington Exclusives can make that dream a reality. There are a wide variety of beautiful properties for sale throughout the Lowcountry, including Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Johns Island and Historic downtown Charleston.
Each and every home offers its own unique qualities to discover. Let our skilled and professional agents help you find the perfect match.
Browse available properties online today. Then, sign up for real estate alerts to stay in the know when new properties hit the market. We look forward to hearing from you!
Do you already have the perfect Lowcountry home? Check out our blog! It’s filled with information for homeowners including recommendations of things to do in the area, our favorite home improvement resources, and more!