Best Day Trips From Charleston Sc

Charleston, South Carolina is a charming and exciting coastal city, rich with history and culture. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, there is something for everyone in Charleston. Here are the best day trips from Charleston, SC where you can explore the area and its attractions.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Charleston area. It is a 6-mile barrier island located just a short drive away from downtown Charleston. Folly Beach is known for its wide variety of activities, from fishing and surfing to kayaking and paddle boarding. There are also many restaurants, bars, and shops to explore. Visitors can also take a drive down the historic Folly River for some stunning views of the area.

Edisto Island

Edisto Island is a barrier island located just an hour from downtown Charleston. It’s a popular destination for outdoor activities and nature exploration, with miles of beaches, marshes, and forests to explore. Visitors can explore the island by kayak, stand up paddle board, or boat. There are also several public parks and nature trails to explore. Edisto Island also has a few restaurants and shops, as well as a nature center, so visitors can learn more about the island’s history and ecology.

Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island is a barrier island located just over an hour from downtown Charleston. It is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the area, as well as a variety of wildlife. There are several golf courses, tennis courts, and cycling trails to explore. Visitors can also take a drive down Kiawah’s winding roads to take in the scenery. There are also several restaurants, shops, and resorts on the island.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a popular destination for travelers looking for an island getaway. Located just over 2 hours from downtown Charleston, the island is home to some of the best beaches in the area. There are several golf courses, tennis courts, and bike trails to explore. Visitors can also take a drive down the island’s winding roads to take in the scenery. There are also several restaurants, shops, and resorts on the island.

Hunting Island State Park

Hunting Island State Park is a 5,000-acre park located just an hour from downtown Charleston. It is the most popular state park in South Carolina and is home to several miles of pristine beaches, as well as lagoons, marshes, and forests. Visitors can take a drive down the scenic roads to take in the scenery, or explore the area by kayak. There are also several restaurants, shops, and resorts on the island.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a charming town located just an hour and a half from downtown Charleston. The town is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in the area, as well as several shops and restaurants. Visitors can explore the area by bike or boat, or take a stroll down the historic downtown area. There are also several public parks and nature trails to explore.

Savannah

Savannah is a historic city located just over two hours away from downtown Charleston. It is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in the south, as well as a variety of museums, galleries, and shops. Visitors can explore the city by bike or boat, or take a drive down the iconic River Street. There are also several restaurants, bars, and shops to explore.

Conclusion

Charleston, South Carolina is a beautiful and exciting city, with plenty of activities and attractions for visitors to explore. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, there is something for everyone in Charleston. From the beautiful beaches of Folly and Kiawah Islands to the historic downtown areas of Beaufort and Savannah, the area has plenty of amazing attractions to explore. So if you’re looking for the best day trips from Charleston, South Carolina, these are the places to explore.

An Insider’s Guide to Charleston, South Carolina

As a local, I’d love to share with you the lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path places, and experiences to make your trip to Charleston, South Carolina, unforgettable. So pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and let’s explore the Holy City.

Local Attractions

Charleston’s charm is in its rich history and culture. Take a break from the well-known tourist spots and visit the lesser-known attractions. Visit the charming Angel Oak tree, which is over 400 years old and has a trunk circumference of 28 feet. Explore the very first theater in America, the Dock Street Theatre, or tour the lesser-known St. Michael’s Church.

Dining Spots

Apart from renowned dishes such as shrimp and grits and She-Crab Soup, Charleston has a diverse food culture. Visit Jack of Cups Saloon for vegan and vegetarian fare, Butcher & Bee for farm-to-table Mediterranean, or Xiao Bao Biscuit for Asian-style dishes. You should also try out some of the city’s many culinary staples, like grits, benne wafers, boiled peanuts, and sweetgrass baskets.

Cultural Experiences

Charleston has a rich history in art, music, and traditions. For a closer look at the Lowcountry’s distinctive culture, visit the Charleston City Market. Watch a performance at the historic Circular Congregational Church or attend an event during Charleston’s annual Spoleto Festival. You can also take up an art class at Redux Studio or explore the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art.

Local History

Charleston is teeming with fascinating stories from its past, like the legend of the ghostly Gray Man, the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1969 hospital workers’ strike, or the bombing of Emanuel AME Church in 2015. Take a walking tour of the city’s hidden graveyards or the Calhoun Mansion, where rich history and strange happenings have met

Off-the-beaten-path Suggestions

Charleston is full of surprises, so make some time to venture off the beaten path for a truly unique perspective on the city. Take a stroll along Shem Creek at sunrise, kayak through the marshes at dusk with the dolphins, or explore the Caw Caw Interpretive Center, a wildlife sanctuary. You can even take a day trip to Bulls Island and experience unspoiled beaches, forest, and wildlife.

With so much to explore and uncover in Charleston, it’s no wonder why it has become a popular destination for many. But I hope my insider’s guide will inspire you to take a closer look at the hidden gems that make this city truly special. Happy travels!