10 Best Short Road Trips from Conway, South Carolina for Weekend Explorers

on

10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips from Conway, SC (That Locals Actually Love)

If you live in or around Conway, South Carolina and you’ve already done all the usual Horry County things, you might be asking yourself: “Okay… now where else can we go for a fun day trip?” Good news: hop in the car, drive 30 minutes to about 1.5 hours, and you’ll find small waterfront towns, peaceful swamps, historic plantations, and quiet beaches that feel far from the crowds. Below are 10 short road trips from Conway into nearby counties in South Carolina and North Carolina:
  • Brunswick County, NC
  • Columbus County, NC
  • Robeson County, NC
  • Dillon County, SC
  • Georgetown County, SC
  • Marion County, SC
None of these spots are in Horry County, and that’s the point. They’re perfect when you want a change of pace without a long drive.

1. Sunset Beach & Bird Island, Brunswick County, NC

If you’re craving a quieter beach than the Grand Strand, Sunset Beach in Brunswick County is a calm, family‑friendly option just over the state line. Why go: This stretch of sand feels more like “old-school” beach life. No giant high-rises, less noise, and a slower vibe. You can walk for what feels like miles on soft sand, and the sunsets really do live up to the name. Highlights:
  • Walk across to Bird Island at low tide – a protected nature preserve.
  • Visit the famous Kindred Spirit Mailbox and leave a note or read others’ stories.
  • Stroll the pier and do a little fishing or just enjoy the view.
  • Pack a picnic and spend the day listening to the waves.
Driving tip from Conway: Plan about an hour and 15 minutes. Take it slow and enjoy the ride through small towns as you cross into North Carolina.

2. Southport, NC – A Waterfront Town with Movie Vibes (Brunswick County)

If you want a charming small town on the water, Southport is one of the best road trips from Conway. It’s been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, and you can see why once you arrive. Why go: Southport sits where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic. Think: old oak trees, boardwalks along the water, and pastel houses that look straight out of a postcard. Things to do:
  • Walk the Southport waterfront park and watch ships glide by.
  • Browse the local shops for coastal décor and antiques.
  • Grab fresh seafood at a waterside restaurant.
  • Take a ferry ride to Bald Head Island or Fort Fisher (makes a full-day adventure).
Personal tip: Try to get there in late afternoon, have dinner, and stay for sunset. The colors over the water are hard to beat.

3. Shallotte & Ocean Isle Beach, Brunswick County, NC

Looking for a relaxed beach day plus some shopping and dining? The combo of Shallotte (inland town) and Ocean Isle Beach (barrier island) makes for an easy road trip from Conway. Why go: You can do a little bit of everything: beach time, mini golf, local restaurants, and a stroll on the pier. What to check out:
  • Spend a few hours on Ocean Isle Beach – calm water, family feel.
  • Walk the Ocean Isle Beach Pier for great views and photos.
  • Stop in Shallotte on the way for lunch or to pick up beach supplies.
  • Explore local ice cream shops and seafood joints.
If you like the idea of a “low-key” beach instead of big crowds, this road trip will hit the spot.

4. Lake Waccamaw State Park, Columbus County, NC

Ready for something completely different from the coast? Head inland to Lake Waccamaw, one of North Carolina’s unique natural lakes. Why go: The lake is almost perfectly round and surprisingly shallow. The water is clear, and the shoreline is peaceful, making it a relaxing spot for a day outside. Things to do at Lake Waccamaw State Park:
  • Walk the boardwalk and nature trails through cypress trees.
  • Enjoy a picnic with lake views.
  • Launch a kayak or canoe if you have one.
  • Look for turtles, birds, and other wildlife along the shore.
Road trip note: From Conway, expect roughly an hour and a half, depending on your route. It’s an easy day trip if you leave in the morning and head back after dinner.

5. Historic Whiteville, Columbus County, NC

Just a short hop from Lake Waccamaw, Whiteville is a small town with a surprisingly rich history. If you like local museums and quiet downtowns, this is a nice slow-paced getaway. Why go: Whiteville feels like the kind of place where everybody still waves at each other. It’s a simple, down‑to‑earth town that gives you a taste of inland North Carolina life. Things to do:
  • Visit a local history or science museum (check current openings and hours).
  • Walk around downtown Whiteville, grab coffee, and browse small shops.
  • Plan a combined day trip with Lake Waccamaw for nature plus town time.
This is more of a “slow travel” stop, perfect when you don’t feel like crowds or big attractions.

6. Lumber River & Lumberton, Robeson County, NC

If you love paddling, fishing, or just being on the water, the Lumber River area around Lumberton makes an excellent day trip from Conway. Why go: The Lumber River is a designated National Wild and Scenic River. It winds through cypress swamps and quiet forests, and a lot of it still feels untouched. Ideas for your visit:
  • Try a canoe or kayak trip along a gentle stretch of the river.
  • Enjoy a riverside picnic and birdwatching.
  • Walk local greenways or nature trails in the Lumberton area.
  • Stop in town for a casual meal before heading back to Conway.
If you’ve only done beach trips from Conway, this is a nice way to see a different side of the Carolinas—more trees, blackwater creeks, and quiet river bends.

7. Dillon, SC & South of the Border, Dillon County

Ask anyone who has driven I‑95 through South Carolina, and they’ll probably mention South of the Border near Dillon. It’s quirky, cheesy, and absolutely a road trip classic. Why go: This is one of those “you have to see it at least once” roadside attractions. Neon signs, bright colors, souvenir shops—it’s like stepping back in time to the golden age of road trips. What to expect:
  • Colorful photo ops with giant statues and signs.
  • Plenty of souvenir shops with everything from T‑shirts to trinkets.
  • Mini golf, small rides, and casual snack spots (offerings change over time).
  • A drive through Dillon itself for a look at a traditional small Southern town.
Is it touristy? Absolutely. Is it fun for a quick trip from Conway, especially with kids (or nostalgic adults)? Definitely.

8. Georgetown, SC – Historic Harbor Walk & Rice History (Georgetown County)

If you only do one out-of-county day trip from Conway, make it GeorgetownWhy go: Georgetown feels like a smaller, calmer version of Charleston. It has cobblestone vibes, historic buildings, and a waterfront boardwalk, but without the heavy crowds. Don’t miss:
  • Stroll the Harborwalk along the Sampit River, lined with restaurants and shops.
  • Browse Front Street boutiques and grab coffee or ice cream.
  • Visit local history and rice culture museums to learn how this area shaped the Lowcountry.
  • Take a boat tour if you have time—great way to see the marshes and wildlife.
Fun idea: Spend a full day here: brunch on the Harborwalk, a museum or two, boat tour in the afternoon, then dinner with a water view before heading back to Conway.

9. Brookgreen Gardens’ Neighborhood: Murrells Inlet Area (Georgetown County side)

While much of Murrells Inlet is in Horry County, parts of the surrounding marsh and plantation region extend into Georgetown County. Focusing on the Georgetown County side gives you a quieter, more natural feel. Why go: For a taste of live oaks, marsh views, and Lowcountry history, this area is hard to beat. You’ll see rice field remnants, tidal creeks, and that classic moss‑draped scenery. What to look for on the Georgetown County side:
  • Marsh views and pull‑off spots along the highway for photos.
  • Quiet side roads that wind past old plantation lands (check access and respect private property).
  • Public boat launches or small landings where locals fish and crab.
Even just driving through this stretch can feel like a mini escape—windows down, marsh grass waving in the breeze, and egrets standing in the creeks.

10. Marion, SC – Small-Town Stroll & Pee Dee Country Feel (Marion County)

If you want a short drive from Conway into a true small Southern town, head to Marion in Marion County. Why go: Marion has a historic downtown, old homes, and that “everybody knows everybody” energy. It’s not a big tourist town, and that’s exactly why it feels real. Ideas for a laid-back visit:
  • Walk the downtown streets and check out any local shops or cafés.
  • Drive the nearby backroads and enjoy Pee Dee farmland scenery.
  • Look for local events, farmers markets, or festivals—smaller towns often have great community gatherings.
This is a great trip when you want something simple: a drive, a meal, a walk, and a peek at everyday life outside the beach zone.

Tips for Planning Your Road Trips from Conway

To make these out-of-county adventures even smoother, keep a few basics in mind:
  • Check drive times: Most of these trips are 45 minutes to 1.5 hours from Conway.
  • Watch the weather: Summer thunderstorms and winter cold snaps can change your plans fast.
  • Call ahead: For museums, tours, and seasonal attractions, check hours before you go.
  • Bring a cooler: Snacks, water, and a place to stash fresh seafood or local produce never hurt.
  • Wear comfy shoes: You’ll walk more than you think—boardwalks, downtown streets, trails.
Road trips from Conway don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, just exploring one county over gives you a whole new view of the Carolinas.

Ready to Hit the Road from Conway?

You don’t need a week-long vacation to feel like you’ve gotten away. With these 10 easy road trips from Conway, SC, you can:
  • Relax on quieter North Carolina beaches
  • Wander through historic harbor towns
  • Paddle wild rivers and walk peaceful boardwalks
  • Visit quirky roadside attractions and small Southern communities
If you live in Conway—or you’re visiting and want to explore beyond Horry County—these nearby counties offer plenty of things to do without spending all day in the car. Now it’s your turn: Which of these trips would you try first? Have you discovered another great out-of-county spot near Conway? Share this post with friends or family planning a Carolina getaway, and drop a comment with your favorite hidden gems. Your tips might inspire someone’s next road trip!
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment