10 Easy Road Trips Near Florence, South Carolina (That Are Totally Worth the Drive)
Looking for fun
day trips from Florence, SC that get you out of Florence County for a bit? You’re in a great spot. Within an hour or so, you can reach small towns, lakes, historic sites, and peaceful countryside scattered across Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Sumter, and Williamsburg Counties.
Whether you live in Florence or you’re just staying nearby, these short
out-of-county road trips are perfect when you’re asking yourself, “What can we do this weekend?”
Below are 10 easy drives with things to do, places to eat, and ideas for how to spend the day.
1. Explore Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter County
Where: Sumter, SC (Sumter County) – about 45–55 minutes from Florence
Why go: Black swans, walking paths, and blooming flowers in a calm park setting
One of the most relaxing
road trips near Florence, SC is to
Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter. It’s a city park, but it feels like a quiet escape.
You’ll find:
- Graceful black and white swans gliding across the water
- Shaded walking paths and footbridges
- Seasonal flowers and colorful irises in late spring
- Kid-friendly open spaces
Bring a picnic, stroll the paths, and just slow down for a few hours. Parking is usually easy, and the park is very walkable. On hot days, the shade and water breezes help keep things comfortable.
Road trip tip: Pair your visit with a bite to eat in downtown Sumter. It turns a simple walk in the park into a full afternoon out.
2. Step Back in Time at the Sumter County Museum
Where: Sumter, SC (Sumter County)
Why go: History, old homes, and a glimpse of small-town life from long ago
While you’re in Sumter, add the
Sumter County Museum to your list. It’s a great stop for history lovers, families, and anyone curious about how people lived in this part of South Carolina years ago.
Expect to see:
- Historic houses and period rooms
- Local artifacts and exhibits about the area’s past
- Costumed events and special programs at certain times of year
The pace here is slow, in a good way. You can take your time, ask questions, and really picture life before smartphones and highways.
Why this makes a great road trip from Florence: It’s close enough for a half-day visit but interesting enough to fill a whole day when you combine it with Swan Lake Iris Gardens and a meal in town.
3. Cool Off at Woods Bay State Park in Lee County
Where: Near Olanta, SC (Lee County) – about 35–45 minutes from Florence
Why go: Boardwalks, swamp views, and a taste of wild Carolina outdoors
If you like nature, head west to
Woods Bay State Park in Lee County. It protects one of the last remaining large “Carolina bays” – shallow, oval-shaped wetlands unique to this region.
Here you can:
- Walk the boardwalk through a cypress-tupelo swamp
- Look for birds, turtles, and other wildlife
- Enjoy a quiet break from city noise
The park is pretty simple and undeveloped, which is part of its charm. It feels like you’re stepping into the wild, even though you’re still close to home.
Road trip tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, especially in summer. Bug spray can be a good idea too.
4. Discover Civil Rights History in Kingstree (Williamsburg County)
Where: Kingstree, SC (Williamsburg County) – about 45–55 minutes from Florence
Why go: Historic churches, small-town charm, and a quieter side of South Carolina history
Kingstree is the county seat of Williamsburg County, and it’s a solid choice if you like history and quieter towns.
A visit here might include:
- Driving past historic churches and older neighborhoods
- Finding local markers and memorials tied to the civil rights era
- Grabbing lunch at a small, locally owned spot
It’s not a “check off 10 attractions in a day” kind of place. Instead, it’s more about slowing down, talking to locals, and getting a feel for everyday life in a South Carolina town that many travelers simply pass by.
Why go: This is one of those
less touristy road trips from Florence, SC that gives you local flavor and real stories, not just photo ops.
5. Paddle or Fish at Lake Marion near Clarendon County
Where: North shore areas around Clarendon County (e.g., near Manning) – about 1–1.5 hours from Florence
Why go: Big lake, boating, fishing, and laid-back marinas
Looking for a water-focused getaway? Head down toward
Lake Marion, one of South Carolina’s largest lakes. Parts of its northern shore touch
Clarendon County, and they’re easy to reach from Florence.
Once you arrive, you can:
- Book a half-day boat rental (or ride with a guide)
- Spend the morning fishing for catfish, crappie, or bass
- Relax at a marina restaurant with lake views
On a warm day, the open water and breeze make this trip feel like a mini-vacation. You’re not at the beach, but you still get that “day on the water” feeling.
Road trip tip: If you don’t own gear, look for local outfitters that rent kayaks, rods, or even offer guided fishing trips. Calling ahead is wise on weekends.
6. Tour the Darlington Raceway & Explore Darlington County
Where: Darlington, SC (Darlington County) – about 20–30 minutes from Florence
Why go: NASCAR history, racing vibes, and small-town exploring
Racing fans, this one’s for you. Just up the road sits the famous
Darlington Raceway, known as the “Track Too Tough to Tame.”
Depending on the time of year, you might:
- Catch a race or special event
- Visit the on-site museum (when open) to learn about NASCAR history
- Drive around town and spot race-themed murals or displays
Even if you’re not a die-hard racing fan, there’s something fun about standing inside a big, historic track and imagining the roar of the engines.
Why it’s an easy road trip: The drive from Florence is short, and you can easily be back home by dinner, even after a full afternoon out.
7. Stroll the Streets of Historic Marion (Marion County)
Where: Marion, SC (Marion County) – about 30–40 minutes from Florence
Why go: Charming downtown, old buildings, and simple, slow-paced wandering
If you enjoy small Southern towns, put
Marion on your list. The drive is simple, and the town has a classic, slightly old-fashioned feel.
In Marion, you can:
- Walk around the historic downtown area
- Browse local shops and antique stores
- Check out old buildings and photo-worthy storefronts
This is one of those trips where you don’t need a strict schedule. Just park the car, start walking, and see what you discover.
Road trip tip: Stop for a coffee or dessert at a local café to break up your walk and relax like a local.
8. Vintage Vibes in Bennettsville (Marlboro County)
Where: Bennettsville, SC (Marlboro County) – about 45–55 minutes from Florence
Why go: Historic courthouse square, architecture, and quiet streets
Bennettsville is another mellow small town with a rich past. It once played an important role in the cotton trade and still has several historic buildings to prove it.
When you visit, you might:
- Walk around the courthouse square
- Spot historic homes and churches
- Snap photos of older brick storefronts
It’s not a theme park. It’s a place to step back a little, breathe, and picture what life here looked like 100 years ago.
Why it works as a Florence day trip: The drive is under an hour, the streets are easy to navigate, and you’ll usually avoid big crowds.
9. Cross the State Line to South of the Border (Dillon County)
Where: Hamer, SC (Dillon County), right off I-95 at the NC/SC border – about 1–1.25 hours from Florence
Why go: Quirky roadside attraction, bright colors, and pure nostalgia
If you grew up traveling I-95, you might remember the billboards for
South of the Border. It’s one of those classic roadside stops that feels part odd, part fun, and totally unique.
You’ll find:
- Colorful signs and photo spots
- Gift shops with every kind of souvenir you can imagine
- Food, snacks, and a kind of retro, road-trip vibe
Is it touristy? Yes. Is that the point? Also yes. Sometimes that’s exactly the kind of silly fun you need on a Saturday.
Road trip tip: This is a great option if you’re already headed up or down I-95. Turn it into a mini detour rather than the whole day’s plan, or pair it with a quiet stop somewhere else in Dillon County.
10. Find Peace and Wildlife in Rural Williamsburg County
Where: Back roads near Kingstree & surrounding countryside (Williamsburg County)
Why go: Scenic drives, country churches, fields, and a slower rhythm
Not every road trip needs a big, named attraction. Sometimes, it’s about the drive itself.
Take a loose route through
Williamsburg County on rural highways and back roads. You’re likely to see:
- Wide farm fields and long, straight roads
- Small, historic country churches
- Birds, quiet creeks, and patches of woods
This kind of drive is perfect when you just want to roll down the windows, turn on some music, and let your mind unwind.
Road trip tip: Use a paper map or offline map if your cell signal drops. Mark a few small towns as “checkpoints” so you always know you can find gas and a bathroom.
How to Make the Most of Your Florence, SC Road Trips
Before you pick one of these
day trips from Florence, keep a few handy tips in mind:
- Check hours ahead of time: Small-town museums and shops may close earlier or only open on certain days.
- Pack a small cooler: A few bottles of water and some snacks make even simple drives more enjoyable.
- Bring cash: Some local spots, especially in rural areas, may not take cards or may have minimums.
- Be flexible: Part of the fun is discovering something you didn’t plan for—a new café, a quiet park, a great view.
Living in or visiting Florence puts you in the middle of so many easy adventures. From lakes and swamps to race tracks and historic towns, you don’t have to drive far to feel like you’ve gone somewhere new.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips Near Florence, SC
Have you tried any of these out-of-county road trips from Florence?
Do you have your own favorite small town, park, or hidden gem in Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Sumter, or Williamsburg County?
I’d love to hear about it.
- Drop a comment with your favorite nearby getaway.
- Share this post with friends or family who are always asking, “What can we do this weekend near Florence?”
The more we share our local finds, the more everyone gets to enjoy what’s just down the road.
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