10 Easy Road Trips Near Hilton Head Island, SC (But Outside Beaufort County)
If you love Hilton Head Island but you’re ready to explore a little farther, you’re in luck. Within just an hour or two by car, you can find quiet blackwater rivers, tiny Southern towns, old-growth forests, and some seriously good Lowcountry food.
The best part? All of these ideas are
outside Beaufort County, in the nearby counties of
Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper. So if you’re based on Hilton Head Island and want a change of scenery, these short road trips are perfect.
1. Paddle the Blackwater at Colleton State Park (Colleton County)
About an hour and a half northwest of Hilton Head Island,
Colleton State Park sits on the scenic Edisto River, one of the longest free-flowing blackwater rivers in the country.
This is a great escape if you’re craving trees instead of tides.
- Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle a calm stretch of the Edisto.
- Bring a picnic and relax at the riverfront shelters.
- Walk the short nature trail and look for turtles and wading birds.
The water here is dark like sweet tea because of the tannins from fallen leaves, which gives it a mysterious, peaceful vibe. If you’ve only seen the ocean around Hilton Head, this quiet river feels like a whole different world.
2. Step Back in Time in Walterboro’s Historic District (Colleton County)
Walterboro, about 70–80 miles from Hilton Head Island, calls itself the “Front Porch of the Lowcountry,” and once you stroll its streets, you’ll see why.
In the historic downtown, you’ll find:
- Shady streets lined with old live oaks and front porches.
- Antique shops and local boutiques in restored buildings.
- Cafés where you can sit with a sweet tea and people‑watch.
If you enjoy slow walks, old homes, and little bits of history, this small city is a nice change from resort life. It feels like the kind of place where everybody still waves at strangers driving by.
3. Hike, Bike, and Birdwatch at the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary (Colleton County)
Just a few minutes from downtown Walterboro is the
Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary, a huge protected wetland with boardwalks and wooded trails.
Here you can:
- Walk or bike miles of flat trails through swamp and forest.
- Wander along raised boardwalks over cypress wetlands.
- Look for egrets, herons, owls, and even the occasional alligator.
If you’re visiting from Hilton Head Island with kids, this is a great spot for them to burn some energy and learn a little about Lowcountry nature beyond the beach. Bring bug spray and comfortable shoes—you’ll want to linger.
4. Drive the Rural Backroads of Hampton County’s Farm Country
If you ever wonder what’s beyond the resorts and golf courses, a drive through
Hampton County will answer that.
Take a day to wander the backroads around towns like
Hampton, Varnville, and Brunson:
- Roll past fields of corn, soybeans, or cotton depending on the season.
- Spot old barns, farm stands, and tiny churches.
- Stop at local diners for meat‑and‑three plates and homemade pies.
I once pulled over at a roadside produce stand near Hampton “just for a quick look” and walked away with boiled peanuts, tomatoes, and peach jam. That’s how these drives go—you never quite know what you’ll find, but it’s always something good.
5. Explore Small‑Town Charm in Downtown Hampton (Hampton County)
The town of
Hampton is only around an hour and a half from Hilton Head Island, but it feels like classic small‑town South Carolina.
Plan a slow morning or afternoon:
- Walk the main streets and check out local shops and murals.
- Visit the courthouse square and admire the historic buildings.
- Grab lunch at a local café or barbecue spot—ask folks where they eat.
If you time your trip in late spring, you may catch preparations for local festivals or community events. It’s the kind of place that reminds you life doesn’t have to move at full speed all the time.
6. Cast a Line at Lake Warren State Park (Hampton County)
For a peaceful freshwater break from Hilton Head’s salt air, head to
Lake Warren State Park, just outside the town of Hampton.
What you can do there:
- Fish for bass, bream, and catfish from the shore or a small boat.
- Walk short nature trails around the lake.
- Pack a cooler and enjoy lunch at a shaded picnic table.
The lake is small and calm, surrounded by trees. If you’ve got folding chairs, a book, and a quiet afternoon, this is a road trip that doesn’t require much planning—just show up and relax by the water.
7. Visit Ridgeland: Jasper County’s Quiet County Seat
Ridgeland is one of the closest out‑of‑county trips from Hilton Head Island, sitting right off I‑95 in
Jasper County. It’s an easy half‑day escape when you don’t want to spend a lot of time driving.
In and around Ridgeland, you can:
- Walk through downtown and check out local shops and eateries.
- Visit small parks and enjoy a slower pace than the interstate nearby.
- Use it as a base to explore nearby rivers and forests.
If you’re road‑tripping up or down I‑95, Ridgeland also makes a nice side stop from Hilton Head Island to break up your travel with something more authentic than a highway exit.
8. Kayak and Fish on the Savannah River Bluffs (Jasper County)
The western edge of Jasper County touches the
Savannah River, which forms the border between South Carolina and Georgia. This stretch is very different from the open ocean you see at Hilton Head.
Plan a day outdoors:
- Launch a kayak or small boat from local landings along the river.
- Fish for catfish, bream, and other freshwater species.
- Explore side creeks and quiet bends lined with cypress and hardwood trees.
Keep an eye out for bald eagles and ospreys. The river has a wild, untamed feel, especially in the less developed sections of Jasper County. Just remember to check local access points and water levels before you go.
9. Birdwatch and Wander the Marshes of Jasper County
If you love the tidal creeks and marsh views of Hilton Head Island, you’ll appreciate the quieter, less‑visited stretches of marshland in
Jasper County.
Along rural roads near the coast, you can:
- Pull over at safe viewpoints and watch the sun rise or set over the marsh.
- Look for egrets, herons, ibises, and other shorebirds.
- Photograph winding creeks and wide open skies without the crowds.
Bring binoculars if you have them. Even a short drive near the marshes around high tide can turn into a mini‑safari of birdlife.
10. Take a Food‑Focused Road Trip Through Jasper, Hampton & Colleton
Sometimes the best reason to leave Hilton Head Island is simple:
food.
Use your car (or rental) to connect all three nearby counties in one tasty loop:
- Start in Jasper County – Grab breakfast or brunch in Ridgeland.
- Head up to Hampton County – Find a local diner or barbecue joint for lunch.
- Swing through Colleton County – Finish with dessert or an early dinner around Walterboro.
Along the way, look for:
- Boiled peanuts at roadside stands.
- Fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese at country buffets.
- Homemade cakes, pies, and banana pudding at local bakeries and cafés.
Ask locals where they like to eat. In small towns, those casual tips are often better than any online review.
Tips for Planning Your Road Trips from Hilton Head Island
To make the most of these short out‑of‑county getaways:
- Leave early: Roads are quieter in the morning, and you’ll beat the heat in warmer months.
- Bring cash: Some small businesses and roadside stands don’t take cards.
- Pack a cooler: Handy for drinks, snacks, or bringing home fresh produce.
- Check hours: Small town shops and parks may have limited schedules, especially on Sundays.
- Fill up on gas: Once you’re off the main highways, stations can be spread out.
Ready to Explore Beyond Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island is an amazing base, but just beyond Beaufort County you’ll find a quieter, more rural side of South Carolina that many visitors never see. From blackwater rivers and forests in Colleton County to farm roads in Hampton County and marshes and rivers in Jasper County, these short road trips give you a fuller taste of the Lowcountry.
Have you taken any of these drives from Hilton Head Island, or do you have your own favorite out‑of‑county day trip?
Share your tips and stories in the comments below.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family planning a Hilton Head Island vacation—sometimes the best memories happen just a little ways down the road.
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