10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Mount Pleasant, SC
Living in or visiting
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and feel like exploring a little farther than Charleston County? You’re in luck. Within an easy drive, you’ll find small towns, rivers, plantations, beaches, and wildlife that feel a world away—without spending all day in the car.
All of these road trip ideas are outside Charleston County, focusing on nearby
Berkeley, Colleton, Dorchester, and Georgetown counties. So grab a coffee, fill up the tank, and let’s hit the road.
1. Cypress Gardens – Swamp Magic in Berkeley County
Just about 40–45 minutes from Mount Pleasant,
Cypress Gardens in Berkeley County feels like walking onto a movie set—because it actually was one. Scenes from “The Notebook” and “The Patriot” were filmed here.
You’ll find:
- Flat-bottom boat rides through blackwater cypress swamps
- Easy walking trails under shady trees
- A small butterfly house and aquarium
The quiet of the swamp is what really sticks with you. You’ll drift between tall trees, hear birds in the distance, and maybe spot an alligator sunbathing on a log. It’s peaceful, almost like the world slows down for a while.
If you’re looking for a short, nature-filled escape from Mount Pleasant, this is a perfect half-day trip.
2. Moncks Corner & Lake Moultrie – Relaxed Lake Life
Head about an hour inland to
Moncks Corner in Berkeley County, the gateway to
Lake Moultrie. This area is ideal if you love water but want something calmer than the beach.
Things to do:
- Rent a boat or join a guided fishing trip on Lake Moultrie
- Walk around the small-town downtown area and grab lunch
- Explore the Berkeley County Museum for a dose of local history
On a warm day, the lake breeze is a nice break from coastal humidity. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the afternoon just watching the water and not feel like you’ve “wasted” a single minute.
3. Santee Cooper Country – Big Water, Big Views
If you don’t mind driving about 1.5 hours from Mount Pleasant, the
Santee Cooper lakes—Lakes Marion and Moultrie—offer some of the best freshwater fun in South Carolina.
This Berkeley County region is known for:
- World-class fishing (catfish, bass, crappie)
- Kayaking and boating on quiet coves
- Simple lakeside picnic spots with wide-open views
Even if you’re not an angler, riding around the lakes at sunset is worth the drive. It’s a good road trip if you want to feel far away from city life without actually going that far.
4. Edisto Beach via Colleton County – A Slower Coastal Escape
While Edisto Beach itself is in another county, the main approach route cuts through
Colleton County, and the drive is part of the charm. From Mount Pleasant, it takes roughly 1.5 hours, mostly along quiet two-lane roads.
On the way and nearby, you can:
- Pass through wildlife-filled marshes and rural farmland
- Stop at small local produce stands for boiled peanuts or fresh peaches in season
- Explore the ACE Basin region, one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the East Coast
If you’re burned out by busy beach towns, the laid-back feel around Edisto and Colleton’s coastal backroads will be a nice surprise.
5. Walterboro – the “Front Porch of the Lowcountry”
Less than 1.5 hours from Mount Pleasant,
Walterboro in Colleton County is a small town with a lot of character. It’s an easy day trip if you love antiques, history, and tree-lined streets.
Don’t miss:
- The Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary – boardwalks through hardwood swamp, great for photos
- Downtown Walterboro – antique shops, murals, and local cafes
- The South Carolina Artisans Center – handmade crafts from around the state
This is one of those places where you might plan “just a couple hours” and end up staying all day, wandering from shop to shop and snacking your way through town.
6. ACE Basin Scenic Drives – Lowcountry at Its Purest
Much of the famous
ACE Basin (named for the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto rivers) spreads across Colleton County. It’s about 1–1.5 hours from Mount Pleasant, depending on where you enter the area.
What makes it special?
- Quiet, canopy-covered roads lined with live oaks
- Wide-open marsh views with barely any development
- Great spots for birdwatching and photography
This is less of a “one spot” and more of a full day of slow exploring. Pack snacks, fill your gas tank, and just follow the roads along the rivers. It’s a classic Lowcountry road trip from Mount Pleasant if you want nature over crowds.
7. Summerville – The Flower-Filled “Flowertown”
About 45–60 minutes from Mount Pleasant,
Summerville in Dorchester County is famous for its spring blooms and small-town charm. Even outside of spring, it’s a lovely place to walk, shop, and enjoy a slower pace.
Highlights:
- Downtown Summerville – boutiques, coffee shops, and shady town squares
- Azalea Park – walking paths, sculptures, and tons of flowers in season
- Plenty of bakeries and ice cream shops for an afternoon treat
If you time your visit during the
Flowertown Festival in spring, be prepared for crowds—but also for one of the most colorful festivals in the Lowcountry.
8. Dorchester Heritage Corridor – History for Road Trip Lovers
Dorchester County is rich in history, and the
Dorchester Heritage Corridor pulls together a number of sites that are easy to visit on a single day trip from Mount Pleasant.
Consider building a route that includes:
- Historic churches and small cemeteries tucked under old trees
- Rural backroads that show you a different side of South Carolina life
- Local diners and cafes where the sweet tea never stops flowing
This kind of trip is perfect if you enjoy just driving, discovering random roadside spots, and learning little pieces of history along the way.
9. Georgetown – Waterfront History and Small-Town Charm
Just over an hour north of Mount Pleasant,
Georgetown in Georgetown County is one of the oldest towns in South Carolina and a gem for a simple day trip.
Plan to:
- Stroll the Harborwalk along the Sampit River
- Visit small museums that cover rice plantations, maritime history, and local culture
- Enjoy seafood restaurants right on the waterfront
Georgetown feels like a quieter cousin of Charleston, with historic homes, live oaks, and a laid-back harbor scene—without the same level of traffic and hustle.
10. Winyah Bay & Surrounding Nature Areas
If you’re already heading to Georgetown, add some time to explore the
Winyah Bay area. It’s one of the largest estuaries on the East Coast and offers a wild, windswept kind of beauty.
You can:
- Book a boat tour to see the bay, rivers, and local wildlife
- Look for osprey, eagles, and dolphins in the water
- Enjoy peaceful sunrise or sunset views over the water
From Mount Pleasant, the total drive is still only about 1.5 hours, making it a doable day trip if you plan ahead.
Tips for Easy Road Trips from Mount Pleasant
To make these out-of-county adventures smoother, keep a few basics in mind:
- Start early: You’ll beat traffic and have more time to explore.
- Bring water and snacks: Some areas are rural, with long stretches between stores.
- Check hours and weather: Especially for parks, museums, and boat tours.
- Charge your phone: GPS is helpful when cell service gets patchy.
These short trips are close enough for a day, but rich enough that you’ll feel like you truly “went somewhere.”
Where Will You Go Next?
Mount Pleasant is more than just a suburb of Charleston—it’s a perfect
launching point for exploring the rest of the Lowcountry. Whether you’re drawn to
swamps, small towns, lakes, or historic harbors, you can find it all within a couple of hours’ drive in Berkeley, Colleton, Dorchester, and Georgetown counties.
Have you taken any of these road trips from Mount Pleasant? Did I miss one of your favorite out-of-county spots?
Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your experiences and ideas. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family planning a visit to Mount Pleasant. Your share might inspire someone’s next great Lowcountry road trip.
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