10 Easy Road Trips from North Charleston, SC: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Charleston County
Looking for new things to do near
North Charleston, South Carolina without driving all day? You’re in luck. Within about an hour or so, you can explore charming small towns, quiet rivers, and hidden beaches in the counties that surround Charleston County.
In this guide, we’ll hit 10 short
out‑of‑county road trips from North Charleston, focusing on:
- Berkeley County, SC
- Dorchester County, SC
- Colleton County, SC
- Georgetown County, SC
Each spot is outside Charleston County, so you’ll truly feel like you “got away,” even if it’s just for a day. Gas up the car, grab a coffee, and let’s roll.
1. Cypress Gardens (Berkeley County) – Swamp Boats & Movie Magic
If you’ve ever wanted to glide through a Southern swamp like you see in the movies,
Cypress Gardens in Berkeley County is your place.
Located in Moncks Corner (about a 35–40 minute drive from North Charleston), this former rice plantation has:
- Blackwater swamp boat rides (you can paddle yourself)
- Shady walking trails under tall cypress trees
- A butterfly house and small aquarium
- Filming locations from movies like The Notebook and The Patriot
On a quiet weekday morning, it feels like you’ve stepped into another world. The water is dark and still, the trees are draped in Spanish moss, and you might spot turtles sunning on a log.
Road-trip tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring bug spray, especially in warmer months. The swamp is beautiful, but the mosquitoes think so too.
2. Old Santee Canal Park (Berkeley County) – History on the Water
Just a little farther up the road in Moncks Corner,
Old Santee Canal Park is a calm, low-key day trip from North Charleston.
Here you’ll find:
- Boardwalks and trails along the Cooper River
- A museum about the early canal system in South Carolina
- Picnic spots with river views
- Plenty of bird‑watching and photo opportunities
If you like a mix of light walking and local history, this park is a great fit. It’s not as crowded as some other attractions, and kids usually love wandering the boardwalks and spotting wildlife.
Road-trip tip: Pack a simple picnic lunch in a cooler. There’s something special about eating a sandwich while looking out over the river, especially when you know people were traveling this same waterway hundreds of years ago.
3. Lake Moultrie (Berkeley County) – A Laid-Back Lake Day
Craving a lake instead of the beach?
Lake Moultrie is a big, beautiful option just north of North Charleston.
Around the lake, you’ll find:
- Public boat landings and fishing piers
- Spots to launch kayaks and paddleboards
- Simple lakeside campgrounds and cabins
- Plenty of room to spread out and relax
People from the Charleston area often come up here to fish for catfish, bass, and crappie. Even if you don’t fish, it’s a peaceful place to sit by the water and unplug for a few hours.
Road-trip tip: If you don’t own a boat, look into local marinas and outfitters around the lake. Some offer boat rentals, including small fishing boats and pontoons—perfect for a half‑day on the water.
4. Summerville’s Historic Downtown (Dorchester County) – Sweet Tea & Small-Town Charm
Head northwest from North Charleston, and in about 30–40 minutes you’ll roll into
Summerville, known as the
“Birthplace of Sweet Tea.” This Dorchester County town has a cozy main street that makes a great half‑day or full‑day road trip.
Downtown Summerville offers:
- Local shops and boutiques (antiques, home décor, gifts)
- Laid‑back cafes and bakeries
- Azalea Park, with walking paths and sculptures
- Seasonal festivals and farmers markets
The vibe is slower than Charleston, but in a good way. It’s the kind of place where you can stroll, browse, and stop whenever something catches your eye.
Road-trip tip: Try a big glass of sweet tea while you’re here. Summerville leans into the sweet‑tea theme, and it’s a fun excuse to indulge your sugar tooth for a day.
5. Edisto River Kayaking (Dorchester County) – Cool Water & Quiet Woods
If you’re up for a little adventure, the
Edisto River is one of the longest free‑flowing blackwater rivers in North America, and it runs right through Dorchester County.
Around areas like Givhans and Ridgeville (about 45–60 minutes from North Charleston), you can:
- Rent kayaks or tubes from local outfitters
- Float the river for a few hours on an easy current
- Camp at nearby campgrounds or state parks
- Swim in shallow spots along the way (use good judgment and stay safe)
I floated the Edisto once on a hot August day, and the cool, tea‑colored water felt amazing. We spotted turtles, a few fish, and a ton of birds—and we barely saw another group for most of the trip.
Road-trip tip: Ask outfitters about water levels and recommended routes before you go. Bring dry bags for your phone, and always wear a life jacket, even if you’re a strong swimmer.
6. Walterboro Historic District (Colleton County) – Antique Hunts & Old Oaks
Drive about an hour west of North Charleston and you’ll reach
Walterboro in Colleton County. This quiet town bills itself as the “Front Porch of the Lowcountry,” and once you see the tree‑lined streets, you’ll understand why.
In and around the
Walterboro Historic District, you’ll find:
- Antique shops filled with old furniture, vintage signs, and collectibles
- Historic homes and churches with classic Southern architecture
- Small galleries and local art
- Cafes where you can linger over lunch
It’s a great day trip if you enjoy slow browsing, window‑shopping, and a more relaxed pace than the city.
Road-trip tip: If you like thrifting or hunting for unique home pieces, come with a bit of trunk space. You never know when you’ll stumble on that perfect old mirror or side table.
7. Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary (Colleton County) – Nature Right Next to Town
While you’re in Walterboro, don’t miss the
Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary, just a few minutes from downtown.
This unexpected green space offers:
- Elevated boardwalks through swamp and wetland areas
- Easy walking trails shaded by old trees
- Bird‑watching and chances to see turtles and other wildlife
- Benches and overlooks for quiet breaks
It’s a nice, gentle way to experience the Lowcountry landscape without getting too muddy or lost in the woods. Families, photographers, and casual walkers will all enjoy it.
Road-trip tip: Bring binoculars if you have them. Even a small pair can turn a quick walk into a mini wildlife safari.
8. Edisto Beach via Colleton County – Scenic Drive to the Coast
While Edisto Beach itself sits in another county, much of the
drive out to Edisto Island from the North Charleston area carries you through
Colleton County’s rural Lowcountry scenery.
Along the way, you’ll see:
- Marsh views and tidal creeks
- Fields, farm stands, and roadside produce
- Old country churches and tiny crossroads communities
The journey is part of the fun here. Roll down the windows, turn on some music, and enjoy the change from urban to coastal countryside.
Road-trip tip: Keep an eye out for local produce stands, especially in summer. Fresh tomatoes, peaches, and boiled peanuts make for great road snacks.
9. Georgetown Historic Waterfront (Georgetown County) – A Quieter Harbor Town
Head about an hour and a half north, and you’ll reach
Georgetown, one of the oldest towns in South Carolina. It sits in Georgetown County along the Sampit River, with a charming historic district that feels a bit like a smaller, quieter Savannah.
Along the Georgetown waterfront and surrounding streets, you’ll find:
- Wooden boardwalks overlooking the river and marina
- Historic homes and buildings with story‑rich plaques
- Small museums about rice plantations, maritime history, and local culture
- Seafood restaurants serving shrimp, oysters, and more
If you enjoy history but want to avoid big crowds, Georgetown is a solid choice. You can easily spend half a day just walking, reading historical markers, and stopping for ice cream.
Road-trip tip: Consider timing your visit for late afternoon. Walk the town, then grab dinner along the waterfront and enjoy the evening breeze off the water before heading back to North Charleston.
10. Waccamaw Neck & Murrells Inlet Area (Georgetown County) – Marsh Views & Fresh Seafood
On the northern edge of Georgetown County, the
Waccamaw Neck and
Murrells Inlet area offer a mix of marsh views, outdoor fun, and great food.
In and around this stretch of coast you can:
- Walk along the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk, a waterfront boardwalk lined with restaurants
- Book a fishing charter or scenic boat tour
- Spot dolphins, pelicans, and other coastal wildlife
- Catch sunset over the marsh with a plate of local seafood
It’s a bit farther than some of the other trips on this list, but the payoff is high—especially if you love seafood and your idea of a perfect evening is a dock, a cold drink, and a pink sky.
Road-trip tip: This area can get busy in peak summer, especially around dinner. If you want a quieter visit, consider a weekday or shoulder season (late spring or early fall).
Planning Your Road Trips from North Charleston
To make the most of these
short road trips near North Charleston, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Check drive times: Most of these spots are within about 30–90 minutes. Use a map app to plan your route and avoid heavy traffic when you can.
- Pack a small “go bag”: Sunscreen, bug spray, water bottles, a hat, and a light jacket can make or break your day—especially in the South Carolina heat.
- Call ahead when needed: For rentals (kayaks, boats) and some attractions, it’s smart to confirm hours and availability, especially in the off‑season.
- Be weather‑wise: Summer storms can pop up fast. Check the forecast before heading out.
North Charleston makes a great jumping‑off point for exploring the Lowcountry beyond Charleston County. With lakes, rivers, small towns, and historic harbors close by, you don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve been on a real getaway.
Share Your Favorite Road Trip Near North Charleston
Have you taken a fun day trip to any of these spots in Berkeley, Dorchester, Colleton, or Georgetown County? Or do you have a favorite hidden gem I didn’t mention?
Tell me about it in the comments—your experience might help someone else plan their next weekend adventure.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for easy road trips from North Charleston. The more we explore, the more we fall in love with this corner of South Carolina.
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