10 Easy Road Trips Near Charleston, SC (Outside Charleston County)

If you’re based in Charleston, South Carolina and you’ve already hit all the big sights downtown, you might be wondering: “Now what?” Good news—you don’t have to drive far to find new adventures. Within an hour or two, you can explore quiet beaches, blackwater rivers, small Southern towns, and some seriously good Lowcountry cooking… all outside Charleston County. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Charleston, focusing on nearby spots in:

Each idea includes what to do, why it’s worth the drive, and a rough drive time from central Charleston.

1. Cypress Gardens (Berkeley County)

If you’ve ever dreamed of gliding through a swamp under towering cypress trees, this one’s for you. Drive time: About 40–45 minutes from downtown Charleston. Why go: is a classic Lowcountry day trip. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and just a little bit spooky in the best way. What to do:

Take a flat-bottom boat ride through the blackwater swamp. You can paddle yourself or join a guided tour.
Walk the shaded trails around the gardens and ponds.
Check out the Swamparium, with native fish, gators, and reptiles.
Look for spots that appeared in movies like The Notebook.

I still remember the first time I pushed off in one of those little boats—everything went quiet except for the dip of the paddle and the sounds of birds. It feels like stepping into another world, yet you’re barely out of town.

2. Mepkin Abbey & Gardens (Berkeley County)

Need a break from crowds and screens? This peaceful monastery might surprise you. Drive time: About 45–50 minutes from Charleston. Why go: sits high above the Cooper River and offers beautiful gardens, walking paths, and a sense of calm you don’t often find on a typical vacation. What to do:

Stroll the formal gardens and live oak alleys overlooking the river.
Visit the abbey church and learn about Trappist monk life.
Pick up fresh products like mushrooms or books at the small gift shop.
Enjoy quiet time to reflect under ancient oak trees.

Tip: Dress modestly and keep voices low. It’s a working monastery, not a theme park, and that’s exactly what makes it special.

3. Lake Moultrie & the Berkeley County Blueways (Berkeley County)

Want a change from beaches? Try a big, open lake instead. Drive time: Around 1 hour from Charleston, depending on your access point. Why go: Lake Moultrie is great for boating, fishing, kayaking, and simple lakeside picnics. It’s part of the larger . What to do:

Fish for catfish, bream, and bass (bring or rent gear).
Explore the Berkeley County Blueways kayak and canoe trails.
Pack a cooler and enjoy a lakeside picnic.
Look for local marinas that rent small boats.

If your idea of a good day is a camp chair, a cooler, and a view of the water, Lake Moultrie is hard to beat.

4. Summerville – “The Flower Town in the Pines” (Dorchester County)

is an easy day trip when you don’t want to drive far but still want that small-town feel. Drive time: About 30–35 minutes from Charleston. Why go: Summerville mixes charming streets, great food, and seasonal festivals—especially in spring. What to do:

Wander around Historic Downtown Summerville, with shops and coffee spots.
Visit Azalea Park, especially during spring bloom.
Check out local bakeries and grab some sweet tea (Summerville proudly claims to be the birthplace of sweet tea).
Time your trip with the Flowertown Festival if you’re visiting in spring.

If you like Charleston’s historic charm but want something a little more laid-back and local, Summerville is a great quick getaway.

5. Edisto River Adventures (Dorchester & Colleton Counties)

Ready to cool off? The blackwater is one of the most relaxing day trips from Charleston. Drive time: Around 1–1.5 hours, depending on your outfitter and put-in spot. Why go: The Edisto River is one of the longest free-flowing blackwater rivers in the USA. It’s perfect for tubing, kayaking, and canoeing. What to do:

Book a tubing trip and float down the river with friends.
Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle a quieter stretch.
Plan a picnic at one of the riverside parks.
Bring water shoes and a dry bag for your phone and keys.

There’s something about drifting down the Edisto on a hot summer day, watching the trees arch over the water, that makes life feel simple again.

6. Walterboro “Front Porch of the Lowcountry” (Colleton County)

is a small town with a big personality and a strong sense of history. Drive time: About 1 hour from Charleston. Why go: With its historic district and nature preserve, Walterboro offers a mix of culture and outdoor time, without big crowds. What to do:

Walk through the Walterboro Historic District with its old homes and tree-lined streets.
Visit the South Carolina Artisans Center to browse local handmade crafts.
Stretch your legs on the boardwalks at the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary—a hidden gem for birdwatching.
Check out antique shops for unique finds.

If you enjoy poking around small shops and then ending your day with a quiet stroll in nature, Walterboro is worth the drive.

7. Edisto Beach & Botany Bay (Colleton County)

Yes, it’s technically not in Charleston County—even though a lot of locals think of it as “their” beach. Drive time: About 1–1.5 hours from Charleston. Why go: Edisto Beach is calmer and less developed than many other beaches on the South Carolina coast. Nearby Botany Bay Heritage Preserve is famous for its untouched shoreline and “boneyard beach” of fallen trees. What to do:

Relax on the quiet sands of Edisto Beach—it’s family-friendly and low-key.
Walk or bike around the island’s side roads.
Explore Botany Bay (check openings and tide times) and walk the trail to the beach.
Look for shells, but note that removing them from Botany Bay is usually not allowed—enjoy them in place.

On Botany Bay’s beach, the driftwood trees standing in the surf look almost like sculptures. It’s one of the most unique coastal scenes near Charleston.

8. Givhans Ferry State Park (Dorchester County)

Looking for an easy state park escape? This one hugs a pretty section of the Edisto River. Drive time: Around 45–55 minutes from Charleston. Why go: Givhans Ferry State Park is a nice mix of river access, hiking trails, and quiet picnic spots—without a long drive. What to do:

Walk the River Bluff Nature Trail to see high bluffs and river views.
Launch a kayak or tube on the Edisto River.
Plan a picnic or cookout at one of the shelters.
Consider staying overnight in one of the park cabins or the campground.

If you want the feel of a full camping trip but only have a day or weekend, Givhans Ferry is an easy choice from Charleston.

9. Georgetown Historic Waterfront (Georgetown County)

is one of the oldest towns in South Carolina and makes a great small-city day trip. Drive time: About 1.5–2 hours from Charleston, depending on traffic. Why go: Think of Georgetown as Charleston’s quieter cousin: historic homes, a walkable waterfront, and good seafood—but far fewer people. What to do:

Stroll the Harborwalk along the Sampit River.
Grab lunch at a waterfront seafood restaurant.
Visit small museums, like those focused on the rice culture that once dominated this region.
Browse local shops and galleries downtown.

If you love history but are ready for a slower pace than Charleston’s busy streets, Georgetown is a solid pick.

10. Huntington Beach State Park & Brookgreen Gardens (Georgetown County)

This combo makes for a full, unforgettable day trip. Drive time: About 1.75–2 hours from Charleston. Why go: Huntington Beach State Park is known for its wide, uncrowded beach and incredible birdwatching. Right across the highway, Brookgreen Gardens blends art, history, and nature. What to do at Huntington Beach State Park:

Walk the marsh boardwalks and watch for birds and gators.
Relax on the quiet oceanfront beach.
Tour Atalaya Castle, the old winter home of the Huntingtons.

What to do at Brookgreen Gardens:

Explore the sculpture gardens filled with live oaks and flowers.
Check out the Lowcountry Zoo with native animals.
Learn about Gullah Geechee and rice plantation history through exhibits and tours.

If you only have one long day trip to spare from Charleston, pairing these two spots is a top choice.

Tips for Planning Road Trips from Charleston

Start early: Mornings usually mean lighter traffic and cooler temps.
Check hours: Some sites (like Botany Bay or Mepkin Abbey) have limited hours or closed days.
Pack the basics: Water, sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat go a long way in the South Carolina sun.
Watch the weather: Storms can pop up quickly, especially in summer.
Respect nature and history: Stay on marked trails, follow posted rules, and leave places as you found them.

Where Will You Go First?

Living in or visiting Charleston, SC, it’s easy to stay in the same popular spots. But just a short drive away, Berkeley, Dorchester, Colleton, and Georgetown Counties offer a whole new side of the Lowcountry—quiet rivers, ancient trees, historic towns, and calm beaches. So, which of these 10 out-of-county road trip ideas are you putting on your list?

Peaceful swamp boat ride at Cypress Gardens?
Lazy float down the Edisto River?
History and seafood in Georgetown?

Share your thoughts in the comments: Have you taken any of these day trips from Charleston? What was your favorite spot, and what would you add to this list? And if you know someone planning a Charleston vacation—or a local who says they’ve “seen it all”—send them this guide. Sharing is the easiest way to help more people discover the hidden corners of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

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10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips from Charleston, South Carolina