10 Easy Road Trips From Columbia, SC (Richland County) You Can Do in a Day
If you live in or around
Columbia, South Carolina (Richland County), you don’t have to drive far to find new adventures. In fact, you can hop in the car, be out of Richland County in under an hour, and discover small towns, lakes, trails, and historic sites that feel a world away.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Columbia that take you into these nearby counties:
Each spot is outside Richland County, but close enough for a relaxed day trip. Think scenic drives, Southern food, small-town charm, and lots of fresh air.
1. Lake Murray & Lexington Waterfront (Lexington County)
If you’ve never taken a lazy day around
Lake Murray, you’re missing one of the best quick getaways from Columbia.
You’ll cross into
Lexington County in just a few minutes, and from there you can:
- Hang out at Lake Murray Dam and walk the 1.7-mile walkway with views of the water
- Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or boat from local marinas (seasonal)
- Grab lunch in downtown Lexington—there are plenty of burger joints, taco spots, and ice cream shops
On summer nights, the sunset over the lake can be jaw-dropping. Bring a light jacket and a folding chair, and just relax. It’s an easy way to feel like you’re on vacation without driving more than about 20–30 minutes from Columbia’s western side.
2. Dreher Island State Park – Island Time on Lake Murray (Newberry County)
Drive a bit farther around Lake Murray and you’ll reach
Dreher Island State Park in
Newberry County. It’s only about an hour from Columbia, but it feels like you’ve escaped to your own little island chain.
Here you can:
- Walk easy lakeside trails with gentle hills
- Fish from the shore or docks (the lake is famous for striped bass)
- Set up a picnic under the trees and watch boats cruise by
If you want to turn your road trip into a mini getaway, the park has
campgrounds and cabins. But even a simple day visit is peaceful. I once went on a random Tuesday in the spring, and it was so quiet I could hear the water lapping against the rocks. Perfect “reset” day.
3. Historic Camden & Revolutionary War Sites (Kershaw County)
Head northeast into
Kershaw County, and in about 35–45 minutes from Columbia you’ll reach
Camden, one of the oldest inland towns in the state.
If you like history—or just pretty old houses—Camden is a great pick:
- Explore the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site with reconstructed buildings and exhibits
- Walk the tree-lined streets and spot old homes and churches
- Check out local antique shops and small cafés downtown
You don’t need to be a history buff to enjoy it. Think of it as walking through a real-life movie set of early America, but with sweet tea.
4. Goodale State Park – Cypress Trees & Quiet Paddling (Kershaw County)
While you’re in Kershaw County, add a stop at
Goodale State Park, just outside Camden. It’s a calm, lesser-known park built around a peaceful lake.
Popular things to do:
- Paddle a canoe or kayak through cypress trees (you can often rent boats in season)
- Walk the lakeside trail for easy, flat exercise
- Have a cookout at the picnic shelters
The cypress trees rising out of the water give the place a quiet, almost mysterious feel. If you ever wanted that “old Southern swamp” photo without hiking miles into the wilderness, this is the place.
5. Newberry’s Small-Town Charm & Opera House (Newberry County)
About 45–60 minutes northwest of Columbia,
Newberry is one of those little towns that surprises people. The star of the show is the
Newberry Opera House, a historic theater that hosts everything from concerts to comedy.
Plan your Newberry day trip around:
- Strolling around the Newberry Opera House and downtown square
- Shopping at local boutiques and gift shops
- Grabbing a bite at one of the locally owned restaurants or coffee shops
Even if you don’t catch a show, walking around the area is fun. The old brick buildings, murals, and streetlights give the town a cozy, picture-perfect vibe.
6. Sumter’s Swan Lake Iris Gardens (Sumter County)
If you like gardens, birds, and easy walking paths, head about an hour east from Columbia to
Sumter in
Sumter County.
The main attraction:
Swan Lake Iris Gardens.
Here’s what makes it special:
- Home to all eight species of swans from around the world
- Beautiful iris blooms in late spring (plus seasonal flowers all year)
- Paved walking paths, footbridges, and photo-worthy views
Kids usually love spotting the different swans and ducks. Adults appreciate how peaceful it is. Years ago, I went after a long work week, and walking those shaded paths felt like a reset button for my brain.
7. Poinsett State Park – “Mini Mountain” Getaway (Sumter County)
Not far from Shaw Air Force Base, still in
Sumter County, you’ll find
Poinsett State Park. It’s sometimes called a “mini mountain” park because it has rolling hills and tall pines, a little different from the flat terrain you might expect in this part of South Carolina.
Things to do at Poinsett:
- Hike the network of trails (some connect into the larger Manchester State Forest)
- Rent a paddleboat or canoe on the small lake (seasonal)
- Pack a picnic and enjoy the stone bridges and old structures built in the 1930s
If you’re training for a longer hike elsewhere, these trails are a good warm-up. They’re not super long, but they offer some elevation changes and pretty scenery.
8. Lake Wateree State Park (Fairfield County)
Drive roughly 45–60 minutes north of Columbia and you’ll reach
Lake Wateree State Park in
Fairfield County. This is a laid-back lake park that’s big with boaters, campers, and families.
Here’s what you can do:
- Fish from the pier or your own boat
- Walk the short nature trail for an easy stretch of the legs
- Let the kids burn off energy at the playground and picnic area
On summer weekends, the park has that classic lake vibe—coolers, grills, lawn chairs, and laughter. It’s an easy, low-stress road trip if you just want water, sunshine, and no big schedule.
9. Winnsboro & the Fairfield County Museum (Fairfield County)
Also in
Fairfield County,
Winnsboro is a small town with historic charm and a slower pace. It makes a nice half-day trip from Columbia when you just want to drive, wander, and learn a bit of local history.
Check out:
- The Fairfield County Museum in a historic home, with exhibits on local history
- Downtown Winnsboro’s old buildings and courthouse square
- Nearby historic churches and landmarks scattered around the area
This is a great option for cooler months when you don’t want heavy hiking or heat. Think gentle exploring, maybe a coffee, and a different view of small-town South Carolina life.
10. Calhoun County Farm Roads & Congaree River Access (Calhoun County)
Just south of Richland County,
Calhoun County is more rural and quiet, but that’s exactly what makes it an interesting road trip. If you’re the type who enjoys scenic drives more than packed attractions, this one’s for you.
Ideas for a Calhoun County drive:
- Cruise the country roads past open fields, old barns, and small crossroads towns
- Look for public boat landings and access points along the Congaree or Santee River systems (check maps and local signs)
- Stop at small diners or gas-station grills for surprisingly good burgers or fried chicken
This kind of trip is less about a single “must-see” spot and more about slowing down. Roll down the windows, turn up the music, and just enjoy a slice of rural South Carolina right outside Columbia’s back door.
Tips for Planning Your Columbia, SC Day Trips
To make these short road trips from Columbia smoother:
- Check drive times: Most of these spots are within 30–75 minutes of Columbia, depending on traffic and your exact starting point.
- Bring snacks and water: Especially if you’re heading to parks or smaller towns with fewer dining options.
- Verify hours and fees: State parks may have entrance fees, and museums or attractions sometimes change hours seasonally.
- Pack for the weather: South Carolina heat, humidity, and surprise showers are all part of the adventure.
Mix and match a couple of stops—like Camden + Goodale State Park, or Sumter’s Swan Lake + Poinsett State Park—for a full, satisfying day.
Where Will You Go Next?
Living in or visiting
Columbia, SC doesn’t mean staying put in Richland County. With
Lexington, Kershaw, Fairfield, Newberry, Sumter, and Calhoun counties surrounding you, there are plenty of short road trips for every mood—lakes, history, gardens, trails, or just long quiet drives.
Have you tried any of these day trips yet? Do you have a favorite hidden gem near Columbia that I missed?
Share your ideas in the comments and let’s help each other discover more things to do near Columbia, SC.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are always saying, “We should get out of town this weekend, but I don’t know where to go.”
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