10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Lexington, South Carolina
If you live in or around
Lexington, SC, chances are you’ve explored a lot inside Lexington County already. So what do you do when you’re ready for a change of scenery, but you don’t want to spend all day in the car?
You go on a short, out-of-county road trip.
The good news: within about an hour or so of Lexington, you’ll find charming small towns, lake views, historic sites, and plenty of good food in the surrounding counties of
Aiken, Calhoun, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, and Saluda.
Below are 10 fun ideas for
day trips near Lexington, SC that take you outside the county, but not too far from home.
1. Explore Downtown Aiken & Hitchcock Woods (Aiken County)
A little under an hour from Lexington, the city of
Aiken feels like a small Southern getaway. It’s known for horses, history, and tree-lined streets.
Start in
downtown Aiken:
- Walk the charming streets filled with local shops and cafes.
- Grab coffee and people-watch on a bench under the shade trees.
- Check out the historic train depot and old buildings.
Then head to
Hitchcock Woods, one of the largest urban forests in the nation, with about 2,100 acres of trails. You can:
- Take a peaceful hike on sandy paths.
- Watch horseback riders on the trails.
- Enjoy a simple picnic in the woods.
It’s an easy day trip from Lexington and a nice mix of small-town charm and nature. If you like horses—or just like the *idea* of horse country—Aiken is worth the drive.
2. Step Back in Time at Newberry’s Historic Downtown (Newberry County)
If you enjoy old architecture and small-town vibes,
Newberry, SC makes a great short road trip from Lexington.
Start at the
Newberry Opera House, a beautiful historic theater right in the middle of town. Even if you’re not catching a show, the building itself is worth seeing and makes for great photos.
Around the town square you can:
- Stroll past 19th-century storefronts.
- Browse antique stores and local boutiques.
- Grab lunch at a locally owned restaurant.
If you’re visiting in the afternoon, walk a few blocks off the main square to check out some of the older homes and churches. The whole downtown feels like you’ve stepped back a few decades, in a good way.
It’s one of those places where you don’t have to “do” a lot—you just wander, snack, and soak up the atmosphere.
3. Enjoy the Water at Lake Murray from the Saluda Side (Saluda County)
Most people think of
Lake Murray as a Lexington County thing, but the lake stretches into
Saluda County too. Heading to the Saluda side gives you a fresh view and usually fewer crowds.
Ideas for a relaxed lake day:
- Find a public boat ramp or lakeside spot on the Saluda side.
- Pack a cooler and set up for a lazy afternoon by the water.
- Bring kayaks, paddleboards, or just lawn chairs and a book.
On hot summer days, the lake breeze and cool water feel amazing. It’s close enough for a half-day trip but easy to stretch into a full lazy day by the shore.
If you already love Lake Murray, approaching it from another county makes it feel like a new place.
4. Walk the Riverfront & Museums in Columbia (Richland County)
Columbia might be the obvious choice, but it’s still one of the best
day trips from Lexington, SC. And because it’s in
Richland County, it checks the “out-of-county” box.
Here’s a simple way to plan your visit:
- Morning: Walk or bike the Three Rivers Greenway along the river. It’s a paved trail with pretty views, and you can go as far or as short as you like.
- Midday: Head to the South Carolina State House grounds. Walk around the gardens, check out the monuments, and admire the building up close.
- Afternoon: Pick a museum that fits your mood:
- A history museum for state and regional stories.
- An art museum if you want something quiet and cool (literally—it’s air conditioned).
End the day with dinner in one of Columbia’s downtown districts before heading back to Lexington. It’s a full but easy day, and you can tailor it to families, couples, or even a solo trip.
5. Visit Congaree National Park from the Calhoun County Side
Congaree National Park lies across more than one county, including
Calhoun County, and it’s one of the most unique places you can visit near Lexington.
If you’ve never been, picture:
- Towering old-growth trees.
- Boardwalk trails over swampy ground.
- Peaceful, almost otherworldly quiet.
Popular things to do:
- Walk the easy Boardwalk Loop.
- Take a guided ranger walk, if available.
- Try a canoe or kayak trip if the water levels are right.
In late spring, the fireflies here are famous, but the park is worth seeing any time of year. Just remember: bring bug spray and good walking shoes.
If you’re looking for something different from your typical park, Congaree gives you that deep, wild-forest feeling without a long drive.
6. Ride the Rails (Sort Of) in Newberry County
Train lovers—young or old—will enjoy hunting down railroad history in
Newberry County. Even if you’re not a big “train person,” the mixture of small towns and old tracks makes for a relaxed drive.
Here’s a simple way to turn it into a mini road trip:
- Start in Newberry’s downtown and look for old rail lines and historic markers.
- Drive out to smaller nearby communities that grew up around the railroad.
- Snap photos of old depots, bridges, or rail crossings along the way.
I did a similar drive once with a friend who loves photography. We stopped every time we saw an old rail bridge or a weathered depot building. By the end of the day, we had a camera full of images—and a new appreciation for how much the railroad shaped these little towns.
It’s a “choose your own adventure” style day trip: simple, flexible, and surprisingly fun.
7. Taste Farm Life & Produce in Calhoun County
If you like fresh food, farm stands, and quiet country roads, make a day of exploring
Calhoun County.
Things to look for as you drive:
- Roadside produce stands with local peaches, tomatoes, and melons (in season).
- Family farms that offer tours, pick-your-own options, or small farm stores.
- Scenic country churches and rural landscapes perfect for photo stops.
Bring a cooler in the trunk so you can stock up on:
- Fresh fruits and veggies.
- Local honey or jams.
- Homemade baked goods, if you find them.
There’s something really satisfying about coming home from a short road trip with a trunk full of local produce. Dinner that night just tastes better when you know where it came from.
8. Discover Orangeburg’s Gardens & Small-Town Flavor (Orangeburg County)
Orangeburg, SC, in
Orangeburg County, is another easy drive from Lexington and a nice mix of nature and small-city life.
Start at one of the town’s well-known garden or park areas, where you can:
- Walk shaded paths along the water.
- Admire seasonal blooms and landscaped areas.
- Spread out a blanket and enjoy a quiet picnic.
After some time outdoors, head into town to:
- Find a local diner or BBQ spot.
- Check out historic neighborhoods or older buildings.
- Stop at a local bakery or ice cream shop before you drive home.
Orangeburg isn’t as busy as Columbia, which can be a plus. It feels like a slower-paced day but still gives you plenty to see and do.
9. Tour Horse Country & Back Roads in Aiken County
We already mentioned downtown Aiken, but
Aiken County has miles of beautiful back roads worth exploring, especially if you enjoy scenic drives.
Plan a loose loop through:
- Rural horse farms with long fences and open fields.
- Shaded country lanes lined with old trees.
- Small crossroads communities where time seems to move a little slower.
Make it a full day by:
- Starting with breakfast or coffee in Aiken city.
- Spending midday just driving, stopping for photos wherever the views are good.
- Ending back in town for dinner before returning to Lexington.
This is one of those road trips where the drive itself *is* the attraction. No tight schedule, no long lines—just open roads and good company.
10. Fish, Float, or Just Chill in Saluda County
If your perfect day trip involves slowing way down,
Saluda County delivers. Between quiet sections of Lake Murray and country streams, it’s a great place to:
- Go fishing for a few hours.
- Launch a small boat or kayak.
- Spread out a camp chair by the water and do, well…nothing.
Pack like you’re going to be lazy:
- Folding chairs.
- Cooler with drinks and snacks.
- Simple picnic lunch.
Sometimes the best
road trips from Lexington don’t involve big attractions at all. They’re just quiet pockets of nature where you can reset for a few hours and head home feeling lighter.
Tips for Planning Your Lexington, SC Road Trips
To make the most of these short trips from Lexington into Aiken, Calhoun, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, and Saluda counties, keep a few basics in mind:
- Check drive times: Most of these are around 30–60 minutes from Lexington, depending on traffic and your exact starting point.
- Look up hours: If you want to visit a specific museum, farm, or shop, confirm it’s open the day you’re going.
- Pack the essentials: Water, sunscreen, bug spray, and a small first-aid kit will make your day smoother.
- Bring cash: Some small farm stands or roadside spots may not take cards.
If you’re anything like me, once you start taking these short, simple road trips, you’ll find yourself planning the next one on the drive home.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips Near Lexington, SC
Have you tried any of these
out-of-county day trips from Lexington? Do you have your own favorite spot in Aiken, Calhoun, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, or Saluda County?
- Drop a comment with your go-to road trip ideas.
- Share this post with friends or family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
You might be surprised how many fun places are less than an hour from your driveway.
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