10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Socastee, South Carolina
If you live in or near
Socastee, South Carolina, you probably already know Horry County has tons to do. But sometimes, you just want to hop in the car, roll down the windows, and explore somewhere new for the day.
The good news? You’re surrounded by small towns, rivers, beaches, and quiet country roads that make for perfect short road trips. All of the trips below are
outside Horry County, in nearby counties like Brunswick, Columbus, and Georgetown, plus a few others just over the line in North and South Carolina.
Most of these spots are within about 30–90 minutes of Socastee, so they’re easy day trips or relaxed weekend getaways.
1. Sunset Beach & Bird Island, Brunswick County, NC
Looking for a slower, quieter beach than the big resorts?
Sunset Beach in Brunswick County, North Carolina, is a calm stretch of sand that feels a world away from the busy Grand Strand.
Walk across the wide beach and keep going west, and you’ll reach
Bird Island, a protected nature preserve. There are no houses, no high-rises—just dunes, sea oats, and the sound of waves.
- Pack a simple picnic, water, and sunscreen.
- Walk to the famous Kindred Spirit Mailbox and read the handwritten notes people leave inside.
- Great spot for shell hunting, beach photography, and quiet reflection.
It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you love living close to the coast in the first place.
2. Calabash, NC – “Seafood Capital of the World” (Brunswick County)
If you’re in the mood for a classic coastal meal, head to
Calabash, just across the state line in Brunswick County. This tiny fishing town calls itself the “Seafood Capital of the World,” and honestly, it’s hard to argue once you’ve tried a fresh basket of shrimp.
What to do in Calabash:
- Enjoy lightly breaded, Calabash-style fried seafood at a waterfront restaurant.
- Take a quick boat tour on the Calabash River to spot dolphins and marsh birds.
- Browse the little gift shops for nautical decor and local treats.
If you time it around sunset, the glow over the water can be stunning—perfect for a laid-back date night or family dinner.
3. Southport, NC – Charming Waterfront Town (Brunswick County)
Just a bit farther up the coast sits
Southport, one of the most charming small towns in coastal North Carolina. You’ve probably seen it in movies and TV shows without even realizing it.
Southport has:
- Quiet waterfront parks lined with huge live oaks.
- Colorful historic houses and front porches you’ll want to copy at home.
- Cozy cafés, antique shops, and ice cream spots.
You can stroll along the riverfront, watch ships and ferries glide by, and simply slow down. If you enjoy browsing cute downtowns and soaking up small-town vibes, Southport makes a great day trip from Socastee.
4. Whiteville, NC – Columbus County’s Relaxed Little Hub
Head northwest from Socastee into
Columbus County, North Carolina, and you’ll find
Whiteville, a small town with a friendly, down-home feel.
A few simple stops:
- Downtown Whiteville – Walk around the courthouse square, pop into shops, and grab lunch at a local diner.
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville – A small branch of the state museum system with family-friendly exhibits.
- Local parks – Great for stretching your legs and letting kids run around.
It’s not flashy, but that’s part of the charm. Whiteville is a nice change of pace if you’re tired of crowds and just want a peaceful small-town afternoon.
5. Lake Waccamaw State Park, Columbus County, NC
Just west of Whiteville, you’ll find one of the most unique natural spots near Socastee:
Lake Waccamaw, a large, shallow, almost perfectly round lake.
At
Lake Waccamaw State Park, you can:
- Walk easy lakeside trails with pretty boardwalks.
- Have a picnic by the water under the shade of tall trees.
- Look for turtles, birds, and fish in the clear, tannin-stained water.
It’s a simple, quiet nature escape—great for anyone who loves being outside but doesn’t want to hike miles uphill. From Socastee, it’s a pleasant drive through rural countryside, making the journey part of the fun.
6. Lumberton, NC – Robeson County River Stop
Follow I-95 north and you’ll end up in
Lumberton, the county seat of
Robeson County, North Carolina. It’s a convenient road trip if you like mixing a little nature with some in-town stops.
Things to check out:
- Lumber River – A National Wild and Scenic River, great for kayaking, canoeing, or just enjoying the view from the riverfront parks.
- Historic downtown – Small shops, murals, and local restaurants.
- Seasonal events and festivals – Worth timing your visit if you like live music or local food vendors.
If you’re planning a longer road trip up or down I-95, Lumberton also makes a nice halfway stop to stretch your legs and grab a sit-down meal.
7. Little Pee Dee State Park, Dillon County, SC
Looking for a low-key, old-school state park experience? Drive northwest from Socastee into
Dillon County, South Carolina and spend the day at
Little Pee Dee State Park.
Here you’ll find:
- A quiet lake for fishing or paddling.
- Simple hiking trails under tall pines.
- Picnic shelters and open grassy areas.
It’s not a big, busy park—and that’s the beauty of it. Pack a cooler, some lawn chairs, and maybe a fishing pole, and you’ve got an easy and affordable family day trip.
8. Georgetown, SC – Historic Harbor Town (Georgetown County)
Just a short drive south from Socastee brings you to
Georgetown, in
Georgetown County, South Carolina. If you enjoy history, waterfront views, and walkable streets, this one should be high on your list.
What to do in Georgetown:
- Stroll along the Harborwalk and watch shrimp boats come and go.
- Visit small museums that share the town’s rice and maritime history.
- Explore historic churches and oak-lined streets with old Southern houses.
- Grab lunch at a local seafood spot overlooking the water.
Georgetown feels like a smaller, calmer version of Charleston, with a lot less driving and a lot more parking.
9. Hemingway, SC – Gateway to the Rural Lowcountry (Georgetown/Marion Area)
Drive inland from the coast and you’ll reach
Hemingway, a small town that sits near the line between
Georgetown County and
Marion County, South Carolina. This is where the coastal flatlands meet classic Carolina farmland.
Why go?
- Experience the feel of “old” rural South Carolina.
- Stop at local diners or barbecue joints for no-frills, good food.
- Use it as a starting point to explore back roads, churches, and country stores in the surrounding countryside.
If you like simple drives, taking photos of barns and fields, or just seeing a different side of the state beyond the beach, a loop through this area makes a peaceful half-day trip.
10. Mullins, SC – Tobacco History & Small-Town Stroll (Marion County)
Head a little farther inland into
Marion County and you’ll find
Mullins, a town known for its ties to South Carolina’s tobacco history.
In and around Mullins, you can:
- Walk through the small downtown and check out local shops.
- Look for historic tobacco warehouses and old brick buildings.
- Drive the surrounding country roads and enjoy wide-open views.
It’s a simple trip, but that’s exactly what makes it relaxing. Not every road adventure has to be packed with attractions—sometimes a slow, scenic drive is exactly what you need.
Tips for Planning Your Socastee Road Trips
To make the most of these short getaways from Socastee:
- Check drive times – Most of these spots are about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours away.
- Pack smart – Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and a light jacket depending on the season.
- Call ahead – For museums, tours, or small restaurants, it never hurts to check hours first.
- Bring cash – Some rural spots, markets, or older diners may not take cards.
If you want to turn any of these into a weekend escape, look for small inns, locally owned motels, or cozy rentals in nearby towns.
Where Will You Go Next?
Socastee is in a sweet spot: in just about an hour or less, you can reach quiet beaches, river towns, wildlife areas, and classic small Southern communities in
Brunswick County, Columbus County, Robeson County, Dillon County, Georgetown County, and Marion County.
Which of these road trips sounds best to you—beach day, small-town stroll, or quiet nature escape?
Have you visited any of these places yet? I’d love to hear your favorite stops, hidden gems, and road-trip stories.
- Drop a comment below and share your go-to day trip from Socastee.
- Share this post with friends and family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
Who knows—you might just inspire someone’s next great little adventure.
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