Let’s check some of the best day trips from Charleston SC, weekend road trips within 2 hours, with helpful information to plan your Charleston tour. In this article, read about charming small towns near Charleston SC that are perfect for short day trips from Charleston SC.
Charleston – a beautiful historic town with lots of things to do, is a famous Lowcountry tourist destination. Due to colorful houses, lovely weather, plantations, and beaches, there are many things to do in and around Charleston SC. Therefore it is the perfect weekend getaway in the USA for all.
As Charleston is one of the best cities in South Carolina and the most visited, too, it has many things to do, so it is better to spend three days in Charleston, SC.
Where to stay in Charleston SC
Historic District is the best choice to book your stay in Charleston.Â
- Boutique Hotel Stay Option – Book boutique hotel stay in Charleston SC.
- Luxury Stay option – Book a magnificent luxury hotel in Historic District.
- Mid-range Stay Option – Book a fantastic hotel stay in Historic District next to Visitor’s center and Free Tourist Shuttle Bus.
- Affordable Stay Option – Book an affordable stay in Charleston on Spring Street.Â
Charleston has incredible weather, historic houses, wealthy plantations, exotic beaches, and islands. There are many places in and around Charleston where you would love Southern hospitality, tropical vibes, colonial life, and the history of South USA. There are many beautiful road trips from Charleston SC.
Mostly these day trips from Charleston SC are within 45 minutes to 2 hours only with a beautiful drive.
Best Day Trips from Charleston SC Weekend Road Trips
· Savannah
Distance from Charleston, SC – 107.9 mi via I-95 S and Hwy 17 S – 2 hr
Savannah is a picture book city in the USA and is known for its Spanish moss charm with southern USA beauty. A walkable city with gardens, parks, and beautiful homes, it is one of the most visited cities in the USA. This Georgian gem has lovely architecture, beautiful squares, vintage fountains, and romantic gardens, so it is one of the best day trips from Charleston SC.
Things to do –Â
- Forsyth Park
- Lafayette Square
- Wormsloe Historic Site
- Mercers William House
- Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
- River Street
· Wadmalaw Island
Distance from Charleston, SC – 18.8 mi via SC-700 W – 35 minÂ
Though Wadmalaw Island is small, it has excellent plantations, gorgeous tea gardens, and stunning river views. Therefore it makes a popular day trip from Charleston with just half an hour’s drive.
Things to do –
- Charleston Tea GardenÂ
- Deep Water VineyardÂ
- Ambrose Family FarmÂ
- Angel Oak
· Myrtle Beach
Distance from Charleston, SC – 94.8 mi via Hwy 17 N – 2 hrÂ
Myrtle Beach is a famous beach destination near Charleston, SC, with many upscale resorts, beach activities, and many fun-filled things to do in Charleston SC. Not only is it a beach destination but a golfer’s paradise too.Â
Therefore Myrtle Beach is a perfect weekend trip from Charleston SC.
Things to do –
- Broadway at the BeachÂ
- Myrtle BeachÂ
- Myrtle Beach SkyWheelÂ
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
· Georgetown
Distance from Charleston, SC – 60.9 mi via Hwy 17 N – 1 hr 10 minÂ
The third oldest city of South Carolina has perfect historic charm with waterfront restaurants, shopping, and all Southern charms. You would love its beautiful buildings, quaint cafes, rustic vibes, and many cafes. Georgetown is one of the beautiful historic small towns near Charleston SC.
Things to do –
- Hopsewee PlantationÂ
- Georgetown HarborwalkÂ
- Hobcaw BaronyÂ
- Hampton Plantation State Historic Site
· Edisto Island
Distance from Charleston, SC – 44.7 mi via Hwy 17 S and SC-174 – 1 hrÂ

Edisto Island is a beautiful 68-square-mile island with a rich cultural heritage, magnificent plantations, lovely food, and excellent outdoor recreational opportunities. It has gorgeous Golf courses and cute beach houses.
Things to do –
- Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management AreaÂ
- Edisto Beach State ParkÂ
- Kings Farm Market
- Indian Mound Trail
· Hilton Head
Distance from Charleston, SC – 98.4 mi via Hwy 17 S – 2 hr 5 min
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Hilton Head is one of the most beautiful towns in South Carolina, with a peaceful atmosphere. This small 12-mile island is famous for pristine, beautiful beaches and championship-grade golf courses. It is located between Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina; it is the perfect weekend getaway spot from these nearby famous tourist cities of South USA.
Hilton Head is voted one of the world’s top beach destinations.
Things to do –
- Hilton Head Island Bike TrailsÂ
- Coligny BeachÂ
- Coastal Discovery MuseumÂ
- Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
· Beaufort
Distance from Charleston, SC – 70.3 mi via Hwy 17 S – 1 hr 30 minÂ
Beaufort has a rich history and Gullah heritage with stunning natural beauty and Southern Charm. Therefore, Southern Living Magazine named the South’s best small town. Beaufort is one of the prettiest towns in South Carolina.
Beaufort has vibrant waterfront dining, old world charm and is a less crowded city. Due to this, Beaufort is one of the most romantic cities in the USA.
 Things to do –
- Beaufort Historic DistrictÂ
- The Thomas Hepworth House
- Hunting Island State ParkÂ
- Hunting Island LighthouseÂ
- Henry C. Chambers Waterfront ParkÂ
- Bay StreetÂ
- Pat Conroy Literary Center
- The Point
· Kiawah Island
Distance from Charleston, SC – 26.4 mi via SC-700 W and State Rd S-10-20 – 50 min
The 10 miles of beautiful pristine beach of Kiawah Island is famous for beach fun and activities. Bike riding on the flat hard sand beach is the most popular thing to do here. People also love to do surfing, kayaking, and plenty of wildlife viewing.
Its one of the golf courses is regarded as one of the finest Golf courses in the world.
Things to do –Â
- Kiawah Beachwalker ParkÂ
- Freshfields VillageÂ
- Night Heron ParkÂ
- Wells Gallery
· Walterboro
Distance from Charleston, SC – 48.7 mi via Hwy 17 S and SC-64 W – 1 hrÂ
Wildlife & Nature lovers would love this place as Walterboro boasts a beautiful wildlife sanctuary. This 600 acres sanctuary has a fantastic collection of Lowcountry’s flora and fauna.Â
Not only does it has beautiful nature, but this place has beautiful antiques and art shops with southern charm, folk art artifacts, local musicians, and decorations inspired by Gullah heritage. For nature lovers, Walterboro is perfect for road trips from Charleston SC.Â
Things to do –Â
- Tuskegee Airmen MemorialÂ
- Walterboro Wildlife SanctuaryÂ
- South Carolina Artisans CenterÂ
- Colleton Museum and Farmers Market
Now you know some beautiful towns near Charleston SC, for perfect weekend road trips. These small towns near Charleston SC have wonderful southern charm, beautiful plantations, beaches, and lovely food scenes. Plan your best day trips from Charleston SC, or cities within 3 hours of Charleston SC, for perfect weekend road trips.
Things you need to plan Charleston Tour – Weekend trips from Charleston SC Weekend road trips
- Book guided tours by GetyourGuide
- Book some of the best stays by Booking dot com
- Book rent a car by Rental Cars.
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