Charleston, SC, is the kind of city that makes you want to put your phone down and just take in the beautiful scenery, to soak up its cobblestone streets, elegant facades, and salty breeze like a warm Southern welcome. But the magic doesn’t stop at the city limits. Just a short drive in any direction lands you in extraordinary places. Find beaches that feel like secret paradises, small towns frozen in time, and natural wonders that’ll have you doing double-takes.
Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, nature lover, or just someone in desperate need of R&R, these day trips from Charleston deliver. So fuel up, grab your shades, and hit the road.
1. Beaufort: A Southern Gem Steeped in History
Beaufort is almost cinematic in its beauty and just 70 miles (1.5 hours) from Charleston. Films like Forrest Gump and The Big Chill were shot here, and once you walk the historic streets, you’ll see why. Think antebellum mansions shaded by ancient oaks and a waterfront that’s all lazy breezes and sailboats. The downtown area is walkable and packed with art galleries, cozy cafés, and charming boutiques. Take a guided carriage tour for an almost time-travel effect.
2. McClellanville: Where Fishin’ & Shrimpin’ Are a Way of Life
It only takes about an hour to get to McClellanville, but you’ll feel like you stepped back in time. This quaint fishing village is still unknown to many South Carolinians, in part because it seems to have been taken up by the Francis Marion National Forest. But if you’re into kayaking, fishing, oystering, and shrimping, it’s a perfect day trip from Charleston.
3. Hilton Head Island: Coastal Elegance
Hilton Head is only 2 hours (about 100 miles) from Charleston and offers equal doses of luxury and nature. You’ll find more than 60 miles of multi-use paths for biking, dolphin-watching boat tours, and enough seafood joints to keep you satiated for days. The arts scene is also impressive. Check out the Coastal Discovery Museum or catch a show over at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Want a pro tip? Time your visit with sunset and head to Skull Creek Boathouse for dinner and drinks.
4. Georgetown: A Step Back in Time
Georgetown is similar to Charleston with a rich history but fewer crowds. And it’s just about an hour and a half (60 miles) away. Start with the Rice Museum (far more interesting than it sounds), then stroll the Harborwalk for views of docked shrimp boats and charming cafés. There’s a calm vibe here that’s contagious, especially if you visit midweek when the town feels like your own personal movie set.
5. Savannah, Georgia: Southern Belle of the Coast
Savannah is an alluring town. Grand old homes, a Gothic history, and some of the most pristine and beautiful parks. If you have two hours, it’s worth driving 108 miles to experience. Explore Forsyth Park, grab pralines at River Street Sweets, and soak up the slower pace. If you’re staying into the evening, consider a rooftop cocktail at Peregrin or a ghost tour that’ll have you checking over your shoulder.
6. Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve: Untamed Beauty
This one’s for the wild at heart. Botany Bay is an untouched coastal area with hauntingly beautiful landscapes. Walk the shell-covered trails, take in the sight of skeletal trees on the boneyard beach, and keep an eye out for bald eagles and loggerhead turtle nests (in season). There are no shops or snack bars. Just raw, unfiltered nature. Bring water, sunscreen, and your sense of awe. The best part? It’s just an hour (45 miles) away?
7. Brookgreen Gardens: Art Meets Nature
You don’t expect to find an art museum in the middle of a swamp, but Brookgreen Gardens is just that. It’s just a quick hour and a half (about 80 miles) from Charleston, too. The sculpture collection here is massive and elegant, with paths that take you through themed gardens, live oak alleys, and into an impressive zoo featuring native animals of the Southeast. It’s a hidden gem in the South.
8. Edisto Island: A Tranquil Retreat
Edisto has no high-rises, no crowds. This is laid-back Southern living at its best, and it’s the ideal place to unplug. About an hour (45 miles) away from Charleston, this sleepy island is full of natural beauty. Walk the beach hunting for shark teeth, visit the Edisto Island Serpentarium for a quirky look at local reptiles, or kayak through the tidal creeks at sunset. Phone service can be spotty, and that’s the point.
9. Cypress Gardens: A Swampy Wonderland
Cypress Gardens is straight-up enchanting. Drift through dark waters in a flat-bottom boat, surrounded by iconic cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. It’s peaceful and eerie and perfect for couples or families looking for something a little different. Venture here in just 45 minutes (about 30 miles.) There’s also a butterfly house and reptile center to keep the kids entertained while parents soak up the otherworldly setting.
10. Capers Island: Untouched Coastal Wilderness
Capers Island is just a 3-mile spit of land but immerses visitors in the true nature of Low Country living. And it’s only accessible by boat (about 15 miles.) Book a kayak tour or a small charter and escape to this place with no roads, no buildings, and no noise: just you, the trees, and maybe a few curious crabs. The driftwood-strewn beach alone is worth the effort.
End the Day in Charleston Comfort
After a day of exploring the best day trips from Charleston, you’ll want a cozy, welcoming place to rest your head. The Nickel Hotel puts you right in the center of all-things Charleston, with easy access to all these adventures and a soft landing when you return. Whether you’re relaxing in your room, sipping a cocktail on our rooftop bar and lounge, or planning tomorrow’s escapade, you’ll feel right at home.
Book your stay at The Nickel Hotel today, and make Charleston the launchpad for your Lowcountry journey.