South Carolina road trip: 29 places from Charleston to

Explore South Carolina's 29 landmarks across 4,406 km, from Charleston's culinary renaissance and historic bridges to coastal wonders like Morris Island Lighthouse and Folly Beach. The route connects cultural hubs in Greenville and Columbia with natural attractions including Congaree National Park, Lake Murray, and Angel Oak.

Distance
4406.9 km
Mode
route
Start
Welcome to South Carolina
End
Surfside Beach
Stops
29
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Welcome to South Carolina — Southeastern coastal state renowned for pristine beaches, historic colonial settlements, and Spanish moss-draped lowcountry landscapes.
  2. Atalaya Castle — Atalaya Castle is nestled within the picturesque Huntington Beach State Park on the South Carolina coast. The name Atalaya translates from Spanish to mean watchtower, referring to…
  3. Lake Murray — Lake Murray stands out as a prime example of a versatile watery playground in southern South Carolina.
  4. Shem Creek — Tidal creek in Mount Pleasant featuring working shrimp boats, seafood restaurants, and authentic lowcountry maritime heritage.
  5. Morris Island Lighthouse — Standing 161 ft tall, this iconic tower is the tallest lighthouse in South Carolina. The lighthouse is now surrounded entirely by the Atlantic Ocean due to coastal erosion.
  6. Gaffney - Peach Capital — Gaffney is famous for its reputation as the peach capital of South Carolina and is instantly recognizable by the Peachoid water tower on Interstate 85.
  7. Paris Mountain State Park — Paris Mountain stands as a monadnock, a geological term describing a solitary peak just 6 miles north of downtown Greenville.
  8. Paris Mountain — Paris Mountain stands as a monadnock, a geological term describing a solitary peak just 6 miles north of downtown Greenville.
  9. Myrtle Beach — Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, boasts 60 miles of beautiful sandy beaches known as the Grand Strand.
  10. North Myrtle Beach — Visitors often extend their search to nearby beach communities including North Myrtle Beach near the Grand Strand.
  11. Daniel Island — Historic island near Charleston combining preserved antebellum plantations with modern communities along the Cooper River.
  12. Charleston's Culinary Scene — Charleston's culinary scene has been transformed into a global beacon of modern style.
  13. Lake Keowee — Lake Keowee shines as a hidden gem where endless adventures await the eager traveler, with crystal clear blue green waters and gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  14. Greenville Downtown — Greenville's streets have been transformed into global beacons of modern style.
  15. Angel Oak — Historic oak tree landmark near Charleston.
  16. Congaree National Park — National park featuring old-growth bottomland forest.
  17. Folly Beach — Coastal beach destination in South Carolina.
  18. Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge — Iconic bridge spanning the Cooper River in Charleston.
  19. Murrells Inlet — Scenic coastal inlet in Georgetown County offering salt marshes, seafood dining, and gateway access to nearby nature preserves.
  20. Beaufort National Cemetery — Historic burial ground established 1863, containing graves of Civil War soldiers amid Spanish moss-covered oaks and lowcountry heritage.
  21. Boiling Springs — Natural freshwater spring area featuring scenic trails, crystal-clear pools, and pristine upstate South Carolina wilderness landscapes.
  22. Sullivan’s Island — Coastal barrier island near Charleston housing Fort Sumter and historic lighthouse, significant to American Civil War history.
  23. Kiawah Island — Barrier island golf destination featuring championship courses, pristine beaches, and protected maritime forest ecosystems.
  24. St. Michael's Church — Historic Anglican church in Charleston dating to 1751, featuring distinctive steeple and interior craftsmanship reflecting colonial architecture.
  25. Little River — Coastal town in Horry County offering fishing charters, seafood markets, and access to North Carolina border marshlands.
  26. St. Philip's Church — Colonial-era Episcopal church in Charleston established 1680, notable for its architectural significance and role in lowcountry religious history.
  27. South Carolina State House — The South Carolina State House stands as a majestic classical revival landmark in Columbia.
  28. Buford Marsh Views — Buford, South Carolina boasts amazing marsh views that stretch endlessly across the horizon.
  29. Surfside Beach — Visitors often extend their search to nearby beach communities including Surfside Beach near Myrtle Beach.

Useful for your trip

Tip
South Carolina has 344,500 acres of salt marshes, the highest amount of any state on the east coast, offering excellent scenic views.
Tip
Atalaya Castle is a Moorish-style mansion built 1931-1933, originally a winter retreat. Located in Huntington Beach State Park.
Tip
Lake Murray offers year-round activities: boating, bird watching, cycling, hiking, swimming, water skiing, and scuba diving.
Transport
Pontoon boats can be rented from Better Boat Rental at Lake Murray for smooth water cruises.
Tip
Lake Murray is open 7 days a week. Permits can be purchased from iron ranger boxes when concession stands are closed.
Food
Saltwater Cowboys at Shem Creek offers outdoor dining on the water with lunch and after-dinner drinks.
Transport
Morning kayak rentals available from Outdoor Adventures at Shem Creek to paddle through calm waters at sunrise.
Tip
South Carolina State House tours begin with a 15-minute video, then guided tours through marble halls. Tour entrance is on ground level near Sumpter Street side.
Tip
Morris Island Lighthouse, 161 ft tall, is South Carolina's tallest lighthouse. Land access is impossible, but multiple vantage points allow viewing from shore.
Tip
A 3.2-mile shoreline path extends to the dam gate at Lake Murray, popular for bicycling, jogging, and walking.

Video on this route

Wonders of South Carolina | America's Most Timeless Coastal Escape | Travel Video 4K

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