Charleston's Top Day Trips For A Quick Adventure

We all dream of simpler times when people sipped tea on the porch, pastel homes were around every corner, and life was intentional and about savoring the moment. But in Charleston, that's the reality — with a modern kick. This Southern city is known for all of the above, as well as being a revered food scene that has even impressed the James Beard Foundation, making Charleston the ultimate vacation destination for foodies. Plus, the city has four centuries of history that will keep American history buffs and those with a penchant for the ghostly entertained. Feeling overwhelmed by the city's long list of attractions? Here's what you can skip on your trip to Charleston (and what to do instead).

But just because Charleston has been named the best city in the country by reputed travel publications doesn't mean some of its nearby destinations don't deserve praise, either. Whether you're a Charleston local or flying in for a getaway, Charleston is surrounded by plenty of spots that warrant a day trip on their own. Explore rounded up the towns and tourist attractions within a three-hour drive of the city that people should add to their itineraries. These range from a rice plantation converted into a Lowcountry nature paradise to a quirky, art-focused South Carolina town.

As the oldest city in South Carolina, Charleston is full of history. But right behind it — an hour and 45 minutes away — is Beaufort, the second-oldest town in the state. The Norman Rockwell-esque municipality is steeped in history, but you don't need to visit a museum to see it. Beaufort's history is evident on every front porch, as it's filled with beautiful old homes, especially in the Point neighborhood. Former plantation homes have been given new life here, including one featured in the movie "The Prince of Tides." Once you're done gawking at Beaufort's history from the sidewalk, you can learn about it at the Beaufort History Museum and Visitors Center and the Beaufort National Cemetery. In this cemetery — one of the first of its kind in the U.S. — 9,000 American Civil War soldiers are buried.

More history can be found just down the road at St. Helena's Episcopal Church. It dates back to 1724 and is the final resting place of important Civil War figures. The site has had many iterations throughout its day, including as a Civil War hospital where headstones were used as operating tables. Beaufort has tons of natural beauty, too. You can meander the 10-mile paved Spanish Moss Trail, which brings pedestrians along saltwater marshes and oak trees older than Beaufort. Or, check out the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, which runs along the Beaufort River and is lined by several downtown businesses.

Some Southern towns can be stuffy, but Bluffton isn't one of them. This makes it a perfect destination for experiencing the Bluffton "state of mind." Bluffton is a two-hour drive from Charleston and right around the corner from Hilton Head Island. It is a haven for diverse arts, from its fares and the last hand-shucking business in South Carolina to its arts district. Start your imaginative foray in Bluffton at the Calhoun Street Arts District. It is full of art galleries and artisan shops selling items like glazed bowls and antiques. One of the best spots in the district to get a taste of it all is the Society of Bluffton Artists gallery, which features works of over 100 artists. Also in the district is The Cottage on Calhoun Street, an ideal destination for traditional Southern afternoon tea.

If all that shopping has stirred your appetite, have lunch at Bluffton Oyster Company, a staple of the town since 1899. Foodies should also put Bluffton's Thursday farmers' market on their calendars. The spring and summer market offers tons of local staples like gumbo, stewed tomatoes, and boiled peanuts. Bluffton also has a taste for the high life, exemplified by Palmetto Bluff, a 2,000-acre luxurious resort with residences. It's worth visiting to see its pre-World War I gas-powered yacht, stunning inn, and scenic setting. You could also grab a bite at its Lowcountry-themed restaurant called Buffalos.

Unlike most destinations on this list, Brookgreen Gardens isn't a town — but it might as well be. The 9,000-acre National Historic Landmark is located outside Myrtle Beach and is a nearly two-hour drive from Charleston. It features gardens, a butterfly house, sculptures, a history center, a fountain, and a zoo, making it easy to spend a weekend exploring this gem. As denoted by its name, the botanical gardens are its most famous asset. You will find oak trees that are over 300 years old and gardens featuring unique Lowcountry fauna. 

However, its sculptures deserve equal attention. With over 2,000 pieces, Brookgreen Gardens has more sculptures than any other property in the country. Its collection includes a gigantic Pegasus that took nearly 10 years to build. There's also the "Fighting Stallions," which Anna Hyatt Huntington, Brookgreen Gardens' co-founder, sculpted. Huntington, a sculptor, and her husband, Archer Huntington, who was one of the richest men in the country, converted their property into this haven in 1931.

Families looking to keep kids entertained should visit Brookgreen Gardens' Lowcountry Zoo, which only houses animals bred in captivity and those who cannot live in the wild due to injuries. Within the gardens' History Center are also four former rice plantations that depict the properties' pasts down the Lowcountry Trail. Here, visitors will learn about the wealthy enslavers who owned the storied homes and the enslaved people who were forced to keep them running.

Charleston is only under an hour's drive away from Cypress Gardens. However, you'll feel a world's away when you see the beautiful Lowcountry landscapes of the nearly century-old gardens. The property, once part of the 170-acre Dean Hall, a rice plantation, is now a nature-focused destination. It comprises an 80-acre blackwater swamp, 3 miles of trails, kids' play areas, and several wildlife attractions, such as an alligator pond and a bird exhibit. Best of all, it only costs $10 per adult or $5 per child to enter, making it an affordable, action-packed day trip.

One of the most unique Cypress Gardens offerings is its swamp tours. Visitors can rent one of the gardens' wood boats for free and take a self-guided, 30-minute tour to see the swamp's lily pads, footbridges, alligators, birds, and more. Or, pay $5 for a guided swamp tour. Families can also check out Cypress Gardens' Swamparium to view wildlife from a safer distance. It has reptiles and fish, as well as a butterfly house, a bird exhibit, and resident alligators named Boss and Ally. Film buffs will also enjoy Cypress Gardens, as it's been the setting of more than a dozen movies, including "The Notebook" and "The Patriot."

Many regular Charleston visitors add Hilton Head Island to their travel plans. But they don't realize there's a hidden gem barrier island where they can get a much more charming taste of the coast. Daufuskie Island is just 8 square miles and is home to only 400 people year-round, making for a quiet respite loaded with untapped beaches and a classic laid-back South Carolina vibe. To get there, Charleston visitors will need to drive two hours to Bluffton before hopping on a 25-minute water taxi. It's a longer journey compared to some of the other destinations on this list, but it's worth it — especially if you need to unwind from your busy Charleston vacation. 

One of the best spots to do that on Daufuskie Island is Bloody Point, which is 3 miles of quiet beaches without a luxury condo to be found. Just a few homes dot the area, so you'll have your pick of the pristine sandy landscape. Even if the great outdoors isn't your thing, you'll find plenty of Lowcountry life on Daufuskie Island, which has many quirky businesses. One of people's favorites is the Iron Fish Gallery. As its name suggests, it is an outdoor art gallery of Chase Allen's sea-themed metalworking creations that have garnered international acclaim. Or, pick up art you can wear at Daufuskie Blues, which sells clothing dyed using the Japanese method of shibori.

Daufuskie Island isn't the only barrier island worth visiting on your trip to Charleston. Edisto Island is another picturesque South Carolina island that, although bigger than Daufuskie Island at 14 square miles, is just as quaint. It doesn't have a single traffic light, high-rise condo, or chain restaurant. Plus, it's just a little over an hour's drive from Charleston, and you don't need a ferry to get there. Although it's quiet, its opportunities for unwinding with nature are endless. Edisto Island is home to Edisto Beach State Park, which has a lovely coastline perfect for sunbathing. It also features an environmental learning center and miles of trails with wild animals and plants. You can also see animals native to the Lowcountry at The Serpentarium, which houses alligators, lizards, snakes, and other reptiles.

Edisto Island is also an ideal place for shoppers since it's home to lots of one-of-a-kind mom-and-pop stores — so you can chuck that mass-made Charleston magnet in the trash. With These Hands Gallery sells pottery, photography, jewelry, and more made by local artists; as such, you can take a piece of Edisto Island home with you. Or, visit Revel Gifts & Gourmet Foods, which purveys foodie must-haves like gourmet sea salt and Bloody Mary mix. Foodies will also love Edisto Island's restaurants. Fantastic examples are local hangout Whaley's Restaurant & Bar — housed in an old gas station — and Coot's Bar & Grill, the only eatery on the island's shores.

Charleston is a coastal city, but beachgoers know to visit Folly Beach when craving sun and sand. In this laid-back beach town dubbed the Edge of America, tourists ditch their Sunday best for a surfboard. Folly Beach is only a 25-minute drive from Charleston and is known as one of the best spots for surfing on the East Coast. Fittingly, it has plenty of surf shops, including McKevlin's Surf Shop, which offers surfboards for rent. Like any quintessential surf town, Folly Beach has plenty of other easygoing businesses that are all about savoring the salty air. These include the Lost Dog Café, which offers breakfast all day with Southern twists, and Chico Feo, a fun fusion restaurant that runs an updated surf report on its website.

Even if you're not a surfer, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy Folly Beach's 6 miles of coastline, as it caters to sun worshippers with its picnic areas and boardwalk. For a more adventurous way to enjoy Folly Beach, hop on a guided kayak tour to see parts of the beach that remain in their natural state — and discover cool finds like fossils. That's not the only history you'll find at Folly Beach. With a name that means "dense foliage" in Old English, the beach was once a place for pirates to hide their booty. Later, it was the site where the only Civil War battle on the island was fought, so cannonballs are still found here.

If you're looking for a postcard-worthy beach hang not too far from Charleston, there isn't anywhere better than Hilton Head Island. It is ranked the top beach in the state and the second-best overall destination in South Carolina. People of all demographics flock to enjoy this barrier island's huge array of appeal, ranging from the rich (you can't miss their extravagant beachfront mansions) to young families looking for a quick and affordable getaway. About a two-hour drive from Charleston, visitors will find 42 square miles of golf and tennis courses, shopping, wildlife, and sandy shores on Hilton Head Island. One of the best beaches here to hitch your boogie board to is Coligny Beach Park, which offers changing rooms, umbrella rentals, free parking and internet, and volleyball courts.

Looking to get further from crowds and modern conveniences? Spend the day at the 600-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve, home to alligators, snakes, deer, and birds. It has many sections throughout its boundaries, including Fish Island, the Vanishing Swamp, a wildflower field, and an archaeological site. Or, for a vastly different experience, head to the 290,000-square-foot Shelter Cove Towne Centre, which offers tons of restaurants, stores, festivals, events, and a playground. But don't leave Hilton Head Island without snapping a photo of the Harbour Town lighthouse, which is the red-and-white mascot of the island. Follow it up with dinner at the legendary Salty Dog Café.

Hopefully, you brought your competitive spirit to South Carolina because Kiawah Island, about a 50-minute drive from Charleston, is chock-full of ways to give you bragging rights. The island is home to the Roy Barth Tennis Center, which has been called the top tennis resort on the planet. It also has several well-known golf courses, which is unsurprising since Kiawah Island has hosted the PGA Championships multiple times. Kiawah Island Golf Resort is also one of the best pickleball vacation destinations. You could also get a workout in while seeing Kiawah Island from behind your handlebars, thanks to the island's 30-mile-plus bike trails. One especially cool spot is Marsh Island's lookout tower, which is only accessible by bike.

There are plenty of other ways to get in touch with nature here that are nowhere near a court. At the Heron Park Nature Center, visitors can learn about and see wild Lowcountry reptiles, birds, mammals, and amphibians. It is an ideal locale for kids since the center has a seasonal Junior Naturalist Program. Don't miss a thing by booking a guided nature tour or asking the onsite naturalist all your burning wildlife questions.

Charleston is one of the best cities in America for seafood lovers. However, another delectable South Carolina destination for sea eats isn't far away and lacks Charleston's big crowds. Just about 50 minutes by car from Charleston is McClellanville, which has delicious fares, storied history, and the charm of Charleston — minus the hype. Just 500 people live there, and there isn't a traffic light in sight. Shrimp reigns supreme here, as signs that showcase "Bless our shrimpers" dot the town. The decades-old Lowcountry Shrimp Festival is held here every May. If you're lucky enough to be in town for the festival, don't miss the Blessing of the Fleet, which includes a parade of trawlers who locals bless for the next shrimp season.

McClellanville has been a shrimp town since the post-Civil War days, but that's far from its only hint of history. It has a millennium-old live oak tree and a nearly three-century-old plantation that was the birthplace of one of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. McClellanville also has two ancient churches that were built in 1768 and 1786. Visitors can learn all about McClellanville's history at its Village Museum.

Savannah is just a two-hour ride from Charleston. Visitors can hit the beautiful city that has enough history and charm to inject anyone's itinerary with inspiration and curiosity. It is the oldest city in Georgia, one of the oldest in America, and one of the most haunted. Literary buffs will especially get a kick out of it, as Savannah is the setting of the iconic book "Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil." Visitors can tour the Mercer House, where much of the book — and its subsequent hauntings — allegedly took place.

But it's not all doom and gloom in this beautiful riverfront city. It's even home to one of the most breathtaking streets in America. Along the backdrop of the Savannah River, there are tons of stunning features, like the 30-acre Forsyth Park in the heart of the city's historic district. Stroll through the park's colorful garden or snap a photo in front of its massive fountain. To get a break from the humid Savannah heat, spend a few hours inside the SCAD Museum of Art, the most storied public art museum in the region.

Sullivan's Island, just a 20-minute drive from Charleston, is small but mighty. It's only 2.5 square miles, but like its big-city neighbor, its restaurants know how to pack a punch. That's evident in eateries like Sullivan's Fish Camp, which serves Lowcountry favorites like hushpuppies and fish sandwiches. There's also Poe's Tavern, named in honor of the poetry legend who was stationed on the island during his military service.

And then there are the beaches, which are so stunning that many Charleston locals call them their favorites. Public beaches are aplenty here, and one spot is home to the lighthouse dubbed Charleston's Light. Although access is prohibited, seeing it in person is a must. To see everything that Sullivan's Island has to offer, rent a bike and cruise through the island's charming neighborhoods, and don't forget to stop at some of the artisan shops. Ladies will love Goldbug, a boutique that sells locally made jewelry and clothing, while those wanting to take a piece of Sullivan's Island home with them should head to the Sandpiper Gallery. If you're in a mood for acquiring more items, head back to Charleston, which is home to one of America's oldest public markets for shopping.