From the mountains to the sea and every part in between, the Palmetto State is brimming with scenic sights. Whether it’s a natural landmark like Table Rock or a man-made landmark like a lighthouse matters not. If it’s pretty and unique (or pretty unique) we eat it up like a two-pound sundae with tons of toppings. Come along with us today as we explore part of the coast on this short and scenic road trip in South Carolina:
Who says a road trip has to consume an entire day, anyway? Not this one! Well, unless you bring along a bathing suit and park it on the beach (spoiler alert) at the end of the journey. Otherwise, this little trip is only 2.5 hours each way. Buckle up!
Google Maps [enhanced with text, pins, and numbers] Use this interactive Google map as your guide and get ready for a fun filled day! First stop: the beach with THE whitest, fluffiest sand in the state!
- Kiawah Island Beachwalker County Park
Google/Chas Kuhn No matter the time of year, a stroll along this beautiful stretch of beach is breathtaking. Ordinarily, you’d need a pass to enter Kiawah Island — but not if you’re going to this county park! In season, enjoy umbrella rentals, a snack bar, and life guards here. Learn more here. Beachwalker park, 8 Beachwalker Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455, USA
- Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
Google/james bowen Don’t underestimate the time you’ll spend wandering in wonder at Donnelley WMA. Wildlife viewing and bird watching alike are two favorite activities — as are cycling and hiking along the many dirt roads and nature trails. This coastal oasis is stunning!Learn more here. Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, 585 Donnelley Dr, Green Pond, SC 29446, USA
- Old Sheldon Church
jovannig / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images A visit to the ruins of Old Sheldon Church is positively inspirational. It’s been said that the ruins are so powerful, you may conjure up images and sounds of the people that once filed into the church for service more than 200 years ago. The 4.5-acre site also includes a very old cemetery. Learn more here. Old Sheldon Church Ruins, Old Sheldon Church Rd, Yemassee, SC 29945, USA
- Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort
Google/Mizraim Mata Moving right along, we come to Bay Street in the town we like to call Bodacious Beaufort. Sit for a spell in the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park and enjoy the peaceful sight of the sun glistening off the Beaufort River. Learn more here. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902, USA
- Hunting Island State Park
Google/Yuvraj Ramsaywack Just 17 miles to the east of Beaufort, we come to Hunting Island State Park. If you’ve yet to discover this paradise, then you’ll soon find out why this is the state’s most visited state park. You’ll also discover how thousands can be here at one time and it still feels like only a handful of people are around. Explore the beach, check out the campground (for a future trip), and consider booking a water tour over to St. Phillips Island to get a peek at Ted Turner’s former private island beach lodge.Learn more here. Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
- Hunting Island Lighthouse
Google/E Scott Parks Once you’re inside Hunting Island State Park, be sure to travel north on the island to check out the Hunting Island Lighthouse. Aside from the light’s majestic stature towering over the beach, it’s also the only light in South Carolina that is accessible to the public. Visitors can climb inside and ascend 130 feet up to the observation deck. Learn more here. Hunting Island Lighthouse, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
Go ahead. Take some time for yourself. The thing you’ve been putting off doing can wait a little longer, right? Treat yourself to a pretty little drive and take this scenic road trip in South Carolina.
Google Maps [enhanced with text, pins, and numbers]
Use this interactive Google map as your guide and get ready for a fun filled day! First stop: the beach with THE whitest, fluffiest sand in the state!
Google/Chas Kuhn
No matter the time of year, a stroll along this beautiful stretch of beach is breathtaking. Ordinarily, you’d need a pass to enter Kiawah Island — but not if you’re going to this county park! In season, enjoy umbrella rentals, a snack bar, and life guards here. Learn more here.
Beachwalker park, 8 Beachwalker Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455, USA
Google/james bowen
Don’t underestimate the time you’ll spend wandering in wonder at Donnelley WMA. Wildlife viewing and bird watching alike are two favorite activities — as are cycling and hiking along the many dirt roads and nature trails. This coastal oasis is stunning!Learn more here.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, 585 Donnelley Dr, Green Pond, SC 29446, USA
jovannig / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
A visit to the ruins of Old Sheldon Church is positively inspirational. It’s been said that the ruins are so powerful, you may conjure up images and sounds of the people that once filed into the church for service more than 200 years ago. The 4.5-acre site also includes a very old cemetery. Learn more here.
Old Sheldon Church Ruins, Old Sheldon Church Rd, Yemassee, SC 29945, USA
Google/Mizraim Mata
Moving right along, we come to Bay Street in the town we like to call Bodacious Beaufort. Sit for a spell in the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park and enjoy the peaceful sight of the sun glistening off the Beaufort River. Learn more here.
Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902, USA
Google/Yuvraj Ramsaywack
Just 17 miles to the east of Beaufort, we come to Hunting Island State Park. If you’ve yet to discover this paradise, then you’ll soon find out why this is the state’s most visited state park. You’ll also discover how thousands can be here at one time and it still feels like only a handful of people are around. Explore the beach, check out the campground (for a future trip), and consider booking a water tour over to St. Phillips Island to get a peek at Ted Turner’s former private island beach lodge.Learn more here.
Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
Google/E Scott Parks
Once you’re inside Hunting Island State Park, be sure to travel north on the island to check out the Hunting Island Lighthouse. Aside from the light’s majestic stature towering over the beach, it’s also the only light in South Carolina that is accessible to the public. Visitors can climb inside and ascend 130 feet up to the observation deck. Learn more here.
Hunting Island Lighthouse, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
