Winding along the Lowcountry roads along the coast of South Carolina, time seems to slow down. Not only is the coastal area of this Eastern seaboard state a beautiful and thriving place to live, it’s an ideal vacation spot. South Carolina’s official motto is “While I breathe I hope,” which seems an apt set of words to describe a place this gorgeous.
South Carolina has a lot to offer everyone who stops by. The coastal towns from its northern border with North Carolina all the way south to Georgia ooze casual charm. Small and large cities represent the best this state has to offer, including nightlife, hotels and inns of all preferences and sizes, and food that will have you dreaming about it for years to come.
I’ve been all over this lovely state, and I’ve put together a list of top South Carolina coastal road trips just for you. Fly into Savannah, Georgia’s bright and airy airport and drive north all the way up the coast, if you’re inclined. Or start at the midpoint in Charleston and day trip back and forth. It’s up to you. Fun fact: my husband proposed to me in Savannah, so I have a soft spot for the entire Lowcountry area.
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7 Great South Carolina Coastal Road Trips
I’ve hand-picked some great destinations for this list of South Carolina Coastal road trips. Here are some of my favorites. Start planning your South Carolina road trip coastal getaway right here!
Hilton Head Island
A key destination in the beautiful Lowcountry,
I’d highly recommend a stay at the Montage Palmetto Bluff, one of the brand’s luxury resorts. A pretty 30-minute drive to
What to do when you’re not soaking up the sun? Take in one of the “turtle talks” with a marine biologist to learn more about the local sea life, join a guided tour, or take a class at the art academy. Plan a visit to the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head to immerse yourself in Gullah customs, traditions, language, stories, songs and structures. Run by a
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you plan to take day trips or overnight trips, you’ll need a vehicle. My family had a brand-new GMC Acadia in the super-plush Denali trim, and it was ideal for our needs. For 2024, the Acadia is longer, taller, and roomier than it was in 2023, with all of the creature comforts to make your vacation even better.
Hunting Island State Park
With five miles of beautiful beachfront, Hunting Island State Park is the most popular park in South Carolina. Staying for two nights or more? Pitch a tent at one of 100 campsites, which include water and electrical hookups, showers, restrooms, a playground, and beach access.
While you’re at the state park, see the historic Hunting Island Lighthouse. The lighthouse, made from interchangeable cast-iron sections, was built in 1859 and then dismantled and relocated in 1889. If the structure is open, walk the 167 steps to the top and you can call it a day for your workout routine.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If camping isn’t your thing, check out one of the cabins or villas in the park. Or make this a gorgeous day trip.
Charleston
Founded in 1670, Charleston is one of America’s oldest ports. Like New Orleans, Charleston has a little something for everyone, encompassing rich culture and history. First timers looking for a relaxing respite will want to check out the Cottages on Charleston Harbor, where you’ll find a private beach, pool, and hammocks everywhere for an impromptu nap. Each cottage includes a full kitchen, a boon for families or anyone who doesn’t wish to dine out for every meal. Seeking a place close to the nightlife? You’ll want something more like The Restoration, a boutique hotel downtown.
SheBuysTravel Tip: You absolutely must try the she-crab soup, a mouth-watering blend of cream, crab, and sherry. Local restaurant 82 Queen dishes it out all day, so you can get your fix at will.
Kiawah Island
A golf-lover’s paradise, Kiawah Island is one of the quietest, least-crowded beaches in the state. Five of the best golf courses in the state are on this barrier island, for good reason. Kiawah Island is close to the bustle of Charleston but goes at a slower pace.
For ultimate luxury, take a peek at The Dunlin, a new property by the Auberge Resorts Collection. Each of the 72 cottage-style rooms are decorated in soft pastels over honey oak flooring, snugged inside 2,000 acres of enchanting Lowcountry terrain. Wildlife spotting is a casual sport here, with dolphins, turtles, deer, bobcats, and all sorts of birds living nearby. Enjoying the outdoors is a privilege here, and those who love to fish, paddleboard, bike, and explore will find their ideal spot.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The Kiawah Island Golf Resort has five golf courses on property, including three designed by legends Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, and Gary Player.
Myrtle Beach
Shopping, dining, fishing, 90 (whoa!) mini golf courses, and 60 miles of beachfront scene are just a few highlights of Myrtle Beach, a charming coastal road trip destination on the northeast end of South Carolina. Known to be one of the most affordable beach vacation spots in the state–and maybe even in the country–Myrtle Beach has it all.
While visiting this classic Southern oceanfront town, be sure to make time to stroll along the famous America’s Boardwalk, a 1.2-mile trail of fun. Here, you can hop on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel for a stunning view; if dangling 187 feet in the air doesn’t thrill you, get your kicks playing games in the arcade. And if you have room in your car, maybe shoot for one of the biggest stuffed animals you can find. Our borrowed GMC Acadia had an entire row of seats in the back and we could have transported two or three giant stuffed pandas… if only we had won a few games.
SheBuysTravel Tip: There are more than 2,000 restaurants in Myrtle Beach with everything from fast food to fancy fine dining. Locals love Wicked Tuna, where I’d start with the Bang Bang Grouper and then happily stuff myself with Lowcountry shrimp and grits.
Pawleys Island
Nestled along the coast of South Carolina 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach and 70 miles north of Charleston, Pawleys Island is a classic getaway spot for easy-breezy fun. Known as one of the oldest summer resort communities in the country, Pawleys is the cutest beach town you’ve never heard of. Craving a quiet vacation with a good book and cozy nook? This is the perfect place.
Stay at the Pelican Inn, a seaside 8-room bed-and-breakfast location originally built in the 1840s. Picture this idyllic scene: shell collecting, hammock napping (the inventor of the rope hammock was from the area, crab catching, and gorging on cobbler. That’s the Pelican Inn.
SheBuysTravel tip: Rent a bike from Cyclopedia or Pawleys Island Beach Service and explore the area slowly, with the wind rushing through your hair.
Tybee Island
Wait just a minute, you say. Tybee Island is in Georgia, silly. Yes, that’s true. However, Tybee Island is practically on the border of South Carolina. That makes it an honorary beach trip for anyone heading for South Carolina, and it’s a worthwhile stop. Fly into Savannah Airport, which boasts non-stop service from all of the legacy airlines and a few low-cost options, like Allegiant and Frontier.
This barrier island is peaceful and quaint, and it feels like it’s straight out of the Steel Magnolias movie. Greenery is lush and grand, and five sandy beaches provide views of the water and relaxing days. The Tybee Island Marine Science Center on North Beach is stuffed with educational touch tanks, rotating exhibits, and more. A local marine biologist, Dr. Joe Richardson, offers active seashell-hunting excursions that will teach you all about Tybee Island sea life.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t miss Fannie’s on the Beach, an adorable (and colorful!) eatery serving lunch and dinner seven days a week. The menu includes lots of fresh seafood dishes, pizza, and Southern fare like chicken and waffles. Top it off with a frozen mojito and you’re in vacation mode.
Thinking about other Road Trips or South Carolina activities? Read more here:
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