scenic drive from charleston to myrtle beachscenic drive from charleston to myrtle beach

Both places are excellent spots for nature lovers. Just over halfway your journey to Charleston, it's a good idea to use the first day to tour the city center and the second day to head to the coast. After exploring the beaches and fishing opportunities, continue your journey on US-17 northward, passing several coastal towns. The Columbia Route. There are some great options for, Regardless of where you like, many of the, Historic Downtown Charleston Neighborhood Guide, The Best Restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina, best beaches near Charleston, South Carolina, Charleston SC to Myrtle Beach: A Scenic Road Trip Adventure, A Charleston to Savannah Road Trip Guide to Exploring the Lowcountry, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Charleston, SC: the Ultimate Guide, Your Guide to the Hottest Events in Charleston this Weekend, Kiawah Island Golf Resort: A Comprehensive Review, Mount Pleasant, SC: A Guide to Southern Charm & Natural Beauty. This scenic drive through the Smoky Mountains has a whole range of attractions, from nature and amusement parks to . Learn More About Awendaw Green and the Sewee Outpost. After all, whats not to like? But there is a lot going on throughout the South, clustered in the cities stretching from Charlotte around the mountains to Atlanta. You can hop on the famed Foothills Trail from several access points along the road. . Take in the undersea world at Ripleys Aquarium, enjoy a show at the Carolina Opry or the Alabama Theatre, or visit the upside-down house known as WonderWorks, where youll find an amusement park for the mind with more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Take a picnic and enjoy the views. Get the reverse directions for a But regardless of which direction youre driving from, there are plenty of attractions near Myrtle Beach that are worth a visit. Depending on what you fancy, this drive can include educational stops such as historical museums; or state and national parks with unique landscapes and trails for wildlife and nature lovers. Stop to sample award-winning cheese at Looking Glass Creamery, a top spot on the Western NC Cheese Trail, before heading on to Chimney Rock. If youd like a shorter hike, its one mile to Little Bearwallow Falls, or two miles to Wildcat Rock. The 100-mile road trip from Charleston to Myrtle Beach will take a little over 2 hours to drive. This 4-star hotel offers free parking along with its own complete golf course, spa and swimming pool. Once youve had your fill of hiking, head south another 45 miles to enter South Carolina and arrive in Spartanburg. Below we highlight two distinct yet fantastic routes to reach Myrtle beach. This spot is back in the Upstate, near Travelers Rest and Greenville. Located halfway between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, Georgetown is a great overnight stop on The Coastal Route. Its a beer lovers delight, with plenty of great breweries nestled throughout the city. Paul Living History Museum. And you can still see the hole to mark the location of the drop (though the bomb didnt set off). Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Charleston? The direct drive from Charlotteto Myrtle Beachis170 mi(273 km), and should have a drive time of 3 hrs 29 minsin normal traffic. A romantic weekend getaway in Savannah is not cheap. There was no nuclear warhead, and it was in rural South Carolina, close to Florence. For example, here are some questions people have asked about Myrtle Beach. TheCuthbert House Inn is a beautiful bed and breakfast within walking distance of all downtown Beaufort. The American military accidentally dropped a nuclear bomb on US territory in 1958. Find pet-friendly stops. Source: Galen Parks Smith / Wikimedia. It's okay, you can start planning your Here youll find some of the freshest produce around, from corn and tomatoes to sweet potatoes and locally caught shrimp. Boone Hall Plantation (6 mentions) . After exploring the state capital and the many attractions in the city, head out on I-20 to Florence. trip dates & more! For a relaxing weekend getaway to one of the most famous beaches in the US, look no further than this epic road trip from Charleston to Myrtle Beach. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. While youre there, make sure to pick up lots of beachy trinkets, some tasty fudge, a new pair of leather boots, and enough fireworks to light up the entire beach. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the The nearby skiing and snowboarding slopes are: And the winters not that terrible, so you can go skiing one day, then hit the hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway the next. Myrtle Beach is generally cooler and less crowded in winter, with average temperatures ranging from the high 40s to the low 60s Fahrenheit. Try Bubbas BBQ and Bash for award-winning barbecue or Carolina Barbecue for Lexington-style juicy pork barbecue. Take a hike to discover mountain balds open spaces void of trees with 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, reminiscent of the picnic scene in The Sound of Music. Some of the best things come in small packages, and this trip is no exception, taking in a mix . When hungry, you can dine at one of several fantastic on-site restaurants. The newest trail in the area features a stunning waterfall, spectacular views from a rock outcrop, plus a picturesque ridgeline meadow. Spartanburg has a diverse arts scene boasting South Carolinas most respected, progressive, and diverse art communities. Founded in 1729 this city is located on the scenic Sampit River about an hour drive from Myrtle Beach and half way to Charleston. we recommend The Marshall House, Historic Inns of Savannah Collection, the best place to relax with a sea view is the French Quarter Inn. Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Charleston to Myrtle Beach. But feel free to just drive through, Come Back to Charleston, Happy to Be Home, The next time youre not feeling like a weekend warrior, you can plan a staycation in Charleston. Since you will be splitting this trip in two days, you have time to plan an overnight stop to make sure you are well rested to explore and continue the journey to your final destination. Some people turn their nose up at EpiCentre and Connollys now, but dont be embarrassed if you visit. Take the I-74 to head straight to the State border and go all the way to the end of Route 501 in Myrtle Beach. These stops range from charming and idyllic towns to unique shops and museums and even some quirky oddities thatll be sure to give your entire crew something to look forward to. With 50 breweries in the region, there are a variety of options to try. Before you hit the road in the morning, don't forget to enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the property. It has many indoor attractions, such as museums, theaters, and shopping centers, making it a great destination all year round. Highlights include Columbia, Cheraw State Park, Sumter National Forest and Congaree National Park. In the cultural district downtown, walk and explore art galleries, music venues, breweries, culinary arts, local publishers, museums, and more. Its bubbly sugar water with a fantastic marketing campaign, after all. The city was burned in the Civil War by General Shermans army, so theres not a ton of historic sites. Just go to any of the myriad beaches along the South Carolina coast. Myrtle Beach hosts many annual events throughout the year, like the Myrtle Beach Bike Week in May and October, Carolina Country Music Fest in June, Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival in September, and Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest in October. This is supposed to be one of the best aquariums in the world. In fact, the order to build a 1,300 mile route connecting Charleston and Boston the two largest seaports in the colonies came from King Charles II. It's a great option while you're in town! Let me know if you have any recommendations from your wanderings. That saved the city from the burnt fate of other Southern cities like Atlanta and later, Columbia. However long or short the route, we always find the best things to do and the must-see hidden gems for all our road trips. next trip! Road Trip From New York City To New Orleans, Road Trip from Orlando, Florida to New York, Hampton Inn Georgetown-Marina is a superb hotel, Fairfield Inn & Suites Santee is one of our all-time favorite hotels, Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes. Make a stop at the massive Callahans of Calabash gift shop, which sells Southern decor and apparel, Christmas collectibles, nautical gifts, homemade fudge and more. Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Myrtle Beach to Charleston. This is pretty close to Summerville and Charleston. Both routes take you on well-maintained, easy-to-drive roads with breathtaking views. The Poinsett Bridge was named after Joel Roberts Poinsett. For a slightly longer ride through inland South Carolina, you can take The Columbia Route, covering 280 miles over 5 hours of driving, not considering any stopovers or . Its a haven for hiking and birdwatching as falcons and hawks often soar around the massive monolith rock face. Visiting Georgetown's Historic District is a must if you're even remotely interested in history. From Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter to The City Market and Rainbow Row, theres tons of history and historic architecture here, not to mention top-notch Southern cuisine. When it comes to resting, we recommend The Marshall House, Historic Inns of Savannah Collection, located right in the historic district, close to the Lucas Theater. Whether youre interested in open-air artisan markets, craft beer, or more outdoor activities, Columbias small-town charm serves up a variety of Southern favorites. We dont notice here on the coast, as were too busy working our tech jobs and sweating profusely. How to Best Experience the Scenic Drive from Charleston to Savannah, The church was built in the mid-1700s but the British burned it during the Revolutionary War. Click the button below to explore more questions And before you know it, you'll be welcomed by the palm trees and the coastal vibes of Myrtle Beach. That makes for a lot of easy, 7 Great Day Trips from Charleston, SC, in the Lowcountry, Are you thinking of planning a romantic getaway in Beaufort? Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Charleston to Myrtle Beach. The town never recovered, though the ruins are still cool to scramble around. One of the best places on the island to enjoy scenic coastal beauty is the Station 12 beach access. Locations include Florence, Marion, Little River, and Murrells Inlet. While Savannah is worth a day trip, Im not sure what need there is to go to Myrtle Beach. The route is also known for its delicious seafood, with many restaurants and seafood shacks. Read on below to find out our top recommended things to see and do on each route: Tap into nature here at Congaree National Park.Michele Korfhage/Shutterstock.com. Scenic drives to consider in the Charleston area are listed below. Plus, the entrance to Smoky Mountain National Park is only a 50 minute drive away from Asheville. With only one (decent) thing on this list so far, Im still adding to it. For a slice of luxury, stay at the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes when you reach Myrtle Beach. If youre looking for a taste of local flavor, theres no better place than the many country markets and produce stands on your way into town. Sheldon is a small town inland from coastal communities like Beaufort and Bluffton. Situated on Winyah Bay, it is known for its beautiful scenery, antebellum architecture, and quaint downtown area with unique shops and restaurants. The miracles of marketing make looking at the World of Coca-Cola worth a visit. If youve wanted to try glamping, at Asheville Glamping you can stay in a skylight dome, an Airstream, a safari tent, a tipi, or even a treehouse. Search for RV campgrounds. The final state park on the SC 11 drive is Oconee State Park and it's just another 30 miles from Devils Fork-and only 30 or so miles from the end (or start) of the Cherokee . For a more relaxed walk amidst the harbor and marshland, stroll the Georgetown Harborwalk, a boardwalk along the Sampit River with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. The shoulder seasons are also an excellent choice to visit the city, since spring and fall have less rain and more blue skies with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Besides the comfy rooms and excellent location, you'll appreciate their beautiful sun terrace. While the area boasts a beautiful airport with convenient and affordable flights from cities across the country, a large majority of Myrtle Beach visitors still choose to drive. That said, it is only an hour drive away from historic downtown Charleston. Learn More Ready for Every Adventure Having an America the Beautiful Pass is the easiest and most cost-effective way to visit over 2,000-federal recreation sites. For more than 65 years this highway oasis has been wowing travelers with its distinctive attractions, including a reptile lagoon, Pedroland kiddie ride park, and the Sombrero Tower, a 200-foot-tall observation deck. But there are other cool places to see, like: The important thing is, a trip to Columbia is easy. Wadmalaw Island. The Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel puts you in the center of downtown life in a landmark hotel. Discover things to do in Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Beaufort, and all points in between! Fine, whatever. And if you know Charleston well, please help your fellow Unlimited stops Plan trips worldwide Divide your trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features! But feel free to just drive through North, SC. You can also choose to use the in-villa kitchen if you'd rather cozy up and stay in after a long day on the road. For something different, spend a few nights at the Waikiki Village Motel just steps from the beach. Camping along the way? If you don't enjoy crowded destinations, you may want to avoid Myrtle beach during summer. You can expect a relaxing trip with plenty of opportunities for beach activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Boone and Blowing Rock are the closest places to go skiing near Charleston. It passes through the state capital of Columbia, where you can explore museums and historical sites and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking in Congaree National Park. Theres not much here of interest except the name. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:48 pmdrive for about 16 minutes, 1:04 pm Awendaw (South Carolina) From charming animals to eye-catching sculptures, this family-friendly attraction has a host of sights and activities to offer to everyone. If you are also in for a returning trip, then you could even consider doing both of them. You should also take a stroll in Forsyth Park, which has been around since the 1840s. Visit Chimney Rock, for which the park is named, a 535 million-year-old monolith considered one of the most iconic sites in North Carolina. Arthur J. Ravenel Jr. Bridge (2 mentions) Yes, this is just a giant pantheon to Coca-Cola. There are many beautiful beach homes that line the coast; most of which are available as vacation rentals. suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it You can continue on to Bluffton or Hilton Head, or just go straight on to Savannah along route 17, then I-95. A direct drive to Myrtle Beach from Charleston via The Coastal Route takes 2 hours to cover 100 miles without any detours and gas breaks. Discover the six waterfalls that can be enjoyed from the road no hiking required. Poinsett was a prominent South Carolinian when this bridge, the oldest in South Carolina, was built in the 1820s. The churchs Deacon, Tommy Jones, says hundreds of marriages have happened here and that the doors are never locked, so whether youre looking for some quick nuptials on the way into town or just want to admire a wholesome landmark, this is your spot. And a few days there should be more than enough to explore everything in the area. Explore nearby waterfalls with a scenic drive. because there's an entire community of travelers talking Whether youre looking for a few sparklers for the kiddos or an Independence Day display that would make the founding fathers proud, youre sure to find all the best fireworks here at the beach. The Coastal Route visits Hilton Head, Hunting and St Helena Islands, Charleston and Georgetown, or journey Inland to Springfield, Newington, Augusta, Conway and Columbia. For a laid-back afternoon, chill at their fantastic outdoor poolside and enjoy a bite at their cool snack bar. But getting there is half the fun of a road trip. Re: Scenic Drives from Myrtle Beach 12 years ago Save Wilmington,NC is about an hour and a half away. Right before arriving in Charleston via Route 17, you can also choose to take two unique detours. Coastal South Carolina is also famous for its unique marshlands. Bypass the town by taking US-501 to Myrtle Beach. Awendaw (South Carolina) The peaks of Southern Appalachia are known for rolling greenery and layers of misty blue. The best part is being a quick stroll away from major attractions such as the Charleston City Market, the French Quarter, the Aquarium Wharf and Liberty Square. Auto buffs may also want to stop by Wheels of Yesteryear, near Tanger Outlets on U.S. 501 on the way into Myrtle Beach. Poe's Tavern (Were all for marketing, but they cant all be the best, can they?) Highlights include Columbia, Cheraw State Park, Sumter National Forest and Congaree National Park. Even though the total drive time comes in at five to six hours, you should ideally take two days to complete this trip, and three if you can. 1. If youre heading to Myrtle Beach from the North on U.S. 17, a quick detour down N.C. 179 to the quaint coastal town of Calabash, NC may be in order. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Charleston . Especially compared to the rest of their respective states, theyre little islands of eccentricity. Take the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, crossing Drum Island and enjoying stunning city skyline views. If you're planning a road trip to Myrtle Beach, you can research locations to stop along the way. Especially because its not even in the northern part of South Carolina. (2 answers). Traveling from Savannah to Myrtle Beach covers 260 miles, taking around 6 hours. But theres even more to see in the surrounding hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. , this is worth visiting for anyone interested in Americas sordid past and its continued efforts to make amends. Katie from Los Angeles asked:What is your favorite restaurant in Myrtle Beach? Not that I have any desire. There are also some delightfully tacky tourist attractions, such as the Tweetsie Railroad and Hickory Ridge Homestead. Depending on your chosen route, you'll experience a different part of South Carolina on this journey. 4. An avid traveler, Colin Pearson loves to settle in an area and discover every little bit of that spot. Want to plan the trip back? If traveling with family, one of the must-visit spots near the hotel is Santee Recreation and Water Park. Log in, How to Do the Monorail Pub Crawl at Walt Disney World, Where to Stay in the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Family-Friendly Guide to the Florida Keys. The district is filled with beautifully preserved homes, churches, and other buildings, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, offering a glimpse into the town's rich history. This is pretty close to Summerville and Charleston. Sometimes affectionately, sometimes not. Which is great, because the drive is about an hour and a half from downtown Charleston. Although you can complete this journey within a day, we highly recommend you take a couple of days to enjoy beach activities, delicious seafood, museums, and the natural beauty en route at leisure. The fall and spring months are mild and comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and avoid crowds. . Im not sure, but the Poinsett bridge is quite bucolic. A quick cruise down the boulevard or a walk around Broadway at the Beach reveals countless beloved sights and attractions, from the beautiful shores of the Grand Strand to cleverly themed restaurants, over-the-top hotels with on-site waterparks, more unique mini golf courses than you can shake a stick at, and more. As you continue driving on US-17, you'll cross the charming town of Mount Pleasant. Read on to find out why we recommend skipping the direct option and, instead, taking a detour to remember via stunning Savannah or magical Myrtle Beach. You can enjoy excellent on-site amenities like two golf courses, a spa, and multiple pools, including an oceanfront infinity pool. I love Greenville. But visit soon before nature swallows-up, The quaint gothic architecture seems out of place in the woods, and to this day no one knows who designed it. Sit down and enjoy the Southern hospitality combined with some Wild Georgia Shrimp and other amazing seafood dishes to relax after your drive. Plus, the compact downtown is fantastic. Read More Myrtle Beach Hidden Gems Venture away from the bustle of the Grand Strand to explore Myrtle Beach as the locals do. . Myrtle Beach, SC. The Lowcountry in and of itself is pretty exotic, even to people from other parts of the United States. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:45 pmdrive for about 26 minutes, 5:10 pm Brookgreen Gardens In 2023, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, weekend getaway in Asheville, North Carolina: eight things to do, Blue Ridge Parkway road trip: the perfect five-day itinerary. Readers of her USA by Rail blog have come to expect an intimate look at authentic experiences. But living in Charleston, you do start to miss seeing skyscrapers. Crabby Georges seafood buffet has 120 items to choose from everything from fried oysters to white clams and stuffed flounder. Take the I-77 all the way to Columbia, South Carolina, where you can take a detour and take the I-20 to visit the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Museum and then head down to the Congaree National Park for a walking trail. I dont vacation in the traditional sense. You can get your fill of seafood at the many seafood buffets, beach bars, and fine dining restaurants. If you have more time in town, check out our recommendations for a weekend getaway in Asheville, North Carolina: eight things to do. by calculating the distance from Charleston to Myrtle Beach. From hwy 17, though, it is a skip and a jump to scenic & historic towns like Edenton, Plymouth, New Bern, Beaufort, etc. Go via Myrtle Beach or Savannah, though, and it'll take 6 hours. Theyve even gone as far as adjusting development plans to incorporate the large live oaks into building plans. The 210-mile road trip from Charlotte to Charleston and takes 3 hours 15 minutes to drive. The 210-mile road trip from Charlotte to Charleston and takes 3 hours 15 minutes to drive. Since both routes are pretty distinct from one another, there are significant differences in the attractions you will see along the way. We'll also cover our top picks for where to stop overnight, our favorite attractions en route and the best time of year to travel from Charlotte, NC to Charleston, SC. We will be going into Charleston a night or two while staying in Kiawah so we don't necessarily need to stop in historic Charleston on our way. Spoonauger is an easy 20-minute hike. Around 4 hours in the Savannah Route, you will have crossed all of South Carolina and arrived in Georgia for your overnight stop. 19 of the Best Weekend Road Trips from Charleston, SC, Luckily, South Carolina has a lot of diverse terrain and places to visit. The route has some excellent stopover points, and we have put together a list of our favorite hotels for you. Here's our list of things to see on both routes to Myrtle Beach. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is part of the Piedmont Park. Although the Myrtle Beach route is a great choice for travelers who want ocean views almost all the way, you will miss the chance to explore the islands south of Charleston. If youre coming to Myrtle Beach from the North or South, youll probably be driving along Highway 17; If youre coming from the West, Highways 9, 22, and 501 will get you there. Re: Scenic Route for Myrtle Beach to Charleston? Carowinds is also a fun amusement park to check out. marks historic Dorchester. MyrtleBeach.com is the Grand Strands largest privately- owned tourism portal. is beautiful. No matter how tempting it is, don't bother going to "south of the border". Native American tribes were the earliest residents of Georgetown . No matter which direction youre traveling, youre sure to find one on the way into Myrtle Beach. One of the most recent (and most famous) was Pat Conroy. Enjoy fresh mountain air and wide-open spaces before traveling south with stops in cities in both North and South Carolina to end at Myrtle Beach with its 60 miles of beautiful coastline. That said, I would say you can fit the majority of a visit to Savannah in a weekend, at most. The drive from Charleston to Savannah is beautiful. In Myrtle Beach, youll enjoy 60 miles of coastal activities. The autumn leaves in the mountains around Greenville are reminiscent of the New England fall foliage that people spend a lot more money to go see. This will guarantee that you will get the most out of the journey, leaving you able to relax and enjoy all of the attractions along the way. Heading across Johns Island to Kiawah Island does count as a daytrip. Go down to the coast through Highway 174 to reach the Botany Bay Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area if you wish to dive into oceanic nature and even spot some sea turtles. With Asheville Wellness Tours, you can experience a forest-bathing experience with a certified forest therapy guide, plus essential oil archetype readings, tea and tarot cards, and stand up paddleboard yoga tours. Columbia is called the armpit of South Carolina. Visit the Official Charleston, S.C. Webpage. As you read, you'll find the route that suits your vibe and various things to see and do on the way.