If you’re looking for a perfect weekend road trip from Charleston SC you’ve come to the right place.
This article covers 3 unforgettable weekend road trip ideas from Charleston SC. Each one is under three hours drive from the Holy City.
The great thing about road trips from Charleston is the scenic drive en route to your destination, from national parks to beaches.
Let’s Dive in.
Road Trips from Charleston SC [3 Unforgettable Weekend Trip Ideas]
Here are the top three picks for road trips from Charleston SC:
- Savannah, GA
- Hilton Head, GA
- Beaufort, SC
If you want a city escape chock full of history, culture, and mouth watering food, Savannah GA is your top choice.
But, if you’re dreaming of walking along a beach, toes in the sand, then the island of Hilton Head GA is your best bet.
And, if you’re pining for a slower pace amidst the stunning nature of the lowcountry, Beaufort SC is your spot.
Continue reading for a perfect weekend road trip itinerary in each location.
Savannah, Georgia
Topping the list is Savannah Georgia.
Savannah is a vibrant southern city along the Atlantic coast. Just two hours from Charleston SC, it is a perfect choice for a weekend road trip.
Reasons you’ll love Savannah:
- Georgia’s oldest city
- Historic sites galore
- Fantastic food and bar scene
- Vibe: Historic City, Southern Charm, Energetic and Upbeat
This is a perfect choice for a lively city getaway. You’ll have the chance to immerse in American history dating back centuries. Plus, Savannah has a fantastic restaurant culture.
Savannah is great for an overnight stay because everything you want to see around the city is close by. You can easily walk around the historic district to restaurants, bars, and shopping.
Savannah Weekend Itinerary
Where to Stay: The North Historic District is the spot to be in. You’ll be close to the Riverwalk, one of Savannah’s top areas for restaurants, bars, and shops. You’ll have front-row views to Spanish moss-covered oaks, historic homes, and Savannah’s charming restaurants.
Friday: Arrive in Savannah and check into your hotel or Airbnb. From there your first stop is to grab dinner in the North Historic District. Then, kick back at Bar Julian on the river front.
Saturday: Wake up early for breakfast at The Collins Quarter on Bull Street. Afterwards, head out on foot to explore the North Historic District. Shop along River Street for everything from kitschy Savannah gear to locally-made gifts. Grab lunch along the way at a riverfront restaurant.
Spend the afternoon at The Top Deck overlooking Little Black River or book a cocktail class at the American Prohibition Museum. Then, Head out for dinner at Common Threads. Top off the night with a barhopping ghost tour to hear the spooky secrets in Savannah’s history.
Sunday: After a restful morning walk head over to B. Matthew’s Eatery for brunch. Before departing to head back to the Holy City, grab a beverage for the drive at Bitty & Beau’s coffee shop.
It’s important to make restaurant reservations ahead of time, especially in peak travel seasons like May through September.
Hilton Head, Georgia
Hilton Head is the perfect place for a road trip from Charleston. Choose Hilton Head for its coastal ambiance nestled alongside Savannah, and remember to pack your sandals!
The number of things to do in Hilton Head is comparable to Myrtle Beach, without the Spring Break vibes.
Reasons you’ll love Hilton Head:
- Coastal escape near the big city
- Cute shops and restaurants at Harbour Town
- Nature and dolphines
- Vibe: Small town charm, romantic, whimsical
Hilton Head Weekend Itinerary
Where to Stay: The island might seem small, but it’s actually larger than Manhattan! Pick a hotel or Airbnb around the Coligny area for walkability close to amenities and Coligny Beach. Book a stay in Palmetto Dunes for upscale accommodations in a centralized location near Shelter Cover shopping and dining.
Friday: Arrive in Hilton Head and check into your hotel or Airbnb. Catch dinner and sunset at Sunset Grille on the west side, or dinner and a beach walk at Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar in Palmetto Dunes.
Saturday: If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Pickney Island National Wildlife Refuge. You can book a kayak to explore the naturally occurring salt marshes. You might spot Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins that are visible year round! The refuge offers shaded hiking trails beside the marshes.
Or, for a relaxing day, go to Harbour Town and visit shops and restaurants. You can climb to the top of a historic lighthouse and learn about the island’s history at Harbour Town Lighthouse.
Sunday: Enjoy sunrise in the fresh air at Coligny Beach Park. Grab breakfast at any of the cafes around Coligny Beach Park. Or, visit the G-Free Cafe for a full menu of gluten-free options.
Since today is a travel day, hit up the Coastal Discovery Museum along William Hilton Parkway. The beautiful scenery and preserved buildings make for a relaxing ending to a weekend in Hilton Head Georgia.
Beaufort, South Carolina
A weekend road trip from Charleston to Beaufort is just the ticket if you want to rest and unwind amidst Antebellum mansions and moss covered oak trees.
Set in Port Royal Island, the town is surrounded by neighboring islands along the Port Royal Inlet. Take a peak at the Port Royal event list to see the current happenings around town during your overnight stay.
Reasons you’ll love Beafort:
- Scenic natural waterways
- Historic downtown and Antebellum mansions
- Plentiful outdoor exploration
- Vibe: Historic, quaint, relaxing, nature-filled
Beaufort SC Weekend Itinerary
Where to Stay: You have unique options for accommodations from historic homes to B&Bs. Uptown and Downtown Beaufort and both popular spots to stay. Uptown has standard hotel options. Downtown offers a variety of inns and preserved historic homes such as Cuthburt House.
Friday: Arrive at Beaufort and check into your accommodations. Take a relaxing walk in historic Downtown Beaufort and grab dinner at Old Bull Tavern along the way. Fun fact – it is one of the few places in the United States where the whole of downtown is designated a historic district.
Saturday: Rise early for a walk along the downtown pier or the Spanish Moss Trail Train Depot. Then, head to breakfast at Blackstone’s Cafe. Then, join a guided tour of Beaufort’s famed antebellum mansions and discover history dating back well before the Civil War.
If you want to get on the water, Beaufort offers an impressive number of outdoor activities you can explore on the town’s official website. You can book everything from coastal expeditions to biplane tours.
In the evening reserve dinner at Breakwater Restaurant and Bar. Then, try switching up the vibe by heading to one of Beaufort’s local bars for a night cap.
Sunday: Start the day with breakfast at Magnolia Cafe Beaufort in Uptown. Afterwards, hop on a custom boat tour guided by naturalists and make your way through Port Royal’s waterways. Or, rent kayaks to go at your own pace. Before heading out of town, grab fresh seafood at the Fillin’ Station or a snack at Lowcountry Cider & Superior Coffee Beaufort.
Conclusion
There you have it, three unforgettable road trips from Charleston SC! The lowcountry makes for such fun weekend getaways, and there are many underrated places awaiting discovery.
If you’re considering visiting either Charleston or Savannah for a weekend trip, this Charleston vs Savannah article will help you decide which place is perfect for your next visit.
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