Destinations by how you get there
Edisto Beach, SC
A short drive brings you to a quiet coastal escape focused on nature and relaxation.
- Getting there. By car, Edisto Beach is about 50 miles from Charleston, SC, taking about 1 hour 20 minutes without traffic.
- Day one. Spend the day at Edisto Beach State Park, an oceanfront state park on Edisto Island with trails for hiking and biking. You can visit the environmental education center, a 'green' building with exhibits on the natural history of Edisto Island and the ACE Basin.
- Day two. Enjoy more of the outdoors. The park operates daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with hours extended to 8 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time.
- Worth knowing. For overnight stays, furnished cabins and campsites are available within Edisto Beach State Park.
Savannah, GA
This historic city offers a balance of green spaces and a lively riverfront, accessible by car or bus.
- Getting there. By car, Savannah, GA is about 108 miles from Charleston, SC, taking about 2 hours 20 minutes without traffic. Greyhound operates one daily bus departure from North Charleston to Savannah, GA, offering complimentary Wi-Fi, power sockets, and comfortable seats. Check the operator's alerts page for current schedules.
- Day one. Start your visit with Forsyth Park, a 30-acre park featuring green landscapes, oak trees, walking trails, and the Forsyth Park Fountain. Later, explore Savannah's River Street, known for shopping, dining, entertainment, and nightlife.
- Day two. Consider a walking tour of the historic districts or revisit areas of interest from the previous day.
- Worth knowing. River Street was once the primary hub for cotton exportation and incoming goods for Savannah.
Columbia, SC
An inland trip to South Carolina's capital offers urban walks, local markets, and museums.
- Getting there. By car, Columbia, SC is about 115 miles from Charleston, SC, taking about 2 hours 10 minutes without traffic. Bus service is available from 4565 Gaynor Ave, North Charleston, SC, to Columbia. Check the operator's alerts page for current schedules.
- Day one. Begin with a walk along the West Columbia Riverwalk, a 15-mile, ADA accessible trail suitable year-round. In the morning, visit the Soda City Market on Main Street, which operates on Saturday mornings and offers coffee, international food, crafts, fresh produce, and buskers.
- Day two. Explore cultural sites. The Columbia Museum of Art and the South Carolina State Museum in The Vista are options for indoor exploration. In the afternoon, walk through the Historic Columbia gardens, which feature native plants and educational information. Check their online calendar for Free Sunday tours of select historic homes.
- Worth knowing. The Soda City Market stretches over several blocks.
Myrtle Beach, SC
This coastal destination provides waterfront views, gardens, and opportunities for winter wildlife spotting.
- Getting there. By car, Myrtle Beach, SC is about 97 miles from Charleston, SC, taking about 2 hours 15 minutes without traffic. Bus service is available from 4565 Gaynor Ave, North Charleston, SC, to Myrtle Beach. Check the operator's alerts page for current schedules.
- Day one. Visit Vereen Memorial Gardens, which provides waterfront views, elevated boardwalks over salt marshes, and nature trails. This spot offers opportunities to spot winter wildlife.
- Day two. Explore Brookgreen Gardens, South Carolina's first public sculpture garden. It features over 2,000 sculptures by over 400 artists amidst live oaks, tranquil ponds, and winter blooms like camellias, jasmine, and daffodils.
- Worth knowing. Brookgreen Gardens was created to showcase Anna Hyatt Huntington’s work.
Wilmington, NC
A longer drive to North Carolina brings you to a riverfront city with historic tours and nearby beaches.
- Getting there. By car, Wilmington, NC is about 169 miles from Charleston, SC, taking about 3 hours 55 minutes without traffic.
- Day one. Stroll Wilmington's Riverwalk, which is nearly 2 miles long and lined with shops, galleries, eateries, and views of the Cape Fear River. Consider taking a guided tour, such as Tour Old Wilmington’s Historic Downtown Walking Tour or Wilmington Bike and Brew Tours’ 'One Tree Hill' E-Bike Experience.
- Day two. Begin by walking the Wrightsville Beach Loop, a 2.45-mile path that winds through town and over the water. Along the way, stop at Harbor Way Gardens. In the afternoon, wander the paths at Airlie Gardens, known for seasonal blooms, wildlife, and a 500-year-old live oak. Alternatively, tour nine levels of the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, a World War II battleship.
- Worth knowing. Airlie Gardens are 67 acres.
Charlotte, NC
Venture further inland to Charlotte for urban markets, diverse dining, and a dose of NASCAR history.
- Getting there. By car, Charlotte, NC is about 207 miles from Charleston, SC, taking about 4 hours 0 minutes without traffic. Bus service is available from 4565 Gaynor Ave, North Charleston, SC, to Charlotte. Check the operator's alerts page for current schedules.
- Day one. Explore Atherton Mill in Charlotte's South End, which includes shops and restaurants. Saturday mornings feature farmers markets, with other pop-up markets, classes, and live music happening throughout the month. For dinner, visit Optimist Hall, a former textile mill now a food hall in the Optimist Park neighborhood with over 20 tenants.
- Day two. Head to Uptown Charlotte to visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame, an interactive attraction honoring NASCAR's history and heritage.
- Worth knowing. Optimist Hall's building was once Charlotte’s largest textile mill, built in 1892.
How to choose
When selecting a getaway, consider your preferred travel time and mode, as destinations range from a little over an hour by car to four hours. For car-free travel, destinations like Savannah, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Charlotte offer bus service from North Charleston, with amenities like Wi-Fi and power sockets. If you seek outdoor activities and relaxation, nearby state parks are suitable, while urban centers offer museums, markets, and historic sites. Review specific activities and any seasonal notes to align with your interests for the most fulfilling 48-hour trip.
For more ideas closer to home, see our Charleston day trips guide.
