While there’s a reason why places like Hunting Island State Park, Congaree National Park, and the Brookgreen Gardens are some of the most popular attractions in the state, there’s something about those lesser-known spots that just seem to sweeten the deal. This road trip will take you to some of the most beautiful hidden gems in South Carolina, so gas up the car, pack some snacks, and have your playlist ready.
googlemaps.com From point to point, you’re looking at about a five-hour drive. Of course, you’ll want to plan to stop and stretch your legs at each of these attractions, so the entire trip should take a full day! Feel free to use this interactive map to guide your way.
- Cypress Gardens
Joe Miklovic/Google Cypress Gardens Road, Cypress Gardens Rd, South Carolina 29461, USA
Stacey Loizeaux/Google This scenic 160-acre preserve is a nature lover’s playground. From the swamp trails to the boat rides, the entire family will love exploring this scenic swampland. Cypress Gardens is also home to the largest butterfly house in South Carolina, so be sure to carve out enough time to see everything here.
- Eudora Wildlife Safari Park
Mackenzie Sturkie/Google Eudora Wildlife Safari Park, 219 Salem Ln, Salley, SC 29137, USA
David Pyle/Google Eudora Wildlife Safari Park is a drive-thru animal safari park where you can get up close and personal with over 200 animals that call the sanctuary home—all from the comfort of your car. Be sure to purchase from feed so they’ll come up to your car and you can feed them!
- Wells Japanese Garden
Stephanie Wilke/Google Wells Japanese Garden, 1608 Lindsay St, Newberry, SC 29108, USA
Kat March/Google Release your inner peace when you visit this Newberry hidden gem. The garden was built in 1930, and though it may not be the largest garden in the state, it sure is one of the most peaceful.
- Passerelle Bistro
Passerelle Bistro/Google Passerelle Bistro, 601 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
Thom Shelton/Google A good road trip means good food, and Passerelle Bistro not only delivers in the food category, but in the scenery department, too! The restaurant is nestled up against a lovely little waterfall, seamlessly blending nature with your dining experience. The menu covers everything from seafood to salads and sandwiches, so you can bet even the pickiest eater will find something to enjoy here.
- Wildcat Wayside
Jay Rolin/Google Wildcat Wayside, 5500 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Sarah H./Google Many people have seen the main waterfall here, since it’s visible from the road, but you may be surprised to learn that there are two other falls along the trail! Three waterfalls for the price of one? Yes, please.
- Jones Gap State Park
David McNamara/Google
Kyle Gardner/Google Right in the heart of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, this picture-perfect state park in South Carolina boasts 3,900 acres to explore. The hiking trails that run alongside the Middle Saluda River will make you feel like you’re on an enchanting adventure through the forests. You might end up loving this park so much you’d like to extend your stay! Jones Gap State Park offers several campsites for you to pitch a tent and spend a night camping under the stars.
Would you take this road trip to the best hidden gems in South Carolina? Tell us in the comments!
googlemaps.com
From point to point, you’re looking at about a five-hour drive. Of course, you’ll want to plan to stop and stretch your legs at each of these attractions, so the entire trip should take a full day! Feel free to use this interactive map to guide your way.
Joe Miklovic/Google
Cypress Gardens Road, Cypress Gardens Rd, South Carolina 29461, USA
Stacey Loizeaux/Google
This scenic 160-acre preserve is a nature lover’s playground. From the swamp trails to the boat rides, the entire family will love exploring this scenic swampland. Cypress Gardens is also home to the largest butterfly house in South Carolina, so be sure to carve out enough time to see everything here.
Mackenzie Sturkie/Google
Eudora Wildlife Safari Park, 219 Salem Ln, Salley, SC 29137, USA
David Pyle/Google
Eudora Wildlife Safari Park is a drive-thru animal safari park where you can get up close and personal with over 200 animals that call the sanctuary home—all from the comfort of your car. Be sure to purchase from feed so they’ll come up to your car and you can feed them!
Stephanie Wilke/Google
Wells Japanese Garden, 1608 Lindsay St, Newberry, SC 29108, USA
Kat March/Google
Release your inner peace when you visit this Newberry hidden gem. The garden was built in 1930, and though it may not be the largest garden in the state, it sure is one of the most peaceful.
Passerelle Bistro/Google
Passerelle Bistro, 601 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
Thom Shelton/Google
A good road trip means good food, and Passerelle Bistro not only delivers in the food category, but in the scenery department, too! The restaurant is nestled up against a lovely little waterfall, seamlessly blending nature with your dining experience. The menu covers everything from seafood to salads and sandwiches, so you can bet even the pickiest eater will find something to enjoy here.
Jay Rolin/Google
Wildcat Wayside, 5500 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Sarah H./Google
Many people have seen the main waterfall here, since it’s visible from the road, but you may be surprised to learn that there are two other falls along the trail! Three waterfalls for the price of one? Yes, please.
David McNamara/Google
Kyle Gardner/Google
Right in the heart of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, this picture-perfect state park in South Carolina boasts 3,900 acres to explore. The hiking trails that run alongside the Middle Saluda River will make you feel like you’re on an enchanting adventure through the forests. You might end up loving this park so much you’d like to extend your stay! Jones Gap State Park offers several campsites for you to pitch a tent and spend a night camping under the stars.
From lighthouses to donuts, there are plenty of road trips in South Carolina that are perfect for the road warrior. Which one will you take next?
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