Living in Charleston can feel like a vacation most days, especially when roaming around at the Pineapple Fountain, cooling off at the many splash pads, or visiting one of the local Charleston area beaches. But sometimes you just need to get in the car and get away from it all, whether it’s for spring break or just any given weekend. Thankfully, there are plenty of road trips from Charleston, SC that offer family-friendly fun for all ages.
Road Trips from Charleston, SC
When taking a road trip with the whole family, especially with younger children, you may opt to keep travel time short to eliminate potential meltdowns in the car. These Charleston area destinations are approximately two hours away and provide all of the elements necessary for a fun, family-friendly weekend getaway.
- Charleston to Augusta, GA: 2 hours, 46 minutes
Augusta, GA, home of the Masters golf tournament each April, is also a hub for history-loving families. The Augusta Museum of History, where you and your kids can learn about archaeology and the fine arts, and see historical photos and artifacts (much like our very own Charleston Museum), provides a wealth of educational information and interactive experiences for all ages.
The Augusta Riverwalk, nestled along 10th Street on the Savannah River, is a one-mile stretch that features a water fountain, playground, and walking trails. It’s even adjacent to both the Morris Museum of Art and the Augusta Museum of History. This is the perfect central location for a family-friendly weekend getaway and one of those road trips from Charleston, SC that you’ll want to add to your itinerary ASAP!
- Charleston to Savannah, GA: 1 hour, 56 minutes
There’s just something about kids and trains! If your little one is obsessed with all things railroad, the Georgia State Railroad Museum should be your first stop on a weekend getaway to Savannah, GA. This National Historic Landmark in Tricentennial Park allows you and your family to get up close to railcars and participate in guided tours. There’s even an option to take a ride on a historic locomotive!
The Girl Scouts of the family will appreciate a visit to founder Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace! With numerous restaurants and cafes, waterparks, sites like Wormsloe State Historic Site, a marine science center, a children’s museum, and botanical gardens, Savannah is a top road trip from Charleston, SC that truly has something for everyone in the family.
- Charleston to Columbia, SC: 1 hour, 54 minutes
Of course, the capital city of South Carolina has it all, from a world-class zoo to an interactive children’s museum, state history museum, art museum, and everything in between. Columbia is the perfect city for a weekend family getaway. Visit our sister site, Columbia Mom for a plethora of Soda City resources.
Weekend Getaways to the Beach From Charleston
From Folly Beach to Isle of Palms, Charleston is no slouch in the family-friendly beaches department. It’s no wonder that visitors from all over the world flock to our Lowcountry beaches each year, but sometimes it’s just nice to get away! Check out some of the beach towns just under two hours from downtown Charleston.
- Charleston to Myrtle Beach: 1 hour, 54 minutes
There’s never a shortage of family-friendly fun at Myrtle Beach. From dinner shows and concerts to miniature golf, novelty museums, and hands-on activities, you’re sure to find something to do with the kids!
Beyond the food and fun, the Myrtle Beach area is also home to two South Carolina State Parks: Huntington Beach State Park which is home to the Atalaya Castle, where the annual Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival is held, and Myrtle Beach State Park. Be sure to stop by one or both of the parks to get your SC State Parks Ultimate Outsider stamp!
- Charleston to Hilton Head: 1 hour, 53 minutes
Did you know that you can get an authentic Disney Dole Whip in Hilton Head? Yes! Disney adults and kids seeking some magical pixie dust in the Lowcountry will find it on Disney property in Hilton Head!
Beyond that, Hilton Head is magical in its own right whether you take your little naturalists on a visit to the Coastal Discovery Museum or spend an afternoon playing miniature golf and strolling the beach searching for fossilized shark teeth. Hilton Head is also the perfect spot to explore by bike and offers numerous trails for hiking and biking.
- Charleston to Beaufort: 1 hour, 21 minutes
Whether you visit the Beaufort History Museum at the Arsenal, enjoy a picnic at Pigeon Point Park, spend an afternoon at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, or grab another Ultimate Outsider stamp at the Hunting Island State Park and Lighthouse, Beaufort is well under two hours and the perfect road trip from Charleston, SC — especially if you’re a fan of delicious seafood and stunning views!
One really fun thing to do in Beaufort is to visit the Kazoobie Kazoo factory & Kazoo museum. It’s a local treasure. Guided tour, see below) takes an hour or so, museum + gift shop probably another hour. Taking the fully guided museum tour (highly recommended) is $14.50 (adult) & $11.50 (children 4-12, children under 3 free). Browsing gift shop & museum is free. Check it out!!
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