A Day Trip to Charleston, SC
Taking a day trip from Beaufort to “The Holy City” is a great way to explore the beautiful Lowcountry region while you’re staying with us. In Charleston you can expect lovely sights, fascinating history, and great eats, but the drive to get there is a scenic route boasting sweeping marshlands, a few charming towns and hidden gems. The trip is just over an hour, so instead of choosing a nonstop drive from Beaufort to Charleston, enjoy the scenic ride.
Read on for some of our favorite stops along the way.
North on HWY 21 BEAUFORT/LOBECO
Hwy 21 Drive-In Theater
Store this location in your phone or on your map and make a plan to catch a film on your way back to Beaufort. Open since 1978, Hwy 21 Drive-In is the only theater of its kind in the Lowcountry. Check out what’s playing here and see our blog to learn more!
Lowcountry Produce is a road-side produce stand, country store, and grill. Serving breakfast and lunch as delicious as their locations on Hilton Head and in downtown Beaufort, when you stop at this Seabrook gem you can enjoy a quiet breakfast on the porch, or grab a seasonal jelly biscuit and fresh coffee to go. You can see the menu here
North on HWY 17 into YEMASSEE
As you continue on your drive, you will pass through the small town of Yemassee, SC, which is known for its antique shops and unique restaurants.
Carolina Cider Co
Carolina Cider Company is full of southern charm. This area is referred to as Garden’s Corner by the locals. Outside you’ll find the antique gas pumps that make it into many of our guests’ pictures, tables and chairs to enjoy our pastries & coffee, rocking chairs, and during the warmer months, a pop up cider smoothie stand! Inside you’ll find their famous ciders, pies, jams, jellies, and charming home goods.
If you take a left onto HWY 17 from HWY 21 instead of a right towards Carolina Cider Co, you’ll find the Sheldon Church Ruins on Old Sheldon Church Road. The hauntingly beautiful site contains ruins from an 18th century church that was burned during the Revolutionary War, rebuilt, then burned again during the Civil War. It’s a great off-the-beaten -path stop to soak in some history and stretch your legs on your trip.
A note: The property is owned and managed by St. Helena’s Church in Beaufort, please be mindful that this is private property and you will need to park across the street to walk to the site.
Sheldon Church Ruins
This fresh catch seafood restaurant is close to the Edisto Nature Trail, which is just up the road. If you’re looking for something fast and fresh for lunch or dinner, this is a good option for day hikers who are stopping on their way to or from Charleston.
Edisto Nature Trail
The scenic trail offers several historic features including an old phosphate operation, an old canal, rice fields and the historic King’s Highway, an old railroad tram. Because it’s a short, accessible site this is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, though you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. If you are traveling with your dog, they are welcome on this trail! See our pet friendly travel guide here.
This roadside eatery is known for its friendly staff and quality food. Located near the train tracks, you can’t miss Station 17 and the red “train station” design as you pass. Online reviews seem to speak for themselves, but customers love the theme, the cleanliness, and the pulled pork! A great stop for lunch, or if you’re traveling on the weekend–brunch!
RAVENEL
As you drive into Ravenel you’ll start to see more signs of civilization on either side of the road, including a shopping center, antique shops, nature center, and places to eat. If you’ve made it this far without stopping to eat, check out the Harvest Moon Grille or Wide Awake Coffee.
Wide Awake Coffee Travelers love the welcoming environment and fresh coffee here. Pick up a latte to perk you up for some antiquing or sit and enjoy a banana nut muffin or chicken salad croissant.
AnnieLu Antiques: A delightful new shop to stroll in, to find treasures, and for a sweet bite with tea. The finest treasure is the owner, Melody, a charming lady, who serves up a delicious afternoon luncheon.
The view from the Caw Caw Interpretive Center Boardwalk
Caw Caw Interpretive Center This fascinating facility provides medical care for injured raptors but also gives visitors a chance to see birds of prey in a natural setting. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
Farmhouse Antiques
Farmhouse Antiquities and Collectibles is located right down the road from the interpretive center if you are headed north. This is a great stop for some fun treasure-hunting, with a considerable amount of variety and selection!
The Angel Oak
JOHN’S ISLAND
John’s Island is one of the last small towns you pass through before heading into West Ashley and Charleston city limits. This area has some fun shops and restaurants but you don’t want to miss the Angel Oak.
Just a short drive off US 17, this majestic tree is thought to be one of the oldest living things east of the Mississippi River. If you’ve seen the film “Into the Woods” it may feel familiar, as set designers used it as a primary source of inspiration for the forest. We can see why— it’s truly an unforgettable sight, with massive branches creating a canopy of more than 17,000 square feet. It’s free to see and take photos, but please be respectful! There’s a small gift shop on the premises for souvenirs and donations.
CHARLESTON
Your drive will conclude in the beautiful city of Charleston, SC. Known as the “Holy City,” Charleston is home to many historic sites, such as the Charleston Battery and Rainbow Row. In addition, this city is known for its delicious food, shopping, and entertainment. Explore our Charleston Guide here for some places to see while you are in town.
RETURN TO THE CUTHBERT HOUSE INN
A road trip in the Lowcountry calls for a one-of-a-kind place to stay! The Cuthbert House Inn, located right on the Intracoastal Waterway, is a unique bed and breakfast rooted in charm and history. Guests of our inn will enjoy an elegant and romantic atmosphere, thoughtful amenities, unique accommodations, and of course, a delicious hot breakfast served each morning.
For memorable stays in the Lowcountry, we highly recommend booking the Mariner Suite. This private accommodation overlooks long vistas of moored sailboats and changing tides along with a variety of other features including a spacious bedroom, two-person Jacuzzi tub, and a relaxing sitting area.
Book your favorite room with us today! We look forward to welcoming you to the Lowcountry soon.
