coastal carolina road trip

The Coastal Carolina Road Trip Route You Need

Our Coastal Carolina Road Trip Adventure

We found Lowcountry, lighthouses, beaches, and more on our April 2019 North and South Carolina road trip . In eight busy days, we road tripped from Norfolk, VA to Charleston, SC and back again via the Outer Banks . Along the way, we visit one of America’s oldest cities, dipped our toes in the Atlantic Ocean , drank Pepsi Cola in its original store, saw iconic lighthouses , and visited the birthplace of flight .

If you want to explore North and South Carolina’s coast but can only get away from work for a week, this is the Carolinas road trip itinerary you’re looking for. We covered approximately 1200 miles total. This worked out to a little less than three hours in the car each day.

Although we did book all our night’s accommodations in advance, this road trip itinerary gave us plenty of flexibility to spontaneously find the Carolinas’ very best restaurants and things to do. Read on for our day-by-day travels on this North and South Carolina road trip, including our top eats, drinks, and adventures.

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Can’t stick around? Pin now for planning your only Carolina road trip!

Who should go on a Coastal Carolinas Road Trip?

Three specific types of travelers would enjoy a Coastal Carolinas Road Trip : foodies, families, and history buffs. We did this trip in our mid-thirties. With the exception of Wilmington, NC , we felt a little young for many of the Carolina destinations we hit up.

I really dislike the term “foodie.” While I’d never call myself one, there’s no denying that all three of us enjoy a good meal. From gourmet donuts to unforgettable grits, we thoroughly noshed our way through the Carolinas. If you enjoy seafood and barbecue, you’re in for a treat on a Carolina road trip.

We found so many family-friendly activities on this road trip. When you consider opportunities like touring a historic battleship in Wilmington and beach combing the Outer Banks, I think this would be such a fun road trip to take with older elementary school aged kids. With a nice balance of educational and just-for-fun activities, the Carolinas make a perfect family destination. 

Pirates. Shipwrecks. The Civil War . You’ll find fascinating, complicated history in the Carolinas that will appeal to any history buff. On this road trip, you’ll visit where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired. You can tour beautiful plantations and learn about the Lowcountry’s legacy of slavery. It’s also where the Wright Brothers successfully tested their plane prototype. Also, pirates. Shipwrecks.  

When’s the best time of year to do a Coastal Carolinas Road Trip?

Mid-April proved a great time to visit North and South Carolina. For a trio of landlocked Minnesotans, we enjoyed weather warm enough for t-shirts and beach lounging, but not so hot that we turned into sweltering little puddles.

However, April falls firmly in spring break season . As popular a family destination as the Outer Banks is, if you chose to travel this time of year you don’t want to dilly-dally when it comes to booking lodging. Yet, despite its springtime popularity, we discovered many Outer Banks businesses still closed for the winter.

I suspect the sweet spot for visiting the Outer Banks when all restaurants and shops are open falls somewhere in mid-May before Memorial Day weekend.

As a popular family beach vacation spot, high season in the Outer Banks correlates with schools’ summer breaks. We actually hit Charleston’s during one of its busy seasons. Most people prefer to visit southern citie s like Charleston and Savannah in the spring or fall, when temperatures are warm, but not unbearable.

Fall also sounds like a beautiful time to visit the Carolina coast and a good option for avoiding crowds.  However, we were leery of scheduling our trip during hurricane season , which peaks from late August – early October. While the Carolina coast certainly isn’t as prone to hurricanes as say, the Florida panhandle, they’re not an uncommon occurrence. The Carolinas often escape hurricanes’ destructive winds, but they remain prone to massive rain events and flooding as storms work their way up the Atlantic coast.

Our Coastal Carolina Road Trip Map

Carolinas Road Trip Planner

 Day One: Norfolk, VA to Charleston, SC

Outer Banks might be the birthplace of flight, but you’re in for a road trip if you want to fly into a major airport when visiting OBX. The closest airport to the Outer Banks is Norfolk, Virginia – about a 1.5 hour drive from the barrier islands. We took an early morning flight out of Minneapolis/St. Paul to Norfolk, grabbed our rental car, and made the seven-hour drive down Interstate 95 to Charleston, SC.

In hindsight, I wish we’d paid a little more for a multi-city flight and one way car rental. This was a long travel day. If we’d flown into Charleston, we’d have had another half day to explore.

Eat: We swung into the Swig and Swine BBQ joint near our West Ashley Airbnb for some al fresco dining. The roadside restaurant had a laidback vibe and delicious barbecue.

Waypoints: If you plan more carefully than us, you could make the drive from Norfolk to Charleston less of a grind with a few fun roadside stops. Averasboro Battlefield , a North Carolina Civil War battlefield , is located just eight miles off of I-95. Another absolute spectacle along the I-95 corridor is South of the Border . We didn’t stop, but this well-advertised theme park right as you cross into South Carolina gave me major Wall Drug vibes.

Day Two: A Day in Charleston’s Historic Downtown

We spent all day in the historic downtown district of Charleston and barely scratched the surface. You can read all about our day in Charleston’s Historic Downtown .

Drink: After spending all day on our feet in the increasingly hot sun, we happily put our feet up for happy hour at The Rooftop at Vendue . We also heard good things about The Gin Joint.

Eat: If you can only eat one thing in Charleston, make sure it’s the grits at Fleet Landing . Although this large waterfront restaurant doesn’t have much personality, the food was phenomenal.

Waypoints: There isn’t much to see once you reach the island, but I still recommend taking the ferry to Fort Sumter . While you might think the main draw is seeing the starting point of the American Civil War, I liked the ferry ride even more. You’ll enjoy great views of Charleston and have a chance to spot dolphins .

A horse carriage tour will take you past Charleston favorites such as Rainbow Row and the Pineapple Fountain .

Don’t forget to swing into the Historic Charleston City Market .

Day Three: Charleston, SC to Wilmington, NC

After lingering in the Charleston area for the morning, we slowly worked our way north to Wilmington, NC . Sometimes too slowly. We got stuck in stop and go traffic on our way to Myrtle Beach .

Tired of sitting at stoplights, we grabbed iced coffees and abandoned our attempt to actually see sand in Myrtle Beach. We pulled into Wilmington just in time for dinner.

Downtown Wilmington has a definite party vibe . . .  mixed with a hippie demeanor. Bars, breweries, and CBD dispensaries lined Front Street near our Airbnb. Since it was Friday night, we spontaneously embarked on an epic pub crawl . . . at least epic for three ladies in their 30s.

Drink: The first official stop on our pub crawl was the Platypus and Gnome – mostly because Leah liked their logo and wanted a t-shirt. We grabbed pints at Slainte Irish Pub . Our final stop was the Ironclad Brewery to soak up their industrial, exposed brick vibe and craft brews.

Eat: The seafood restaurant (Dock Street Oyster Bar) where we ate supper has since closed permanently. However, we enjoyed late night snacks at Front Street Brewery .

Waypoints: To start the day, we took a southerly detour to the Angel Tree,  the largest live oak tree east of the Mississippi River. (If you’re a Harry Potter fan , it’ll give you major “Whomping Willow” vibes.) The tree’s owned by the City of Charleston and operated as a city park. While it’s pretty lacking in any interpretative information, there is a gift shop!

We also swung by Boone Hall Plantation . Best known (today) as a movie setting for The Notebook , this plantation gives slavery era interpretation a stab, but the big house only dates back to the 1930s.

Day Four: A Day in Wilmington, NC

I didn’t know anything about Wilmington, NC before our visit. Located just inland on the Cape Fear River , this port city has been of strategic important since the American Revolutionary War. A small city with a population of approximately 115,000, Wilmington’s economy has historically been tied to the sea.

In recent years, it’s transformed into a tourist destination, in part because of its aforementioned nightlife. The town’s known both for its examples of antebellum architecture, including Bellamy Mansion , and its access to Cape Fear beaches.

Millennials may know Wilmington as the setting of the WB’s One Tree Hill series. Michael Jordan grew up here. The city also has a nasty legacy of racism, including a racial massacre in 1898.

Eat: Donut lovers, don’t miss Wake N Bake Donuts for interesting flavor combinations like Carolina Sand – maple iced donuts sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. They also have a key lime pie donut that will give you all the Key West, Florida vibes ! 

We grabbed brunch at The Basics in the Cotton Exchange.

Wanting to shake up our dining experiences, we headed to Little Dipper Fondue for a three-course meal. If you want a table (and it’s Saturday night), make a reservation. We ended up at the bar. Long lines and delicious ice cream greeted us at Kilwins Chocolates afterwards.

Waypoints: Wilmington’s most obvious tourist attraction is the USS North Carolin a, a WWII battleship that saw action in the Pacific. The ship has been moored in Wilmington since 1961 and is accessed from the south shore of Cape Fear River. Back on the city side of the river, we explored the River Walk and the Cotton Exchange shopping complex. We also snagged some local produce and eggs at the Riverfront Farmers Market .

Day Five: Wilmington, NC to Outer Banks, NC

A full day was more than enough time to explore Wilmington. Provisioned with caffeine from 24 South Coffee House , we hit the road bright and early. We intended to have a beach day and slowly make our way to our final destination: North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

Eat: Today wasn’t a spectacular eating day. We found limited dining options in Manteo and ended up at Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar . In Nags Head, Pirate’s Booty Ice Cream was a fun and extremely busy after-dinner stop.

Waypoints: We swung into Airlie Gardens on our way to Wilmington Beach . Hazy, cool weather cut our beach day short. Instead we pulled into Wrightsville SUP to enjoy an hour of paddleboarding on the sound. On our way north, we broke up the drive with a stop in New Bern to grab an ice-cold Pepsi at the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola .

Day Six: Southern Outer Banks

We headed over the Highway 64 bridge from our Airbnb in Manteo and turned south. When we couldn’t drive any farther, we caught a ferry to Ocracoke Island and drove a little farther.

Drink: We hit up 1718 Brewery in the village of Ocracoke Island for some brews and a delightful seafood stuffed pretzel.

Eat: I had my heart set on eating a hot dog at the beach, so we tried Fattys Treats and Tours in Buxton . We expected standard greasy spoon fare, but both the food and service was exceptional. Worn out by a long day in the car, we pulled into Café Pamlico in Buxton for dinner. The higher end dining was good, but somewhat lost on us.

Waypoints: By far the most popular thing to do as an Outer Banks first timer is visiting the islands’ five lighthouses . We hit up three: Bodie, Cape Hatteras, and Ocracoke. On Pea Island, we stopped for some beachcombing and did a little people watching at Rodanthe Pier . We got a crash course in Outer Banks history at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum .

Day Seven: Northern Outer Banks to Norfolk, VA

After spending the day before exploring the southern Outer Banks, we headed north today. This part of the Outer Banks is much more developed than what we explored the day before. You’ll find a pretty dense concentration of businesses and homes north of Nags Head. It feels like there’s a Super Wings (a t-shirt and beach supply shop) every couple miles. At times we hit heavy traffic.

Drink: We swung into Morning View Coffee House to caffeinate for the day. This colorful, independent coffee shop’s conveniently located next to a Forbes Candies shop. If you need to stock up on coffee and salt water taffy (we did), you’re in luck!

Eat: We couldn’t visit the Outer Banks and not get Duck Donuts ! The made to order donuts didn’t disappoint.

I firmly believe you should end every road trip with pizza. We stumbled upon a local favorite, Pembroke Pizza , to close out our trip in Norfolk.

Waypoints: I found the Wright Brothers National Monument surprisingly fascinating. We finished our tour of Outer Banks lighthouses at Currituck . Despite our best attempts to book a wild horse tour in Corolla, all companies were booked several days out. Before hitting the road one last time, we soaked up some sunshine at Currituck Public Beach and got some beach reading in. We also visited a Corolla Volunteer Fire Station to pick up souvenir t-shirts. We were happy to support this fundraising effort!

Day Eight: Fly home from Norfolk to Minneapolis

We caught an early morning flight out of Norfolk and I was home by dinnertime. To be honest, I remember this trip being much longer than eight days. We saw so much in just a few days!

Lessons Learned on Our Coastal Carolinas Road Trip

If I could it again, I’d probably opt for a multi-city flight rather than the round trip flights we booked in and out of Norfolk, VA. If we’d avoided the seven-hour drive from Norfolk to Charleston on Day one, we might have been able to sneak Savannah, GA into this itinerary.

While I thoroughly enjoyed our chill day in Wilmington, NC, I’d say this small city just warrants an overnight. By far the most memorable thing we did in Wilmington was a pub crawl. None of us were in any condition to repeat that on our second night in town!

I’m not sure what I would do with that extra day the itinerary gains by letting go of a full day in Wilmington. I really loved the Outer Banks and hope to return for a longer visit sometime soon. But I’d probably advise using that time for another ½ day in Charleston and an honest to goodness visit to Myrtle Beach.

I could also be convinced to spent some time exploring Norfolk, VA instead of just flying in and out of it.

Can I add Savannah, GA to this Carolina road trip itinerary?

We hemmed and hawed about whether we wanted to include Savannah, GA on our coastal Carolinas road trip itinerary. Even though Savannah is only a two-hour drive from Charleston, Jenny finally concluded that we simply didn’t have enough time to swing that far south. I think she was absolutely correct.

We didn’t cover much mileage on this road trip, but had so much fun exploring our destinations that any time in the car really dragged. I’m glad we didn’t cram Savannah in since it would have meant we’d have cut our time short somewhere else.

My long weekend in Savannah in December 2021 proved the perfect amount of time to explore the southern city. With its great restaurants and excellent Civil War sites , Savannah deserves more than a cursory visit. 

If you’re looking to turn this coastal Carolina itinerary into a farther reaching USA Atlantic Coast road trip, you absolutely could add Savannah. However, to achieve a day in Savannah, you’ll want to add two full days, especially if you’re planning to fly in and out of the same airport. Remember, if you’re doubling back to where you started, adding Savannah will increase your driving time by four hours.

Another option for extending this road trip would be to go farther north in Virginia and visit Colonial Williamsburg and the state capital, Richmond . 

Hi! I’m Ada, a travel writer based in northern Minnesota, on a mission to see the world. I use this travel blog to provide practical, no-nonsense travel tips and itineraries for both domestic and international travels.

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Have you explore the Carolina coasts? Do you like road tripping?

Road trip like this sounds pretty amazing to me! There is so much I would like to visit in the US and I’m dying to go there soon! Thank you for sharing this.

The Carolinas look so beautiful – great post! A bit too far from where I live in Canada but you never know where life will take you. Will save for a possible future trip 🙂

I absolutely love Charleston and Savannah! This would be a perfect vacation for me! I haven’t been to the Outer Banks – so you have given me some great tips.

Outer Banks is one of my favorite places in the world since my family vacations but I do want to try Cape Fear beaches. I am so impressed you did all this in 7 days!

What a great road trip itinerary!! We live in the Outer Banks and have explored all these destinations, all excellent stops!

It has been a long time since I spent time in North or South Carolina. So a coastal Carolina road trip sounds like a perfect trip to plan. I will certainly save this post. This history of this part of the U.S. does fascinate me so our day trips would cover that off. Chocolates and fondue both will help fuel our travels.

I went to North Carolina briefly when I was 18 and have been longing to go back ever since! I bet this road trip was stunning. Spring sounds like a good suggestion on when to go, before it gets too humid, but warm enough for those of us that are accustomed to cooler weather. I like that you didn’t add too much on so you could enjoy the places you saw.

That is an epic road trip – 1200 miles is AWESOME. I love road trips and in my travel blog i have written extensively on road trips across India and can really appreciate your efforts.

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Road Trip Routes: 7 Days Along the Carolina Coast

For most people, beaches and an oceanside vacation bring states like Florida and Hawaii to mind. However, the Eastern Seaboard — more specifically the Carolina Coast — has beautiful shorelines, fun activities, and historic cities to visit. If you have some time to spare, consider this week-long road trip down the Carolina Coast.

Quick Facts:

• Number of Days: 10
• Number of Cities:  5
• Total Drive Time:  8 hours and 14 minutes
• Total Mileage: 424 miles

Note: All driving instructions are in italics. 

Holiday Road Trip: Celebrate July 4 with these events in New Bern, North Carolina

7-Day Road Trip: Carolina Coast

[wptab name=”Day 1″]

Photo: C Watts

Day 1: Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

This coastal Carolina trip starts off in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina — the same historic city where the Wright Brothers flew the first airplane . This small town in the central Outer Banks gives you a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean, boutique shopping, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. You can venture down to Bodie Island Lighthouse for an array of beautiful pictures. From the top, you’ll have a beautiful view of the Outer Banks. Keep in mind, though, the lighthouse is only open during the summer months.

[wptab name=”Day 2″]

Photo: Zach Frailey

Day 2: New Bern, North Carolina

First thing in the morning on day two, you’ll want to hit the road. It’s a 3-hour drive to the next town: New Bern, North Carolina.

On the second day of your road trip, you’ll wake up in New Bern, North Carolina. New Bern is located on the Trent and Neuse Rivers and has tons of tourist entertainment for those passing through the area. There are outdoorsy activities available throughout the city, including paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking, golfing, boating, off-roading , and biking. New Bern also hosts annual festivals and other events.

[wptab name=”Day 3″]

Photo: Rebecca Mllby

Day 3: Wilmington, North Carolina

Rise and shine early on day three to drive to your next stop: Wilmington, North Carolina — the drive will take you around 2 hours.

Wilmington, North Carolina sits comfortably between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River, giving you two different options for waterfront activities. The historic district downtown has a lovely boardwalk along the river with waterfront restaurants, boat tours, and more. If you decide to take a boat tour on the Cape Fear, you’ll see several filming locations – including the crane from  Iron Man 3 and the Rivercourt location from  One Tree Hill .

[wptab name=”Day 4-5″]

Photo: the ed17

Day 4-5: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Another early morning drive, day four starts off with the trip from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The drive will take about an hour and a half.

One of the most popular tourist destinations on the Carolina Coast, Myrtle Beach offers all of the favorites: tanning by the beach, delicious seafood, and gorgeous scenery. There are places to stay on every budget, from luxury resorts and hotels to motels and campgrounds. Myrtle Beach has several annual festivals, including the World Famous Blue Crab Festival and the Carolina Country Music Festival.

There’s so much to do in Myrtle Beach, you’ll want to dedicate two days to enjoying as much of it as possible.

[wptab name=”Day 6-7″]

Photo: Allstalr Nicol

Day 6-7: Charleston, South Carolina

On the morning of day six, you’ll leave Wilmington and make the two-hour drive to Charleston, South Carolina.

Charleston, South Carolina , is a lively city with rich history and beautiful scenery. Whether you want to relax at the beach, take photos of Rainbow Row, or explore the plethora of museums in the area, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Charleston has maintained its historic feel with cobblestone throughout the city, and you can take a horse-and-carriage tour or a bus tour for a guided experience. Similar to Myrtle Beach, you’ll want to dedicate your last two days in Charleston before heading home.

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4×4 Fun:  Check out these off-roading trails in New Bern

Sources:  Roadtrippers ,  Outer Banks Visitors’ Guide , Visit New Bern , Visit Myrtle Beach ,

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Road Trip: Carolina Coast Itinerary (4 Nights)

Posted by hotelcoupons | Apr 22, 2014 | Beaches , Places , Road Trips | 0

1. Charleston, SC (1 Day/Night)

Take a historic homes tour, browse the shops on Kings Street, tour Fort Sumter or explore the South Carolina Aquarium. No matter what you’re in the mood for, Charleston offers wonderful activities for travelers of all ages.

Find a last-minute hotel deal in Charleston, SC .

2. Myrtle Beach, SC (1 Day/Night)

Opt for a day on the putting green, whether you love miniature golf or the nearby championship courses; experience a thrilling ride at a local waterpark, boardwalk or amusement park; hunt for souvenirs at local beach stores, and much more when you visit Myrtle Beach.

It’s easy to find hotel deals in Myrtle Beach – just use our helpful coupon book!

3. Wilmington, NC (1 Day/Night)

There are so many things to do in Wilmington. You could shop in the Cotton Exchange, an old cotton mill that now serves as a unique shopping center along the Cape Fear River. Explore the Battleship North Carolina. Visit nearby beach towns for antiquing and sunbathing. Or, take a tour of your favorite film/TV locations, including Iron Man 3 , One Tree Hill , The Conjuring, Dawson’s Creek, Cape Fear , numerous Nicholas Sparks films, and many more. Don’t forget to grab a bite at Slice of Life pizza on Market Street.

Then, stay the night at a convenient hotel in Wilmington, NC before heading north to Beaufort the next day.

4. Beaufort, NC (1 Day/Night)

We highly recommend a boat ride to Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve or Shackleford Banks, where you can see wild horses roaming coastal islands. A trip to Cape Lookout will provide an afternoon at the beach and a visit to one of the oldest lighthouses in the region. You may also want to visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum, or simply walk the historic streets of Beaufort.

Find a hotel deal in Beaufort, NC .

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How to Take the Ultimate South Carolina Road Trip

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the beaches of Hilton Head Island, what to see and where to stop on the perfect South Carolina road trip.

There are a lot of reasons to embark on a road trip , but the best might be the natural beauty you’ll experience from behind the wheel. The southeastern part of the United States has no shortage of sweeping landscapes, delicious food, and activities en plein air , and South Carolina , in particular, brings together mountaintop vistas, misty salt marshes, subtropical shorelines, and pimento cheese. The small state makes for a perfect drive as you can traverse most of it within the span of a few of hours.  

With scenic mountains to the north, secluded beaches to the east, and charming towns scattered in between, South Carolina accommodates any type of traveler. Pack your seersucker and your Sperrys, gas up the car, and head out into the Palmetto State. Starting in the cultural capital of Greenville, carry on to the coast to discover magnificent waterfalls, cozy bed-and-breakfasts, and fresh seafood along the way all over the course of one weekend.  

Travelers Rest

Located just outside of Greenville is Travelers Rest (or TR, as it's locally known), a place that once was just that — where travelers stopped along the way to rest. The town largely exploded when the Swamp Rabbit bike trail opened in 2009 and cyclists were looking for a place to grab a bite to eat before turning back to Greenville.

Now, TR is a culinary destination of its own, home to many award-winning chefs including the 2020 James Beard-nominated best chef in the southeast, Adam Cooke of the trendy restaurant Topsoil Kitchen and Market . Other notable culinary stops include Whistle Stop at The American Cafe , where the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes" was filmed, Pink Mama's Ice Cream for Instagram-worthy homemade pink waffle cones, and a weekly farmers market featuring over 70 local vendors.

Settle for the night at Hotel Domestique , a European-style boutique hotel tucked into the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, owned by legendary cyclist George Hincapie. You can get bike rentals, ride-along guides, and on-the-go lunches from the hotel and create your own bike tour through the mountains and trails of South Carolina.

Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway

Using TR as a base, explore hundreds of bridges, waterfalls, and state parks nearby, or move on to one of the several rustic mountain towns. A scenic 115-mile drive through Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway (aka Scenic Highway 11) is especially beautiful in the fall.

There are a number of overlooks and historic points along the way worth stopping for as well. Check out Campbell's Covered Bridge, Stumphouse Mountain Park , Issaqueena Falls, Chattooga Belle Farm , Jones Gap State Park , and Jumping Off Rock, to name a few. Depending on the season, you may even get to pick your own apples or peaches while driving through the charming two-lane road.

6 Best East Coast Road Trips for Fascinating History, Beautiful Beaches, and Delicious Sea

A South Carolina road trip isn't complete without a stop in the capital city of Columbia. Columbia's small downtown is filled with culture and history. Visit the exhibits at the Columbia Museum of Art that often feature Black voices in the arts, and Immersion SC , an interactive art space with rooms transformed by the brilliant imaginations of local artists. The downtown area is pedestrian friendly and the South Carolina State House and the African-American History Monument are worth a visit. Another good way to learn about the history of the South is by taking a guided walking tour around historic mansions and gardens with educational nonprofit Historic Columbia .

Stay at the art-deco Hotel Trundle , a vibrant boutique hotel built in a former historic Western Auto building to experience the community's arts, crafts, and libations. To get a feel for the local atmosphere, spend Saturday morning at Soda City Market located next door. Here you will find the rich diversity of Columbia exhibited by over 150 vendors selling artisan products, international foods, and handmade crafts.

Kick back with an ice tea and pimento cheese dip, pimento cheese sandwich, pimento cheese pizza, pimento cheese wrap, or a pimento cheese biscuit — they've got it all. Also known as "Carolina caviar" or "Southern pate," pimento cheese originated back in Columbia and you can find all the restaurants that serve the best recipes on the pimento cheese passport .

Congaree National Park

About half an hour outside Columbia in the lush backcountry is Congaree National Park , where you can see the largest intact old growth bottomland hardwood forests in the southeastern United States. Spend a day hiking, canoeing, or kayaking along 25 miles of swamps and forests. If you are at Congaree in late May to early June, you can also watch a magical firefly synchronization mating phenomenon that occurs at only a few spots around the world.

Lake Murray

Many locals from central South Carolina head to Lake Murray to their weekend homes for fishing, swimming, and boating on the 50,000-acre reservoir lake. Rent a lakeside getaway , camp in a tent, and spend some time at Dreher Island State Park .

Here you can also observe one of the biggest purple martin roosting sites in North America. Take a boat tour to Bomb Island on Lake Murray between June and August to see 500,000 to 750,000 purple martins dotting the skies.

Marked by its magnolia- and oak tree-lined streets, Aiken is a picturesque small town in the heart of Thoroughbred Country. The town offers year-round equestrian events, first class polo, and horseback riding lessons for all levels. Ride, hike, or jog through 70 miles of trails that run through Hitchcock Woods , one of America's largest urban forests. Spend an afternoon strolling through the elegant Oak Alley at Hopelands Gardens , take a tour on the Aiken Trolley, and explore the laid-back culinary scene downtown.

Lodging options at Aiken include the romantic Willcox Hotel and the comfortably elegant Carriage House Inn , both located in the heart of historic downtown.

Hilton Head Island

End your road trip across South Carolina at its southernmost family-friendly beach town. The best way to explore the island is on a bike, traversing along 200 miles of pathways, trails, and hard-packed sand beaches. Hilton Head Island is the perfect place for an active outdoor vacation where you can swim, kayak, play tennis, and golf at award-winning championship courses . The relaxed, small town atmosphere welcomes beachgoers at casual waterfront bars and serves sustainable, fresh-caught Lowcountry seafood . Hilton Head's white sand beaches , wildlife-filled marshlands, idyllic marinas, and distinctive sunsets make it one of the prettiest vacation destinations.

You'll find luxury accommodations at one of the area's sprawling resorts like The Inn & Club at Harbour Town or the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

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North Carolina

Home / Atlantic Coast / North Carolina

Wild Atlantic beaches, a handful of tiny fishing villages, and some of the country’s most significant historic sites make coastal North Carolina a great place to visit.

A highlight for many vacationers are the Outer Banks, miles of barrier islands where busy resort towns like Nags Head contrast with the stretches of pristine beaches protected on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore . Besides golden sands, the Outer Banks area includes two evocative historic sites: the dunes at Kitty Hawk, where the Wright Brothers first took to the air, and Roanoke Island , site of the first ill-fated English effort to colonize the New World.

Farther south, beyond the quirky small city of Wilmington, a movie-making mecca, the 300-mi (485-km) coastal route turns inland around Cape Fear , heading toward the South Carolina border.

Warmed by the Gulf Stream currents, the Outer Banks beaches are some of the best in the world, but the waters do not warm up appreciably until south of Oregon Inlet, and swimming in the northern stretches remains quite invigorating until July.

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