Road Trips from Sumter, SC
Heading out from Sumter, SC? You've got options for a quick escape or a longer haul. There are several destinations less than two hours away, perfect for a day trip, with a few even offering access to Congaree National Park. If you're looking for something more substantial, you can reach the coast or head west towards Clemson within a 3-4 hour drive. The terrain is mostly flat, making for straightforward driving.
Total Routes
26
Shortest
0.3h
With Parks Nearby
17
Under 2 hours
10 total in this range
Blythewood, SC
1h 11m60.1 mi one way
This 1.2-hour drive to Blythewood, SC, offers a mixed route with a drive score of 9. It's a good option if you want to visit Congaree National Park, which is nearby. At 60.1 miles, it's a manageable day trip.
Bamberg, SC
1h 38m81.2 mi one way
Batesburg, SC
1h 47m84 mi one way
Red Bank, SC
1h 20m60.9 mi one way
For a straightforward 1.3-hour drive focused on highways, Red Bank, SC, is 60.9 miles from Sumter. This route has a drive score of 9, but doesn't include park access among the provided information.
Columbia, SC
1h 1m44.1 mi one way
Columbia, SC, is a short 1-hour drive at 44.1 miles, making it the closest option. This highway-focused route has a drive score of 7 and provides access to Congaree National Park.
Full-day getaway
16 total in this range
Hilton Head, SC
2h 46m143.3 mi one way
If a longer drive is on your mind, Hilton Head, SC, is 143.3 miles and takes about 2.8 hours. This highway-focused route scores a 10 for driving and offers access to both Reconstruction Era National Historical Park and Congaree National Park.
Clemson, SC
3h 38m175.8 mi one way
Clemson, SC, is a significant drive at 175.8 miles and 3.6 hours. This highway-focused route has a strong drive score of 9 and includes proximity to Congaree National Park.
Barnwell, SC
2h 14m102.1 mi one way
Barnwell, SC, is a 2.2-hour drive covering 102.1 miles, with a drive score of 9. This route is described as turn-heavy and local, but it does offer access to Congaree National Park.
Bluffton, SC
2h 39m138.1 mi one way
Bluffton, SC, is a 2.7-hour drive at 138.1 miles. This highway-focused route scores a 9 and features mostly flat terrain. You'll have access to Reconstruction Era National Historical Park and Congaree National Park.
Aiken, SC
2h 3m100.6 mi one way
Aiken, SC, is a 2.1-hour drive, 100.6 miles away, with a drive score of 9. This highway-focused route also provides access to Congaree National Park.
Browse by Mood
Hilton Head, SC
2h 46m143.3 mi one way
Clemson, SC
3h 38m175.8 mi one way
Blythewood, SC
1h 11m60.1 mi one way
Barnwell, SC
2h 14m102.1 mi one way
Clemson, SC
3h 38m175.8 mi one way
Blythewood, SC
1h 11m60.1 mi one way
Aiken, SC
2h 3m100.6 mi one way
Langley, SC
2h 16m110.4 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers pleasant temperatures for exploring the parks accessible from Sumter, like Congaree National Park, with its flat terrain.
Summer
Summer travel from Sumter is best suited for destinations with good air conditioning or water activities, considering the heat.
Fall
Autumn provides comfortable driving conditions for exploring the various routes, especially those near parks like Congaree.
Winter
Winter drives from Sumter are straightforward, with mostly flat terrain making for easy travel to nearby or further destinations.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Sumter, SC city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.