Scenic Drives in South Carolina
Routes
59
Avg Distance
315 mi
Avg Drive
6h 9m
Destinations
32
South Carolina offers a variety of scenic drives, with options ranging from quick coastal explorations to extensive cross-country adventures. The 59 routes here average 315 miles and about 6 hours, with drive scores reaching up to 9. You'll find terrain that's mostly flat, but with some gently rolling sections and even high-altitude climbs on longer treks. This state's routes highlight diverse landscapes, from the coast to inland forests, providing a solid backdrop for any road trip.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.04/gal
Diesel: $6.18/gal
Typical trip cost
$39–$395
One-way, ~315 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~110 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-10-12
Climate through the year: South Carolina
South Carolina peaks at around 91°F in Jul and cools to 60°F / 39°F in Jan. Wettest month is Aug at ~7 in of rain.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 60 | 39 | 3.4 | 0.2 |
| Feb | 64 | 42 | 3.1 | 0.1 |
| Mar | 70 | 47 | 3.4 | — |
| Apr | 77 | 55 | 3.3 | — |
| May | 84 | 63 | 3.3 | — |
| Jun | 89 | 70 | 6.2 | — |
| Jul | 91 | 74 | 6.6 | — |
| Aug | 90 | 73 | 7 | — |
| Sep | 85 | 68 | 6 | — |
| Oct | 78 | 58 | 4.3 | — |
| Nov | 69 | 47 | 2.7 | — |
| Dec | 63 | 42 | 3.4 | — |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for SC — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Scenic routes often have fewer gas stations and services. Top off your tank before heading into mountainous or rural stretches.
- Budget extra time for scenic drives — pulling over for views, photos, and short hikes is half the point.
- Check weather conditions for mountain passes and high-elevation stretches, especially in shoulder seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Scenic Routes
Editor's pick
Hilton Head Island, SC → Huston, ID
Through: Birmingham → Chattanooga → Kennesaw +5 more
This 2,487-mile cross-country route boasts a drive score of 7 and features high-altitude sections with notable climbs, reaching up to 7,159 feet. It's a great choice for those seeking varied terrain and extensive mileage.
Editor's pick
Hilton Head Island, SC → Fashing, TX
Through: Danville → Montgomery → Baton Rouge +2 more
Covering 1,217 miles with a drive score of 7, this trip primarily traverses mostly flat terrain. It offers a substantial journey with minimal elevation changes, topping out at 482 feet.
Editor's pick
Walhalla, SC → Hilton Head Island, SC
Through: Charleston
With a high drive score of 9, this 299-mile route showcases gently rolling terrain across South Carolina. It’s a well-rounded trip that stays within the state's borders, perfect for exploring its diverse landscapes.
Walhalla, SC → Myrtle Beach, SC
Clemson, SC → Hilton Head Island, SC
Through: Charleston
Anderson County Airport, SC → Little River, SC
Through: Myrtle Beach
Hilton Head Island, SC → Westminster, SC
Through: Savannah → Lexington → Washington +3 more
Clemson, SC → Hilton Head, SC
Through: Charleston
Clemson, SC → Myrtle Beach, SC
Anderson, SC → North Myrtle Beach, SC
Through: Myrtle Beach
Liberty, SC → Hilton Head Island, SC
Through: Charleston
Anderson County Airport, SC → Garden City, SC
Pickens, SC → Hilton Head, SC
Through: Charleston
Hilton Head Island, SC → Landrum, SC
Through: Spartanburg
Easley, SC → Hilton Head Island, SC
Through: Charleston
Homeland Park, SC → Hilton Head, SC
Through: Charleston
Anderson County Airport, SC → Loris, SC
Through: Mullins
Anderson County Airport, SC → Socastee, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC → Travelers Rest, SC
Through: Greenville
Greenville, SC → Little River, SC
Through: Myrtle Beach
Homeland Park, SC → Myrtle Beach, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC → Welcome, SC
Through: Greenville → Mauldin → Anderson
Blacksburg, SC → Hilton Head Island, SC
Anderson, SC → Myrtle Beach, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC → Dunean, SC
Through: Greenville → Mauldin → Anderson
Westminster, SC → Mount Pleasant, SC
Through: Charleston → Hanahan
Mount Pleasant, SC → Walhalla, SC
Through: Greenville → Mauldin → Anderson +2 more
Greenville, SC → North Myrtle Beach, SC
Through: Myrtle Beach
Hilton Head Island, SC → Judson, SC
Through: Greenville
Belton, SC → Hilton Head Island, SC
Through: Charleston
Greer, SC → North Myrtle Beach, SC
Through: Myrtle Beach
Anderson County Airport, SC → Port Royal, SC
Through: Charleston → Yemassee
Chesterfield, SC → Anderson County Airport, SC
Through: Greenville → Pelzer
Charleston, SC → Walhalla, SC
Through: Greenville → Mauldin → Anderson +2 more
Bluffton, SC → Easley, SC
Through: Greenville → Mauldin → Anderson
Hilton Head, SC → Welcome, SC
Through: Greenville → Mauldin → Anderson
Westminster, SC → Charleston, SC
Travelers Rest, SC → Myrtle Beach, SC
Anderson County Airport, SC → Red Hill, SC
Greer, SC → Hilton Head Island, SC
Through: Charleston
Gantt, SC → Hilton Head Island, SC
Through: Charleston
Hilton Head Island, SC → Williamston, SC
Through: Greenville → Pelzer
Hilton Head Island, SC → East Gaffney, SC
Through: Union
Gaffney, SC → Hilton Head Island, SC
Through: Charleston
Hilton Head Island, SC → Lyman, SC
Through: Spartanburg
Hilton Head, SC → Wade Hampton, SC
Through: Greenville
Welcome, SC → Myrtle Beach, SC
Parker, SC → Myrtle Beach, SC
Mount Pleasant, SC → Seneca, SC
Through: Greenville → Mauldin → Anderson +2 more
Anderson, SC → Port Royal, SC
Through: Charleston → Yemassee
Dunean, SC → Myrtle Beach, SC
Greer, SC → Surfside Beach, SC
Westminster, SC → North Charleston, SC
Through: Charleston
Belton, SC → Myrtle Beach, SC
Clover, SC → Hilton Head Island, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC → Powdersville, SC
Through: Greenville → Mauldin → Anderson
Gantt, SC → Hilton Head, SC
Through: Charleston
Anderson, SC → Red Hill, SC
North Myrtle Beach, SC → Spartanburg, SC
Through: Marion