Scenic Drives in South Carolina
Routes
59
Avg Distance
303 mi
Avg Drive
5h 54m
Destinations
49
South Carolina offers a range of driving experiences, from coastal cruises to journeys through its rolling inland terrain. With 59 routes averaging 303 miles and close to 6 hours, you can explore varied landscapes. Drive scores range from 7 to 9, indicating solid scenic potential across the state. Expect moderate elevations, with most routes staying below 1000 feet, making for comfortable drives.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.04/gal
Diesel: $5.35/gal
Typical trip cost
$35–$396
One-way, ~303 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~106 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-06-01
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
For a significant adventure, this 2487-mile route crosses the country, featuring high-altitude sections and notable climbs up to 7159 feet. It's a long-haul drive with ample opportunity for park exploration.
Editor's pick
Hilton Head Island, SC → Fashing, TX
Through: Danville → Montgomery → Baton Rouge +2 more
Covering 1217 miles, this long-haul option primarily features flat terrain with a maximum elevation of 482 feet. It also provides access to parks, making it a viable choice for a cross-country trip.
Editor's pick
Walhalla, SC → Hilton Head Island, SC
Through: Charleston
This drive scores a high 9 for its scenic appeal, traversing gently rolling terrain over 299 miles with a maximum elevation of just 1029 feet. It offers a great way to see the state's varied landscapes.
Walhalla, SC → Myrtle Beach, SC
Clemson, SC → Hilton Head Island, SC
Through: Charleston
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
Anderson County Airport, SC → Garden City, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC → Landrum, SC
Through: Spartanburg
Anderson County Airport, SC → Socastee, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC → Travelers Rest, SC
Through: Greenville
Hilton Head Island, SC → Welcome, SC
Through: Greenville → Mauldin → Anderson
Westminster, SC → Mount Pleasant, SC
Through: Charleston → Hanahan
Greenville, SC → North Myrtle Beach, SC
Through: Myrtle Beach
Little River, SC → Greenville, SC
Through: Marion
Hilton Head Island, SC → Judson, SC
Through: Greenville
Hilton Head, SC → Welcome, SC
Through: Greenville → Mauldin → Anderson
Westminster, SC → Charleston, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC → Williamston, SC
Through: Greenville → Pelzer
Hilton Head Island, SC → East Gaffney, SC
Through: Union
Hilton Head Island, SC → Lyman, SC
Through: Spartanburg
Hilton Head Island, SC → Gaffney, SC
Through: Union
Anderson, SC → Port Royal, SC
Through: Charleston → Yemassee
Westminster, SC → North Charleston, SC
Through: Charleston
Myrtle Beach, SC → Powdersville, SC
Through: Greenville → Mauldin → Anderson
Anderson, SC → Red Hill, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC → Clover, SC
Through: York
North Myrtle Beach, SC → Spartanburg, SC
Through: Marion
Hilton Head, SC → Lyman, SC
Through: Spartanburg
Greer, SC → Murrells Inlet, SC
Seneca, SC → Charleston, SC
Anderson, SC → Conway, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC → Mauldin, SC
Through: Greenville
Hilton Head, SC → Duncan, SC
Through: Spartanburg → Moore
Greer, SC → Forestbrook, SC
Bluffton, SC → Gaffney, SC
Through: Union
Seneca, SC → North Charleston, SC
Through: Charleston
Walhalla, SC → Goose Creek, SC
Through: Charleston
Anderson County Airport, SC → Isle of Palms, SC
Through: Charleston → Hanahan
Anderson County Airport, SC → Sullivans Island, SC
Through: Charleston → Hanahan
Greenville, SC → Hardeeville, SC
Through: Charleston
Myrtle Beach, SC → Saxon, SC
Through: Spartanburg
Greenville, SC → Port Royal, SC
Through: Charleston → Yemassee
Greenville, SC → Kiawah Island, SC
Through: Charleston → Mount Pleasant
Hilton Head Island, SC → Van Wyck, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC → India Hook, SC
Walhalla, SC → Summerville, SC
Through: Charleston
Bluffton, SC → Tega Cay, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC → Fountain Inn, SC
Through: Greenville
Greer, SC → Georgetown, SC
Spartanburg, SC → Seabrook Island, SC
Through: Charleston → Mount Pleasant
Bluffton, SC → Fort Mill, SC
Greer, SC → Ridgeland, SC
Through: Charleston
Anderson County Airport, SC → Marion, SC
Greenville, SC → Sullivans Island, SC
Through: Charleston → Hanahan
Conway, SC → Greenwood, SC
Anderson County Airport, SC → Pamplico, SC