Hit the road and discover some wonderful hidden gems in South Carolina. Load up the car and take a drive around the state to discover everything from an underrated state park to a hidden botanical garden, an out-of-the-way zoo, an aviation-themed kids playground, and more. This is the ultimate South Carolina road trip, and you’ll love every second of it.

Ready to hit the road? Click the link for the interactive Google map.
Google Maps
1. Yellow Branch Falls - Walhalla
Yellow Branch Falls, 2907-, 3023 Hwy 28 S, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA
Google Maps/emanuel dragoi
Take an easy and short hike to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of South Carolina. Learn more about this three-mile hike in our feature article about Yellow Branch Falls.
2. Hershbergers Bakery - Fair Play
Hershberger's Bakery, 1011 SC-59, Fair Play, SC 29643, USA
Facebook/Hershberger's Bakery
Feast on freshly made cinnamon rolls as big as your head at this Amish bakery in South Carolina. It also serves lunch! After you visit Hershbergers Bakery, you'll be spoiled for life.
3. Runway Park - Greenville
Runway Park at GMU, 21 Airport Rd Ext, Greenville, SC 29607, USA
TripAdvisor/James29673
Bring the young ones to play at this little-known park next to a small airport in Greenville. Here, you can watch planes land and take off all day long. Runway Park is one of the best hidden places in South Carolina!
4. Kings Mountain State Park - Blacksburg
Kings Mountain State Park, 1277 Park Rd, Blacksburg, SC 29702, USA
TripAdvisor/Route One and Beyond
Journey over to Kings Mountain State Park to discover a highly underrated area that features loads of history and mountainous terrain, including a history of volcanoes, to explore.

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5. The Canopy Walk at Lynches River County Park - Coward
Lynches River County Park, 5094 County Park Rd, Coward, SC 29530, USA
Google Maps/Kim Guerin
Are you brave enough to take on the swinging bridges of this canopy walk suspended in the tree tops at this county park? There's only one way to find out! Plan your trip to The Canopy Walk have an exciting adventure!
6. Moore Farms Botanical Garden - Lake City
Moore Farms Botanical Garden, 100 New Zion Rd, Lake City, SC 29560, USA
Google Maps/Phillip Guyton
You'll go wild for this private, 65-acre botanical garden in the heart of the Pee Dee that opens frequently for special events open to the public. Keep your eyes peeled for the next event! There's always something exciting going on at Moore Farms Botanical Garden.
7. Eudora Farms - Salley
Eudora Wildlife Safari Park, 219 Salem Ln, Salley, SC 29137, USA
TripAdvisor/nicole
Visit this little-known drive-through safari way out in the country in South Carolina. The whole family will enjoy this fun adventure! Eudora Farms is one of the best day trips in South Carolina.
8. U-Pick Daffodils - Bluffton
UPickDaffodils.com/Merrick Daffodil Farm, 48 Calhoun Plantation Rd, Bluffton, SC 29909, USA
Facebook/U Pick Daffodils
In late winter and early spring, this flower farm comes to life with bright yellow blooms. Spend a morning picking your own daffodils! There's so much to love about U-Pick Daffodils in Bluffton.
9. Cypress Gardens - Moncks Corner
Cypress Gardens Road, Cypress Gardens Rd, South Carolina 29461, USA
TripAdvisor/IndianaWilliams
Head to this 60-acre swamp garden to explore the lush greenery, a butterfly house, and more. You'll want to visit Cypress Gardens again and again.

What are your favorite hidden gems in South Carolina? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

For another fun adventure, embark on this lighthouse road trip in South Carolina.

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hidden gems in south carolina

Elisa Regulski | May 23, 2022

What are the best day trips in South Carolina?

If you want to soak up all of the beautiful scenery South Carolina has to offer, explore the ACE Basin. This gorgeous area encompasses the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers. Along your drive, you’ll see lovely marshes and fascinating wildlife. It’s an awesome outing for lovers of the great outdoors! If you’re a history buff, you’ll definitely want to explore Camden. As the state’s oldest inland town, this place has a rich and storied past. Make sure to visit the Kershaw-Cornwallis House! It’s just one of the unique historic buildings in this fascinating town.

What are the best outdoor activities in South Carolina?

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best South Carolina hidden gems, and everyone should visit at least once. It has more than 66,000 acres of unmatched beauty. Over 277 species of birds live here, and the beach is simply wonderful. If you want to soak up a splendid panoramic view, visit Sassafras Mountain – it’s the 29th highest point in the United States! You might have to do a bit of searching, but once you reach the top, you’ll be met with some astounding sights.

What can I do with kids in South Carolina?

Kiddos love playing at Mr. Putty's Fun Park in Tega Cay. In fact – this place is fun for the whole family! Here, you can rush down a 200-foot zipline, weave through a ropes course, and bungee jump! Of course, you can’t forget about the kooky and colorful mini golf course, either. This is one place you’ll want to come back to again and again. 

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