Interstate 95 Practically Runs Through All Of South Carolina And It's A Beautiful Drive
By AnneMarie|Updated on April 28, 2024(Originally published September 28, 2022)
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AnneMarie
Author
South Carolina has been home for AnneMarie since 2001. Her favorite part of the state is Lake Jocassee. An App State alumna, it's always the mountains; the lake bonus makes it heavenly. When not writing about the state, she may be spending time with family, relaxing by the pool, or out somewhere enjoying nature.
Covering more states in the country than any other interstate, spanning from Miami, Florida, to Houlton, Maine, Interstate 95 is considered one of the best interstate travel routes in the United States. The portion that runs through our state is a beautiful drive through South Carolina, with six notable places to enjoy along the way, as time permits. Gas up the car and come with us on this ultimate road trip to explore the cool things to do along I-95 in South Carolina.
The interstate crosses the state’s southernmost border in the Hardeeville area in the middle of the scenic Savannah Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1927 as a sanctuary for migratory birds. About half of the refuge rests in Georgia and the other portion is in South Carolina.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, 694 Beech Hill Lane, Hardeeville, SC 29927, USA
Live Oak trees with hanging Spanish moss grace parts of the state’s landscape, including this one.
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The refuge offers 24 trails of varying lengths. This gorgeous scene was captured from the Kingfisher Pond Loop, which is almost a mile long, “looping” around the pond.
There’s a four-mile road through the refuge that you can drive if you prefer, which is especially nice for those with limited mobility or who would have a difficult time walking for longer distances.
Much can be seen without leaving the car, including grasslands, marsh, and all types of wildlife. You’re likely to see shorebirds but also could see moorhens and coots, ducks, and alligators.
Just a few minutes from I-95, the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary occupies over 600 acres within the ACE Basin, the East Coast's largest estuarine preserve, and home of what is believed to possibly be the world’s only braided creek swamp accessible to the public.
From Walterboro, you will drive for about another 50 miles until you reach beautiful Lake Marion, the largest of 12 major lakes in the state, also known as South Carolina’s inland sea.
Lake Marion, 3656 Tee Vee Rd, Santee, SC 29142, USA
I-95 crosses over Lake Marion in Santee, so you don’t need to exit to appreciate it. Unless you need to stop for a break, just continue on your route across the bridge causeway.
If you do need to stretch your legs and grab a snack, you can always take the Eutawville/Santee Exit 98 onto Highway 6. This is also an excellent overnight stopping point if you’re traveling I-95 through South Carolina on a longer trip from other states. There are a good variety of accommodations and places to eat, with options beyond fast food.
During the Spring, you may want to make Florence a stop along the way to pick fresh strawberries at Cottle Strawberry Farm! It’s a small, local family farm and a less-than-an-hour track once you cross Lake Marion.
Cottle Strawberry, 3712 W Palmetto St, Florence, SC 29501, USA
You will take Exit 157 onto Highway 76. We could all, children and adults, probably use a good reminder at times of the hard work behind foods we so enjoy. If you don’t have the time or energy for picking yourself, there’s always the "We-pick" option as well!
There are only about 30 miles between Florence and our next spot you may wish to experience. Also called America’s favorite highway oasis and the gateway to the southeast, South of the Border in Hamer, SC had humble beginnings as a simple beer stand built in 1949.
South of the Border Motor Inn, 3346 US-301, Hamer, SC 29547, USA
By 1954, the business expanded with an addition of 20 motel rooms. Throughout the following years, multiple expansions have added stores, a gas station, and even a barber shop and outdoor recreational facilities. The expansion of I-95 in the ‘60s took it right by South of the Border, putting it next to two exits, 190 and 193.
Interstate 95 first appeared on South Carolina maps between 1962 and 1964, with the first stretch constructed from Highway 17 north of Hardeeville to Ridgeville. From 1967 through 1972, the remaining sections were completed to the North Carolina state line. If you don’t have the time to break for the gorgeous scenery along the way, there are three welcome centers at mile markers 4, 99, and 195, and rest areas at mile markers 47, 99, and 139, with restrooms and vending machines for a much quicker stop while traveling through. But when time permits, take a moment to stop and smell the roses, as they say. These rare pictures of South Carolina will forever change the way you see our beautiful state. You’ll see even more of the state’s breathtaking beauty in areas beyond the I-95 passage.
