Highway 21 is a designated scenic byway in South Carolina, one of 21 scenic byways that all together total over 450 miles. There’s something to add to your bucket list … drive all 450-plus miles of our scenic highways! And today, we’ll get you started with some inspiration from Highway 21, which runs through our most-visited state park, Hunting Island State Park, which sees over a million visitors each year.

Highway 21, a gorgeous scenic byway in South Carolina, enters the state at the North Carolina border in the Fort Mill area, and it travels all the way through the middle of the state, ending on Fripp Island. We'll begin our look at this scenic byway, though, as it leaves Saint Helena Island, crossing over the Harbor River Bridge. This portion of the highway is called Sea Island Parkway.
Harbor River Bridge, Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
Rich Lamprey/Google Photos
The current Harbor River Bridge structure was a $77-million replacement of a swing bridge that had begun malfunctioning, causing motorists to be stranded for hours. The project won a 2022 America’s Transportation Award, sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials for its innovative technology, which allowed the road to stay open throughout the construction of the new 3,353-foot span. Learn more about Saint Helena Island.
Along the route on the Harbor Island stretch, you will pass pretty little fun-colored beach houses and typical island scenery, such as palm trees and marshland. Talk about SC scenic routes!
Harbor Island, South Carolina 29920, USA
Waweru Yaacov Ibuka/Google Photos
You'll also see some restaurants and shops. It's a good place to stop for a bite to eat or to get out and stretch your legs along one of the best driving roads in SC.
Harbor Island, South Carolina 29920, USA
Waweru Yaacov Ibuka/Google Photos


Another Slice offers pizza and BBQ in a setting with a cool vibe and excellent service. Get more details on Another Slice.
Another slice, 2111 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
Bradley Jansen/Google Photos
Another great spot on this scenic drive near me in South Carolina is Barefoot Bubba's, a charming beach shop with a nice selection of T-shirts, flip-flops, swimsuits, beach toys, and ice cream!
Barefoot Bubba's/Facebook
Find out more about what Barefoot Bubba's has to offer.
Barefoot Bubba's, 2135 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
Barefoot Bubbas/Facebook
As you leave Harbor Island, you'll be crossing over Johnson Creek and entering Hunting Island. Almost immediately, you'll notice Campground Road to the left of this scenic byway in South Carolina.
Hunting Island, South Carolina 29920, USA
Jeffrey Bassett/Google Photos

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This road leads you to the campground area of the island. It's a wonderful place if you'd like to stay overnight off of one of the best scenic byways in South Carolina. There are tent and RV campsites and one cabin rental available. Get all the details about Hunting Island State Park.
Hunting Island Campground, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
62Crystal/TripAdvisor
Beyond Campground Road, you'll continue traveling along this SC scenic route, and you'll pass roads on your left that will lead you to the Hunting Island Lighthouse and gift shop. Learn more about the Hunting Island Lighthouse.
Hunting Island Lighthouse, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
EvanGuthrie/TripAdvisor
You'll also notice some state park signs that will provide directions for different areas of the park. Learn more about the amenities at Hunting Island State Park.
Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
tmedic75/Google Photos


You'll want to plan for time to explore this gorgeous area of South Carolina while you're here. There are five miles of pristine beaches, thousands of acres of marsh and maritime forest, and a saltwater lagoon. Make a fun pit stop off one of the best driving roads in SC. Not convinced about how great this park is? Check out some more reasons why you need to make a stop at Hunting Island State Park.
Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
s jones/Google Reviews
Towards the end of this scenic drive near me in South Carolina, you'll see an entrance to the Marsh Boardwalk Trail on your right, one of a dozen trails on the island. Learn more about the Marsh Boardwalk Trail.
Marsh Boardwalk Trail, Parking lot, State Rd S-7-406, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
Christopher Boyd/Google Photos


It's an easy half-mile out-and-back trail where you'll likely see birds and other wildlife. If you time it just right, this could be your sunset view!
Sherri Graham/Google Photos
And now, you've reached the end of this scenic byway in South Carolina trip through Hunting Island State Park on Highway 21. If you'd like to continue on, you can explore Fripp Island during this adventure, too! Get more details on Fripp Island.
Fripp Island, South Carolina 29920, USA
Scot Oliver/Google Photos

Have you ever been on this SC scenic route? What are your favorite scenic byways in South Carolina? Tell us in the comments!

Need more space for your road trip? Check out what RVshare has to offer.

Don’t forget one of the best parts of a good road trip, stopping to eat! Check out some of the best restaurants in South Carolina.

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More to Explore

South Carolina Scenery

Rachel Raimondi | August 20, 2023

What are the most scenic towns in South Carolina?

It’s not just all scenic byways in South Carolina. Consider visiting some of the most scenic towns in South Carolina:

  • Landrum: Located in Spartanburg County, Landrum is a great town for exploration with an assortment of lovely places to eat and shop. You can also explore the outdoors at the Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve. And you can also head out to see Campbell’s Covered Bridge, the sole surviving covered bridge in the state.
  • Greenville: You’ll find this cute town in Greenville County. There’s lots to explore here, such as the Greenville County Museum of Art and the Upcountry History Museum. Head to Falls Park on the Reedy to see a waterfall and some gardens or hike in Paris Mountain State Park.
  • Newberry: This town is in the central part of South Carolina. Check out what the historic downtown has to offer in museums and other cultural attractions, such as the Newberry Opera House. For nature lovers, there are some great spots nearby like Dreher Island State Park and Lake Greenwood State Park.

 

What are the most beautiful lakes in South Carolina?

While there are some great ocean beaches here, don’t forget about some of the most beautiful lakes in South Carolina:

  • Lake Jocassee: This 7,500-acre lake is located within Devil’s Fork State Park. Due to it being fed from water from the Appalachian Mountains, this lake is crystal clear. Enjoy fishing, swimming, and more.
  • Richard B. Russell Lake: Spanning Abbeville and Anderson County, this 26,650-acre lake has 12 points to access it in South Carolina and then a bunch in Georgia as well. Choose from boating, fishing, and swimming on the lake or hiking and picnicking within its peaceful surroundings.
  • Lake Keowee: You’ll find this 18,500-acre lake in the northwest part of the state. You can participate in just about any water activity here, such as swimming, kayaking, water skiing, and sailing. And at Keowee-Toxaway State Park, you can hike and camp.

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Hunting Island, South Carolina 29920, USA