Road Trip From Charleston to Columbia

South Carolina from the Coast to the Midlands

Most people knock out the drive from Charleston to Columbia, South Carolina, in two hours, possibly stopping at a fast food joint along the way. But if there’s no rush, why not make a day of it? Start with breakfast and a waterfront stroll in the Holy City before getting on the road, stop for a standout lunch with lake views in a lesser-known stretch of the state, then finish with a riverside walk before dinner in Soda City.

Stop 1: Charleston

For a classic Southern diner experience, slide into a booth at Early Bird Diner, a local favorite in James Island. They don’t take reservations, so get there early (especially on the weekends) to enjoy classics like the pecan fried chicken and cinnamon waffle with honey mustard barbecue sauce and the corn cake Benedict with green tomato salsa. Round it all off with a serving of warm blueberry cobbler. 

Walk off breakfast downtown along the Battery, pausing to watch sailboats cruise through the harbor and possibly spotting a pod of dolphins. Wander historic homes lit with gas lanterns South of Broad and peek through wrought iron gates into secret gardens with bubbling fountains. The Gateway Walk is another scenic stroll that leads through a lush courtyard between King and Meeting streets.

The Gibbes Museum of Art is nearby on Meeting Street, with rotating artwork, special exhibitions, and free admission on the first floor. Browse paintings at Reinert Fine Art Gallery and don’t miss the picturesque sculpture garden in the back. Pop into shops on King Street like Blue Bicycle Books for used reads and Record Stop for vintage albums before hitting the road.

Stop 2: Holly Hill, South Carolina

Leave Charleston around noon and punch Sweatman’s Barbeque into the GPS, an hour drive that lands you about halfway to Columbia. The barbecue joint, located between Holly Hill and Eutawville, South Carolina, has the late-great Anthony Bourdain’s blessing— appearing on an episode of No Reservations. Dig into whole hog barbecue with a side of hash and rice for a much more exciting meal than McDonald’s takeout for the tenth time.

Stretch your legs after lunch at Indian Bluff Recreation Park, an 8-minute drive from Sweatman’s. The park offers views of Lake Marion and has picnic tables, trails, and a playground. 

Stop 3: Columbia, South Carolina

Get back on the road and arrive in Columbia in about an hour. Wander through lush, blooming gardens at Riverbanks Zoo, a 170-acre zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. On Main Street, Columbia Museum of Art, which recently celebrated 75 years, offers stunning artwork from around the world as well as special exhibitions and events. 

There may be time for a river walk before dinner. And luckily there are lots of great restaurants to choose from—try Hendrixfor a beautiful rooftop view and craft cocktails. Terraoffers fresh, simple dishes with local ingredients like the domestic shrimp remoulade with fried green tomatoes and Benton’s country ham. Or, opt for Motor Supply Company Bistrofor a rotating, sustainably sourced menu with bites like Manchester Farms seared quail and SC swordfish.

Mast General Store offers a nostalgic shopping experience perfect for loading up on old fashioned candies and snacks for future road trips. Staying in Columbia on a Friday night? Wake up and head to Soda City Market, held Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm, to shop goods from local artisans in the heart of downtown, before starting to plan the next trip to COLA already.

rediscover SC

Food-focused stories, tastes, and trends.

— delivered straight to your inbox.

From behind-the-scenes profiles on South Carolina chefs to a locals-only guide to unexplored neighborhoods, our The Guide newsletter on South Carolina is a state-wide essential.

Subscribe

keep reading

On the Road

Charleston

The darling of Southern food, Charleston brims with award-winning restaurants and chefs. Recently, Lowcountry […]

In the Field

Columbia, SC, Reimagines Southern Food

Columbia, SC, offers restaurants full of new ways to discover the Southern favorites, diverse […]

On the Road

Columbia

In Columbia, old stalwarts dish out gourmet plates while a new guard of eclectic […]