Here are our top picks for an easy day trip.

Make the most out of your getaway in the South by visiting as many nearby cities and attractions as you can. While Charleston is packed-full of activities, museums, restaurants and entertainment options, these exciting locations are a phenomenal addition to any travel itinerary — and they’re kid-friendly too! 

Wadmalaw Island 

Despite its proximity to major tourist destinations, Wadmalaw Island is a quiet scenic location, hidden under a canopy of gorgeous live oaks. Just half an hour from The Restoration, the island is home to The Charleston Tea Plantation and Deep Water Vineyard — don’t miss their Muscadine wine!

Kiawah Island

Best known for its wooded uplands and marshes where wildlife abounds, Kiawah Island is also a premier golf destination on the East Coast. It features seven award-winning golf courses, including The Ocean Course, which snakes around the island throughout alluring breezy oceanfront landscapes. 

Beaufort 

If you have an eye for grand historic architecture, you should consider visiting Beaufort. Just about an hour and a half away from Charleston, this hidden Lowcountry gem is best known for its romantic horse-drawn carriages and antebellum mansions, among them the John Mark Verdier House Museum. 

Savannah

Just two hours away, Savannah’s downtown area combines dramatic Victorian architecture and picturesque cobblestone squares with trendy restaurants and shops suitable for all price ranges. One of the most stunning landmarks to visit there is the Gothic-Revival Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.

Once you’ve experienced the warm comfort of Charleston, it’s likely that you’ll never want to leave; but if you’re feeling a little adventurous, we highly recommend these road trips to spice up your itinerary.