There’s no better way to experience South Carolina’s Lowcountry than by taking the slow road. Beyond the main interstates, scenic highways wind through moss-draped forests, tidal marshes, and small towns that feel frozen in time. These routes showcase the region’s quiet beauty — where live oaks lean over the road, shrimp boats rest in working harbors, and the smell of saltwater hangs in the air.
Each drive offers something different. You can roll past the ruins of colonial churches on Highway 17, watch herons lift from the marshes near Edisto, or stop for a seafood lunch in a town where the catch was hauled in that morning. On these drives its more about the journey than the destination
From the backroads of Francis Marion National Forest to the coastal stretches between Beaufort and Myrtle Beach, these scenic drives highlight the landscapes, history, and charm that make the Lowcountry one of the most unforgettable regions in the South.
What are the best scenic road trips in South Carolina’s Lowcountry?
Some of the best scenic road trips in South Carolina’s Lowcountry include Highway 17 from Charleston to Beaufort, the Edisto Island Scenic Byway (SC-174), Alt 17 and Highway 45 from Moncks Corner to McClellanville, Highway 701 from Georgetown to Conway, the Business 17 and Highway 17 route from Surfside Beach to North Myrtle Beach, and the Bluffton to Hilton Head Island loop. Each offers a mix of historic towns, marsh views, and classic Lowcountry scenery.
1. Charleston to Beaufort (via Highway 17 and SC-21)
Few drives capture the character of South Carolina’s coast like the stretch of Highway 17 between Charleston and Beaufort. The route winds through a patchwork of salt marshes, quiet rivers, and small crossroads towns that show off the Lowcountry’s historic charm. Spanish moss drapes from centuries-old oaks, and the air carries the scent of tidal creeks and pine.
The trip itself is only about 70 miles, but it’s worth taking your time. South of Charleston, the road passes near the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the East Coast. A short detour down Bennetts Point Road leads to viewing areas where you can spot herons and egrets working the shallows. Continuing toward Beaufort, you’ll come across roadside produce stands, historic churches, and long stretches of scenic marshland that make it hard not to pull over for a photo.
For a detour steeped in history, turn off on River Road near Yemassee. The narrow lane winds beneath a canopy of moss-draped oaks, passing several historic plantations that line the Combahee River. Looping back toward Highway 17 along Combahee Road, you’ll recognize the iconic driveway and gate from the movie Forrest Gump — one of the most photographed spots in the area.
As the route continues south, Highway 17 merges with SC-21 into Beaufort, a town of antebellum homes, waterfront views, and rustic charm. For travelers heading north instead, this same route ends with a fitting finale — the drive across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge from downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant, offering sweeping views of the harbor and skyline.
2. Edisto Island Scenic Byway (SC-174)
The Edisto Island Scenic Byway is one of South Carolina’s most peaceful coastal drives. Stretching just over 17 miles from U.S. Highway 17 to Edisto Beach, the road leads you through a landscape that feels unchanged by time — open farmland, winding tidal creeks, and canopies of live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. This is one of those routes where you’ll want to slow down, roll down the windows, and take in the smell of salt and marsh grass.
Along the way, you’ll pass roadside stands selling local produce and shrimp straight from nearby waters. A short turnoff brings you to Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve, a protected area of oak alleys, maritime forest, and a beach scattered with seashells and driftwood. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in the Lowcountry and a favorite for bird-watchers and nature photographers alike.
Farther south, the byway enters Edisto Beach State Park, where boardwalks cross the dunes and trails wind through coastal forest. The drive ends at Edisto Beach, a small, laid-back seaside town known for its quiet beaches and family cottages. Whether you’re here for a day trip or a weekend escape, the Edisto Byway offers a glimpse of the Lowcountry at its most natural: scenic and full of coastal charm.
3. Moncks Corner to McClellanville (via Alt 17 & Hwy 45)
If you’re looking for a quiet Lowcountry drive that feels miles away from the crowds, the stretch from Moncks Corner to McClellanville along Highway 45 and Alt 17 is one of South Carolina’s best-kept secrets. Once you leave Moncks Corner, the modern world seems to disappear. As the road narrows to two lanes and slips into the Francis Marion National Forest, moss-draped oaks and towering pines close in around you, giving the drive an ancient, almost untouched feel as if you’re following the same path early settlers once took through the wild Lowcountry.
You’ll pass through a few small communities like Jamestown but even these feel frozen in time . The scenery here is classic Lowcountry — long stretches of pine savanna, palmetto trees, hidden creeks, and forest wetlands that come alive with egrets and herons. Pull-offs along the way let you stop for photos or short walks into the forest’s recreation areas.
Before reaching McClellanville, consider a short detour to Hampton Plantation State Historic Site, a preserved 18th-century rice plantation surrounded by live oaks. The site’s quiet grounds and shaded trails are worth the stop. The route ends in McClellanville, a small coastal town of shrimp boats and historic homes, the perfect place to grab lunch or stretch your legs before heading back down the road.
4. Highway 701 – Georgetown to Conway
Highway 701 is one of those quiet, two-lane backroads that come to mind when you picture a drive through the South. Stretching between Georgetown and Conway, this route follows the Waccamaw River corridor, winding through pine forests, cypress swamps, and stretches of farmland that show off the diversity of the Lowcountry landscape. It’s a relaxing drive with miles of backcountry road framed by tall trees, glimpses of blackwater creeks glinting through the woods, and the occasional river crossing.
Leaving Georgetown, one of South Carolina’s oldest port towns, the road passes near the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, where you can stop for a short trail walk or visit the Education Center to learn about the river’s ecosystem. Bird-watchers will find plenty to spot here, from egrets and herons to osprey circling over the wetlands.
As you near Conway, the scenery shifts to rolling farmland and oak-lined stretches of highway that feel timeless. Conway itself is a small riverfront town with a historic downtown, cozy cafés, and the scenic Riverwalk that runs along the Waccamaw River. It’s the perfect stop to stretch your legs, grab a meal, or just enjoy the slow pace that defines this part of South Carolina.
5. Bluffton to Hilton Head Island Loop
For a drive that blends small-town charm with island luxury, the Bluffton to Hilton Head Island loop is hard to beat. Just west of Hilton Head, Bluffton sits along the May River, a picture-perfect coastal village filled with art galleries, shaded streets, and Lowcountry cottages draped in moss.
From Bluffton, take Highway 278 toward Hilton Head Island, passing a mix of salt marsh views, tidal creeks, and high-end resorts as you approach the bridge. Once on the island, you can cruise the network of well-kept parkways that wind between golf courses, marinas, and quiet residential neighborhoods. Stop at Harbour Town to see the iconic lighthouse, or head to Coligny Beach Park for a short stroll along the oceanfront. The beauty of this route is how easy it is to make a loop of it.
After exploring Hilton Head, you can return to Bluffton right back down Highway 278. Short, scenic, and full of Lowcountry character, this route captures the coastal side of South Carolina at its most elegant and inviting.
6. Surfside Beach to North Myrtle Beach (via Business 17 & Hwy 17)
If the other drives on this list showcase the Lowcountry’s quiet side, this one shows off its excitement. The stretch of Business 17 and Highway 17 from Surfside Beach to North Myrtle Beach runs straight through the heart of the Grand Strand, South Carolina’s most famous coastal playground. Here, it’s less about the scenery and more about the experience — neon lights, lively crowds, and the steady hum of vacation life.
Lining the route are all the things that make Myrtle Beach what it is: small ice cream shops, pancake houses, seafood buffets, shopping centers, and golf resorts. Every few miles brings something new, from family-friendly attractions to classic beach-town entertainment. Major stops include Broadway at the Beach, with its mix of restaurants and amusements; Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, where families can enjoy an evening of entertainment; and Alligator Adventure, one of the area’s most unique wildlife attractions.
While this drive isn’t about peace and quiet, it’s about fully experiencing Myrtle Beach the energy, the lights, and the never-ending list of things to do. Just keep in mind that during peak summer months, traffic can be heavy, so plan your timing and patience accordingly. Whether you’re after mini golf, live shows, or a simple beachside meal, this drive puts you right in the middle of it all.
Planning Your Lowcountry Adventure
The South Carolina Lowcountry is the perfect place to slow down and explore at your own pace. Whether you’re tracing quiet roads through pine forest, following the marsh to the coast, or cruising the Grand Strand with a milkshake in hand, each of these routes offers its own take on Southern life. What ties them together is the feeling you get behind the wheel with the mix of history, scenery, and laid back lifestyle that makes this region so unforgettable. Pack a camera, roll down the windows, and take your time. The best part of a Lowcountry road trip isn’t the destination, it’s the drive itself.