In the four-hour Asheville to Charleston road trip, you’ll pass through scenic areas, including Greenville and Columbia. Here are the best places to stop!
On the Asheville to Charleston road trip, you can find stunning natural attractions, magical Main Streets, and historic houses that will knock your socks off. This scenic four-hour route is straightforward, but the opportunities for adventure are anything but.
have plenty of hidden nooks just waiting to be discovered. So don’t be afraid to trash the itinerary and follow your heart off the highway! Not literally, of course.
Even though this trip can be done in one swift afternoon, there are enough things to do and see to make it worth stopping along the way!
Itinerary
Asheville, NC—Half a day
Greenville, SC—Half a day
Spartanburg, SC—Half a day
Columbia, SC—Half a day
Charleston, SC—1 to 2 days
Spartanburg, SC and Greenville, SC
99 miles, 2 hours
This vibrant area is known for live entertainment, music, and outdoor parks. Greenville and Spartanburg are friendly cities with plenty of authentic and artistic touches guaranteed to delight visitors of all ages.
If you’re on I-26, you’ll pass directly through Spartanburg. A visit to Greenville requires a slight detour to the west.
: To fill you up for the road, look no further than this barbeque joint—you can’t go wrong with their heaping ribs, chicken, brisket or any of their classic side dishes.
: Perfect for any family fun, or for train aficionados of all ages, visit here to learn more about the city’s railroad history and even participate in a scavenger hunt!
: History aficionados can visit this battlefield which played a major role in the American Revolution. They hold 3 special events throughout the year—an anniversary in January, Celebration of Freedom in July, and the arrival of the Overmountain men in October.
($): Greenville is packed full of trendy coffee shops, and this cafe is—as the name suggests—located underground! Their lattes, breakfast offerings, and pastries are delicious and affordably priced.
: Considered one of the premier American art museums in the South, this museum has exhibits ranging from federal portraits to contemporary abstractions.
: Located just outside of town, this scenic spot has a waterfall, campgrounds, and easy hiking trails worth exploring.
Pro Tip While Greenville and Spartanburg both have great things to do and see, there is enough similarity between them that if you’re short on time, you can cut one of the stops from your trip!
Columbia, SC
103 miles, 1.5 hours
Not too far from your previous stop, Columbia is full of old Southern magic. Stunning forests, wetlands trails, and historic architecture are all available to you here. It’s steeped in history (both manmade and Mother Nature-made), and there is great shopping and world-class cuisine, too.
To get to Columbia, follow the I-385 S and I-26 E, before taking the exit toward Huger St.
: Located in the heart of downtown Columbia, the Graduate combines historic grandeur with contemporary class and comfort. It has easy access to everything you’ll want to do and see in town. Cost per night: from $137.
($$-$$$): Well-loved amongst local diners, Mr. Friendly’s serves outstanding seafood and meat with a fun, lively atmosphere. We recommend trying out their Shrimp and Grits!
: If you want to shop, hit up restaurants, or visit art galleries, this district is the perfect place to get out and stretch your legs for the afternoon.
Cobblestone streets, stately buildings, and sandy beaches—it’s all in Charleston. Make sure you bring an empty stomach to this gorgeous Atlantic town, as the cuisine is legendary.
This is a city with a promising future and contemporary culture, and you’re guaranteed to find enough fine art and good eats to keep you satisfied.
To get to Charleston, follow I-26 E, and take exit 221B.
: For a luxurious stay after your road trip, book a night or two at this historically-inspired hotel with a touch of modern amenities. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the location makes it well within walking distance of many restaurants and activities. Cost per night: from $439.
($): Specializing in pulled pork and slow-smoked meats, this is one of the most popular restaurants in Charleston. It can get crowded at times, but the delicious food is well worth the wait.
: No trip to Charleston would be complete without visiting the iconic Rainbow Row, a historic group of 13 Georgian-style houses painted in playful colors. You can find this perfect photo op on East Bay Street.
: There are 6 museums, 5 nationally renowned historic houses, 4 scenic parks, and much more to see and do just along this one-mile section of Meeting Street. You can spend a whole afternoon here and still not see everything there is to be seen!
Tips for road-tripping in South Carolina
The South Carolina coastline is stunning, so don’t worry if you take a wrong turn—you’ll probably end up somewhere beautiful!
Drive carefully on your Asheville to Charleston road trip. The road quality in South Carolina is not always up to par, thanks to intense weather patterns. Plus, some say that drivers in this state are among the worst in the country! We get it, it’s easy to get distracted when you’re surrounded by this much natural beauty.
Finally, road trips require preparation. Before you go, gather up your
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FAQs
What time of year is the best time for a road trip?
It depends on your priorities and your destination! You may wish to consider weather patterns (for instance, avoiding the rainy season or extremely hot temperatures). You may want to schedule your trip for the off-season to avoid tourists, or perhaps you want to enjoy the crowds at a major festival.
What is Charleston known for?
Charleston, also known as the Holy City, is known for its antebellum history. The architecture is incredible. More recently it has become a vacation destination thanks to its beautiful beaches and new restaurants.
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