Fly and Drive: Road Trip Through the Heart of South Carolina

Many people flock to the beaches on the South Carolina coast, but there’s plenty to experience and discover in the heart of the state as well. Start in South Carolina’s capital city, head to the Old 96 District and wrap up your journey in Spartanburg. Along the way, you’ll find history, art, outdoor recreation and much more.

Find Some Capital Fun

The capital city of Columbia offers so much for visitors to see and do. Begin at the South Carolina State House, where you can take a guided tour. For more history and architecture, visit the historic Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens and learn about the people who lived and worked in this 1818-built home.

Another can’t-miss stop is the Anne Frank Center on the campus of the University of South Carolina. While this museum focuses on Frank and her family, it also shines a wide spotlight on how antisemitism was cultivated in Germany and spread throughout the country and beyond.

Stroll down Main Street to see a wide array of public art, such as murals, sculptures and yarn bombing (crochet art wrapped around lampposts). Art lovers can also enjoy Columbia Museum of Art, where both permanent and visiting collections are on display.

For a breath of fresh air, head out to Congaree National Park, and set out on the boardwalk trail. As you do, soak in the sounds of the birds that reside in the old growth bottomland hardwood forest. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree rivers flow through the forest, so keep your eye out for turtles swimming or sunning on a log.

When searching for a place to stay, look no further than Hotel Trundle. Located just off Main Street, it’s within walking distance of many of the city’s attractions, shopping and dining.

Explore the Old 96 District

From Columbia, head northwest to the Old 96 District, which includes five counties filled with history, outdoor recreation and shopping.

A great first stop is the Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historic Preservation Site in Greenwood, where you can find out about the man who served as Morehouse College president for 27 years, was a trusted advisor to three U.S. presidents and mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Step further back in time at the Ninety Six National Historic Site in Ninety Six, where you can learn about the early battles between Native Americans and European colonists and the role the town played in the Revolutionary War.

When you’re ready to play outside, the Old 96 District delivers. Given the many lakes in the region, you’ll have no shortage of opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and camping. Your options include Baker Creek State Park, Calhoun Falls State Park, Hamilton Branch State Park, Hickory Knob State Resort Park and Lake Greenwood State Park.

If you’re looking for some pampering, head to The Spa on Maxwell. Whether you get a massage, facial or other treatment, you’ll leave feeling relaxed. If it’s retail therapy you need, you’ll find it throughout the region. For instance, at Breezy Quarters in Abbeville, you will find a wide array of handmade bath bombs, lotions, candles, lip balms and more. At the MACK Artisans Guild and Gift Shop in McCormick, you can pick up handmade jewelry, artworks and other pieces from local artisans. They make an ideal memento of your visit.

Experience Spartanburg

Head northeast from the Old 96 District to Spartanburg for more fun in the great outdoors. A great starting point is the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail in downtown Spartanburg. This flat multi-use trail is ideal for walkers, runners and bikers. As you make your way down the trail, you’ll pass the Rail Tail Dog Park, Hot Spot Skatepark and some great restaurants.

For a more natural environment, hit the Cottonwood Trail, located in the Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve. Open to walkers, runners and bikers, you can see wildlife, wildflowers and wetlands as you explore. Another natural spot you don’t want to miss is Hatcher Garden, a botanical garden and woodland preserve. There’s a variety of trails throughout the garden that include many seating areas to enjoy the sights, sounds and scents around you.

At the Glendale Shoals Preserve, located on the grounds of an abandoned cotton mill, you’ll find 1.5 miles of nature trails, the iconic Glendale Bridge and a beautiful waterfall that cascades over the dam under the bridge. Overlooking all this is the Glendale Mill site that stands like a sentry over Lawson’s Fork Creek. If the water is low and the temperature is warm, you can even walk across the shoals or sit on one of the large boulders to bask in the sunshine.

When road tripping, South Carolina offers much to explore just beyond the interstate. Take some time to discover its cities and towns, and you may be surprised at what you find.

Plan your trip with a AAA travel advisor and rent your car with Hertz. AAA members can save up to 20% on Hertz rentals.