The Asheville mountains are beautiful and picturesque in their own right, but sometimes you need a change of scenery! Here’s our guide for the perfect Asheville to Charleston Road trip, including the best route, exciting stops along the way, your ideal packing list, and top reasons to come! With this guide, you’ll have your toes in the Lowcountry sand in no time.
Find some inspiration to help you plan your vacation itinerary. Request a copy of our free digital Vacation Guide to discover our favorite restaurants, bars, activities, and hidden gems around the Holy City. That way, you’ll be able to soak up every second of your time here.
The Best Way to Take an Asheville to Charleston Road Trip
Benefits of Visiting Charleston from Asheville
There’s a reason why Charleston is the top vacation destination in South Carolina each year and why millions travel to experience the wonderful offerings. In addition to the gorgeous coastline, Charleston boasts features for a variety of interests. While you’re here, you can enjoy rich history, delicious food rivaling any city in the southeast, fascinating architecture, unbeatable shopping, and more! Plus, all of this is available with a short 4-hour drive.
Map Your Route
Pack the car and get comfortable for this easy 4-hour drive to the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Interstate-26 offers a straight shot to Charleston, making this drive a breeze for travelers. Keep reading to find a few of our favorite detours to maximize your road trip experience.
Stops Along the Way
When you cross the South Carolina border, it won’t be long before you’re passing through the Greenville-Spartanburg area. Greenville, SC, is known for its charming downtown area, riddled with trendy coffee shops, boutiques, a tree-lined Main Street, and a beautiful suspension bridge in the center of Falls Park. If you take one stop along the way, Greenville is worth the time!
Because of Asheville’s proximity to Greenville, you may have already explored that area! Luckily, you’ll find Columbia, SC, further down I-26 that offers plenty more exciting experiences. Explore Congaree National Park, the Columbia Zoo, and more! This city also boasts a charming downtown strip with local bars and restaurants.
What to Pack
It’s important to be prepared on any road trip! You know the obvious things to pack, but here are a few essentials that you might forget!
- A good book to read on the beach
- Quality walking shoes
- Clothes suited for the Charleston weather (it’s quite a bit warmer than Asheville!)
- Waterproof shoes if you plan to do any paddle boarding or boating
- Sunscreen (the Charleston sun is no joke!)
- Beach games
- Reusable water bottle
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