Thinking about a couples day trip somewhere near Greenville, SC? If you want to plan a dreamy day trip with your significant other this summer, we have a great list of day trip ideas for couples. We have put together a whole list of romantic day trip ideas! Whether you want to do something romantic, visit a new town, or have some adventure our list will help you plan the perfect day trip.
Looking for a Charleston travel guide? Does your family love hitting the highway and heading south to this seaside town in South Carolina?
We’ve covered lots of different things to do and see in Charleston and you can find them all here in this Charleston Travel Guide. Everything from an itinerary for a long weekend without kids to a list of things to do that won’t break the bank. We’ve even included some things we plan to cover in the coming months.
If you’re searching for “inexpensive day trips near me” or looking for fun outside Greenville that won’t break the bank, we have a list for you. This list of 10 fun day trips includes only destinations that are budget-friendly, keeping the cost approximately $40 or less for a family of 4.
All of these inexpensive day trips are also under 2 hours to save money and time in the car, but they are all outside Greenville. Otherwise, it’s not really a trip is it?
Have you heard about the sunflower fields at the Draper Wildlife Area? If you are looking for a magical place to take family photos or just a place to visit for fresh air and a change of scenery, we found a place just south of Rock Hill that won’t cost you a dime to enjoy. The Draper WMA Sunflower Fields are only in bloom for a few weeks over the summer, but if you hurry you can see them in full bloom.
Traveling to Hilton Head Island with your family? There are lots of things to do in Hilton Head with kids! We came up with a list of the best activities on the island to ensure an awesome family trip while you visit Hilton Head Island. From dolphin watching to becoming a pirate, to playing mini-golf, to secluded beaches, and enjoying ice cream, there is no shortage of fun things to do on the island.
Ever been on a pirate boat? Pirates of Hilton Head will have your kids practicing their pirate lingo for the entire vacation. Kids get to dress up as pirates and fight off the bad guy in search of treasure during one of the most entertaining cruises on Hilton Head Island. We sent contributor Kristina to check it out with her family. Your kids will be saying “aye-aye captain” in no time on the Pirates of Hilton Head cruise!
Can’t decide if you like the beach or the mountains? Have both – just alter those beach expectations a little – with these sandy lake beaches. Greenville, SC offers so many beach options fed by cool, refreshing mountain water. If you’re wondering “where are all the lake beaches near me?” you’ll want to keep reading this list. Everything here is within 2 hours of Greenville.
I grew up near the Jersey Shore so I have a good idea of what a beach should look like. Get that version of miles and miles of sand and shore out of your head. However, be prepared to be pleasantly surprised by these sandy mountain beaches that do have sand and sun, just not exactly like you may be used to at the ocean.
OK, now that you’re sufficiently prepared to enjoy both the beach and the mountain, here are our best recommendations of where to grab the sand toys, beach towels, and cooler and head out for some sun and a refreshing swim for the day.
Where: Devils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Circle, Salem Cost: $8/adults, $4/kids ages 6-15, under five are free Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: All pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet.
Lake Jocassee beach is one of our favorites in the Upstate because you look out over the stunning and crystal clear lake. The view is unbeatable. Water shoes are best since you have to scramble down some rocks to get to the sandy oasis. How large the beach is will depend on the water level of the lake. If it’s around 96 or below, you’ll have a decent amount of sand. If it’s above that, you won’t. Check it before you go to prepare!
Pinnacle Lake
Where: Table Rock State Park, 158 Ellison Lane, Pickens Cost: $6/adults, $3.50/kids ages 6-15, under five are free Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: No dogs allowed in the swimming area or beach. All pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet.
This lakeside beach area has a decent-sized shorefront with lots of sand. Get there early in the summer to make sure you are able to get into the park.
Lake Placid
Where: Paris Mountain State Park, 2401 State Park Road, Greenville Cost: $6/adults, $3.50/kids ages 6-15, under five are free Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: No dogs allowed in the swimming area. All pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet.
Small beach in this state park located inside Greenville County. Watch the Paris Mountain website for swim advisories as water there has been found to be contaminated in recent years.
Chau Ram County Park
Where: Oconee County, Chau Ram Park Road, Westminster Cost: $3/car Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: All pets must be leashed and on physical restraint
A nice little sandy beach with lots of shallow spots to swim and wade.
Riley Moore Falls
Where: Sumter National Forest, Riley Moore Falls Trail, Westminster Cost: Free Bathrooms: No Pet policy: Dogs are welcome but they must be leashed according to SC leash laws.
This swimming hole and beach is accessible by a two-mile round-trip hike and people even camp there. Park near the sign that says “Riley Moore Falls” if you don’t have a 4×4 SUV or truck to get up the logging road to the trailhead. There is a good size sandy beach with views of the 50-foot wide waterfall. Lots of places to let the kids play around in the water but because so many people have littered, there is some trash around and we had to watch for glass. Water shoes were worn the whole time.
Sandy Mountain Beaches Near Anderson
Twelve Mile Park Recreation Area
Where: 113 Twelve Mile Park, Clemson Cost: $4 parking fee Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: Pets are not permitted on the beach.
Pretty beach right in Clemson within the beautiful setting of Lake Hartwell. Learn all about it in our review of Twelve Mile Park .
South Cove Park
Where: On the shores of Lake Keowee, 1031 S Cove Rd, Seneca Cost: $3/car Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: Pets are welcome anywhere in the park on a leash (including the swim beach and nature trails).
South Cove Park has a small sandy beach for sunbathing and playing, a great playground as well as lots of lakeside campgrounds. The park is actually a peninsula that extends into the lake.
Darwin Wright Park
Where: 106 Anderson Beach Boulevard, Anderson Cost: Free Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: No animals allowed in the park at all.
Darwin Wright Park in Anderson County has a good-sized beach along the lake where you can swim. Swim at your risk since there are no lifeguards.
Sadlers Creek State Park
Where: 940 Sadlers Creek Rd, Anderson, SC Cost: $3/adults, $1/kids ages 6-15 (free if you have a SC State Parks Pass) Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
There are multiple beaches at Sadlers Creek State Park plus plenty of spots to picnic, hang a hammock, grill, fish, or take out your kayak or paddleboard.
Broyles Recreation Area
Where: 900 Smyzer Road, Townville, SC Cost: $5/car Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: Pets are allowed but must be kept on leash (6 ft or less) or otherwise physically restrained.
This small park is perfect for a day of fun with a beach along the shores of Lake Hartwell. They also have camping available.
The Shores of Asbury
Where: On the shores of Lake Hartwell, 1600 Asbury Park Road, Anderson Cost: $10/parking per two people + $10/person beach access Parking: Yes Pet policy: No dogs are allowed on the whitebeach sand or sod areas at the restaurant. They are allowed on the patio area but must stay off the sod. There is an area designated as a dog friendly relief area with a pet station on the opposite side of the parking lot near the boat landing and near the smoking area.
The Shores of Asbury is a campground that has imported sand from Florida and a huge Aqua Zone floating obstacle course that operates seasonally. Beach access is available.
High Falls Park
Where: On Lake Kewoee, 671 High Falls Road, Seneca Cost: $3/car Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: No dogs are allowed at the swimming areas are inside buildings.
Right on the beautiful Lake Keowee, High Falls Park has a small sandy beach, restrooms, changing rooms, and a campground.
River Forks
Where: 710 River Forks Rd, Anderson, SC Cost: $4/car Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: All pets must be kept on a leash (not to exceed 6 feet) and are prohibited in the swimming beach areas and on the boat ramp.
There are designated swim beaches, a playground, picnic area, and boat ramps at this recreation area in Anderson.
Mile Creek County Park
Where: On Lake Keowee, 757 Keowee Baptist Church Road, Six Mile Cost: $5/day parking fee Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: All pets must be on leash or under physical restraint at all times. Pets will not be left unattended. Noisy/aggressive animals must be removed from the park. Owners are required to pick up after pets.
This great little beach is perfect for families. It’s got a playground, swimming area, bathrooms, picnic facilities, and camping. Read our review here.
Calhoun Falls State Park
Where: On Lake Russell, 46 Maintenance Shop Rd, Calhoun Falls, SC Cost: $3/adults, $1/kids Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
Small sandy beach right on Lake Russell. And there’s great camping sites here also.
Lake Hartwell State Park
There’s a very, very small sandy beach inside the park on Lake Hartwell off a small trail on the road leading to the fishing pier.
Where: 19138-A Hwy 11 S, Fair Play, SC Cost: $3/adults, $1/kids ages 6-15 Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
Sandy Mountain Beaches in Western NC
Lake Lure
Where: 2724 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC Cost: $10/adults, $8/kids ages 4-12 + 45” tall, Kids four and under are free with adult Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: Pets are not allowed on the beach.
Lake Lure has a huge beach for relaxing, sunning, and playing. Admission also includes access to the on-site small waterpark. Lifeguards are present at Lake Lure.
Lake James State Park
Where: Just outside the Linville Gorge in NC, 6883 NC-126, Nebo, NC Cost: $5/adults, $4/kids 12 and under Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: Pets are allowed at the park and at campsites. They are not permitted on the swim beach or inside buildings.
Large sandy beach just under two hours from Greenville with bathrooms, changing rooms, and a concession stand. No pets allowed on the beach. the lake has a designated swimming area with lifeguards from May to September. Opens May 1, 2024.
Lake Powhatan
Where: In Pisgah National Forest, 375 Wesley Branch Rd, Asheville Cost: $4/person day use fee; $30 day use annual pass Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: Pets are not allowed on the beach.
This is a small lake and campground only 90 minutes from the Upstate with a sandy beach where lifeguards are on duty. It’s open Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you’re camping or glamping there, the fee is waived.
Pines Recreation Area on Lake Glenville
Where: 1965 Pine Creek Road, Cullowhee, NC. Cost: Free Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: Pets are not allowed at the Pines Recreation Area.
Beautiful little beach on the shores of Lake Glenville in Jackson County, NC.
Sandy Mountain Beaches in North Georgia
Sandy Creek Park
Where: Athens, GA Cost: $2/per person Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: Pets are not allowed on the beach.
Sandy Creek Park has it all: a playground, shaded picnic areas, a lake with boat rentals, 28,000 square feet of sandy swimming beach, and trails. It’s a great spot to cool off during the summer and walk the trails during the cooler months. It’s only 15 minutes outside of downtown Athens. Hours are Tuesday – Sunday from 7 am – 8:30 pm and closed on Mondays.
Wildwood Park
Where: 3780 Dogwood Lane, Appling, GA 30802 Cost: The daily rate is $3 a day for cars, trucks, or motorcycles and $6 for vehicles with a boat or watercrafts. Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: Pets are not allowed on the beach area.
Wildwood Park is just outside of Augusta, GA and has a beach, playground, camping, and watersport rentals.
Cane Creek Park
Where: 5213 Harkey Road, Waxhaw, NC Cost: $4/car + $2/person for swimming or $5/person for swimming, mini-golf, and peddle boat day pass Bathrooms: Yes Pet policy: Dogs and other animals shall not be allowed within the fenced ballfield, swim areas, or inside buildings.
Cane Creek Park in Waxhaw, NC has a big, sandy beach where you can swim and play. They open June 14, 2023 and their hours are Wednesdays – Fridays 11 am – 6:30 pm. They are on a modified schedule due to a lifeguard shortage. They have also trails, peddle boats, kayak rentals, and mini-golf at this park.
Where’s your favorite sandy beach near the Upstate?
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6 Floating Obstacle Courses at Aqua Parks in Georgia and South Carolina
Explore Oconee Station and Hike to Station Cove Falls for a Splash
Twelve Mile Recreation Area Has One of the Nicest Beaches in the Upstate
This Anderson Water Park Has A Floating Obstacle Course on Lake Hartwell, SC
This Emerald Lagoon In North Carolina Looks Like A Fairy Tale, and You’ll Never Want To Leave
Are you looking for the perfect place to tube with your family in Western North Carolina? We think that you should check out the Davidson River just outside Brevard, NC. Pick up your tube for a small fee at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest and a full day of floating fun awaits. If you’re looking to do a little summer tubing, Brevard, NC is a great place to be.
Are you a fan of the show Outer Banks? Maybe you are wondering “Where was Outer Banks filmed?” You will be surprised to find that the film location for the Netflix series is actually Charleston, SC! You don’t have to leave the state of South Carolina to visit John B.’s hideout or the other locations seen in the Netflix show Outer Banks.We went on the hunt for John B. and the wreck of the Royal Merchant, and you can reap the benefits and set off on this tour of Outer Banks filming locations.
So, if you’re wondering about the Outer Banks film location, we have everything you need, right here.
Where Was Outer Banks Filmed?
At the beginning of the 2020’s pandemic, my friend and I were simultaneously binge-watching shows. So when he suggested the Outer Banks, he said it was a teen show and didn’t seem interested. A show that combined a murder mystery with a treasure hunt in a setting that was familiar to me?
I was quickly hooked on this who-done-it! I love exploring places and going off the beaten path. These locations were a mixture of familiar and way off the beaten path (for me, at least). It didn’t take long for me to get invested in the character’s search for answers. Producers chose Charleston, South Carolina, to use a fictional town in the Outer Banks of North Carolina in response to political issues based on a house bill passed in North Carolina. Though the show wasn’t filmed in the real Outer Banks, Charleston makes for an excellent filming location because of its rich history.
If you’re planning a visit, check out our Guide to Charleston, SC, before you head out! You’ll find other fun things to do and suggestions for enjoying the city!
Season 1 of Netflix’s Outer Banks: Film Location in Charleston SC
The “Summer Winds” hotel that John B. and Pope break into in the first episode is a real hotel where you can stay. You can book room 229 at The Creek Side Lands Inn to stay in the room where filming took place. However, if you plan on escaping out the window as they did in the show, I need to warn you that the awning was never there, so you’ll need to have an alternate escape route if the bad guys come back to the room.
You can recreate Sarah and John B.’s trip to the show’s version of UNC-Chapel Hill by hopping on the Carolina Belle for a ride around the harbor. After strolling through Washington Square Park, be sure to stop at Ben Silver for some dapper outfits. Then head to the Gaillard Center, the UNC-Chapel Hill Law Library, for the show’s purposes. Sadly this means you won’t be able to go upstairs and look for the clues that lead to a treasure but don’t worry; we can tell you where to find Platt 9.
The spooky *Crain widow’s home was rumored to have needed very little done inside to it by the scenery team. It really looks like that! This might be where the similarities end, though. The home’s top floor was added in post-production, and while the home does have a crawl space, those scenes were filmed in a soundstage. *The house is occupied, and out of respect for the residents, I have removed the address for the season 2 update.
Tanney Hill Plantation, the home of “Kook Princess” Sarah Cameron, was home over 200 years ago and is now on the register of historic places. Lowndes Grove is a wedding and event venue that is right on the water. The property’s rich history spans a revolutionary war invasion, the arrival of Charleston’s World’s Fair, and a visit from President Theodore Roosevelt.
On Location in Mount Pleasant For Season 2 of Netflix’s Outer Banks
A lot of the scenes are shot by the docks, you might recognize if you’ve followed our tips for Free and Low-Cost Things To Do In Mount Pleasant. Shem Creek is a beautiful place and one we usually find ourselves at every time we visit Charleston. If you like fresh seafood and want to see the spot where dockside scenes were filmed, Geechie Seafood is the place you should head.
The restaurant that Kiara’s parents own is, in reality,The Wreck Of The Richard And Charlene. The restaurant is a seafood lover’s dream. The seafood exclusive menu includes shrimp, crab, scallops, and fish. Served with low country-style side dishes. They even have boiled peanuts!
The Kildare County Sheriff’s station and the buildings you see in later episodes where John B. is on the run occur in The Old Village Of Mount Pleasant. Pop into thePitt Street Pharmacy, the neighborhood drugstore complete with a soda fountain, for an old-fashioned root beer float, milkshake, or lunch.
Finding The Outer Banks on The Barrier Islands of Charleston, SC
If you were hoping to get all dressed up and head to “Midsummers,” you’ll need to make reservations for the Kiawah Island Golf Resort. This beautiful resort has 10 miles of private beach on one of the prettiest stretches of coastline in the state. The property includes three pools that accommodate families very well and is located next to one of the Top Ten Beach Locations in the US.
The “Boneyard” island where the Pogues and the Kooks have a keg party is actually Hunting Island. The South Carolina State Park has campsites and five miles of beach. The island is also home to the 160-year-old Hunting Island Lighthouse. It is the only lighthouse in the state that is accessible to the public. The lighthouse is where John B. and Kiara find a clue his father left behind for him.
Here’s an “easter egg” hunt for. There’s a scene with Upstate Native Actress Brook Sill; see if you can find her. [clue: she’s not a Pogue]
The location of John B’s Shack has eluded fans. However, a set designer did confirm it was on John’s Island. Unfortunately, it is only viewable by boat in a residential neighborhood in the Seccesionville Historic District of James Island. Keep reading for a way to see it!
One of the spookier filming locations for Outer Banks is…
One of the most iconic spots from the show is the old church that John B uses as a hiding place. The church is about an hour from Charleston and was my favorite location to try and find. But, I’ll tell you, it wasn’t easy. It’s located in the sleepy town of McClellanville, where if you take a wrong turn, you’ll see the evidence of alligators on the side of the road. The alligator part of the hunt was so jarring that we had to keep making u-turns to look again.
Once you discover the tucked-away location of the Old Bethel AME Church, it will have been worth it. But, unfortunately, the day we went, it was raining, that plus the wildlife we had witnessed just minutes before kept me in the car. *Please, be respectful if you do visit. After the popularity of the show brought it to the attention of social media, it got vandalized. So last year, the church boarded up the building to protect it.
Robin with Adventure Harbor Tours gave me this bonus tidbit of info recently- The pawn shop in season 1 is located on the same street as two of the restaurants I recommend below. Here’s another tip! Contact Adventure Harbor Tours if you want to see the “only accessible by boat” location of John B’s waterfront home. They conduct a seasonal Outer Banks Location Tour, and it’s the best way to see places from the water that aren’t otherwise accessible. Plus, Charleston Harbor is a beautiful place to see by boat!
There are several highly recommended spots in McClellanville to check out, and this cute town deserves an entire day of exploration, so enjoy dinner before you head out!
Season 3 released in February 2023. Though large portions of the season were filmed in Barbados, there were still a couple of noteworthy locations near Charleston where filming took place that you can visit. During season three, you will spot the Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge when John B and Big John drive across the bridge itself. The bridge is iconic, so it’s hard to miss.
If you are traveling to Charleston, SC, you may spot some very familiar scenery when visiting the Charleston Museum. The museum is the backdrop for John B. and Big John’s heist scene in season 3. While there, learn about the history of Charleston through their exhibits at “America’s First Museum”.
One of the most beautiful spots in Mt. Pleasant is featured in season 3 when JJ rides his dirtbike down the Pitt Street Bridge. The bridge is lined with palmetto trees against the marsh, so it makes a great stop while traveling to Charleston. You will also see some familiar scenery when visiting the Joe Riley Waterfront Park just over the bridge in Charleston, SC. In season 3, you see Pope and Cleo having a heartfelt conversation at the park, which is extremely popular thanks to its gorgeous pineapple fountain and waterfront views.
Old Santee Canal Park
Visit Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner, SC near Charleston, SC to visit the village in South America from Season 3.
Get Your Gear: Gifts for the Outer Banks Fan
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There’s Some Truth To The Plotline Of Netflix’s OBX!
If you think that the plot line of this show could never happen, you’re probably right.
However, fans of the show are often surprised when I tell them that The Royal Merchant was a REAL ship. The Merchant Royal was lost at sea, with a gold bounty with an estimated value in excess of 1.5 billion dollars in today’s money. Thus, making it the most valuable ship ever to be lost at sea.
AND
The captain of the 40-member crew – was a Limbrey.
The inconsistent part of the OBX plotline is the location where the ship went down. Salvage crews have searched in vain for the sunken ship for years. Then, a few years ago, a fishing vessel pulled up what is believed to be the anchor of the Merchant Royal off of the coast of Cornwall, England. The ship had been dragging its nets for several hours and claimed they had no idea when or where the anchor had originally been located.
Either way, that gold treasure won’t be washing up on the coast of the Carolinas anytime soon. Sorry.
I think it makes for an exciting vacation activity to visit the places you’ve seen on TV. Last year I covered the places you could visit in Georgia where another Netflix hit is filmed, Stranger Things.
Want to visit the real Outer Banks, NC? We have all the info on that too!
Want to visit the real Outer Banks, NC? We have all the info on that too!
Planning your summer day trips? With school out, summer is a great time for family trips. But if you don’t have the time for multi-day trips or vacations, day trips are a fantastic alternative to enjoy the season, have fun together, and spend quality time with each other.
We’ve pulled together some of our favorite summer day trip destinations here in this list, including the driving distance, admission if any, and why it’s so cool so you can plan it out for your family. We organized the list like this:
We have listed only places that are open but please double-check before you go just to make sure they are operating.
Also, we tried to make this list full of new things your family may not have done before or new ways to enjoy familiar places. We didn’t include high-traffic destinations like DuPont Forest and Sliding Rock because there are so many other wonderful locations to enjoy without being on top of each other.
If we missed a place you think should be here, tell us in the comments!
On a budget? Check out this list of cheap summer day trips that are free or less than $40 for a family of four!