Points of Interest between Alexandria, Virginia to Charleston, South Carolina

picture of Alexandria, Virginia

Top Places to See When Driving From Alexandria, Virginia to Charleston, South Carolina

Planning a road trip from Alexandria, Virginia to Charleston, South Carolina? Buckle up and get ready for a scenic drive that will take you through charming small towns, historic landmarks, and beautiful natural surroundings. With a distance of approximately 620 miles, you'll want to make the most of your journey down the East Coast. In this blog post, we'll highlight some of the top places to see on your road trip from Virginia to South Carolina.

Exploring Alexandria and the Surrounding Area

Before hitting the road, spend some time exploring Alexandria and the nearby area. Located just a few miles south of Washington, D.C., Alexandria is a historic city with a vibrant downtown filled with restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. Here are a few places to check out before you depart:

  1. Old Town Alexandria - Take a stroll through the streets of Old Town Alexandria, where you'll find cobblestone alleys, historic homes, and boutiques. Stop at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a former naval munitions factory that now houses artist studios and galleries, or visit Gadsby's Tavern Museum, a well-preserved 18th-century tavern that once hosted George Washington.

  2. Mount Vernon - Located just a few miles south of Alexandria, Mount Vernon is the historic home of George Washington. Take a tour of the mansion, stroll through the gardens, and visit the museum to learn more about Washington's life and legacy.

The Best Places to Stop on Your Road Trip

Now, let's move on to the main event – your road trip from Alexandria to Charleston. Here are some of the best places to stop along the way:

Williamsburg, Virginia

Located about an hour's drive east of Richmond, Williamsburg is a living history museum where you can step back in time to the colonial era. The town was the capital of Virginia in the 18th century and played an important role in the American Revolution. Today, you can tour historic buildings, watch reenactments, and learn about life in colonial Virginia. Some must-see attractions include:

  1. Colonial Williamsburg - This living history museum covers more than 300 acres and features dozens of historic buildings, including the Governor's Palace, the Capitol Building, and the Peyton Randolph House. You can take guided tours, watch reenactments, and participate in hands-on activities.

  2. Jamestown Settlement - Just a few miles outside of Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement is a museum that chronicles the early years of English settlement in America. You can tour recreated ships like the Susan Constant, see a replica Native American village, and explore the museum's impressive collection of artifacts.

Beaufort, South Carolina

Located about an hour south of Charleston, Beaufort is a charming coastal town known for its antebellum architecture and stunning natural surroundings. It was also the filming location for several famous movies, including "Forrest Gump" and "The Big Chill." Here are some places to visit in Beaufort:

  1. The Spanish Moss Trail - This 10-mile-long trail runs through Beaufort and offers beautiful views of salt marshes, wetlands, and forests. You can walk, run, or bike along the trail, which is built on a former railroad bed.

  2. Historic Downtown Beaufort - Take a walking tour of Downtown Beaufort to see its well-preserved antebellum homes, charming shops, and excellent restaurants. Don't miss the John Mark Verdier House Museum, a restored Federal-style mansion that was built in the 1790s.

Conclusion

From historic landmarks to beautiful natural scenery, this road trip from Alexandria to Charleston offers plenty of sights to see along the way. Whether you're interested in colonial history, coastal charm, or simply exploring new places, there's something for everyone on this journey down the East Coast. So hop in the car and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!