The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Charleston, SC to Asheville, NC

A road trip from Charleston, South Carolina to Asheville, North Carolina is a great way to explore the beauty of the Southern United States. Along the way, you'll be able to see historical sites, cultural attractions, and natural wonders. The trip should take around four hours each way, with Chapin, South Carolina being the halfway point.

Top Five Things to Do

Visit the Charleston City Market

The Charleston City Market is a must-see attraction in Charleston. This historic market was built in 1804 and is the perfect place to find souvenirs, handmade crafts, and local foods. The market stretches for four city blocks and features over 300 vendors. Don't forget to try some of the classic Lowcountry dishes like shrimp and grits while you're there.

Interesting Fact: The Charleston City Market is one of the oldest public markets in the United States, and it has been in continuous operation since it was first built.

Stroll through the Historic Downtown of Charleston

The historic downtown of Charleston is one of the most picturesque and charming areas in the city. The streets are lined with colorful homes, quaint shops, and world-class restaurants. Take a walk down King Street, the city's main thoroughfare, and get a feel for the vibrant energy that makes Charleston such a beloved destination.

Interesting Fact: Charleston's historic downtown features over 2,000 historic buildings, including dozens of churches and houses that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Experience the Beauty of Asheville's Blue Ridge Mountains

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is known for its stunning vistas and breathtaking natural beauty. Take a drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic highway that stretches for over 400 miles through the mountains. Along the way, you'll be able to see stunning views of the surrounding countryside and explore the many hiking trails and camping sites.

Interesting Fact: The Blue Ridge Parkway is America's longest linear park, stretching from Virginia all the way to North Carolina.

Explore the Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate is one of the most impressive and opulent estates in the county. Built by wealthy industrialist George Vanderbilt, the estate boasts 250 rooms, a grand library, and a collection of artwork and antiques that is truly astounding. Visitors can take guided tours of the mansion, explore the lush gardens, and even taste the estate's own wines and cheeses.

Interesting Fact: The Biltmore Estate was built in the late 19th century and was one of the first homes in America to have an indoor swimming pool.

Take a Tour of the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Columbia, South Carolina. The zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world, including giraffes, elephants, and tigers. The garden features over 4,000 species of plants and is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Interesting Fact: The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is one of only a few zoos in the world to have bred koalas.

Conclusion

The road trip from Charleston, South Carolina to Asheville, North Carolina is a great way to experience the beauty and culture of the Southern United States. With stops at the Charleston City Market, the historic downtown of Charleston, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Biltmore Estate, and the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, there is plenty to see and do along the way. The trip should take around eight hours total, but the memories and experiences will last a lifetime.