Are you looking for day trip ideas near the Columbia, South Carolina area?
You have found our official Kidding Around Day Trip Headquarters! We have compiled our ever-expansive list of day trip offerings to one page, where you can easily find your desired trip, fuel your wanderlust, and still have the kiddos back by bedtime! Happy adventuring!
This article includes:
South Carolina Day Trips
Upstate, SC Day Trip Destinations
Midlands Day Trips
Charleston, SC Day Trips
North Carolina Day Trips
Day Trips in Western North Carolina
Charlotte, NC Day Trip Ideas
Georgia Day Trips Ideas
Educational Day Trips
Day Trips by Season
Holiday Day Trips
South Carolina Day Trips
Looking for a day trip in South Carolina? Start with our South Carolina Day Trips list or view all our SC day trip content by city below!
Near the Midlands Day Trips
Midlands-area day trips range from about 30 to 100 miles from Columbia — a quick 30-minute drive to Lake Murray or up to 1.5 hours out to Summerville.
Head to Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter, SC for a totally free day trip. Learn about all 8 species of swan, picnic, play at the playground with the old-fashioned fire truck, and enjoy the paths through the gardens.
The Button Museum
If you’re near Bishopville, SC, pop into this quirky and free museum: The Button Museum. It’s probably the only place you’ll ever see a button-bedazzled toilet.
Summerville, SC Bee City Zoo
Visit the interactive Bee City Zoo, where you can feed animals, hold an alligator, go on safari, and much, much more!
Dreher Island State Park
Just 30 miles from Columbia, Dreher Island State Park on Lake Murray is a beautiful family day trip for fishing, kayaking, hiking, and lakeside picnicking. Read our full guide to Dreher Island State Park.
Aiken, SC Day Trip
About an hour west of Columbia, Aiken is a classic South Carolina day trip — think horse culture, Hopelands Gardens, Aiken State Park, and more than 10 things to do with the whole family. See our full Aiken Day Trip Guide.
SC State Parks Near Columbia
Our ultimate guide to family-friendly SC state parks within easy reach of Columbia — covering amenities, hidden gems, camping options, and insider tips for each park. Explore SC State Parks near Columbia.
Charleston, SC Day Trips
Visiting Charleston for the day? Kicking off our list is this Charleston Day Trip Like a Local guide. It’s from local mom, Rebecca, and its full of secret spots the locals go and bring their guests.
About 115 miles from Columbia (approximately 2 hours), Charleston is perfect for a day trip filled with history, the beach, or a water adventure. The South Carolina Aquarium, Children’s Museum, and the beaches make this dreamy destination a hit any time of year. Or, check out some of these favorite places in Charleston, SC to spend the day.
Upstate, SC Day Trips
Want to head to the Upstate? There’s so much to do, not very far from home at all! Most Upstate SC destinations are approximately 35–105 miles from Columbia (about 40 minutes to 1.5 hours).
- Newberry, SC: Historic Newberry, SC: “Most Charming Small Town”
- Camden, SC: Learn about the Revolutionary War in Camden, SC
- Rock Hill, SC: Sunshine On A Cloudy Day! Sunflower Fields At Daper Wildlife Area Just South Of Rock Hill
- York County: Visit York County
Explore some Upstate towns:
- Greer, SC: The Ultimate Visitors and Locals Guide To Greer, SC
- Landrum, SC: Discover Fabulous Food and Things to Do When You Spend the Day in Landrum, SC
- Pickens, SC: Spend A Fabulous Day In Pickens, SC
- Simpsonville, SC: Spend The Day In Simpsonville, SC
- Travelers Rest, SC: Day Trip to Travelers Rest, SC: Things to Do, Where to Eat, and Everything Fabulous About TR
North Carolina Day Trips
Western North Carolina Day Trips
Venturing a little further? Western North Carolina is approximately 170–210 miles from Columbia (2.5–3 hours), but the mountain scenery is absolutely worth it! You need to check out our Western North Carolina Day Trip Guide! The mountain views are SO stunning…especially if you plan a trip in the fall! Peep those leaves while you’re at it!
This trip is one of our reader favorites! You do not want to miss this Driving Tour: Stunning Waterfalls in NC That Involve No Hiking
But WNC is a great place for a day trip any time of year. Don’t miss the “Secret Season” in Western North Carolina for Budget-Friendly Family Adventures
Here are some destinations that make great day trips in the Western North Carolina area:
Day Trips in Asheville, NC:
- Guide to Asheville, NC: Things to Do and Where to Eat
- Your Guide to The Biltmore: 10 Things You Must Do
- Braving The Biltmore With Kids
- Mountain Play Lodge
- North Carolina Arboretum
- Snow Tubing At Wolf Ridge
- Western North Carolina Nature Center
- Zen Tubing: Float Down The French Broad River
Day Trips in Brevard, NC:
- A Little Bit of Heaven in Pisgah Forest at Pilot Cove
- Beauty In Brevard, NC
- Hike With Llamas at Earthshine Lodge
- Tubing on Davidson River In Brevard
Day Trips in Cashiers, NC:
Flat Rock, NC Day Trips:
Things to Do in Hendersonville, NC:
- Spend a Day Exploring Hendersonville, NC
- Team Ecco Aquarium
- Jeter Mountain Farm
- Free Things to Do in Hendersonville (there are a lot!!)
- Black Bear Snow Tubing (even in the Fall!)
Visit Linville, NC:
Rutherfordton, NC:
Waynesville, NC:
Charlotte, NC Area Day Trips
About 95 miles from Columbia (approximately 1.5 hours), Charlotte is the perfect day trip destination. The charming city is lively, with a fun downtown area equipped with great restaurants and shopping! Added bonus: there is no shortage of activities in the Queen City for both adults and kiddos alike! Check out our list below:
- Visit Carowinds Amusement Park!
- The Ultimate Guide To Fun With Kids In The Queen City: Charlotte, NC
- Great Things To Do In Gastonia, NC
- Hang Out With Raptors At The Carolina Raptor Center
- 10 Things To Do With Kids In Concord
Georgia Day Trips
Atlanta is approximately 215 miles from Columbia (about 3 hours) — World of Coca Cola, The Atlanta Zoo, The Georgia Aquarium, Stone Mountain, Fernbank, the World Series Champs, the list goes on! Is there anything Atlanta doesn’t have? We have even included surrounding suburban and North Georgia areas that are jam-packed with options to make your day trip just peachy!
- 10+ Fun Things To Do With Kids In Alpharetta
- Atlanta’s Lego Land Is a Must See!
- Atlanta: Educational Sites For Learning The Black History Of Atlanta
- Blairsville , GA Day Trip
- Decatur, GA Day Trip
- The Dillard House
- Dunwoody, GA: A Hidden Gem
- The Georgia Aquarium
- Helen, GA Day Trip
- Lions & Tigers & Bears, Oh My! Welcome to Zoo Atlanta
- Six Flags Over Georgia
- Unicoi State Park
- World Of Coca Cola
Educational Day Trips
Learn On The Road Any Day, Any Time!
Check out these awesome educational day trip ideas near Upstate, SC that are great for kiddos who are not yet in school, and perfect for our homeschooling families! We’ve compiled great options throughout Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee!
- 10 Ways To Have Fun With The Family Without Breaking the Bank
- Zoos, Nature Centers And Aquariums Within 2.5 Hours From Greenville
- Educational Adventures All Over The Carolinas
- South Carolina Central: This Statewide Guide Has A Little Bit Of Everything!
- Homeschool Days At Dollywood
- Easy Day Trips From The Upstate: SC, NC, And GA
- Elk At The Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee, NC
- Fishy Fun At Walhalla Fish Hatchery
- Top 10 Terrific Day Trips For Teens
- Holmes Educational State Forest: Check Out This Living Outdoor Classroom in Hendersonville, NC!
- Educational Trip To Charleston, SC
- SC State Parks
- North Carolina Arboretum
- Schiele Museum of Natural History In Gastonia, NC
- History Lesson: Explore The Revolutionary War In Camden, SC
Day Trips By The Seasons
Winter Day Trips
Brrr! Baby, it’s cold outside! Enjoy the great outdoors and discover the magic in the mountains!
Spring Day Trips
Spring has sprung, and what better time to get outside?! Check out these 26+ Fun Spring Day Trips full of all the best picnic, hiking, and gardens throughout the Carolinas!
Summer Day Trips
Summer, Summer, Summertime! Summer is a state of mind, so when all else fails…take a little vacay! Here’s our HUGE list of Awesome Summer Day Trips to get you started. Or, check out some of these favorites:
- 13 Sandy Beaches In The Mountains That Are Perfect For Summer
- Lake Lure
- Lake Jocassee
- Turn Your Date Night Into A Date Day Trip! Greenville, Columbia, Charlotte, Asheville, And More!
- Canoe at Congaree National Park
- Cool River Tubing In Helen, GA
- Sapphire Valley Waterfalls In Cashiers, NC
- Tube All Day For Less Than $30! Deep Creek In Bryson City, NC
- Midnight Hole Lagoon In NC
- Best Beaches In South Carolina
Fall Day Trips
Happy Fall, Y’all! For so many of us, this begins our favorite time of the year! Between apple picking, pumpkin patches, farm trips and the cooler temps, we’re big fans of fall because it is a truly happy time of year to venture out and about! Our Fall Day Trip Guide is full of great ideas. Or, just pick one of these fall favorites.
Holiday Day Trips
‘Tis the Season for holiday day trip guides! From the start of Spooky Season all the way to Christmas, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year!
Boo! Our spooky day trips will put a spell on you! Click below to see why we’re so glad we live in a world where there are Octobers, because this post includes all of the happy hauntings that the Carolinas have to offer!
Christmas in the Carolinas and Beyond! Click below for all of the merriment you can muster while you make memories in Western North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and the Upstate of South Carolina.
- Annual Christmas Parade In Cashiers, NC
- Holiday Day Trips From The Upstate
- Dreamy Light Display In Asheville
- Christmas At The Biltmore
- Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland Light Display At Tryon International Equestrian Center
- Christmas Celebration At Stone Mountain, GA
- Head to The North Pole On The Polar Express in Spencer, NC
- Great Smoky Mountain Railroad Polar Express
- Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Lights