Food destinations within easy reach of Charleston. worth the train, the rental car or the early start.

Worth the trip

Beaufort (Lowcountry waterfront) ★ 4.5

1 hr 15 min by car (70 miles south)US 17 south to Gardens Corner, then US 21 to downtown Beaufort. No train; drive only.

Famous for: Shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, the Foolish Frog, Saltus River Grill on Bay Street

Beaufort is the older, quieter Lowcountry sister to Charleston, a walkable Bay Street downtown lined with 150-year-old homes. Saltus River Grill.

Beaufort (Lowcountry waterfront)

Edisto Island and Edisto Beach ★ 4.3

1 hr by car (45 miles south)US 17 south to Hollywood, then SC 174 across the marshes onto Edisto. The drive is part of the trip.

Famous for: Whole-hog BBQ at Po Pigs Bo-B-Q, fried flounder and shrimp and grits at the SeaCow Eatery

Edisto Island runs slower than Folly or Sullivans, 45 miles south of Charleston through a marsh-and-oak landscape. Booking recommended. Reservations advised.

Edisto Island and Edisto Beach

Folly Beach ★ 4.6

20 min by car (10 miles south)Folly Road (SC 171) straight from downtown, parking on Center Street or the county lot at the pier.

Famous for: Steamed oysters and Frogmore stew at Bowens Island, Asian and Indian inspired plates at Jack of Cups Saloon

Folly Beach is the funky Charleston beach town 10 miles south of the peninsula, a 1,000-foot pier and a Center Street strip. Booking recommended.

Folly Beach

Awendaw and McClellanville (Hwy 17 North) ★ 4.5

30 min by car (15 miles north of Mount Pleasant)US 17 north from Mount Pleasant through the Francis Marion National Forest.

Famous for: Fried shrimp, fried flounder and SeeWee-style grilled seafood at SeeWee Restaurant

Awendaw sits in the marsh and forest 15 miles north of Mount Pleasant. Booking recommended. Reservations advised. A neighbourhood favourite.

Awendaw and McClellanville (Hwy 17 North)

Summerville (historic district) ★ 4.0

35 min by car (24 miles northwest)I-26 west to exit 199A, then US 17A into the historic district.

Famous for: Sustainable Lowcountry plates at Five Loaves, Southern classics at Oscar's

Summerville is the pre-Civil War tea town 24 miles northwest of Charleston, oak-shaded streets and azaleas. Booking recommended. Reservations advised.

Summerville (historic district)

Savannah, Georgia ★ 4.7

2 hr by car (108 miles south)I-95 south to exit 99, then US 17 into the historic district. Greyhound and Amtrak (Yemassee, then taxi) also possible.

Famous for: James Beard-winning Mashama Bailey at The Grey, Husk Savannah on Oglethorpe Street

Savannah sits two hours south of Charleston, an 1820s grid of squares and live oaks. Booking recommended. Reservations advised. Cash and card accepted.

Savannah, Georgia
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