One of the best parts about moving to South Carolina is its central location. Within a few hours, you can be in the mountains, the city, or at the coast. Whether you’re a transplant looking to explore your new backyard or a long-time resident looking for weekend getaway ideas, here are our favorite road trip destinations from the Anderson/Upstate area.

Murrells Inlet / Myrtle Beach (The Classic Coast)

Category	Why You Should Go	Must-Sees & Things to Do
Vibe	Coastal Fun & Family Entertainment. This is the classic vacation spot, offering everything from quiet marsh views to bustling boardwalk activities.	Murrells Inlet MarshWalk: A picturesque wooden boardwalk over the marsh with waterfront dining and live music. The Boardwalk: Arcades, amusement rides, and famous seafood restaurants. Huntington Beach State Park: For a quieter beach day, plus excellent birdwatching and nature trails.
Why you should go	You need a long weekend of salt air, beaches, and non-stop entertainment for the family. It’s the ultimate Southern beach experience.

Atlanta, GA (The Southern Metropolis)

Category	Why You Should Go	Must-Sees & Things to Do
Vibe	Big City Buzz & Culture. Atlanta offers a welcome dose of big-city energy, incredible dining, and world-class museums that are a treat for any former WNYer missing city life.	World of Coca-Cola: An iconic, fun museum downtown. Georgia Aquarium: One of the largest and best aquariums in the world. The BeltLine: A multi-use trail built on historic railway corridors, great for walking, biking, and people-watching. Ponce City Market: A massive food hall and shopping center in a beautifully restored building.
Why you should go	You’re craving major city culture, professional sports, and high-end dining. It’s the perfect two-day urban escape.

Greenville, SC (The Local Gem)

Category	Why You Should Go	Must-Sees & Things to Do
Vibe	Vibrant Downtown & Riverwalk. Greenville is your closest dose of refined Southern charm and modern design, known for its award-winning downtown.	Falls Park on the Reedy: Walk across the famous Liberty Bridge for stunning views of the waterfall running right through the city center. Greenville Zoo: A beautiful, manageable zoo perfect for families. Main Street Dining: An abundance of incredible restaurants, many with outdoor seating along the tree-lined Main Street. Top Golf:
Why you should go	You need a quick day trip or an evening out for a special meal and beautiful scenery without spending hours in the car.

Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg, TN (The Mountain Gateway)

Category	Why You Should Go	Must-Sees & Things to Do
Vibe	Appalachian Fun & Theme Parks. This area is a mix of natural beauty (Great Smoky Mountains) and kitschy family entertainment, perfect for a long weekend getaway.	Dollywood: Dolly Parton’s theme park is a blast for all ages with thrilling rides and great Southern food. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Access to incredible hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing. Gatlinburg Strip: Tacky but fun tourist attractions, miniature golf, and souvenir shops.
Why you should go	You want a mountain vacation that offers both outdoor adventure and structured, fun activities for the whole family.

Lake Murray, SC (The Jewel of the Midlands)

Category	Why You Should Go	Must-Sees & Things to Do
Vibe	Boating, Fishing, & Relaxation. Located near Columbia, Lake Murray is one of South Carolina’s largest and most popular lakes, often called the “Jewel of the Midlands.”	Boating & Water Sports: The lake is enormous, offering endless opportunities for wakeboarding, tubing, and sailing. Lake Murray Dam: A great spot for walking, fishing, or simply enjoying the massive scale of the lake. Annual Purple Martin Migration: In summer, millions of Purple Martins roost on Bomb Island—a spectacular natural event.
Why you should go	You own a boat (or want to rent one!) and are looking for a massive freshwater experience outside of the Upstate lakes.