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

Are you looking to take a road trip down to Bluffton, South Carolina from Alexandria, Virginia? This drive offers an abundance of beautiful scenery and interesting pit stops. In this blog post, we will highlight the top places to see when making the journey from Alexandria to Bluffton.

Before we dive into our list, it's important to note that the trip from Alexandria to Bluffton is approximately 10-hours, so we suggest breaking up the drive with over-night stays. This will allow for a more leisurely and enjoyable experience.

Historic Richmond

As you make your way down I-95 from Alexandria, Virginia make a stopover in Richmond, Virginia. This charming and historic city is home to the beautiful Virginia State Capitol building, unique shops, and trendy eateries.

One of the top attractions in the city is the American Civil War Museum. This museum offers an extensive display of Civil War exhibits, artifacts and educational programs. Other notable places to explore include the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and the Hollywood Cemetery.

Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge

As you cross the state border from North Carolina to South Carolina, make a stop at the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge. The park spans over 46,000 acres and showcases beautiful longleaf pine forests and sandhills.

The park is home to numerous rare wildlife species such as red-cockaded woodpeckers, eastern indigo snakes, and vibrant pitcher plants. This makes it an excellent spot for bird watching and nature walks.

Congaree National Park

The next spot on our list is the Congaree National Park in Hopkins, South Carolina. The park is home to some magnificent flora and fauna including 130 species of trees, 180 bird species, and 57 species of reptiles and amphibians.

Choose from several hiking trails, including the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop trail and experience the beauty of flooded forests and old-growth trees. There are many opportunities for camping in the park, so come prepared for a night under the stars.

University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina is located in the heart of Columbia, South Carolina. This beautiful campus is worth adding to your list of spots to see when driving into South Carolina.

The university is host to numerous art exhibitions, concerts, and sporting events, so be sure to check out what’s on before visiting. The university is also home to a variety of collegiate sports teams, so be prepared to show some team spirit if there is a game on.

Historic Charleston

The final spot on our list of top places to see when driving from Alexandria, Virginia to Bluffton, South Carolina, is Historic Charleston, South Carolina. This city is home to notable buildings, quaint shops, and incredible dining spots.

Take a guided walking tour through the historic district and learn about the city's rich history, or take a stroll through the gardens of the South Carolina Historical Society Museum. Charleston is also known for its world-famous food scene, so be sure to grab a meal from one of the many seafood spots in the city.

Conclusion

As you can see, the drive from Alexandria, Virginia to Bluffton, South Carolina offers an incredible variety of natural and cultural experiences. Be sure to factor in over-night stays to make the most of this journey. From Richmond's historic city attractions to Charleston's savory seafood, the stops on this itinerary are sure to make for an unforgettable experience. Safe travels!