S-13 Scenic Byway — South Carolina

Wind through the heart of South Carolina on the S-13 Scenic Byway, a state-designated route that showcases the Palmetto State’s quiet beauty at every turn. This drive carries you past rolling farmland, sun-dappled hardwood forests, and the kind of unhurried small-town charm that makes the South so magnetic.

Watch for historic churches set back from the road, their white steeples rising above canopies of live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Roadside produce stands and family farms dot the corridor, offering a taste of local flavor. Keep your eyes open for wildlife — herons wading in roadside creeks, hawks circling overhead, and deer grazing at the tree line during golden hour.

Pull over at scenic overlooks to stretch your legs and take in wide pastoral views that feel like stepping back in time. Small communities along the route welcome visitors with local eateries and antique shops worth a detour.

The best time to drive is spring, when dogwoods and azaleas paint the landscape in pink and white, or autumn, when warm golds light up the hardwood corridors. Allow a leisurely half-day to soak in every mile of this rewarding drive.

Explore Nearby

• Woods Bay State Park — State Park in South Carolina
• Table Rock State Park — State Park in South Carolina
• Sumter National Forest — National Forest in South Carolina
• Francis Marion National Forest — National Forest in South Carolina
• Swamp Meadow Bridge — Covered Bridge in South Carolina