Exploring South Carolina by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Nestled along the coast about 20 minutes northeast of Charleston, the historic town of Mount Pleasant offers a charming gateway to exploring South Carolina by water. From Shem Creek, visitors can embark on scenic boat tours that weave through the calm estuaries and salt marshes of the area. These guided excursions showcase playful bottlenose dolphins, osprey nests, and the intricate network of tidal creeks that sustain the Lowcountry’s rich ecosystem. The boat rides are especially magical in the golden hours of late afternoon when the setting sun casts warm hues over the marsh grass and historic waterfront homes. This maritime journey gives travelers a refreshing perspective on South Carolina’s coastal heritage, blending nature and culture in one serene experience.
Heading inland about 90 miles northwest of Columbia, the Congaree National Park provides an entirely different way to engage with the natural world. While the park’s dense hardwood forest is renowned for its hiking and canoeing opportunities, it also offers a unique vantage point from the water. Paddling the park’s winding Cedar Creek immerses visitors in one of the tallest deciduous forests in the U.S., where ancient bald cypress and tupelo trees tower overhead. A canoe trip here is peaceful and invigorating, gliding beneath a canopy alive with the calls of pileated woodpeckers and barred owls. Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the floodplain’s lush greenery is in full bloom and the water level supports smooth paddling. The natural cathedral of Congaree feels removed from time, a striking contrast to the urban bustle of nearby Columbia.
Not far from Congaree, in the city of Columbia itself, the South Carolina State Museum offers a grounded, indoor journey through the state’s rich history of innovation and transportation. Among its many exhibits, the transportation gallery features an impressive collection of historic locomotives and railcar models that tell the story of South Carolina’s role in the expansion of the American railway system. Visitors can walk through a vintage train car and experience what rail travel was like in the early 20th century. The museum’s blend of natural history and technological progress frames the railroad not just as a mode of transport but as a catalyst for the state’s economic and cultural development. Year-round, this museum is a great stop for families and history buffs looking to connect with the roots of South Carolina’s rail legacy.
Further south, about 30 miles from Savannah, the Savannah Riverboat Cruises offer another waterborne exploration at the border of South Carolina and Georgia. Departing from the charming riverfront city of Hilton Head Island, these tours allow travelers to see the intricate network of waterways while learning about the region’s maritime history. The boat’s deck is perfectly suited for spotting flocks of migrating birds or the occasional manatee basking near the riverbanks. Twilight cruises add a romantic dimension as the sun dips low, painting the sky with pastel streaks over the marshlands. This experience perfectly captures the slow, easy rhythms of the Lowcountry’s coastal culture.
To experience South Carolina from a completely different vantage point, a hot air balloon ride over the rolling foothills near Greenville, about 10 miles west of the city center, reveals a patchwork of farmland, forests, and winding rivers. Sunrise is the prime time to ascend, as the early light softens the landscape and creates a spectacular panorama of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. Balloon rides here often drift over the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a beloved Greenville greenway that links the city to its natural surroundings with over 20 miles of trail. Floating silently above this area offers a peaceful escape and an exhilarating way to appreciate the state’s topographical diversity. The gentle breeze and expansive views make this a memorable adventure for any visitor craving a bird’s-eye perspective.
In Beaufort, about 60 miles south of Savannah, the Port Royal Sound provides another exceptional setting for water exploration. Kayaking through its sheltered bays and tidal creeks, paddlers encounter historic plantations, rare salt marsh habitats, and an abundance of wildlife including pelicans, herons, and the occasional alligator. The nearby Hunting Island State Park is a favorite launch point, known for its pristine beaches and the iconic Hunting Island Lighthouse. Kayaking here at dawn offers a quiet communion with nature, away from the crowds and amid the soothing sound of water lapping against the marsh grasses. The saltwater environment and well-preserved historic sites make this a uniquely layered journey through South Carolina’s coastal past and present.
Returning to rail travel, the historic town of Walhalla in the northwest corner of the state, about 50 miles from Greenville, is home to the Oconee Heritage Center, which celebrates the region’s railroad and industrial legacy. Nearby, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers seasonal excursions that trace the route along the Tugaloo River valley. The train winds through picturesque mountain landscapes and past historic mill towns, immersing riders in the story of Appalachia’s cultural and economic roots. Fall is an especially popular time to ride for the striking foliage views as the deciduous forest explodes in reds and golds. This trip blends the nostalgic charm of historic rail travel with the natural beauty of South Carolina’s upcountry, providing an authentic sense of place and history.
Each of these travel modes—train, boat, and hot air balloon—unveil distinctive facets of South Carolina’s diverse geography and heritage. Whether gliding through coastal marshes, traversing mountain trails from above, or rolling along historic rails, visitors find countless ways to connect with the state’s landscapes and stories. These experiences invite exploration beyond the usual highways, revealing a South Carolina rich with adventure and discovery at every turn.