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Colleton County/Walterboro Day Trips
Option 1 – Historic Downtown
100 S Jefferies Boulevard | (843) 782-6081
The Walterboro Wildlife Center is an interpretive exhibit hall showcasing the plant and animal life in the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary and the Lowcountry. The 7,000 square foot discovery center coordinates with the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary.
Blog: Walterboro’s Newest Attraction… the Walterboro Wildlife Center
2. Self-guided tour of Historic Walterboro
Spend the morning walking under the canopy of ancient live oak tree-lines streets enjoying the beauty of this historic town. Learn about the homes and government buildings that make this town so unique.
3. Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Walterboro offers locally owned diners that serve the best of Lowcountry cuisine, as well as many nationally recognizable restaurants you already enjoy. Come to Walterboro and see what everyone is talking about.
506 E Washington Street | (843) 549-2303
Located in the Historic District of Downtown Walterboro, the museum features a permanent collection that explores the county’s history from prehistoric times to the early 1900s. The museum also has an ongoing exhibit on “Animals of the ACE,” a natural history display featuring wild animals indigenous to the South Carolina Lowcountry. The museum also features changing art collections monthly. The Colleton Farmers Market offers fresh vegetables and fruits, local honey, local crafts, plants, baked goods, prepared food, music, and much more.
5. South Carolina Artisan Center
318 Wichman Street | (843) 549-0011
The South Carolina Artisans Center is the premier travel destination in the Lowcountry for handcrafted art. Designated by our legislature as the “Official South Carolina Folk Art and Craft Center,” the retail center features the artwork of more than 300 of South Carolina’s finest, juried artists. We invite you to explore our handcrafted art from handpicked artists. See, touch, smell, taste, and shop…Representing over 200 of the State’s finest juried artists and craftsmen, demonstrations & exhibits.
Option 2 – Historic Downtown
1. The Bedon-Lucas House Museum
205 Church Street | (843) 549-9633Built in the 1820’s, this is one of Walterboro’s five remaining “high houses,” named for the structure’s high height off the ground. It is one of the key historic properties in the Walterboro Historic District. The well-preserved interior features original heart pine floors and an excellent display of antique furnishings.
2. Lunch At A Local Restaurant
Walterboro offers locally owned “diners” that offer the best of Lowcountry cuisine, and many of the nationally recognizable restaurants you already enjoy. Come to Walterboro and see what everyone is talking about.
Lowcountry Regional Airport, 537 Aviation Way
This monument commemorates the heroism of America’s first black military airmen, who enlisted during World War II. Before being sent into the action of war, these men received their final three months of training at the Walterboro Army Airfield. They learned to fly three types of aircraft that were used to escort larger planes into battle. During the war, 1,000 Tuskegee Airmen flew 1,578 missions. This monument celebrates the courage, bravery and dedication of the African-American men who fought during the war.
Option 3 – Nature Tour
1. Ernest F Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
8675 Willtown Road | (843) 889-3084
The Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge helps protect the largest undeveloped estuary along the Atlantic Coast, with rich bottomland hardwoods and fresh and saltwater marsh offering food and cover to a variety of wildlife. ACE Basin stands for the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers.
2. Bear Island Wildlife Sanctuary – picnic and observe wildlife
42 TiTi Road | (843) 844-8957
This area is considered to be one of the best birding areas in the state. Visitors can see a wide variety of rare species. The area provides quality habitat for wintering waterfowl and other wetland wildlife. Bird watchers will find threatened and endangered species such as wood storks and bald eagles. The diverse area is excellent for attracting waterfowl, wading birds, and shore birds as well. Two observation platforms and miles of dikes provide optimum wildlife viewing opportunities. The area is free and open to the general public.
Blog: Bear Island Wildlife Management Area is a Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Option 4 – Nature Tour
1. Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary
DeTreville Street | (843) 538-4353
Walterboro’s nature-based sanctuary offers visitors a Lowcountry experience combining history, culture, recreation, and education in a southern lowlands setting. A network of boardwalks, hiking, biking, and nature trails provide a perfect vantage point to observe the diversity of plants and wildlife inhabiting the black-water bottomland of Colleton County. Located within the ACE Basin, the 842-acre sanctuary features the only braided creek swamp accessible to the public. Admission is free.
2. Donnelley Wildlife Area picnic and observe wildlife
585 Donnelley Drive | (843) 844-8957
This wildlife management area is designated as an important birding area, providing vital habitat for birds. It is owned and managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. It encompasses a unique diversity of managed rice fields, forested wetlands, tidal marsh, and agricultural land. The area has two designated nature trails and miles of dirt roads for hikers and bicyclists to explore. Late winter through early spring provided optimum bird-watching opportunities. Alligators are also in abundance here. A driving tour of the area is an option for those who are mobility-impaired.
Option 5 – A day on the River
1. Canoe or Kayak Day Trip
Kayak or canoe on the longest, free-flowing black water river in the Southeast. Paddle through miles of undeveloped shoreline to observe nature at its purest. Don’t forget to bring the camera.
2. Picnic along the shore
After a day paddling along the Edisto River, relax on the shore with a picnic and enjoy the sunshine of the afternoon.
Option 6 – Colleton State Park
1. Camp
147 Wayside Lane | (843) 538-8206
The main roads at the park and in the campground are paved. Each site is packed with sand and has individual water and electrical hookups. Some sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, others up to 25 feet. The campground is convenient to restrooms with hot showers.
2. Fish
Enjoy fishing in the Edisto River for bream, redbreast, and catfish. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required. This park participates in the Tackle Loaner Program sponsored by the SC Department of Natural Resources. Rods and reels are available for loan at the park office.
3. Canoe
This park serves as the headquarters for the Edisto River canoe and kayak trail. A canoe trail between Colleton and Givhans Ferry is 21 miles by river and 15 miles by highway. Thirteen to fifteen paddling time is required for the full distance depending on current.
Option 7 – Biking in Donnelley Wildlife Area
585 Donnelley Dr, off Hwy 17, 843-844-8957
1. Boynton Nature Trail
Stop at the kiosk when entering the wildlife area or click HERE to get a map of the trails. Enjoy the morning viewing nature from a mountain bike.
2. Picnic
Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in one of the many beautiful spots in the wildlife area.
3. Backwater Trail
After lunch continue biking through the Backwater trail.
Option 8 – Wildlife Experience
100 S Jefferies Blvd, Walterboro, (843)782-6081
The Walterboro Wildlife Center is an interpretive exhibit hall showcasing the plant and animal life in the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary and the Lowcountry. The 7,000 square foot discovery center coordinates with the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary.
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