Exploring the Best Route From Columbia, SC to Florence, SC and What You Need to Know

 



A road trip doesn’t have to involve countless hours of driving across the country. You can take a road journey through your home state and explore the small towns and attractions that dot the countryside. So, hop in your car and get ready for a fun and exciting trip from 
Columbia, SC, to Florence, SC! There are plenty of gardens, hidden historical gems, and other unique sights on this two-hour trip! If you’re visiting the Palmetto State from the I-95 corridor, you’ll want to request access to our free Travel Guide!

Get Your I-95 Guide

Your Trip From Columbia, SC, to Florence, SC

Camden

Camden is the first stop on your Columbia, SC, to Florence, SC, road trip. It’s only a 40-minute drive, so you can spend plenty of time taking in the charming town’s rich Revolutionary War heritage. There are several museums worth checking out, like the Historic Camden Revolutionary War site that commemorates the pivotal Battle of Camden. You can also explore the Kershaw-Cornwallis House, the National Steeplechase Museum, and Goodale State Park!

Bishopville

Continue on your journey from Columbia to Florence, SC, to your next step, Bishopville. This tiny village is only 30 minutes east of Camden, but it still has a few hidden treasures. The Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden is simply stunning. Longtime Bishopville resident Pearl Fryar decided to create whimsical and beautiful works of art out of shrubs in his yard back in the 1980s and still does to this day. His extensive grounds are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The South Carolina Cotton Museum and Lee State Park are also worth a visit while you’re in town.

Hartsville

Take a short detour from your Columbia to Florence, SC, journey and stop in Hartsville. Here, you can explore the beautiful and tranquil Kalmia Gardens near Coker College, and Coker Farms National Historic Landmark. Stroll around the tree-shaded streets of downtown and grab a bite to eat for lunch at one of the many restaurants like Groucho’s Deli, a Palmetto State institution!

Darlington

Continue your detour with a trip to the famous racing grounds of Darlington Raceway. This historic racing venue packs in thousands of fans for the Bojangles Southern 500 race every Labor Day weekend in addition to several other events throughout the year. If you aren’t coming into town on a race weekend, you can stop by the Darlington Raceway Museum to learn about this important piece of professional stock car racing history.

Florence, SC, is only 20 minutes down the road from Darlington, completing your short two-hour trip from Columbia to Florence! Check out the full route itinerary here!

Book Your Stay at Abingdon Manor

Our beautiful oasis is only a 20-minute drive north of Florence and provides you with the perfect place to enjoy a weekend full of relaxation. Abingdon Manor has seven uniquely designed rooms, each with its own color scheme and full-list of luxurious amenities. You can make a reservation at our Dining Room for a night of drinks, delicious gourmet food, and an intimate atmosphere. Latta might be a small, sleepy Southern town, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of places to explore in and around the area. Florence, Marion, and Mullins offer a wide variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences, and The Village features a look into the history of Latta! Our Antique/Auctions package gives you the tools to experience the best antique stores and shops in the area (and gives you a chance to savor more of our delicious food offerings)!

So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Eastern South Carolina, today! We look forward to welcoming you to the Abingdon Manor family!

Comments