No matter which time of year you choose to visit, the lowcountry beaches are always an ideal location for your road trip. From Hilton Head Island to Myrtle Beach, the South Carolina coast is full of road trip destinations you don’t want to miss out on.
Before you hit the road, let Hoover Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM help you find your perfect Dodge family vehicle to cruise along our pristine coastline. Keep reading to learn more road trip destinations in South Carolina and how we can help you get there.
Brief Overview of Dodge Vehicles
The Dodge legacy began with its founders, brothers John and Horace Dodge, in 1902 when Henry Ford offered the brothers 10% of the Ford company in order to use their parts for Ford vehicles. By 1910, John and Horace Dodge had one of the largest auto part companies in the world and had played a major role in the development of the Model-T.
In 1914, the Dodge brothers decided to resign from Ford and begin selling their own vehicles as the Dodge Brothers Company. The Dodge brothers’ first vehicle was the four-cylinder Dodge Model and as their name was already well-known in the automotive industry, they quickly built their foundation as a trustworthy company. Within five years, the brothers had made 121,000 Dodge vehicles and made 24 million dollars.
Despite the brothers passing in 1920, the Dodge name lived on and in 1922, Dodge created the first steel-body closed car. In 1928, Dodge was purchased by Walter Percy Chrysler which allowed the Dodge company to greatly grow its footprint, and the purchase made Chrysler become the third-largest automaker in the world.
In 1933, Dodge took on the iconic RAM symbol as its logo to display the strength and dependability they are known for and continued to offer throughout the 1930s and beyond. From there, Dodge became an international success, helping the U.S. during World War II by building parts, aircraft engines, and trucks.
The 1950s brought about a bold, new design for Dodge vehicles with modern chrome finishing, fins, flares, and a V8 engine. With the introduction of the V8 engine in Dodge vehicles, Dodge made its way into the racing world with the Indianapolis 500 in 1954.
In 1966, Dodge unveiled the now famous Dodge Charger, which gave Dodge a highly competitive racing vehicle with its Hemi-powered speed. The Dodge Charger influenced the introduction of more power-packed models, including the Challenger and the Coronet.
Dodge Motor Company has seen quite the evolution over the years from its introduction of Hemi-powered race cars to reliable, dependable family vehicles. No matter which Dodge model you choose, you’ll experience quality, reliability, power, and durability in every product produced with the Dodge name.
Prepping for a Beachfront Road Trip
When it comes to a road trip to any of your favorite beachfront travel spots in SC, it’s important to be prepared. Summertime heat in South Carolina doesn’t play around, so make sure your air conditioner is running properly and at full speed. Before you go, check your essential fuel levels, like your brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid, and make sure they are at least nearly full. Lastly, check the pressure in your tires to make sure they are properly inflated for better fuel economy, handling, and a smoother ride.
Before you hit the road, plan out your route and familiarize yourself with the directions. This will help you or your driver from getting distracted during the trip.
There are also a couple key trip essentials that will make sure you are prepared for anything that could happen. Buy a pre-made first aid kit or make your own kit to have with you in case of a health or safety emergency while you’re traveling. Also, pack a roadside emergency kit to keep in your vehicle. These kits can be purchased so you can make sure you have everything you need.
When you’re packing your car, pack from front to back, placing bags you won’t need until you get to your destination in the back and bags that you may need to access during the drive in the front of your trunk. Avoid piling your bags high, as this can obstruct your driver’s view of the back window.
Fun Beachfront Road Trip Spots to Hit in SC
Starting at the southernmost point in our journey of South Carolina beachfront road trip spots, Hilton Head Island is known for its family friendly appeal. The island is covered in a system of more than 200 miles of public pathways great for biking to your destination. Rent bicycles for the whole family and check out the beautiful beaches, shops, restaurants, and historic sites Hilton Head Island has to offer, including Harbour Town Lighthouse, Mitchelville Freedom Park, the first community founded by freed slaves, and Greens Shell Park, the site of a Native American farming village dating back to 1335.
Next, drive a couple hours up the coast and take in the pristine, natural beaches of Kiawah Island. One of Charleston’s barrier islands, Kiawah Island offers miles of uninterrupted beaches, picturesque marsh, and world-class golf courses. Stay a couple nights in this quiet, laid-back beach town at the Kiawah Island Sanctuary hotel and escape to an oceanfront view in one of its rooms or villas.
Continue your road trip in Charleston and head to Mount Pleasant. On the east side of the Charleston Harbor, Mount Pleasant is home to delicious seafood, stunning sunsets at Shem Creek, and the U.S.S. Yorktown. Spend a day exploring the U.S.S. Yorktown at Mount Pleasant’s Patriots Point Maritime & Naval Museum, then walk over to the Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park for a stunning view of the Charleston Harbor and Ravenel Bridge. While you’re in Mount Pleasant, easily hop over to Sullivan’s Island or Isle of Palms to catch a little beach time while you explore the Charleston coast.
From Mount Pleasant, drive north to Murrells Inlet - the seafood capital of South Carolina and home of Huntington Beach State Park. Huntington Beach State Park boasts some of the finest beaches on the South Carolina coast with its three miles of coastline. You can relax on the beach, take a walk through the park’s trails, and explore the ancient ruins of Atalaya Castle.
Once you’re back in Murrells Inlet proper, you’ll love the laid back, charming atmosphere along with its amazing restaurants and stunning MarshWalk boardwalk that sits happily in the heart of Murrells Inlet. End your evening with nightly live entertainment at any of the local eateries to round out your memorable stay.
Have More Questions About Beachfront Road Trip Destinations? Contact Your Local Hoover CDJR Summerville Today!
Before you hit the road for your coastal road trip, come find your new Dodge at Hoover CDJR - your trusted Dodge dealership in Charleston. We have a wide variety of both new and used Dodge vehicles that will be perfect for your family.
Need to make sure your Dodge is in top road trip shape? We can help you find the right Dodge parts you need to get your ride in perfect condition. Our parts center will order the parts for you and get you the genuine OEM Mopar parts you need for your Dodge in Charleston, SC.
We’re conveniently located in Summerville, SC - only a short drive away from Charleston, Moncks Corner, and Goose Creek, SC. Schedule your test drive with us today or start shopping online now!