Learning to drive is a thrilling rite of passage that opens up a world of possibilities and freedom. Each lesson transforms the seemingly overwhelming task of mastering the car into an adventure filled with small victories, whether it's mastering parallel parking or finally conquering a busy intersection.
Beyond the mechanics, driving offers a sense of independence, allowing individuals - especially younger drivers looking to get their license - to explore new places, create unforgettable memories, and take control of their journey in a way that only a driver's license can provide. For many modern families, however, going to an in-person driving school isn't always an option. Sometimes, they need drivers ed online, or a hybrid arrangement that bridges that gap between the two.
At Learn to Drive Academy, we specialize in both online driver's ed as well as private lessons with experienced instructors - and we're ready to help you learn about the joys of driving safely. We cater to a range of clients, including:
Online driver's education offers a flexible and convenient way for teens to complete their coursework. Instead of attending traditional in-person classes, students can access lessons and materials right from their devices. These courses are designed to be engaging, featuring fun and informative content like videos, quizzes, games, and animations that keep teens interested.
With no set hours, students can learn at their own pace. Some may choose to dive in and finish the entire course in just a few days, while others may prefer to tackle it for an hour a day, fitting it in between homework and football practice. Unlike most in-person driver's ed courses, which are typically scheduled early in the morning or right after school, online education eliminates the stress of conflicting schedules, making it a great option for busy students with limited free time.
At Learn to Drive Academy, we believe wholeheartedly that enrolling in a driver's education course has numerous advantages. Online driver's ed courses provide many of the same benefits as traditional in-person classes. Whether you have a teenager who needs to learn to drive or you've never learned yourself, there are plenty of reasons to participate in an online driver's education course. Let's explore some of the most significant advantages below.
In many instances, an online driver's education course tends to be more affordable than a traditional in-person option. By opting for an online course, you can avoid the extra costs associated with classroom space and the instructor's fees. Take some time to compare your options and see whether an online or in-person driver's ed course offers the best value for your investment. At Learn to Drive Academy, we offer a range of cost-effective driving courses online, as well as private in-person lessons and even packages where we pick up your teen for class.
Most modern families in metro Kiawah Island, SC are busier than Jasmine Porch at The Sanctuary in Kiawah Island, SC. If you're considering driver's education for your teenager or yourself, you'll likely appreciate the convenience of not having to drive them to classes. Learning from the comfort of home offers a significant advantage. You can set your own schedule without the hassle of commuting to a classroom. Anyone who has taken a driver's education course knows how challenging it can be to get around for lessons. By opting for online instruction, you can skip that struggle altogether.
Online driver's education offers the freedom to learn at your own pace. You can progress once you fully grasp the material and revisit earlier modules whenever necessary. There's no need to worry about keeping up with an instructor. Instead, you have the chance to engage with the content on your own terms. Plus, you can sidestep the distractions often found in a traditional classroom setting. It's truly an effective way to absorb information.
When it comes to driver education classes, one of the key decisions you'll need to make is whether to participate in an online course or attend in-person classes. Each option offers its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Let's dive a bit deeper into both choices to help you figure out which one suits you best.
One of the biggest deciding factors between in-person and online driver's ed courses is how flexible each option is.
Online: Online courses provide unmatched flexibility. You have the freedom to learn at your own pace, whenever it suits you, and from anywhere you choose. This aspect is especially advantageous for students juggling busy schedules or for those living far from driving schools.
In-Person: Attending in-person courses means being present at designated times and places for classes. Although this may be a bit less convenient, it offers a structured learning environment that many students may find advantageous.
Which option best suits your learning style?
Online: Online courses are perfect for self-driven learners who feel at ease with digital platforms. These courses typically feature engaging modules, videos, and quizzes that can be revisited whenever necessary.
In-Person: In-person courses provide the opportunity for face-to-face interaction with both instructors and fellow students. This setting can be particularly advantageous for those who thrive on direct engagement and appreciate receiving immediate feedback in real-time.
Engagement and interaction are usually different when comparing online and in-person driving school.
Online: Online courses often provide minimal interaction with instructors and fellow students. Although some programs include discussion forums or live chat options, the overall level of engagement tends to be lower compared to traditional in-person classes.
In-Person: Attending an in-person driving school provides students with practical experience and the chance to engage directly with instructors and peers. This format can be particularly beneficial for those who thrive on immediate feedback and enjoy learning through collaboration.
In summary, both online and in-person driver education courses come with their own advantages and disadvantages. When deciding which option is best for you, take into account your personal learning style, schedule, and budget. Whether you opt for the flexibility of online classes or the structured setting of in-person sessions, the key takeaway is to make sure you're thoroughly prepared for roads that you'll drive in the future.
As you will learn at our driving school, getting behind the wheel in South Carolina can be both a beautiful and stressful experience. On the plus side, when you get your license, you can drive to places like Heron Park Nature Center near Kiawah Island, SC for a full day of fun. On the downside, you may run into a lot of traffic on the way - and with heavy traffic comes aggressive and unsafe drivers. Obviously, you can't get behind the wheel of their car to make changes. The good news? You can always drive defensively and change the way you operate your vehicle. Here are some of our top tips to get started.
Plan out your route in advance or set your GPS to guide you in the right direction before you hit the road. Doing this will help you avoid unnecessary lane changes, sudden stops, and last-minute turns. As a result, you'll experience less frustration and create safer driving conditions for yourself and others on the road.
Before you head out, take a moment to think about all the factors that could affect your journey. Heavy traffic can really slow you down, so it's wise to set off earlier and steer clear of peak travel times. Bad weather can also make traveling riskier and less efficient. Keep this in mind by allowing for greater following distance and reducing your speed.
During drivers ed in Kiawah Island, SC, you'll learn several time-tested tips to help you drive better. This is one of the most important tips you'll discover. There's no need to ride your brakes while driving. Instead, give yourself enough time to slow down and come to a complete stop. This approach not only enhances your safety but also allows the driver behind you to notice your brake lights and react accordingly, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safer road for everyone.
When overtaking other vehicles on the highway, it's essential to maintain a generous distance as you merge back in front of them. This ensures that drivers behind won't feel pressured or overwhelmed, reducing the likelihood that they might unexpectedly hit the brakes. After successfully passing a vehicle, it's courteous and safe to move out of the left lane promptly, especially if you find your speed is significantly lower than that of the surrounding traffic.
This simple action not only allows faster vehicles the opportunity to pass but also contributes to a smoother flow of traffic overall, enhancing road safety for everyone. Always be mindful of your surroundings and adjust your position as needed to facilitate a safer driving environment.
Stay focused and alert while driving. Distractions can pose significant dangers not only to you but also to others on the road. Just sending or receiving a text message can divert your attention from the road for about five seconds. At a speed of 55 mph, that's equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
Although glancing at your phone at a stoplight might seem harmless, you might miss a signal change or an approaching hazard. Remember, your cell phone isn't the sole source of distraction in your vehicle. Anything that diverts your attention from the road takes your hands off the wheel or clouds your mind can be risky. This includes activities like eating, drinking, or fiddling with the radio. Even passengers can sometimes become a source of distraction.
You don't have to be a graduate from The College Coaches near Kiawah Island, SC, to know that car accidents happen every day. When they do, vehicle damage and injuries often occur, too. As a new driver, it's imperative that you know about these accidents and how to avoid them.
Rear-end collisions are one of the most frequent causes of auto insurance claims. Whether you are the driver who collides with a vehicle in front of you or the one who is struck from behind, these accidents can often be prevented.
Tips to avoid these accidents:
Single-vehicle accidents include crashes involving road barriers, debris, or animals, as well as rollovers and incidents that occur when driving off-road. Fortunately, there are straightforward ways to help prevent these types of accidents.
A frequent cause of auto damage is when a parked vehicle gets hit by another car. Whether you're leaving your car in a parking lot or along the street, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of collisions and potential claims. Here are some helpful tips to consider:
At Learn to Drive Academy, our goal is to help students cultivate and uphold safe driving habits while mastering the principles of defensive driving. We place a strong focus on the risks associated with distracted and impaired driving, highlighting the importance of staying attentive behind the wheel. We offer both online driver's ed, in-person classes, and special packages for new drivers and teens.
Services for Teens: We offer all the state requirements needed for your teen to get their driver's license. We also offer options for additional driving lessons if needed to ensure they have mastered the skills needed to be a safe and confident driver.
Services for Adults: Whether you're getting behind the wheel for the first time or seeking to enhance your driving abilities, our lessons are designed to meet you where you are and help you reach your goals.
All training is carried out by skilled, state-certified instructors who are committed to offering personalized attention and guidance. They ensure you get the support necessary for your success.
Our primary goal is to equip our students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in both the DMV written test and the DMV road test. We are licensed by the SCDMV and certified to administer the essential SCDMV road skills test, which is a key step toward obtaining your driver's license.
Ready to hit the road? We're ready to help you get started. Contact Learn to Drive Academy today. By tomorrow, you'll be one step closer to the open highway.
There's a moment at Hunting Island State Park as you're biking along the Lagoon Trail—ocean breezes and intoxicating beach vistas playing peekaboo to your left—when the sandy path turns inland and a sign points to Diamondback Rattlesnake Trail. A good idea? Yes."Yes," it turns out, sums up the best way to experience Beaufort, South Carolina, and its environs, including Hunting Island. Yes, the path less taken is an excellent idea, as is the sweet tea at Blackstone's Cafe. Spending hours strolling through The Old ...
There's a moment at Hunting Island State Park as you're biking along the Lagoon Trail—ocean breezes and intoxicating beach vistas playing peekaboo to your left—when the sandy path turns inland and a sign points to Diamondback Rattlesnake Trail. A good idea? Yes.
"Yes," it turns out, sums up the best way to experience Beaufort, South Carolina, and its environs, including Hunting Island. Yes, the path less taken is an excellent idea, as is the sweet tea at Blackstone's Cafe. Spending hours strolling through The Old Point and gazing at historic homes and even older live oaks offers endless enchantment. But with my eyes peeled for rattlers, I was (yes) relieved that the only serpentine thing I discovered was more of the winding trail along old dune ridgelines through a primordial wonderland.
Ahead, the best things to do in Beaufort, South Carolina, from local shopping to exploring the restaurant scene to appreciating the area's subdued beauty.
The trail affirms why Hunting Island, a breathtaking 25-minute drive from Beaufort, is South Carolina's most popular state park. With a dozen similar paths and 5 miles of pristine beach, this place leads you back eons in time through an untouched maritime forest with towering pines and ospreys soaring overhead as well as magnolias and saw palmettos tangled with yaupon hollies and wax myrtles in the dense understory. Here you breathe deeper and look more closely. Life slows down, and a sense of awe percolates up.
Take a seat on one of the bench swings at Beaufort's Waterfront Park. Wide and welcoming, they move back and forth in a rhythmic lullaby. You can't help relaxing, especially if you happen to catch a sunset or tune into the soft lapping of the Beaufort River against the floating dock, hearing the jingling clink of pulleys against sailboat masts—a mariner's wind chime.
Credit: Peter Frank Edwards A slice of the sweet life from Beaufort’s upscale Saltus River Grill. Credit: Peter Frank Edwards
Waterfront Park showcases the smart civic planning that makes Beaufort such a delight: The town's best vistas are protected and preserved. There are thoughtful amenities (parking, public bathrooms, an amphitheater, picnic tables, and plenty of green lawn for kids and dogs to play on). Plus it's all conveniently adjacent to an enticing array of restaurants, coffee shops, and stores along Bay Street. What better nightcap than to sit and swing a spell after enjoying grilled scallops or top-notch sushi at Saltus River Grill?
Beaufort is subdued in the best possible way. She has the same deep history and stunning architecture that her nearby sisters, Charleston and Savannah, are celebrated for, but she's fine staying slightly out of the limelight. Wise and mature, Beaufort wears her age like the badge of honor it is. Her Lowcountry aura feels elemental, with more patina and less pomp. Along Short Street at the edge of The Old Point, moss-heaped limbs cradle historic mansions. Beaufort's treescape shouts of grandeur in whatever language oaks speak. Gardens and yards aren't so much manicured as they are magical. It's easy to see why Hollywood frequently comes calling (a stairwell at The Beaufort Inn features posters from major motion pictures filmed here). Longtime resident Pat Conroy was so smitten that he wrote, "When I came to Beaufort I had struck upon a land so beautiful I had to hunt for other words."
Not far from Short Street, the First African Baptist Church, a Gothic Revival gem built by freedmen in 1865, bears witness to Beaufort's African American, Gullah, and Reconstruction-era history. "Robert Smalls was a member here. This document notes his Sunday school attendance and that he put a few cents in the offering plate," says the Rev. Alexander McBride, a jovial former marine and the church's pastor of almost 20 years, pointing to framed, yellowing pages hanging behind the sanctuary. A statue of Smalls, an enslaved crewman who heroically commandeered a Confederate ship and later served as a U.S. Congressman, is less than a mile away at Tabernacle Baptist Church, where a monument to Harriet Tubman is also planned.
Join Tabernacle Baptist Church for Worship at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays and for a prayer meeting and Bible study at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Both churches are worthy stops, along with the Penn Center, the first Southern school for formerly enslaved people, across the bridge on St. Helena Island. Each place gives a deeper insight into the region's vibrant and enduring African American and Gullah Geechee culture.
Providing an overview of Beaufort's past, Capt. Henry Brandt of Coastal Expeditions offers a boat tour that cruises through the area's Native American, Spanish, and French history; Union occupation; and a view of Camp Saxton's tabby ruins, where the Emancipation Proclamation was first read in South Carolina—all interspersed with musings on estuary ecosystems and the fecund marvels of pluff mud.
"You don't fully experience Beaufort until you see it from the water," Brandt claims. After watching dolphins curl and glide from the boat's bow and admiring the town's steeples rising in the background, I absolutely believe him.
tabernacle1863.org; 901 Craven Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29901penncenter.com; 16 Penn Center Circle East, St. Helena Island, South Carolina 29920coastalexpeditions.com
Anchorage 1770 Boutique hotel in an 18th-century mansion with fine dining at the Ribaut Social Club ; 1103 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
The Beaufort Inn Historic main inn plus several cottages clustered around a courtyard beaufortinn.com; 809 Port Republic St, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Rhett House Inn Historic Greek revival mansion that's been a favorite of movie stars rhetthouseinn.com; 1009 Craven St, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Blackstone's Café Classic diner-like options blackstonescafe.com; 205 Scott Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Red Rooster Cafe Extensive breakfast menu, whether you like it country, continental, Lowcountry, or Tex Mex facebook.com; 2045 Boundary Street, Beaufort, South Carolina, 29901
Lowcountry Produce Kitchen Locally sourced salads and sandwiches and a legendary tomato pie lowcountryproduce.com; 302 Carteret St, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Chapman's Grocer Grab-and-go items plus beer, wine, and snacksinstagram.com/chapmans_grocer_beaufort; 208 West St, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Plums Waterfront dining featuring soups, salads, and sandwiches plumsrestaurant.com; 904 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Saltus River Grill Fine dining with fresh local seafood, Southern fare, steaks, sushi, and a well-curated wine list ; 802 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Old Bull Tavern Gastropub featuring a lively bar scene and a lamb shank that does not disappoint oldbulltavern.com; 205 West Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Breakwater Restaurant and Bar Seafood, steaks, and seasonal dishes with Southern flair breakwatersc.com; 203 Carteret Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Paninis on the Waterfront Stone-baked pizzas, paninis, seafood, and pastas paninisonthewaterfront.com; 926 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Wren Bistro & BarModern-American food with low country hospitalitywrenbeaufort.com; 210 Carteret St., Beaufort, SC 29902
Cabana22 Coastal-chic boutique cabana22.com; 819 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
The Chocolate Tree Confections such as fudge, truffles, and peanut brittle facebook.com; 507 Carteret Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
The Beaufort Candy Shop Classic candies and sweet treats of every kind; 103 West Street Extension, Beaufort, South Carolina 29906
Lisa Rivers Fine Art Gullah-inspired art, prints, and gifts lisariversart.com; 917c Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Cassandra Gillens Art / Gullah Art in De Woods Paintings, posters, and gifts; 711 Bladen Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29906
Good Aura Sustainable clothing and jewelry boutique shopgoodaura.com; 221 West Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Monkey's Uncle Toys, fun, and games for children of all ages monkeysuncletoys.com; 909 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Hunting Island; St. Phillips Island; southcarolinaparks.comPat Conroy Literary Center; Coastal Expeditions; Reconstruction Era National Historic Park; nps.gov/reerSpanish Moss Trail; Craven Street en route to The Old Point to explore historic neighborhoods
Condé Nast Traveler editorial staff were not involved with the creation of this content.Before the island awakens, the gentle roar of the Atlantic Ocean steadies its harmony along the shoreline. The rustle of pampas grass drifts through the air, blending seamlessly with the cool serenity of the misty ocean breeze. Sunlight quietly warms the world-class fairways and meandering waterways, while ospreys eye up the salt marshes, anticipating their morning catch.This is Kiawah Island at its most intimate. A paradise where the...
Condé Nast Traveler editorial staff were not involved with the creation of this content.
Before the island awakens, the gentle roar of the Atlantic Ocean steadies its harmony along the shoreline. The rustle of pampas grass drifts through the air, blending seamlessly with the cool serenity of the misty ocean breeze. Sunlight quietly warms the world-class fairways and meandering waterways, while ospreys eye up the salt marshes, anticipating their morning catch.
This is Kiawah Island at its most intimate. A paradise where the day begins not with noise, but with possibility.
Approximately 21 miles from Charleston, the unspoiled, private island is where nature, sport, and luxury intertwine. Experiences range from spa treatments, tennis, fine dining, and pickleball to naturalist tours, kayaking, and championship golf. It’s more than a destination. It’s an oasis of Southern hospitality, sun-warmed paths, and towering palms that stir the senses—and make you feel worlds away.
A leisurely drive under canopies of Spanish moss-draped live oaks leads to the entrance of The Sanctuary, the property’s acclaimed crown jewel. Enveloped with subtropical surroundings, this aptly named haven is bestowed with South Carolina’s only Forbes Triple Five-Star rating for dining, accommodations, and spa. The reasons why are apparent.
Sincere welcomes are a constant here. As is a serenade of rolling surf, pristine sands, and far-reaching landscapes, all framed by expansive windows. This is where the journey begins. The unplugging. The clarity. The serenity.
Inside The Sanctuary, grand staircases positioned at either side of the lobby lead the way to world-class accommodations anchored by 255 exquisite guest rooms and suites. Décor throughout is refined without sacrificing Southern charm. Luxe amenities create an environment that is both exceptional and endearing—whether traveling solo or with family.
The botanical solitude of the Forbes Five-Star spa is a source of endless bliss. Think trickling water fountains, the calming aroma of essential oils, detoxifying mineral-based massages, and holistic facials. Expect no pretense. Just pure, award-winning renewal and rejuvenation.
Seven resorts across the Palmetto State have been ranked among the top 20 in the South by the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.From oceanfront escapes to serene Lowcountry retreats, these South Carolina resorts made the ranks for their hospitality, scenery and world-class amenities — with more locations on the list than any other southern state.There were 757,109 travelers who participated in the 38th annual survey, casting votes between April 1 and June 30, 2025. Results are based on a five-po...
Seven resorts across the Palmetto State have been ranked among the top 20 in the South by the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
From oceanfront escapes to serene Lowcountry retreats, these South Carolina resorts made the ranks for their hospitality, scenery and world-class amenities — with more locations on the list than any other southern state.
There were 757,109 travelers who participated in the 38th annual survey, casting votes between April 1 and June 30, 2025. Results are based on a five-point scale and averaged to a percentage to determine final scores. The awards recognize excellence across a wide range of travel categories, including hotels, resorts, cities, and airports.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family-friendly vacation, where you stay matters just as much as where you go.
Here are the South Carolina resort destinations that made the ranks and how each location scored.
This oceanfront resort blends luxury with Lowcountry charm, offering pristine beaches, world-class golf and spa experiences all nestled within a barrier island setting.
Located just outside Charleston, Wild Dunes offers a relaxing beach atmosphere and easy access to historic charm, complete with golf courses, bike trails, and upscale accommodations.
Set along the Atlantic Ocean, just steps away from the beach, this resort features oceanfront dining, three pools, and a full-service spa, making it a top pick for both relaxation and recreation.
This boutique waterfront resort combines coastal elegance with Southern hospitality, all just a short drive from the city.
Famous for its iconic red-and-white lighthouse and scenic bike trails, Sea Pines offers an immersive experience in nature, golf, and coastal living on Hilton Head’s southern tip.
With spacious suites, beachfront access, golf, trails, and tennis courts, this resort provides a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere ideal for both couples and families.
Tucked between Hilton Head and Savannah, Montage Palmetto Bluff delivers Southern charm and luxury with a rustic twist in its moss-draped oaks, gourmet dining and homes on the water.
The other top resorts in this ranking by Condé Nast readers include:
The Sanderling Resort in Duck, North Carolina
The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia
The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, West Virginia
The Swag in Waynesville, North Carolina
The Cloister at Sea Island in Sea Island, Georgia
Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee
The Tides Inn in Irvington, Virginia
The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina
Blackberry Mountain in Walland, Tennessee
The Horse Shoe Farm in Hendersonville, North Carolina
The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa in Savannah, Georgia
The Lodge at Primland, Auberge Collection in Meadows of Dan, Virginia
Condé Nast states that the Readers’ Choice Awards survey is administered via a secure platform from cntraveler.com and includes a range of criteria relevant to each category.
Categories range from cities, resorts, hotels, and more. For a candidate to be voted on in a respective category, it must meet a minimum number of responses and achieve a qualifying rating to be eligible.
Results are based on a five-point scale and averaged to a percentage to determine final scores.
The rankings aim to highlight places and experiences that travelers value most and serve as a guide for future travel planning.
To view the full list of top resorts in the South and other awards from Condé Nast readers, click here.