10 Most Scenic Small Towns In South Carolina For Nature Lovers
South Carolina is a cornucopia of Southern charm and friendly communities framed around stunning natural beauty. It has much to offer, whether one is looking for a road trip, weekend retreat, or a more extended stay exploring historic sites along the Liberty or Music Trails. Amid all the cultural and historic attractions, these are the ten most scenic small towns for nature lovers, capturing the views and parks in the Palmetto State.
South Carolina has a diverse topography, and visitors can enjoy natural views of coastal islands, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. These towns embody the rugged spirit and quaint charm the state is known for, and each one offers something unique, from forested grounds to unspoiled beaches. The natural scenery blends effortlessly with the historic architecture and cultural sites that reflect the best of this region, striking a harmonious chord among nature lovers and those looking for a serene destination.
Beaufort
On Port Royal Island, Beaufort is a captivating town surrounded by ocean views and uncluttered beaches. There are many vantage points around the island to explore, and some of the best are in Hunting Island State Park. The park is one of the most visited in South Carolina and home to many species, including songbirds, turtles, pelicans, ospreys, alligators, raccoons, and deer, perfect for photo opportunities. While here, do not miss a chance to explore the Hunting Island Lighthouse with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and maritime forest.
Fripp Island is a short drive from the park. It is popular among birders and features a trail that the Audubon Club maintains. After spending time in nature, walking around Beaufort will introduce you to incredible restaurants and a charming downtown area. Restaurants with water views include Foolish Frog, Lady's Island Dockside, and Q on Bay. This is one of the best destinations in South Carolina for its pleasant combination of a unique town and natural scenery.
Edisto
Scenic Edisto boasts one of the most serene beaches in the Low Country and is one of the largest barrier islands. The beach is softly developed with beach-level houses and includes 4.5 miles of pristine beachfront, providing ample shelling and shark teeth hunting opportunities. Nature tourism is a favorite pastime on the island at Edisto Beach State Park, which offers cabins and oceanfront camping, the Edisto Interpretive Center, which has exhibits and programs, and the Edisto Serpentarium, which has over 1,000 snakes, alligator pits, and other reptiles.
The town has stayed small intentionally, allowing the natural resources like the Edisto River to be the region's star. Still, several amenities in the city are suitable for an extended stay. Sea Cow Eatery and The Waterfront Restaurant provide local fare, and Club Wyndham Ocean Ridge includes lodging. This island town is perfect for nature lovers and beachcombers, and is one of the rare islands that have shunned commercial structures in preference to unadulterated beach and ocean views.
Georgetown
Historic Georgetown is the third oldest city in South Carolina's Lowcountry. The town served as a pivotal maritime port because of its location on the Intracoastal Waterway, the Atlantic Ocean, and the confluence of Winyah Bay, the Black River, Pee Dee River, Waccamaw River, and Sampit River. The historic district is reminiscent of a bygone era, and its landmark architecture blends seamlessly with its classic waterfront views, complemented by the bobbing boats in the harbor.
Anglers have plenty of choices to wet line with Kingfisher Guide Service and The Office Fishing Charters, with tackle and docking available at The Winyah Angler and Georgetown Dry Stack Marina. Unsurprisingly, seafood is king in this town, and local variations can be found at The River Room Restaurant, Stormy Seas Seafood Market, and Blue Bayou Bistro. Many breweries are interspersed between the historic sites, like Winyah Brewing Company, an exceptional way to unwind after a day on the water.
Walhalla
Designated in 1868, Walhalla is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is famous for being the home of the Issaqueena and the 50-foot Yellow Branch Falls. There are hiking trails connecting to the falls, a prime reason people visit the area. Issaqueena Falls is about a 15-minute hike for any skill level from the parking area to the 100-foot cascades of the Cane River, and it is a majestic sight to behold.
Other natural attractions include the Majestic Treehouse on Bolt Farms, a fantastic way to spend time in nature. The luxurious treehouse features a two-story deck and a treehouse connected by a swinging bridge lit by string lights. It is the ideal lodging for nature lovers. After waking up in the trees, head to Lake Keowee for a quick dip. The public access area is in High Falls County Park, which provides 46 acres of boat launches, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
Aiken
Aiken is a diverse destination named by several publications as one of the best small towns in the US for its hiking, horseback riding, and abundant wildlife. One of many premier outdoor destinations is the Carolina Bay Nature Preserve, featuring foot trails and an observation deck. A unique aspect of the park is that it highlights Carolina bays, which are not bays traditionally. Instead, they are oval or roughly circular depressions in the lower elevations of Carolina that collect water and develop communities of plants.
Henderson Heritage Preserve was acquired to protect a longleaf pine and scrub oak sandhills ecosystem featuring numerous hiking trails and wetlands for visitors. It was named in honor of a former mayor. Coker Springs is yet another can't-miss natural site that, according to archaeologists, has provided drinkable water since the prehistoric era. The area features a Greek-style spring house built in the mid-19th century that was a popular stop for stagecoach passengers en route from Abbeville to Charleston. This is a great place to spend an afternoon and immerse yourself in this historic, natural setting.
Travelers Rest
Travelers Rest is an aptly named town known for its unique shops, restaurants, and family-friendly adventures. One of TR's landmark attractions is the Swamp Rabbit Trail in one of the most bike-friendly towns. The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22-mile multi-use greenway from Main Street to Greenville. There are resting areas along the route, including gazebos, and if you haven't packed your bike, you may rent one at Sunrift Adventures.
Bicycling isn't the only adventure in TR. Ziplining and whitewater rafting are two of the most adventurous ways to visit the Upstate area. Outfitters, such as Green River Adventures, Wildwater Adventures, and the nearby Lake Jocassee Outdoor Center, provide for your every need. This town embraces its heritage and natural charms, including several dining options after a day of adventure. Downtown dining options run along the Swamp Rabbit Trails, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Stop at local favorites, Chicora Alley Firehouse Restaurant, Coastal Crust, or Shortfield's for authentic Upstate cuisine.
McClellanville
McClellanville is a small fishing village in Charleston County known for its laid-back charm and waterfront views. The town wholeheartedly embraces its commercial shrimping legacy and hosts its annual Lowcountry Shrimp Festival and Blessing of the Fleet on the first Saturday of May. The community also founded a museum to honor the early settlements of the Sewee Native Americans and the growth of the seafood industry.
This small town is bordered by the Francis Marion National Forest, providing many hiking and horseback riding opportunities, along with creeks and rivers for fishing. One of the best ways to view this tranquil area is by taking an ecotour with Coastal Expeditions. The expedition runs through Cape Romain's oceanfront wilderness, home to over 300 bird species and seven undisturbed miles of beachfront. There is much more to experience on this trip, and it is highly recommended that you visit McClellanville anytime.
Clemson
Clemson is famous for being home to Clemson University, and rightly so. However, abundant natural scenery in town adds another layer of things to do for visitors, especially when the two combine. The South Carolina Botanical Garden, presented by Clemson, is a fascinating 230-acre sanctuary that aims to re-engage people in the natural world with guided or self-guided tours.
Dense forests also surround Clemson and include a string of waterfalls, increasing in size as they get closer to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Waldrop Stone Falls, formerly Clemson Falls, is a 15-20 minute hike through Clemson's Experimental Forest leading up to one of the state's largest falls. Other falls to explore in this area are the Lower Whitewater Falls and Brasstown Falls. After a day of hiking, refuel at one of the many downtown restaurants in this college town, such as Delish Sisters on College Avenue or Rick Erwin's, for a charming night on the town.
Walterboro
Walterboro is famous for its natural setting and attractions, particularly at the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary offers one of the most complete Low Country experiences, merging history, culture, and education in a natural setting. Located in the ACE Basin, the 600-acre preserve is mere minutes from the interstate and features the largest estuarine preserve on the East Coast, and includes boardwalks, hiking, biking, and canoe trails wrapping around the blackwater bottomland.
Walterboro is affectionately called the Front Porch of the Lowcountry for its Southern hospitality, unique shops, and a walkable downtown area as interesting as the natural scenery. However, you can camp at Colleton State Park if you want an authentic outdoor excursion in the Low Country. The campsites include water and electrical hookups, and guests are encouraged to hike the 0.3-mile Cypress Swamp Nature Trail, kayak down the Blackwater Edisto River, and visit the resource center to complete their stay.
Camden
Camden is a charming small town filled with American history, charm, and natural beauty. One should not miss visiting the Camden Revolutionary War Living History Park or the Camden Battlefield. The historians and interpreters are deeply passionate about making history come alive for visitors, and the battlefield provides a way to enjoy the natural setting while learning about an integral part of history.
Other outdoor attractions include N.R. Goodale State Park, featuring pine forest and a spring-fed lake, and the Margaret H. Lloyd Preserve. The 800-acre preserve includes open trails and varying habitats along the Wateree River. Camden Riverfront Environmental Park is located at the historic Port of Camden with a half-mile waterway and observation areas that enable visitors to experience another fascinating glimpse of this classic Low Country town.
South Carolina is a stunning state to visit for nature lovers. The elegant towns blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings and complement the region with select cultural and historic sites. The topography ranges from mountain vistas to coastal islands, providing ample beachcombing, birding, camping, and hiking opportunities. For those not looking to camp, these ten cities offer quaint downtown areas with lodging and dining options within a short distance of the natural attractions that keep travel time to a minimum, maximizing the time spent outdoors.
Towns like Camden are ideal for nature lovers who appreciate history, especially at the Revolutionary War historic sites. Towns like Walhalla are excellent choices for anyone looking to spend most of their time in pristine forests with hiking trails and cascading waterfalls. To top it off, guests can book a room in a stunning treehouse to round out their nature itinerary. These scenic towns are among the best for nature lovers, whether visiting historic coastal towns or spending a weekend in the forest, which is also convenient to modern amenities and restaurants.
