10 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in South Carolina
South Carolina’s small towns blend a laid-back atmosphere, scenic landscapes, and rich character to create truly unforgettable experiences. From family-friendly beach destinations like Hilton Head Island and Kiawah Island to historically significant towns such as Camden, each place offers its own distinct charm. Often overlooked, these towns deliver one-of-a-kind experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the United States. Here are 10 unforgettable small towns to visit in South Carolina this year.
Isle of Palms
Just across the Intracoastal Waterway from Charleston, Isle of Palms offers a quieter, more relaxed experience. The island is known for its wide, uncrowded beaches and walkable shoreline, perfect for sunrise strolls or peaceful afternoons by the water. Isle of Palms County Park provides easy public beach access, picnic areas, and oceanfront amenities ideal for a full day by the sea.
One of the island’s most unique experiences is Wild Dunes Resort, home to oceanfront golf courses where holes run directly along the Atlantic. The island’s layout is perfect to explore on a golf cart, adding to its small-town, coastal charm. Isle of Palms is also a key nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, where hatchlings often emerge in July through October, and is guided by the local Island Turtle Team.
Beaufort
This unforgettable small town is the second-oldest town in all of South Carolina, named for the Duke of Beaufort. Unique antebellum architecture, tidal waterways, and Spanish moss-lined streets, all beautifully preserved, create the perfect scenic escape. The Beaufort Historic District feels like stepping into a living museum, with grand homes dating back to the 1700s and 1800s, many of which survived the Civil War.
An abundance of outdoor recreation can be found at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, where river breezes, dolphin sightings, and sunset views create the perfect Lowcountry atmosphere. The town also hosts one of the fastest-growing film festivals in the Southeast. The Beaufort International Film Festival showcases the very best of independent films and recognizes acclaimed actors, writers, and directors.
Aiken
The town of Aiken, South Carolina, is inherently known for its rich equestrian culture. Aiken hosts dozens of polo matches and steeplechases, and is the home to many famous racehorses and trainers. The Aiken Steeplechase Association is a cherished tradition that hosts two nationally sanctioned races that bring the community together every year.
The true highlight is Hitchcock Woods, one of the largest urban forests in the United States, spanning over 2,000 acres. Riders, walkers, and nature lovers can explore miles of sandy trails beneath beautiful trees, a landscape designed specifically for horseback riding. The Hitchcock Woods Foundation is now an established part of the historic, cultural, and scientific heritage for both the state of South Carolina and the nation.
Georgetown
This unforgettable town nestled between Charleston and Myrtle Beach is often considered "Little Charleston." Established as a significant port of entry around 1732, Georgetown is home to the third-oldest seaport in all of South Carolina. The Georgetown Harborwalk lines Winyah Bay with boardwalk paths, seafood restaurants, and views of shrimp boats returning at sunset.
What makes Georgetown truly unforgettable is its deep historical roots. Located near South Carolina’s former rice plantation country, the town offers a glimpse into its rice-growing past with many plantations now on the National Register. Visitors can tour Hopsewee Plantation, the birthplace of Thomas Lynch Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and one of the oldest public rice plantations in America.
Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island is one of South Carolina’s most exclusive coastal escapes, known for its beaches, golf, and Lowcountry elegance. Just before arriving on the island, stop at the Angel Oak Tree, a must-see natural landmark unlike anything else in the country. Estimated to be over 400 years old, the massive oak stretches nearly 65 feet high and spans more than 17,000 square feet, creating an unforgettable photo opportunity.
Once on the island, Freshfields Village offers an upscale yet relaxed hub for shopping and dining. Enjoy French-inspired cuisine at Hege’s, sip coffee at Java Java Cafe, or grab tacos at Cantina 76. Kiawah’s true claim to fame, however, is the world-class golf courses. The island is home to several top-ranked courses, including The Ocean Course, which hosted the 2021 PGA Championship. Stop by the clubhouse for ocean views and check out one of the best courses in the United States.
Hilton Head Island
Another popular destination in southern South Carolina is the beach town of Hilton Head Island. One of the town's most iconic landmarks is the Harbour Town Lighthouse, a red-and-white striped lighthouse that has become a symbol of the island. Its museum-like setting offers visitors the opportunity to explore the rich history of the island as they climb the 114 steps to the top for incredible views.
Hilton Head beaches are ideal for biking, creating a unique experience compared to many other U.S. coastlines. Miles of scenic shoreline and more than 60 miles of bike paths make cycling one of the best ways to explore the island. Golf lovers will recognize Hilton Head as the home of the RBC Heritage, a PGA Tour event played annually at Harbour Town Golf Links. Dolphin-watching cruises, kayaking through salt marshes, and waterfront dining create an unforgettable coastal getaway.
Edisto Beach
Edisto Beach offers a rare glimpse of South Carolina’s coast. Edisto is unlike many U.S. beach destinations, having no high-rise hotels, preserving its quiet and natural character. It is one of the few remaining gently developed beaches on the eastern coastline of South Carolina.
The Edisto Beach State Park offers over a mile of beach, nature trails for biking or hiking, campgrounds, cabins, and an Environmental Learning Center for kids. A surreal coastal landscape can be found at Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve, where fallen trees line the shore in hauntingly beautiful formations, making it famously known as “Boneyard Beach.”
Camden
Camden is most famous for its deep Revolutionary War history. Located in the heart of South Carolina, history buffs can explore the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, where reenactments and preserved buildings bring the 18th century to life.
Camden is also renowned for its steeplechase racing tradition, hosting both the Carolina Cup and the Colonial Cup. The Carolina Cup is considered one of the most premier social sporting events in the world and draws more than 30,000 spectators from across the country each year. Beyond the track, Goodale State Park offers an abundance of outdoor recreation steeped in history. Its scenic 140-acre lake is ideal for fishing bass, bream, and catfish, while a preserved Civil War-era mill pond adds a sense of the past. The park also provides canoe access to Pine Tree Creek, often hailed as one of South Carolina’s best-kept secrets for paddlers.
Murrells Inlet
Known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” Murrells Inlet is a small village with a rich fishing heritage and an abundance of local seafood restaurants. The MarshWalk, a wooden waterfront boardwalk that stretches along salt marshes, offers unbeatable views, live music, and dining.
Brookgreen Gardens delivers one of the most unique cultural experiences in the country and has been named as one of the few places in the United States to have earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The expansive property combines a wildlife preserve with the largest outdoor sculpture garden in America. Enjoy the coast of the Atlantic at the Huntington Beach State Park with three miles of pristine beach for swimming, running, fishing, or relaxing. Be sure to check out the National Historic Landmark, Atalaya, the winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington.
Travelers Rest
Travelers Rest is a unique small town situated at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, earning its name as a historic resting spot for travelers. Famous for its outdoor recreation, with access to hiking, biking, and paddling on the Swamp Rabbit Trail and nearby parks that offer stunning mountain views. The Trailblazer Park is a beautiful, open green space housing a playground, a concert venu,e and a farmers market.
Check out the Poinsett Stone Bridge, the oldest bridge in South Carolina and one of the oldest in the entire southeastern United States. Built in 1820, it was a key part of the historic South Carolina State Road that connected Charleston to Asheville.
Unforgettable Towns in South Carolina
South Carolina is the perfect combination of history, beaches, and character, with beautiful towns that create unforgettable memories. From historic streets and preserved Civil War era landmarks to laid-back coastal beaches and resort communities, nearly every town offers something unique. Whether it’s centuries-old architecture, distinctive local culture, or one-of-a-kind natural settings along the coast and countryside, these South Carolina towns deliver experiences that are often hard to find elsewhere.
