11 Best Downtowns In South Carolina

South Carolina’s beautiful downtowns owe a lot to the state’s geography and age. Along the Lowcountry coast, places like Beaufort, Bluffton, and Georgetown developed near harbors, tidal rivers, and marshy waterfronts, which is why their downtowns pair historic buildings with water views and harborwalks. Farther inland, towns like Conway grew along the Waccamaw River, giving downtown streets a natural focal point that still shapes the setting today. The state also has deep colonial, antebellum, Reconstruction, and civil rights history, which explains why so many downtowns center on preserved historic districts. Together, those coastal landscapes and layered historical eras give South Carolina downtowns a look that feels deeply rooted in place.

Aiken

Horses have long been the defining feature of downtown Aiken. The city’s unusually wide streets date back to the era when horses and carriages moved through town in the 1800s. That part of the city's history is well documented at the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum. The Aiken County Historical Museum and the Savannah River Site Museum also delve into Aiken's history. The Aiken Horse Show Grounds and the Aiken Steeplechase Racecourse help keep the city's equestrian culture alive to this day, providing venues for horse shows and races.

Anderson

There always seems to be something big happening in downtown Anderson. Every year, there is a two-day event called The Soirée that serves as a showcase for the city's visual and performing arts, in addition to top culinary destinations. During the summer months, Anderson is filled with outdoor theater performances that draw audiences from all over the region.

During the winter, downtown embraces the holiday spirit with a park for ice skating and Christmas lights on every door and lamppost. Year-round, Carolina Wren Park is the centerpiece of town. It features a nightly light show and an amphitheater.

Beaufort

Founded in 1711, Beaufort has one of the South’s most historically significant downtowns, now designated a National Historic Landmark District. The town is filled with historic houses, monuments, museums, and graveyards. The Reconstruction Era National Historical Park is a key landmark for understanding the history of the city. At the same time, most of the city is surrounded by waterways because of its proximity to where the Atlantic Ocean moves inland into South Carolina's lowcountry. This gives downtown Beaufort beautiful views, creating a unique complement for all of the historic landmarks.

Bluffton

Not far from Beaufort is Bluffton, another one of South Carolina's lowcountry gems. Downtown Bluffton is home to antebellum and Reconstruction-era sites, most notably the Garvin-Garvey House and the Heyward House Museum. Throughout the city, there are buildings that still look as they did more than 150 years ago. Meanwhile, many of the city's streets are lined with oak trees covered with Spanish moss.

In addition to the city's rich history, it also has an active art scene, most notably the Society of Bluffton Artists gallery and the May River Theatre. During festival season, there is even more to enjoy about Bluffton, most notably during the Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood festival each October.

Conway

Located a short drive inland from Myrtle Beach, downtown Conway has an appealing riverwalk with views of the Waccamaw River. At the same time, there are several buildings in Conway on the National Register of Historic Places. This includes the Historic Peanut Warehouse that now operates as an event venue. A trip to the Horry County Museum means a deep dive into Conway's history and culture. The free museum has a diverse array of exhibits, including an aquarium.

Florence

Slowly but surely, Florence is becoming one of the best downtowns in South Carolina. It has been revitalized in recent years and was one of three winners of the Great American Main Street Award in 2023. A series of public art displays helps to highlight Florence's walkable downtown area. Among the highlights of the art scene are a sculpture of The Lorax and a mural of jazz musician Houston Person, a Florence native. Likewise, the top attractions in downtown Florence include the Steven F. Gately Gallery and Florence County Museum.

Georgetown

Georgetown is one of South Carolina's oldest port cities, which gives its downtown a waterfront setting. The harborwalk is a convenient way to move from one museum to another. There is much to discover at places like the Gullah Museum, the Kaminsky House, and the Rice Museum. With Georgetown being one of South Carolina's oldest cities, it's common to find homes that have been preserved from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Landrum

Landrum is the embodiment of a small town with southern charm. The downtown area is among the best places in South Carolina to go antiquing. The focal point of the area is Rutherford Street, where there are one-of-a-kind shops like Southern Karma Boutique, Foothill Amish Furniture, and White Buffalo Collectible. Just down the road, the Landrum Depot helps tell the story of Landrum’s history and what makes the city special.

Orangeburg

Known as "The Garden City," downtown Orangeburg lives up to that title. Edisto Memorial Gardens is the main attraction. It's home to over 150 acres of gardens and other beautiful scenery. These features include sculptures, water features, and a wetlands park. The area is filled with green spaces, such as Memorial Plaza. Every year, the beauty of Orangeburg is elevated further when the city hosts its annual Festival of Roses, an event that dates back to 1972 and attracts tens of thousands of people.

Rock Hill

Rock Hill is home to the first cultural district to be recognized by the state of South Carolina. The Freedom Walkway on Main Street pays homage to the city's civil rights heroes, both past and present. Downtown Rock Hill also has a set of 8 to 10 murals known as the Mural Mile. Local artists get a chance to create a mural on the side of a building, all within a one-mile radius. Several museums and landmarks downtown also celebrate Rock Hill's role in South Carolina history, most notably the Friendship Nine site and the Rock Hill Civil Rights Memorial.

Spartanburg

Morgan Square is the centerpiece of downtown Spartanburg. This is the home of the 1881 Old Town Clock, a living relic of the city's history that was originally in the Spartanburg Opera House. There is also a statue of Daniel Morgan, the square's namesake and a key figure in the American Revolution. The area around Morgan Square is a hub of activity with many of the city's top culinary destinations. Many of the buildings housing the city's restaurants and shops still have the original facades from the late 19th or early 20th century.

Diverse Downtowns Await in South Carolina

South Carolina’s downtown areas combine waterways, history, culture, and culinary experiences. Some are celebrated for natural beauty, and others for historic landmarks. Waterfront cities like Beaufort and Bluffton offer scenic views, and Florence and Spartanburg feature vibrant shopping districts and bustling local attractions. Each downtown has a distinct character and energy that reflects the state’s diversity and rich heritage.