11 Most Overlooked South Carolina Towns For 2025
South Carolina, located on the eastern seaboard, was one of the 13 original colonies. It was settled by the English in 1670 and became a society based on agriculture. Today, the state is a hub of industrialization with metropolitan areas and a state population of over five million. Rooted in a rich history, South Carolina has many overlooked towns that are well worth a visit. These welcoming spots offer shopping, diverse eateries, and an abundance of history.
Beaufort
Located on Port Royal Island, this beautiful town has scenic views, a rich history, and is known as the second-oldest city in South Carolina. Beaufort, the "Queen of the South Carolina Sea Islands", is a relaxing treat for visitors. To learn about the town's heritage, a trip to the Beaufort History Museum, located downtown, is a must. Housed in an 18th-century arsenal, the museum features exhibits that span 450 years of history.
Travelers who want to stretch their legs will enjoy a walk along the Beaufort Tree Walk. The walk is a little over a mile long and begins at the corner of Craven and Carteret streets. Ending at the Waterfront Park, the route features a display of several species of mature trees, including sycamores, myrtle, eastern cottonwood, and sugarberry. After a nice walk, Historic Grounds Coffee Shop is a local favorite for quality brews in a warm and inviting café.
Travelers Rest
Travelers Rest lies in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was home to several Native American tribes, including the Catawba, the Creek, and the Cherokee. After the introduction of the railroad and highways, the town began to grow. Today, it has many shops, restaurants, and several attractions. The Travelers Rest History Museum contains many artifacts and exhibits in a building constructed in 1926, which was originally a grocery store. After being relocated from its original spot, the museum now lies along the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 28-mile multi-use walking and biking trail that connects Travelers Rest with Greenville. The trail goes along the Reedy River and through many of the city’s parks. It is ideal for all fitness levels due to its mainly flat terrain with rolling hills throughout. Visitors interested in shopping will enjoy the downtown area. There are several shops, including local boutiques such as Ashe + Ivy Collective, as well as bookstores, including As The Page Turns, an independent bookseller that features new and used titles. To toast a great day in Travelers Rest, Bespoke Wine Shop carries a wide selection of fine wines and craft beers. They also host wine tastings and flight nights and even serve charcuterie.
York
This small city has a long history dating back 500 years, when the Cherokee and Catawba hunted, fished, and traded on the land. In the 1700s, Scotch-Irish colonists came to the area and established the first courthouse in 1786. Today, York is home to a culturally diverse population and has much to offer visitors and locals alike. History buffs will enjoy the McCelvey Center, the Allison Plantation, and Nanny’s Mountain Historical Park.
The McCelvey Center is housed in a three-story brick building that was once the location of the Yorkville Female College. Today, the space is used for concerts and meetings and houses historical and archival collections. The Allison Plantation is a historic home and farm in a Greek Revival-style building that was constructed around 1860 to be the residence of Dr. Robert Turner Allison. Today, it is listed in the National Register. Nanny’s Mountain Historic Park dates back to the American Revolutionary War, when the park was mined for iron to aid in the war effort. An 8-mile trail is available for all fitness and skill levels, leading to the Nanny’s Mountain Education Center and a scenic overlook.
Clemson
Clemson is a vibrant college town filled with plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. For those interested in history, Fort Hill, located on the Clemson University campus, was built during the Revolutionary War. Today, this plantation, which was named for Fort Rutledge, welcomes visitors. Another hot spot in Clemson is the Fran Hansen Visitors Center. Built in 1998, the visitor center was initially a discovery center for the Mountain Lakes Region of South Carolina. Today, the center's 230 acres of woodlands, streams, walking paths, and gardens invite visitors for guided or self-guided tours, as well as a cold drink and a bit of shopping in the boutique on site.
The Bob Campbell Geology Museum offers free admission and features a collection of over 10,000 minerals, rocks, and fossils. It is an ideal location for students, teachers, researchers, and those interested in natural history. If you're looking for a college town with plenty to do, Clemson is the right choice.
Walhalla
Walhalla is known for its historic homes, churches, shops, and cafes, as well as the rich German heritage, which is particularly evident during the annual Oktoberfest. During this three-day celebration, the town pulls out all the stops, with live music, food and craft vendors, carnival rides, and, of course, plenty of beer. Walhalla also offers many opportunities for outdoor fun and recreation. A visit to the Issaqueena Falls is a must. The 100-foot falls are located in Stumphouse Park, and reaching the bottom requires a bit of a trek but is well worth the effort.
In addition to the Issaqueena Falls, visitors can enjoy other outdoor recreation opportunities at Stumphouse Park. These include visiting the Stumphouse Tunnel, which was dug prior to the Civil War. This quarter-mile-long tunnel is open to the public and maintains a constant temperature of 50 degrees year-round. Lastly, a visit to the Museum of the Cherokee in South Carolina provides a deep dive into the history of the Cherokee Nation. The museum contains many artifacts and historical information dating back to 12,000 BCE. Visitors interested in languages can even take advantage of the online Cherokee language course, either in person or online via the museum’s website.
Cheraw
Once a bustling shipping center due to its location on the Great Pee Dee River, today Cheraw offers visitors a variety of activities. A journey to the Lyceum Museum in the town’s Historic District embodies a mixture of great architecture and history. Built around 1820 in the Greek Revival style, the building was used during the Civil War as a telegraph office for Confederate troops and later became a library, then a museum. The landmark Old St. David’s Church was constructed from 1770 to 1772 and was used by British and American troops during the Revolutionary War. The church is known for its charitable works in the community and is open to visitors.
For an outdoor adventure, a trip to Cheraw State Park is a must. Spanning more than 7,000 acres, the park is dominated by tall pines and includes the beautiful waters of Lake Juniper. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and camping. The park also boasts an 18-hole Tom Jackson-designed golf course.
Clover
Just a short drive from the cities of Charlotte, Rock Hill, and Gastonia, Clover is a small town with big charm, known for its diverse cultural offerings, artistic opportunities, and outdoor recreation. Boasting a rich Irish and Scottish history, the town features annual Highland Games in the fall. Events include traditional games, live music and cultural performances, and a market featuring local vendors.
Visitors interested in the arts will enjoy a trip to Gallery 120, which offers monthly art installations for viewing and community events throughout the year. Clover is also home to New Centre Park. The park is a great place for outdoor recreation, featuring several soccer fields, a seasonal splash pad, walking trails, and movie nights and concerts.
Camden
Camden is located in Kershaw County in the north-central part of the state and boasts a vibrant cultural district featuring numerous galleries, art studios, theaters, and live performances. Art studios like the Artist's Attic are great places to view and purchase local artwork. Camden also has numerous local cafés and places to eat, including Country Kitchen, which offers home-cooked breakfast, lunch, and daily specials.
DeBruhl’s Cafe is another popular eatery that specializes in classic Southern dishes. Meanwhile, those with a sweet tooth can satisfy their cravings at the Mad Batter Bakery, which specializes in custom cakes and cupcakes. If you want to visit a small town that is abundant in art and eateries, Camden is the place for you.
Abbeville
History, architecture, and BBQ are just a few of the great things about the town of Abbeville. Featuring a historic downtown known as The Square, where patrons can find boutiques, restaurants, and plenty of historical sites, the town is also known for its many 19th-century homes. The Burt-Stark Mansion is famously known as the location where the US Civil War came to an end. This is where Confederate Jefferson Davis convened his last war council before retreating from Richmond, Virginia, and conceding victory to the Union.
If you visit Abbeville in the fall, don't forget to check out the Hogs and Hens BBQ Festival held every October. The festival, which started in 2013, attracts thousands of visitors and has craft vendors, live music, and, naturally, delicious BBQ. When it's time to call it a night, the Belmont Inn, situated in the Historic District, features 25 beautifully restored guest rooms, all conveniently located near local shops.
Landrum
Landrum provides small-town charm with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, dining, and shopping. The Blue Wall Preserve is a 575-acre preserve that is part of a larger collection of 22,000 acres of land protected by the Nature Conservancy. The Palmetto Trail's Blue Wall Passage is ideal for a leisurely hike. This 2.7-mile one-way route is accessible for most fitness levels and is a great spot for birders, in particular.
A stop at the Hare & Hound Pub is a delight. The vintage brick building sits amongst other historic properties, which are now antique shops, galleries, and restaurants. The pub features classic offerings, including traditional American food and drinks. History buffs will enjoy a visit to Campbell's Covered Bridge, the last remaining covered bridge in South Carolina. Constructed between 1909 and 1911, the 38-foot-long bridge crosses Beaverdam Creek and was named for Alexander Lafayette Campbell, who operated a mill downstream from the bridge. Visitors will enjoy the 18.65-acre park surrounding it with many opportunities for picnics, hiking, and exploring nature.
Pendleton
Abundant history and beautiful landscapes are two of the majestic qualities that Pendleton offers visitors. Named after Judge Henry Pendleton from Virginia, the town was established in 1790, and the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Ashtabula is a historic home located on ten acres that hosts tours and offers a glimpse into life on a plantation.
A stop at Timms Mill also provides a delightful journey back in time. The landmark mill was built in 1784 by Mr. Isaac Timms and was in use until 1960. The mill has since been restored and is once again used for grinding fresh grits and cornmeal for the community, which can be found in many of the local shops and restaurants. The Art Gallery on Pendleton Square is a great opportunity to view local works featuring a wide variety of displays, including pottery, ceramics, stained glass, jewelry, photography, and sculptures.
South Carolina is a state that offers a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy. From the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Travelers Rest to the eclectic artwork of Camden, these overlooked small towns are a traveler’s paradise. So, if you are looking for a place to enjoy in 2025, consider checking out the inviting small towns of South Carolina.
