11 Small Towns In South Carolina With Big Charm

Known for its beautiful coastal scenery, comfortable southern weather, and rich culture full of history and festivals, South Carolina is bursting with southern charm and welcoming energy. With plenty of towns rich with local traditions and fun activities, the Palmetto State has earned a reputation as a prime vacation destination. Whether you're looking for serene coastal views or bustling downtowns, South Carolina has got you covered. From laid-back rural hidden gems to bustling festivals that attract visitors from all over, these South Carolina towns are certain to win you over with their charm.

McClellanville

Located in coastal Charleston County, McClellanville is a comfortably rural fishing town, while also offering much more once you visit. Art lovers can feast their eyes on the original works of community artists and attend workshops and events with the McClellanville Arts Council in their gallery space on Pinckney Street. For those planning a summer visit, the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival is a must-visit. Usually held in May, locals celebrate their local heritage with food, music, vendors, and a great time.

There is also plenty to do for outdoor lovers in McClellanville. One of the main attractions is the Deerhead Oak, a legendary live oak tree that is estimated to be over 1,000 years old. And don't miss kayaking and the eco-tours at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. McLellanville is sure to satisfy even the biggest nature buff.

Bluffton

Known as a charming, funky little town, Bluffton is known for its charm and energy. Filled to the brim with art galleries, seafood spots, and an absolutely beautiful historic downtown area, the old town is one where visitors can't help but slow down to enjoy the scenery. One of the main landmarks of the historic district is the Church of the Cross, which was built in 1857.

Bluffton is home to many fun attractions and activities to charm you during your visit. One can experience the fun, whimsical, and brightly colored sculptures of the Palmetto Oaks Sculpture Garden. During the fall season, the town is home to the Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival, a weeklong gathering of Lowcountry cuisine, rich local art, and good old-fashioned southern hospitality.

Orangeburg

Located along the Edisto River, Orangeburg is home to the renowned Edisto Memorial Gardens, a 175-acre park that is known as a sanctuary for roses and azaleas. The famous garden is also the host of the annual Festival of Roses, where families get to enjoy the arrival of spring food, flowers, and fun activities. In the fall, visitors and festival lovers can catch the Orangeburg County Fair and celebrate the town’s local agriculture. The town is also home to the Orangeburg Aquatics Park, where families get to enjoy their time with an exciting assortment of slides and pools. Wildlife lovers can visit the Orangeburg National Fish Hatchery, where they can learn about the endangered species that are protected and conserved in the aquarium.

Beaufort

The second-oldest city in South Carolina, Beaufort is brimming with a rich history and culture, and plenty of charm to keep newcomers happy. It earns its title of the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands" with its natural beauty and amazing Lowcountry landscapes. The town has a wide range of outdoor activities, from guided island coach tours to skating through the marshland of the Spanish Moss Trail.

The town is best known for its downtown Historic District, where the streets are lined with the oldest buildings in the city, including the Rhett House Inn. There are also many festivals held in Beaufort throughout the year, including the Water Festival and the Taste of Beaufort: Music, Arts & Seafood Festival. For those looking for a laid-back moment during their visit, they can have the classic drive-in experience at the popular Highway 21 Drive-In Theatre.

Myrtle Beach

A mixture of thrilling amusement parks, beautiful white-sanded beaches, and charming attractions makes sure that Myrtle Beach is one of the most visited areas in South Carolina. One of the main attractions for visitors is the iconic 200-foot Skywheel, an absolute must-visit when strolling the Boardwalk. Lovers of marine life can get up close and look at the popular Ripley’s Aquarium, which houses thousands of marine animals and over 75 different species.

Myrtle Beach also attracts outdoor lovers with the gorgeous Myrtle Beach State Park, which spans over 300 acres of outdoor space and accommodations. Families with kids will enjoy cool attractions like the WonderWorks interactive science museum, which houses over 100 hands-on science and entertainment exhibits for the family.

Aiken

Aiken is a small, cozy town that feels larger than life in the charm department thanks to a thriving art community and outdoor beauty. Home to a gorgeous Downtown Cultural District, visitors can spectate the town’s local landmarks that have been designated by the state as significant artistic assets. Some of these assets include the Alley, which features beautiful public murals painted by both local and visiting artists, and the Amentum Center for Performing Arts. Aiken is also home to the Aiken Arboretum Trail, located within a 4-mile radius of downtown and home to many rare tree species, all running along the town’s pretty residential neighborhoods.

Landrum

Located between Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Asheville, North Carolina, the tiny town of Landrum offers vacationers a calm southern warmth, mesmerizing backdrops of nature, and much more. Outdoor lovers will marvel at the gorgeous backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains amongst curving hills and lush forests while visiting landmarks like the Campbell’s Covered Bridge, which is South Carolina’s last remaining covered bridge crossing the Beaverdam Creek. Another must-visit area for nature lovers is the Blue Wall Preserve, which includes 20,000 acres of protected parcels containing 114 different species of birds.

Visitors have a host of hospitable hotels and resorts in the area, with the most popular being Landrum’s own Red Horse Inn, a luxurious bed and breakfast nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. While visiting, music lovers can experience live music on the terrace while enjoying their choice of over 90 different wines at the Inn’s outdoor Wine Bar.

Travelers Rest

Full of walking trails, outdoor amenities, and activities to boot, Travelers Rest is one of the best-kept secrets of outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. One of the town’s main attractions is the Swamp Rabbit Trail. On this 22-mile multi-use greenway, visitors can walk or cycle while taking in the charming city parks and historic railroad corridor alongside the Wilson Creek and Reedy River. One of the best ways to experience the charm of the town is by visiting its downtown Farmers Market, where visitors can enjoy live music and tons of activities right off the Swamp Rabbit Trail. For those who love a good drive on the scenic route, cruise in or out of town on the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway.

Georgetown

To call Georgetown a historic wonderland would be an understatement, as the street in this town is filled to the brim with rich history. Home to many museums, visitors have a lot of choices to spend their time learning about the deep heritage of the charming small town. One of the top choices is the Kaminski House Museum, which gives visitors an immersive look into the history of Georgetown since the 1800s. Many more historical landmarks and museums are mainly found on Front Street, which is the main strip through Georgetown’s historic district. Visitors looking for fine local cuisine have to visit The Independent, an iconic seafood restaurant located at the luxurious George Hotel. With a deep history around every corner, as well as the beautiful views of the Sampit River, it's easy to see why Georgetown is on every history buff and nature lover’s list.

Clemson

Best known for its gorgeous Clemson University campus, there is also a lot more to this quiet college town than football. Golf lovers will be excited to tee off at the 18-hole John E. Walker Golf Course. Clemson is also home to a thriving art community, with top performances in theatre and dance being held at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts. Known as much for its history as it is for sports, Clemson is also home to many historical landmarks for visitors to spectate. One of the most well-known is Fort Hill, the preserved residence of former United States Vice President John Caldwell Calhoun. Here, visitors can get a glimpse of southern life in the early 19th century.

York

Located less than 30 miles away from Charlotte, York makes up for its smaller size with a big personality and strong historic ties. Despite being a small town, York is home to one of the largest historic districts in the state, stretching over 340 acres and comprising more than 180 buildings. Nearby, you can catch a performance from community artists at the McCelvey Center.

Renowned for its events, the town’s annual York Summerfest is a must-visit. Held every August, the show has gone on every single year for over 40 years straight. There is also the annual Christmas Parade held on Congress Street. A town that's filled with historic significance and strong tradition, York makes up for its small population with a big dose of charm.

Already known for its awesome weather and fun retreats, these small towns are incredible hidden gems that are sure to win visitors over with their charm and hospitality. From the white sanded beaches of Myrtle Beach to the gorgeous architecture found in the historic district of Aiken, this state is full of eye-catching, beautiful views. Festival lovers have plenty to enjoy, from the York Summerfest to the fun music fests of Beaufort. Whether you’re a nature lover or someone who wants to feel the warm local spirit, these charming small towns will keep you coming back for more!