14 Most Beautiful Small Towns In South Carolina You Should Visit
Bounded by the massive Atlantic Ocean in the southeast and by the US states of North Carolina and Georgia in the north and southwest, respectively, South Carolina is a geographically diverse state in the coastal American Southeast. The Palmetto State, with a total population of 5,124,712 as per the latest US Census, is home to numerous hidden gems acclaimed for their pristine landscapes, rich heritage, unique cultures, Lowcountry cuisines, and Southern hospitality. Although the major cities, like the state capital, Columbia, and the largest city, Charleston, attract numerous tourists every year, the state’s adorable small towns also attract a lot of vacationers by offering a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. So, whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or someone searching for a serene place to relax and unwind, these charming South Carolina small towns are worth visiting.
Beaufort
Affectionally referred to as the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands,” Beaufort is located in the middle of a marshy estuary on Port Royal Island, at the heart of the Sea Islands and Lowcountry region, in Beaufort County. Named in honor of Henry Somerset, 2nd Duke of Beaufort, the state’s second-oldest city is acclaimed for its breathtaking vistas, well-preserved antebellum architecture, thriving culture, waterfront eateries offering delicious Lowcountry cuisines, and Southern hospitality. Tourists can walk down the charming downtown historic district, which features numerous mansions, religious places, commercial buildings built using the antebellum architectural style, and beautiful streets lined with Spanish moss-draped live oak trees.
In addition, Beaufort houses many military establishments, Beaufort National Cemetery, St. Helena Anglican Church, the Technical College of Low Country Main Campus, the Kazoo Museum, numerous art galleries, independent bookstores, athletic venues, standard motels, and upscale bed-and-breakfasts. The adjacent Hunting Island State Park, the state’s most visited state park, is ideal for multiple outdoor recreational activities. Beaufort also hosts various annual events like the Home Water Festival, Beaufort Shrimp Festival, Beaufort International Film Festival, “A Taste of Beaufort,” Fall Tour of Homes, and St. Helena’s Spring Tour of Homes.
Bluffton
This attractive coastal town in southern Beaufort County is mainly located around U.S. Route 278 between Hilton Head Island and Interstate 95. Nicknamed the “Heart of the Lowcountry,” the town’s initial one-square-mile area, referred to as the “Old Town,” is placed on a bluff along the May River. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Bluffton Historic District comprises 46 buildings of commercial and residential architecture, along with two landscape features that contribute to the historic character of the district, as well as 17 non-contributing structures.
Vacationers must first stop at the Cole-Heyward House, which serves as the town’s welcome center. They can then tour the Heyward House Museum – one of the only eight antebellum homes in the Lowcountry, the Church of the Cross, the art galleries, shopping areas, hotels, and excellent local restaurants, including Bluffton Oyster Co., the state’s last full-time oyster shucking business. Nature lovers must visit the nearby Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve or enjoy an array of water-based recreational activities the May River offers. Annual events like the Bluffton Village Festival, Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival, May River Cleanup, Shag & Drag, and Christmas Parade also draw thousands to Bluffton every year.
Aiken
Named after William Aiken, the first President of the South Carolina Railroad, Aiken is the biggest city and county seat of Aiken County in the state’s western portion, approximately 20 miles northeast of Augusta, Georgia. Due to its suitable climate and world-class training facilities, this South Carolina equestrian community hosts equestrian events throughout the year, attracting thousands of Thoroughbred owners and vacationing Northerners to experience the mild winters in the town. Downtown Aiken is filled with a variety of locally-owned stores (especially Equine Divine for its equine-themed gifts), galleries, cozy eateries, and brews like Malia’s Restaurants, Wilcox Restaurant, The Alley Downtown Taproom, etc. Some of Aiken’s notable attractions include the Hitchcock Woods, Hopelands Gardens, Aiken County Historical Museum, the Aiken Center for the Arts, Aiken State Park, Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum, Aiken Center for the Arts, DuPont Planetarium, Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site, Aiken Visitor Center & Train Museum, and the Aiken County Farmers Market.
Clemson
A part of the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson, South Carolina, Combined Statistical Area, Clemson is spread across Pickens and Anderson Counties at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to the state’s northwestern corner. This picturesque college town is renowned for being home to the historic Clemson University and its famed “Clemson Tigers.” During the fall months, athletic lovers must visit the Frank Howard Field at Clemson Memorial Stadium (popularly referred to as “Death Valley”) to witness a match played by the three-time national college football champions. Some other notable attractions include Tillman Hall & its iconic clock tower, Fort Hill Plantation, Doug Kingsmore Stadium, Littlejohn Coliseum, Walker Golf Course, South Carolina Botanical Garden & the Bob Campbell Geology Museum, Brooks Center for the Performing Arts, Clemson Little Theater, Clemson Area African American Museum, and Lake Hartwell State Park. Clemson also offers visitors additional opportunities to explore the outdoors and reconnect with the rich Appalachian heritage.
Travelers Rest
Greenville County’s northernmost city, Travelers Rest, is about 10 miles north of Greenville and 20 miles south of the state’s boundary with North Carolina. Placed at the southern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the state’s magnificent Upcountry region, this famous vacation getaway earned its moniker when it served as a stopover for the Lowcountry travelers who traveled to the cool highlands during the hot summers. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll down Main Street and browse the countless gift shops, stylish boutiques, art galleries, trendy cafes, breweries, and restaurants. Adventure lovers must trek the 22-mile-long Swamp Rabbit Trail and witness the beautiful landscapes and parks the trail passes through. Vacationers can spend quality time at Trailblazer Park, Paris Mountain State Park, History Museum of Travelers Rest, Travelers Rest Speedway, etc. An array of annual family-friendly events like the Fall Bluegrass & Harvest Market, Browse & Stroll Street Market, Farmer’s Market, Music in the Park Concert Series, Artober, and Movies in the Park also attract many merrymakers to Travelers Rest.
Edisto Beach
One of the state’s most well-known family-oriented beach destinations, Edisto Beach, is located at Colleton County’s southeastern edge and includes only Edisto Island’s developed coastal area within the town limits. Besides the plenty of beach-related recreational activities offered here, travelers must visit the Edisto Island Historical Society Preservation Museum and browse the various artifacts to learn about the roles of the island and its inhabitants in American history. Tourists can enjoy a myriad of tours at the Marina at Edisto, visit the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Edisto Beach State Park, and experience a golf vacation at the Plantation Course. Foodies must taste the mouthwatering crab cake sandwich at the Whaley’s Store, while nature lovers get to see a variety of reptiles at the nearby Edisto Island Serpentarium.
York
York County’s administrative center, this quaint historic town, is situated about 27 miles southwest of Charlotte, North Carolina, and 13 miles west of Rock Hill, South Carolina. Nicknamed “The White Rose City” and placed between two Revolutionary War battle sites, York houses a number of historic structures, including the Allison Plantation, York County Courthouse, and Witherspoon-Hunter House, among others. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the York Historic District, one of the state’s largest historic districts, covers around 340 acres with more than 180 contributing structures and landmarks. Moreover, a varied selection of B&Bs, galleries, shops, locally-owned restaurants, and entertainment spaces like the McCelvey Center and Sylvia Theater perfectly rounds up one’s visit to this cute vacation destination.
McClellanville
This serene fishing town situated about 38 miles from Charleston and 23 miles from Georgetown, in Charleston County, forms a part of the Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville Metropolitan Area. Surrounded by the Francis Marion National Forest and placed right on the Atlantic coast, the town has traditionally relied on the Atlantic Ocean and the coastal marshes for fishing, oystering, and shrimping, all of which play a dominant role in the town’s economy. The friendly town welcomes vacationers to spend some quality time along the banks of the Jeremy Creek, visit the Village Museum to learn more about the region’s history, admire the artworks by native artists at the McClellanville Arts Council & Pickney Street Gallery, savor delicious seafood at the family-oriented restaurants, and explore a variety of outdoor recreations at the aforementioned Francis Marion National Forest and the nearby Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. The Lowcountry Shrimp Festival and the Blessing of the Fleet also draw a lot of tourists to McClellanville every year.
Abbeville
Originally settled by French Huguenots in 1764 and named after its namesake town in northern France, Abbeville, the administrative center of Abbeville County, is situated about 45 miles south of Greenville and 86 miles west of Columbia. Dubbed the “Cradle and the Grave of the Confederacy,” some of the town’s must-see attractions include Abbeville County Courthouse, Abbeville Opera House, Burt-Stark Mansion, Patrick Calhoun Family Cemetery, Trinity Episcopal Church & Cemetery, the 373 ft tall Prysmian Copper Wire Tower – currently the state’s tallest building, and the nearby Sumter National Forest and Calhoun Falls State Park for outdoor recreations. After a hectic day of exploration, visitors must taste the lip-smacking hotdogs the Rough House serves.
Hartsville
Occupying the northwestern portion of Darlington County, Hartsville is located along Prestwood Lake (an impoundment on Black Creek) in the state’s northeastern part. Named in honor of Captain Thomas Edward Hart, the town houses abundant historic sites showcasing a perfect blend of indigenous and colonial history. Nature lovers must not miss the stunning Kalmia Gardens with its 35 acres of native plants and trails, as well as the town’s countless parks like the Byerly Park, Centennial Park, Pride Park, Hartsville Dog Park, Burry Park, Lawton Park & Pavilion, and the Vista. Cultural enthusiasts can enjoy performances at the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center, Black Creek Arts Center, and the Center Theater and learn about local history and art at the Hartsville Museum. The town also hosts various annual events such as “Screen on the Green,” the “Hartsville Christmas Parade,” and the “Annual Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting.”
Georgetown
The seat of Georgetown County, this small waterfront town placed at the heart of South Carolina’s pretty Hammock Coast, serves as the state’s second-biggest seaport due to its location along a coastal estuary named Winyah Bay. Being South Carolina’s third-oldest town, Georgetown has over 50 antebellum mansions in and around its downtown district. Some of these historical landmarks include the Prince George Winyah Episcopal Church, Hampton Plantation State Historic Site, and Hopsewee Plantation. Historic buffs must visit all these landmarks besides the Rice Museum (Old Market Building), Kaminski House Museum, Georgetown County Museum, and the Gullah Museum, which offers a glimpse into the town’s glorious past. A stroll through the town’s scenic Harborwalk helps tourists discover some eclectic shops and award-winning restaurants serving fresh seafood, authentic Lowcountry cuisines, and delicious Italian dishes.
Pendleton
Pendleton is a captivating upcountry mountain town at the northeastern edge of Lake Hartwell in Anderson County. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Pendleton Historic District, which encompasses more than 6,300 acres, includes the entire town, its immediate surroundings, and expansive tracts on the west towards Lake Hartwell. Some of the town’s noteworthy sites include the Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Ashtabula Plantation, Woodburn Plantation, Faith Cabin Library at Anderson County Training School, etc. Inside the Pendleton Town Square are the Farmer’s Hall and Hunter’s Store, which currently houses the Lake Hartwell Country Visitor Center. The town square also features numerous boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, and barbeque joints, in addition to serving as a venue for the town’s annual events, such as the Pendleton Fall Harvest Festival and the Historic Pendleton Spring Jubilee.
Landrum
An enchanting small town in Spartanburg County, Landrum is set against the backdrop of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, immediately west of Interstate 26 between Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Asheville, North Carolina. Named in honor of the Baptist pastor John Gill Landrum, the town offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain scenery and a multitude of outdoor recreational activities. Downtown Landrum has plenty of antique stores, artsy shops, boutiques, and welcoming eateries. Vacationers can venture on a drive through Landrum’s rolling hills and verdant pastures to witness the iconic Campbell’s Covered Bridge spanning across Beaverdam Creek, hike the Palmetto Trail at the 575-acre Blue Wall Preserve, stop at the Elf Leaf Farm, and visit the Landrum Farmers Market. The tiny town also has its share of historical sites, including the historic train depot on Coleman Street and the Silver Springs Filling Station on U.S. Highway 176, about 2.5 miles northwest of downtown Landrum.
Walhalla
The administrative center of Oconee County, Walhalla, is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains within the Blue Ridge Escarpment area in the state's northwestern corner, about 16 miles from Clemson. Home to 4,072 inhabitants, this idyllic community is known for its incredible natural scenery and rich German heritage. Nature lovers are primarily drawn to the magnificent waterfalls in and around Walhalla, like the Yellow Branch Falls, Issaqueena Falls, and the Station Cove Falls. Travelers must also explore the Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel Park, Oconee Station State Historic Site, the terminus of the Palmetto Trail, the Wildwater Chattooga Ridge Adventure Center for a zipline canopy tour, Chattooga River for whitewater rafting & fly fishing, and the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway for a fantastic driving experience.
The Main Street is lined by an array of antique stores, art galleries, breweries, and famed dining spaces like Mountain Mocha, 3 Amigos Mexican Grill, Walhalla Steak House, etc., as well as many exciting attractions such as the Oconee Military Museum, Museum of the Cherokee in South Carolina, Oconee History Museum, and the Walhalla Performing Arts Center. Walhalla’s annual Oktoberfest celebrates the town’s German heritage on the third Friday of October with traditional music, dance, fireworks, carnival rides, specialty food vendors, art & craft vendors, and other festive activities.
From the mountainous Blue Ridge and Piedmont regions to the Low Country coast, the Palmetto State’s varied landscape is sprinkled with several beautiful small towns that are worthy locales to spend some memorable time with your dear ones. With stunning natural scenery, notable landmarks, various outdoor recreations, colorful celebrations, and a welcoming ambiance, these treasures of South Carolina offer an unforgettable experience to everyone who visits them.
