2025's 9 Best Small Towns To Visit In South Carolina
If you still think Charleston is the most picturesque part of South Carolina, you are late to the party. The best part of South Carolina is the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Or is it? While we wait for the jury, why not find a small, charming South Carolina town, trace its hidden nooks and corners, and just discover its soul and character? Aiken springs to mind — as does beautiful Beaufort. The trick is to find a town that Norman Rockwell would love, book a room with a river view, and let the adventure begin. Keep reading to discover the best small towns to visit in South Carolina in 2025.
Beaufort
Beaufort has dominated South Carolina’s vacation landscape for a while. No wonder it is movie-worthy and recently served as the backdrop of the romantic comedy, “Stars Fell on Alabama,” an indie film that starred American actress and model Ciara Hanna. You will enjoy traipsing through charm-soaked streets lined with moss-draped oaks and exploring swoon-worthy spaces such as the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, which many regard as the crown jewel of the city. Any Beaufort newcomer with an inherited or acquired love for water will find the park unbelievably beautiful and peaceful. If you cannot manage a quick escape to Hunting Island, downtown's Craven Street features several of Beaufort's most notable and historic neighborhoods. Otherwise, spend some time at the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, especially for a glimpse into one of the most tumultuous periods in post-Civil War America.
Aiken
Aiken is no stranger to coveted titles, including awards like “Best Small Town of the South.” And it is not a Johnny-come-lately to the vacation map. Starting in the late 1800s, railroads and mild climate always brought vacationing Northerners to the town to spend winters. Aiken is known for its thoroughbred horses, lush and luxuriant gardens, and beautiful historic buildings, one of which is the Willcox Hotel, widely regarded as Aiken’s architectural crown jewel. After exploring a gorgeous and nostalgic downtown strip, hit up the Hitchcock Woods, a wonderfully pristine space to relax in a tranquil environment or ride horses. Follow this with a visit to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, which showcases Aiken's rich heritage in equestrian sports. Now that you are in the area, Hopelands Gardens should be a fitting finale to what will be a trip for the books. You can stroll, admire flowers, or just enjoy the tranquility that pervades almost every square inch.
Clemson
Forget about the historic rivalry between the South Carolina Gamecocks and Clemson Tigers, one of the most intense and storied duels in the history of college football. Death Valley is a cool place to visit, although the town boasts several other surprises. After touring the campus, tastefully placed on the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and grabbing a photo-op at the largest bur oak in South Carolina, it will be time to check out the other fun things Clemson offers. You can paddle Lake Hartwell, which ranks among the nation's best bass lakes, or go shopping at the 126-year-old Judge Keler’s Store, which keeps an awesome selection of clothing and hats. The store first opened as a tailoring shop, and the owner was nicknamed “Judge” because he could determine how a cadet’s uniform ought to fit, even without measuring.
Edisto Beach
The Lowcountry is well-known for its nautical charm, sandy shores, and shimmering views. It is also home to beautiful landscapes and rich history. People rush to big names like Beaufort and Bluffton, but if you want a nice venue with fewer crowds, Edisto Island easily stands out. The town does not have high-rise condos, chain restaurants, or even neon signs. Instead, the environment is authentic, pristine, and genuine. Edisto Beach State Park is such a gem, and you can easily lose a day here, especially because its relaxing shoreline is quite hypnotic. But there are other things to do, including visiting the Serpentarium, a fun place to mingle with alligators, turtles, and snakes. You can then explore the nearby Botany Bay, an oceanside nature preserve that spans more than 3,000 acres. The on-site beach is covered in solemn old trees and beautiful shells.
Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island is an interesting place to visit, especially as the drive to the world-class vacation destination, which features oak-shaded roads, can easily turn out to be the highlight of your trip. Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Kiawah River on the other, water is a huge attraction here, but not the only one. Kiawah Island is a global name in golfing, and the Ocean Course, which boasts the most seaside holes in the Northern Hemisphere, is among the town’s highly regarded landmarks. Another grossly underrated gem is the Kiawah Beachwalker Park, especially because of its nice boardwalk, dolphin sightings, and federally protected dunes. Keep in mind that Angel Oak Tree, one of the state’s most photographed icons, is just 15 minutes down the road.
Travelers Rest
If you have a thing for the outdoors, come to the aptly named Travelers Rest and start your adventure at the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a paved rail-to-trail pathway that has gradually acquired star status among cyclists, runners, and walkers. The 22-mile eye candy connects downtown Greenville, South Carolina, to Travelers Rest, or just TR, as locals call the town. Dotting the route are inviting restaurants, shops, and a cozy microbrewery. You need a two-wheeler? Rent one from Sunrift Adventures. After burning your muscles, pick a delicious gift at the Carolina Honey Bee Company, known to offer bee-inspired giftware and home decor. Alternatively, you can dash to the nearby Paris Mountain State Park, especially if you need a lake for swimming, boating, or fishing.
Camden
Camden partly owes its origin to King George II's desire for a backcountry township on the Wateree River. The town that sprang up boasts a rich and storied past and has been the site of several consequential historical moments. Today, South Carolina’s oldest inland city has a charming downtown with over 60 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including The Bethesda Presbyterian Church, an 1822 architectural masterpiece and a splendid example of Robert Mills' ingenious application of the Greek Revival Style. History lovers will not want to miss the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, a 107-acre outdoor complex that offers interesting insights into the Colonial era. They stage informative reenactments, complete with period costumes and other cultural elements of day-to-day life during the 18th century. Not to be outdone, the Kershaw-Cornwallis House, the headquarters for Lord Cornwallis during the British occupation of Camden in the 1700s, also offers a beguiling journey into America's past.
Georgetown
Georgetown is difficult to describe, especially because it defies simplistic categorization. History, nature, and Southern charm all clasp hands to create an adorable, photo-worthy location with a surprisingly rich list of attractions to explore. If anything, Georgetown is in South Carolina’s Hammock Coast, and you know what that means. It is also the third-oldest town in the state. You will want to snap pictures of places such as the Georgetown County Courthouse, an 1820s landmark designed by renowned architect Robert Mills. Wander through Front Street and pop inside attractions such as the iconic Rice Museum, where you will learn how the history of the area is intertwined with that of rice, the crop that dominated the lowcountry's economy for almost two hundred years and influenced nearly every aspect of life. Meanwhile, Morgan Park has short walking trails, a covered picnic area, and a sandy beach.
Seneca
Seneca features a charming downtown that is advantageously located off the main drag, meaning it is conveniently away from the commercial sprawl that defines many downtowns in the United States. You will not find cats in Ram Cat Alley, but you will discover a vibrant mix of shops, fine dining restaurants like Vangeli’s Bistro and Bonaterra, and art galleries that spill out onto brick sidewalks, highlighting the town’s creative character. Outdoor lovers often come to hike and bike around the Blue Ridge Mountains, where the scenery is incredibly pure and pristine. Taking the cue, Lake Keowee, known for its clear, emerald-green waters, and the nearby Nantahala National Forest, the largest national forest in neighboring North Carolina, are exceptional outdoor attractions worth checking out.
If your soul screams for rest or reset, South Carolina has a cornucopia of charming small towns that will soothe your spirit with their slow, restful rhythm, storybook streets, charming waterfronts, and hypnotic green spaces. So fold your laptops, slide into your flip flops (depending on the weather), and jump behind the wheel for what will be an unforgettable discovery. To get you started, think of classic Lowcountry dishes like shrimp and grits, prepared with care and perfection.
