8 Whimsical Towns to Visit in South Carolina
In South Carolina, you don’t have to pick one vibe for the weekend. You can simply bounce from sandy toes to mountain air in a single trip. One morning, you’re strolling a waterfront Harborwalk past creaky docks and pastel storefronts; by afternoon, you’re ducking under Spanish moss, poking into tiny museums.
This is where the whimsical part kicks in: a small-town clock tower that feels straight out of a postcard and a quiet fishing village that throws a full-on Blessing of the Fleet. Add in rose-themed streets and just-right sunset views near the foothills, and you’ve got the kind of detours you’ll be talking about long after you’re home.
Georgetown
The administrative center of Georgetown County, Georgetown is set at the nucleus of Hammock Coast in eastern South Carolina’s Lowcountry region, close to the spot where Black, Sampit, Great Pee Dee, and Waccamaw Rivers finally drain into a coastal estuary named Winyah Bay. In addition to being the state’s second-largest seaport and its third-oldest city, this charming waterfront town features numerous well-preserved antebellum structures lining the oak-draped streets of the downtown district. Iconic landmark properties such as the Hampton Plantation State Historic Site, Rice Museum, Hopsewee Plantation, South Carolina Maritime Museum, Kaminski House Museum, Gullah Museum, Georgetown County Museum, and Prince George Winyah Episcopal Church provide past aficionados exclusive insights into the yesteryears. Also, take in panoramic views along the four-block Harborwalk and discover some quirky shops and top-notch eateries serving fresh seafood, appetizing Lowcountry cuisines, and yummy Italian dishes.
Edisto Beach
A renowned commuter town and one of the most appealing family-centered beach havens, Edisto Beach placed on the southeastern end of Colleton County, incorporates only Edisto Island’s expanded coastal section within town boundaries. Seaside visitors apart from engaging in lots of beach-related recreation activities here, must peruse the assorted artifacts at the Edisto Island Historical Society Preservation Museum and gain knowledge about the island and its dwellers’ role in American history. Stop by the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge and Edisto Beach State Park, participate in tours at the Marina at Edisto, observe a variety of reptiles at the nearby Edisto Island Serpentarium, experience a golf holiday at the Plantation Course, and relish scrumptious crab cake sandwiches at the Whaley’s Restaurant & Bar.
York
York, an adorable Northern South Carolinian community, situated roughly 13 miles west of Rock Hill and 27 miles southwest of Charlotte, is the seat of government of York County. Dubbed, “The White Rose City,” and located betwixt two significant Revolutionary War battle sites: the Battle of Kings Mountain and Battle of Williamson’s Plantation, York houses a large number of archaic estates. Encompassing major parts of residential and downtown commercial areas, the heritage district spread over 340 acres comprises more than 180 contributing structures including the Witherspoon-Hunter House, Allison Plantation, York County Courthouse, Hart House, First Presbyterian Church, etc. Furthermore, miscellaneous shops, resident-owned eateries, galleries, B&Bs, entertainment venues like Sylvia Theater and McCelvey Center, and next-door Nanny’s Mountain Trailhead lure thousands to York.
Beaufort
Affectionately called the ‘Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands,’ this seat of Beaufort County sits on Port Royal Island at the navel of the Sea Islands and Lowcountry region. As the Palmetto State’s second-oldest settlement, Beaufort is admired for its picturesque location, unblemished pre-Civil War architecture, booming cultures, Southern hospitality, and riverfront bistros offering lip-smacking cuisines. Stroll through the Spanish moss-draped oak tree-lined streets of the downtown historic district and take note of the uncountable painstakingly maintained houses, religious places, and commercial establishments constructed using antebellum architectural style. Other than these, the town houses the Beaufort National Cemetery, Kazoo Museum, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Parish Church of St. Helena, and multiple art galleries, sporting venues, independent bookstores, motels, and upscale bed & breakfasts like the Cuthbert House Inn, and North Street Inn. Head to the Hunting Island State Park for recreational activities besides sparing time to be present at any of the yearly festivals like the Home Water Festival, St. Helena’s Spring Tour of Homes, Beaufort Shrimp Festival, and Beaufort International Film Festival.
Clemson
Clemson, a bewitching college town home to the famed Clemson University campus at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and right on the banks of Lake Hartwell, extends across Pickens and Anderson Counties near the northwestern corner of the state. Every fall, athletic fanatics flock to watch a match played by the University’s sports team ‘Clemson Tigers’ at the Clemson Memorial Stadium’s Frank Howard Field. Travelers touring this 17,681-inhabitant town should not miss the remarkable sites of interest such as the Fort Hill Plantation, Brooks Center for the Performing Arts, Littlejohn Coliseum, Walker Golf Course, Doug Kingsmore Stadium, Clemson Little Theater, South Carolina Botanical Garden & Bob Campbell Geology Museum, Lake Hartwell State Park, and Tillman Hall & its emblematic clock tower.
McClellanville
Part of the Charleston Metropolitan Area, McClellanville is a relaxed fishing village in Charleston County, situated on the Atlantic Coast about 38 miles from Charleston and 23 miles from Georgetown. Surrounded by Francis Marion National Forest, residents have traditionally depended on the Atlantic and surrounding marshlands for fishing, shrimping, and oystering, which are essential to the local economy. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the downtown, full of small businesses and historic pre-Civil War homes, relax by Jeremy Creek, explore Indigenous art at the McClellanville Arts Council, visit the Village Museum to learn about the area’s history, and enjoy delicious Southern seafood at T. W. Graham & Company Seafood Restaurant. Don't miss annual community events like the Blessing of the Fleet and the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival, held on the first Saturday in May.
Aiken
Named after William Aiken, the first President of the South Carolina Railroad, Aiken is the largest city and seat of government in western South Carolina’s Aiken County, located about 20 miles northeast of Augusta, Georgia. Its mild climate year-round and top-notch training facilities have made Aiken an ideal spot for equestrian events, attracting hundreds of thoroughbred owners and vacationers worldwide. Downtown Aiken boasts numerous horse-themed gift shops, restaurants, art galleries, and breweries like The Alley Downtown Taproom, Malia’s Restaurants, and Wilcox Restaurant. When visiting, don't miss attractions such as Hitchcock Woods, the Aiken County Historical Museum, the Aiken Visitor Center & Train Museum, DuPont Planetarium, Hopelands Gardens, the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum, Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site, and the Aiken Center for the Arts.
Travelers Rest
Travelers Rest, the northernmost community of Greenville County, is located in the stunning Upcountry region at the southern base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, approximately 10 miles north of Greenville and 20 miles south of North Carolina's border. Known as "TR, Gateway to the Foothills,” it is a popular stop for Lowcountry visitors heading to the cooler mountains during summer. Visitors can walk along Main Street, exploring numerous gift shops, breweries, cafes, art galleries, and renowned restaurants like Chicora Alley Firehouse and Coastal Crust in Travelers Rest. The town also features the History Museum of Travelers Rest, Travelers Rest Speedway, and Trailblazer Park. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail, while families can attend annual events such as the Travelers Rest Farmers Market, Artober at The Grove, the Music in the Park series, and Movies in the Park.
From Beaufort, known as the ‘Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands,’ to the idyllic fishing village of McClellanville, each picture-perfect town in the 24th most populous and 40th largest state captivates vacationers from around the globe. With stunning natural scenery, fascinating heritage sites, lively cultures, numerous outdoor activities, and welcoming atmospheres, these towns in the Palmetto State are ideal for those seeking mountain escapes or tranquil beach holidays.
