9 Most Beautiful Small Towns In South Carolina You Should Visit
In 1984, South Carolina officially designated the Carolina Shag as the state dance, thanks to its connection to the state. The dance, formed between the 1930s and 1940s, is a cultural icon blending beach and soul music with a 4/4 time signature. The Shag is more than a simple dance number, however. It is a reflection of the Palmetto State's fun-loving nature, blending artistry with heritage to make it a national icon.
This legacy is just one of many elements that make South Carolina a beautiful state to visit, whether for a coastal getaway or for relaxing in an inland destination. Each city blends its own signature into its surroundings, crafting new traditions alongside those handed down for centuries. It is this love of the past mixed with a hometown aesthetic that makes them worth a second look when traveling through the state.
Aiken
Found in South Carolina's "Thoroughbred Country," Aiken has a storied equestrian culture, which adds to the natural beauty surrounding the town. One drive down South Boundary Avenue with its signature oak canopy underscores this point. Downtown reflects the natural beauty with its clean streetscapes and cultural attractions, such as the Aiken Community Theatre and Aiken Civic Orchestra, each adding an artistic flair to the district.
Unsurprisingly, Aiken is home to many bed-and-breakfast inns, from luxurious to historic. The Carriage House Inn is a romantic option, with a front walkway lined with white gardenias and offering sophisticated rooms and fine dining. This is a beautiful town to discover with slow walks through Virginia Acres Park or the downtown district to soak in its commercial and natural beauty.
Landrum
Landrum is a traditional Southern town with a hospitable community and a downtown area famous for its antique shops and dining options. Rustic elements include the red Campbell's Covered Bridge (circa 1909-1911), the only one left in the state, which sets the tone for any visit. Downtown is just as spectacular, where vintage brick buildings surround Rutherford Street, home to popular eateries and local shops.
A popular option is the notable Hare and Hound, a former mercantile that now serves American fare and pub food. The area is also home to The Shops at Landrum Antique Mall, featuring pieces from different eras. Landrum feels pleasantly like a different time, steeped in traditions, natural scenery, and modern conveniences.
Bluffton
Scenic Bluffton, in South Carolina's Low Country, is a historic hamlet on the May River. There are many ways to get outdoors in this naturally elegant town. Visitors are encouraged to visit Calhoun Street Docks for waterfront views and angling opportunities. They can also take a guided tour with Outside Palmetto Bluff to learn about the area's habitats.
Arts and culture add to this rustic setting in town at places like La Petite Gallerie, an intimate space that celebrates local artists and their work. The Bluffton Gullah Cultural Heritage Center offers another fantastic opportunity to explore a different side of regional heritage. The center aims to highlight this pivotal culture, which means so much to South Carolina, and to preserve it for the future.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is an idyllic resort town known for its gorgeous beaches and golf courses, attracting millions of visitors each year. At only five wide and 12 miles long, a popular mode of transportation is by bicycle, a great way to take in the many sights, such as "Fraser's Folly." Appropriately named Harbortown Lighthouse, the candy cane-striped attraction was never a functioning aid to navigation. It was built as a gift shop and operated by the Sea Pines Resort.
There is a diverse history here, including the establishment of the Gullah Geechee culture. This history and more can be seen at The Coastal Discovery Museum through exhibits and artifacts that add depth to any vacation. Kayaking along Skull Creek introduces paddlers to a lush ecosystem of egrets, herons, and dolphins, offering a deeper appreciation of the resort town.
Pendleton
Historic Pendleton, on the banks of Lake Harwell, offers mountain views, waterfalls, and rolling hills, making it one of South Carolina's most beautiful small towns. It also has an affable community and over 50 historic sites, including antebellum mansions like the Woodburn Plantation. Built in 1830, the home was the residence of a former Lieutenant Governor and is located on the aptly named History Lane.
The town is one of South Carolina's earliest Upcountry communities, and little has changed since its origins. History and architecture aficionados will enjoy a walking tour of the many landmark commercial buildings, like St. Paul's Episcopal Church and the Keese Barn. The church was constructed in 1822, and an early resident built the pre-19th-century barn. Both serve as a portal to the past, enhancing the un-commercialized settings throughout town.
North Myrtle Beach
When one imagines a prototypical, fun beach destination, they are probably envisioning North Myrtle Beach. This beautiful stretch of sand on the Atlantic Coast is famous for being the birthplace of the Carolina Shag, and the jovial community offers many chances to see the dance live at Fat Harold's Beach Club and the Beach Shagger's National Hall of Fame.
Venues like these capture the laidback beach vibe and add a communal beauty to the ocean views, but nature lovers will also find plenty to do. The seven-acre Heritage Shores Nature Preserve in the Cherry Grove area is an island with boardwalks and observation decks providing views of plants, animals, and marine life. One of the best ways to encounter this distinct ecosystem is by taking a sunset cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway with J & L Kayaking for an up-close view.
Edisto Beach
Beachcombers rejoice! South Carolina has a coast full of beautiful beach towns, and Edisto Beach on Edisto Island stands apart as one of the best. The coastal destination is chock-full of indoor and outdoor attractions, such as Botany Bay Plantation, that highlight the area's natural and commercial beauty. The unspoiled bay is open to the public, with beach access at Boneyard Beach, where kayakers can explore sea forests and caverns.
Edisto Beach State Park is another lovely natural attraction, encompassing 1,255 acres of unspoiled land and home to deer and other wildlife. A fun way to experience the beauty of the island is on The Plantation Course at Edisto. Hitting the links in the warmer months, surrounded by unspoiled nature and a serene environment, is just one of the many ways to enjoy this little haven, a significant draw for many.
Travelers Rest
Travelers Rest is an aptly named little town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers guests a pleasant blend of small-town charm and outdoor activities that showcase its beauty. TR, as it is affectionately known, provides a retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System for bicyclists and hikers. Pristine lakes, mountain adventures, and waterfalls surround the system, offering a tranquil day in nature.
After a day on the trails, the town offers several places for a glass of wine and renowned restaurants. Chicora Alley Firehouse Restaurant is a local hangout specializing in casual fare and good times. The Tasting Room is a fantastic option for those seeking a boutique wine shop and friendly atmosphere, each adding to the Traverlers Rest experience.
McClellanville
McClellanville is a small fishing village featuring old buildings and harbor views of shrimp boats plying their trade, completing the picture. It is also the gateway to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most pristine estuaries on the Atlantic Coast. The town is surrounded by Francis Marion National Forest, offering ample opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding.
For a day in town, explore the storied history of McClellanville and the surrounding areas at The Village Museum. Here, exhibits interpret the histories of the Sewee Indians, the Santee Delta plantations, and the rise of the commercial shrimping industry. This village offers ample opportunities to discover a local's perspective of the area, making it a standout destination for outdoor and history enthusiasts.
South Carolina is one of the most beautiful states in the southern US, and these nine towns stand out in both commercial and non-commercial spaces. Natural spaces from Edisto Beach to Aiken are among the best, and each offers the traveler unparalleled entertainment venues. The venues add culture and community to the natural settings, underscoring the pride residents take in their cities.
Strolling through downtown areas is just as scenic as walking through the parks and canopy roads. These small towns showcase the best of the Palmetto State, making them irresistible destinations for many. Whether seeking a weekend resort or an outdoor retreat, these are the nine most beautiful towns you should visit in South Carolina.
