9 Most Charming Small Towns In South Carolina
Known for its Southern charm and hospitality, South Carolina offers a rich history, warm weather, and exciting adventures. The state's unique geography, culture, and cuisine are best experienced in its charming small towns, from the coastal breezes of the Atlantic to the Blue Ridge Mountains. This article highlights the 11 most charming small towns in South Carolina.
Clemson
Clemson, home to Clemson University founded in 1889, has a population of just under 14,000 and is a scenic college town situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains' foothills. Known for Southern charm, excellent local restaurants and shops, and rich history, Clemson draws visitors throughout the year, enjoying hot summers and mild winters.
The site features seven buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, such as the Colonial Hanover House (built in 1714) and Fort Hill Plantation. Visitors can experience a glimpse of American life from the 18th and 19th centuries. Located on Clemson University's campus, the South Carolina Botanical Garden is a must-see, encompassing nearly 300 acres of sanctuary. Enjoy walking along picturesque pathways over bridges, past ponds, streams, and charming gardens for a peaceful and quaint outing.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island, a resort town in Beaufort County just 32 kilometers from the Georgia border, provides residents and tourists with a gorgeous, unspoiled Atlantic beachfront. With 19 kilometers of coastline, people in Hilton Head always have access to breathtaking views and warm weather.
Enjoy activities like swimming, sailing, sunbathing, and more, or play golf and tennis with a stunning ocean view. At spots such as Coligny Beach Park, visitors can indulge in fine dining and shopping or take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk. Additionally, live music, charming vendors by the sea, and numerous local art galleries make Hilton Head Island a vibrant destination all year round.
McClellanville
With a population of just over 500 inhabitants, the community of McClellanville sits right on the Atlantic Ocean and is surrounded by the Francis Marion National Forest. An hour’s drive north from the city of Charleston, visitors to McClellanville will find a quiet place of tranquility and natural beauty in this fishing hot spot.
Founded as a village in the 1860s, visitors can explore the town’s history at the Village Museum or walk through the Historic District, which features several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The local economy, based on fishing, shrimping, and oystering, makes McClellanville a great place to enjoy fresh seafood at various restaurants. Additionally, with the Francis Marion National Forest nearby, visitors can take advantage of scenic biking and hiking trails, where the crisp sea air is always present.
Aiken
The seat of Aiken County and near the border with Georgia, Aiken is a splendid town where visitors of diverse interests can find something new to discover. Nature lovers can enjoy sites such as Boyd Pond Park, where beautiful hiking trails and close views of local wildlife are always in abundance.
Or perhaps try some horseback riding at Hitchcock Park, a favorite among both professional and amateur riders. For history enthusiasts, visiting the Aiken Train Museum is a popular choice, where visitors can learn about the expansion of the Eastern Railroad in a fun and engaging setting. Meanwhile, for tourists and families alike, a walk through the charming Hopeland Gardens offers a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Admire the local flowers, enjoy the warm sunshine, and soak in the atmosphere of this Southern town; when in Aiken, there's always a reason to feel happy.
York
The seat of York County and founded in 1750, the town of York was the site of two major battles during the American Revolutionary War. Today, York and its population of 7,000 inhabitants remains a town steeped in history, and tourists will certainly get a sense of living history when here.
Full of historic buildings selected for preservation, including the York County Courthouse and the Allison Plantation, in the York Historic District, nearly every edifice has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Marvel at the old-style architecture and archaic building materials, or pose with the Old Town Clock in a most charming and truly old-fashioned ambiance. Tourists can further enjoy quaint local shops, galleries, and restaurants, as residents beam their pride, always ready to welcome visitors.
Beaufort
The state's second oldest town, Beaufort, was established in 1711 and is located right on Port Royal Island on the Atlantic Coast. Full of beautiful Southern charm, this town is a definite jewel for those looking for stunning scenic views and preserved colonial history.
Lovers of history will certainly enjoy a stroll through Beaufort's streets, where many buildings from before the Civil War have been lovingly maintained and restored. At the Beaufort Historic District, a journey into America's past has never been easier. For the nature enthusiast, spending time on the water by swimming and sailing is amongst the most beautiful things to do while in town. And, of course, the charming boardwalk at the Sands in Port Royal gives definition to having one's breath taken away.
Travelers Rest
The town of Travelers Rest is indeed a spot where repose is always in abundance. Situated within the Blue Ridge Mountain range, this town of around 5,000 residents is a quaint rest stop that was originally founded as a place of refuge for those traveling in the area, hence its name.
Filled with plenty of small-town charm, visitors can enjoy local restaurants, cute shops, and even a few historic buildings included on the National Register of Historic Places. At the Wildcat Wayside Mountain nature preserve, outdoor lovers can experience great hiking and biking trails and even see some local mountain waterfalls.
Georgetown
Georgetown is South Carolina's third oldest settlement, behind Beaufort and Charleston, respectively. Founded in 1526 by Spanish colonists, the town eventually became a prominent English settlement and today is the state's second-largest seaport.
Once the center of a rice and indigo production area, visitors to Georgetown will appreciate its special old-world charm, offering a special window into America's colonial past. With historic buildings, homes, and cobblestone streets lining much of the Historic District, this snapshot of the 18th and 19th century United States is indeed a fascinating experience. And naturally, as a seafront town, a trip out on the water is a must when in Georgetown. Tourists can enjoy boat tours of the area that inform and visually delight at the same time, for some of the very best of South Carolina's Atlantic coastline.
Mount Pleasant
Though it has a large population that would place it closer to city status, Mount Pleasant is a town filled with Southern beauty, history, and small-town charm. Home to some 90,000 residents, visitors can explore centuries worth of historic buildings, parks, and other sites from the colonial period to the Second World War.
Visit the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, where the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown is on display, illuminating the town’s contribution to the 1940s war effort. Meanwhile, as a coastal town, tourists at Mount Pleasant will always have great opportunities to enjoy the Atlantic waves, where swimming and sailing are continuously popular attractions. Home of several sites on the National Register of Historic Places, Mount Pleasant is indeed a pleasant experience for solo travelers and families alike, melding together fascinating history with stunning coastal beauty.
From stunning Atlantic coastal views to mountains, valleys, and plenty of Southern charm, South Carolina exemplifies natural and cultural beauty. Traveling through the State's small towns is a great way to better know the "Palmetto State," as each offers unique history, rustic beauty, and adventures ready to create lasting memories for all.
