9 Most Walkable Town Centers In South Carolina
South Carolina shines at walkable small-town weekends. Coastal boardwalks come lined with waterfront patios, and historic districts glow with preserved Antebellum homes, oak-canopied streets, and Spanish moss. Pedestrian-friendly downtowns fill the map, from Beaufort’s Bay Street to the MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet. You can wander past courthouses and local landmarks on the way to happy hour, Lowcountry seafood, and classic Southern comfort food, with stops ranging from the Atlantic coast to the foothills of the Blue Ridge. Some of the country’s most inviting town-center strolls live right here in South Carolina.
Georgetown
Coastal Georgetown is the third-oldest city in the state and a popular destination, with its impeccably maintained 18th and 19th-century architecture and thriving waterfront district. Front Street and the Harborwalk are prime locations for a scenic stroll downtown, and the Georgetown County Museum is just a block inland, offering a glimpse into 300 years of culture and history. When hunger strikes, you can saunter back down Broad Street to experience premier waterfront dining in the heart of the historic district at the River Room Restaurant, then finish the evening with an Eastern Seaboard nightcap at the Independent, located inside the George Hotel.
Beaufort
Beaufort is an enchanting city on Port Royal Island, one of the beautiful islands off the coast of South Carolina. If you’re a lover of historic homes, you can explore Beaufort via Janet's Walking History Tours through the town center and historic district to view impeccably maintained antebellum architecture and oak trees draped with Spanish moss.
For a few hours of retail therapy, make your way to Bay Street, the local hub for shopping and dining, and stroll all the way to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, where you can pull up a park bench or swing along the scenic Beaufort River. Steps from the park, finish out the day at The Old Bull Tavern, Beaufort’s neighborhood gastropub, where you can enjoy an eclectic, ever-changing market menu.
Landrum
Set against the backdrop of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, Landrum has a downtown filled with captivating walkable streets and lined with vintage brick buildings dating back to the late 1800s. The idyllic Rutherford Street is a major draw for antique hunters and those seeking diverse culinary flavors.
Spend the day roaming The Shops at Landrum Antique Mall, where you can score one-of-a-kind pieces dating back hundreds of years. To refuel, local favorite, The Hare and Hound, is steps away. Once a mercantile that supplied the textile and farming industries, the popular pub now serves up delicious American fare such as baby back ribs and specialty salads. Other dining options on Rutherford include El Chile Rojo, for authentic Mexican, Soulisa's Fine Thai Dining, and Rhema Soul, with a menu full of classic Southern favorites.
Abbeville
Characterized by its classic brick streets and railroad town feel, Abbeville puts southern dining, historical buildings, and unique shops well within walking distance of one another. Court Square is the heart of downtown, where you can walk among Civil War monuments and catch a live show at the beautifully restored Abbeville Opera House.
Located only a block from the courthouse is the stunning Trinity Episcopal Church. This Gothic-style church boasts a 125-foot-tall steeple and is notably listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Be sure to also schedule a tour of the famous Burt-Stark Mansion further along Main Street, an incredible Greek Revival building used as the site where Confederate president Jefferson Davis held his last Council of War.
Spartanburg
Like Beaufort, Spartanburg is recognized as a South Carolina Cultural District, and its vibrant downtown pulses with creative energy. At the heart of the city, visitors can explore numerous art galleries, a range of dining options, and old-world southern charm, all within an easily walkable radius. Morgan Square, once a gathering place for militia regiments during the American Revolution, is still filled with Romanesque and Italianate-style buildings.
The square is still a community hub for festivals and events, and hosts the Music on Main series every summer, which showcases free concerts by a variety of artists on Thursday evenings from April to July. A quick walk north along Magnolia, one of the city’s oldest streets, is the Hub City Railroad Museum, where visitors can get a crash course in how the railroads were connected to the textile and peach industries of South Carolina.
Murrells Inlet
Just south of Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet is an intimate coastal fishing town on the Atlantic Ocean along South Carolina's Hammock Coast. The MarshWalk stretches for half a mile through the heart of the village, creating a pedestrian zone bordered by a natural saltwater estuary. Numerous restaurants and bars line the waterfront boardwalk, such as the Dead Dog Saloon, where nightly live music and good food go hand in hand.
There are also several bait and tackle shops for those keen to reel in their own catch of the day from the many jetties and shallows at the water's edge, and for something a bit more unique, the Inlet Brewboat is a pedal tour that combines beer, biking, and boating with options like coffee cruises in the morning and party cruises in the evening, all leaving from Creek Ratz restaurant on the MarshWalk.
Travelers Rest
With a population of just under 9,000, Travelers Rest proves that small towns can make a big impression with its pedestrian-friendly and endearing historic downtown. Originally a stopping point for weary travelers in the 19th century, it has transformed into a vibrant center rich with heritage.
Swamp Rabbit Trail runs directly through the center of town, connecting visitors to local shops, inviting restaurants, and neighboring Greenville. History enthusiasts will want to visit the History Museum of Travelers Rest, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the town and its origins. Enjoy lunch at Upcountry Provisions, a cozy cafe serving locally sourced food, then stroll along Main Street to unwind with a craft beer at Swamp Rabbit Brewery or more farm-to-table dining at Topsoil, just across the street.
Bluffton
On the banks of the May River in South Carolina, downtown Bluffton is a must-visit destination revered for its classic Southern hospitality and classic antebellum ambiance. If your schedule permits, explore the town center on a Thursday, so you can visit the local Farmers Market to enjoy fresh flowers and delicious treats. Take a walk down Calhoun Street to experience an array of art studios and pop into The Society of Bluffton Artists, SOBA, to enroll in a hands-on art class. If you’re a lover of Gothic architecture, be sure to visit The Church of the Cross, overlooking the May River at the end of historic Calhoun Street, then end the day with a signature fish sandwich at Captain Woody's, a town favorite located at the corner of Promenade Street and State of Mind.
Conway
The allure of oak-lined streets, along with beloved neighborhood shops and restaurants, places Conway firmly on the map as a premier walkable destination. Spend the day strolling the Riverwalk, which offers scenic views along the Waccamaw River, attracting visitors who enjoy waterfront dining and browsing local art for sale. Treat yourself to a classic Southern breakfast at Trestle Bakery and Cafe on Main Street, where the staff is friendly, and the selection of pastries is superb.
Just a block away, the historic Conway City Hall was built in 1825 and designed by the same architect as the Washington Monument, making it a notable stop and beloved local landmark. Also nearby on Main, you can catch a show at the Theatre of the Republic, a local treasure rich in history and tradition, and the longest-running live theatre company in the Grand Strand.
Some of the best adventures happen on foot while visiting smaller towns that are infused with rich history. Sightseeing is an incredible way to admire different cultures, visit historic structures, and soak in colorful neighborhoods at your own pace. Nothing beats the nostalgia of tree-lined streets, the smell of a local coffee joint, and the friendly wave from a local shop owner, and these South Carolina towns have all this and more, waiting to be discovered.
