9 Offbeat Towns to Visit in South Carolina
The geographically diverse state of South Carolina in the coastal American Southeast is bounded by the mighty Atlantic and by the US States of Georgia and North Carolina. Sprinkled all over the Palmetto State’s picturesque terrain are countless underrated small towns esteemed for their pristine natural surroundings, vibrant Main Streets, fascinating historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and Southern Hospitality. Although a large percentage of vacationers mostly tour the state capital, Columbia, and the biggest city, Charleston, South Carolina’s offbeat small towns appeal to those who wish to unwind away from these congested metropolises.
Beaufort
Beaufort, lovingly called the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands,” is situated amidst a marshy estuary on Port Royal Island, at the center of the Sea Islands and the state’s Lowcountry region in Beaufort County. Considered South Carolina’s second-oldest city, Beaufort is celebrated for its spellbinding vistas, lively cultures, rich heritage, and waterfront eating joints serving appetizing cuisines. Visitors can take a walk through the town's downtown historic district with streets lined by Spanish moss-draped oak trees and numerous carefully preserved houses, commercial buildings, and religious places constructed using the antebellum architectural style.
Aside from these, the town houses the Beaufort National Cemetery, Parish Church of St. Helena, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Kazoo Museum, and plenty of independent bookstores. Additionally, there are a number of motels, art galleries, sporting venues, and luxurious bed & breakfasts. The adjoining Hunting Island State Park is the state’s most popular state park, attracting over a million visitors yearly. Beaufort also hosts several festivals and art events like the Home Water Festival, Fall Tour of Homes, Beaufort International Film Festival, ‘A Taste of Beaufort,’ St. Helena’s Spring Tour of Homes, and the Beaufort Shrimp Festival.
Aiken
The biggest town and administrative center of Aiken County, Aiken, named for the Railroad President William Aiken, is located in Western South Carolina, about 20 miles northeast of Augusta, Georgia. The town’s world-class training facilities and mild climate throughout the year have made it an ideal destination to host equestrian events, enticing thousands of thoroughbred owners. Downtown Aiken is packed with equine-themed gift stores, art galleries, restaurants, and brews like the Alley Downtown Taproom or Malia’s Restaurants. Aiken’s noteworthy attractions include Hopelands Gardens, Aiken County Historical Museum, Aiken Visitors Center & Train Museum, and DuPont Planetarium.
Georgetown
Georgetown County’s administrative center, this quaint waterfront town, occupies the heart of the state’s Hammock Coast, close to where the Black, Sampit, Great Pee Dee, and Waccamaw rivers drain into the Winyah Bay. Being South Carolina’s second-biggest seaport as well as the third-oldest city, Georgetown has more than 50 antebellum houses in and around its downtown district. Historical buffs can get an insight into the town’s bygone days at the Hampton Plantation State Historic Site, Hopsewee Plantation, Kaminski House Museum, and the Gullah Museum. The scenic Harborwalk provides tourists with opportunities to discover an assortment of shops, clothing boutiques, and top-notch restaurants offering fresh seafood and delicious Lowcountry cuisines.
Bluffton
Dubbed the “Heart of the Lowcountry,” Bluffton is a serene Beaufort County coastal community situated between Interstate 95 highway and Hilton Head Island, mostly around U.S. Route 278. Occupying a bluff along the May River is this Lowcountry town’s initial one-square-mile area, referred to as the “Old Town.” The National Register-listed Bluffton Historic District comprises 46 buildings with residential and commercial architecture, two landscape features that reflect the historic character of the district, and 17 non-contributing properties. Visitors can tour the Heyward House & Historical Center, Church of the Cross, Garvin-Garvey House, and Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church.
Additionally, there are great eclectic specialty stores, art galleries, boutiques, hotels, distilleries, and fine restaurants like Red Stripes Caribbean Cuisine & Lounge, Burnt Church Distillery, and Bluffton Oyster Company. Nature enthusiasts can head to the different waterfront parks of the neighboring Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve and take self-guided kayaking and boating tours on the May River. The town also hosts annual events like the Bluffton Village Festival, Shag & Drag, Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival, May River Cleanup, and Christmas Parade.
McClellanville
A tranquil fishing town in Charleston County, McClellanville forms a part of the Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville Metropolitan Area, about 23 miles from Georgetown and 38 miles from Charleston. Placed right on the Atlantic coast and encircled by the Francis Marion National Forest on land, the residents of McClellanville have traditionally relied on the mighty ocean and coastal marshes for oystering, fishing, and shrimping activities.
This laid-back town invites tourists to stroll its attractive downtown, jam-packed with scores of independent businesses and pre-Civil War era homes. Holidayers can unwind along the Jeremy Creek banks, listen to tales about the area’s history at the Village Museum, and appreciate the works of regional artists at the Pickney Street Gallery and the McClellanville Arts Council. After a nice day out, it's worth relishing mouthwatering seafood at the award-winning diners and engaging in various recreational activities at the nearby Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Special events such as the Blessing of the Fleet and the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival are hosted by the town every year.
Edisto Beach
Located at the southeastern extremity of Colleton County, Edisto Beach is one of South Carolina’s favored beach destinations and a bedroom community that includes only the developed coastal portion of Edisto Island within the town limits. Aside from the ample beach-related activities, tourists at Edisto Beach should browse the displayed artifacts at the Edisto Island Historical Society Preservation Museum to know more about the island and its inhabitants' role in US history.
Vacationers can also explore the Edisto Beach State Park and the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, partake in tours at the Marina at Edisto, and play a round of golf at the Plantation Course. Furthermore, taste the lip-smacking crab cake sandwiches, burgers, and homemade potato chips at Whaley’s Restaurant & Bar, and observe a variety of reptiles at the adjoining Edisto Island Serpentarium.
Clemson
Located in the northwestern corner of South Carolina, spanning Pickens and Anderson counties, this charming college town sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the shores of Lake Hartwell. Clemson is famous for being home to the picturesque Clemson University campus. Each autumn, sports enthusiasts flock to Frank Howard Field at Clemson Memorial Stadium, affectionately known as “Death Valley,” to cheer on the Clemson Tigers, the university's athletic team.
Among the town's essential attractions are Fort Hill Plantation, Littlejohn Coliseum, Tillman Hall with its iconic clock tower, and Doug Kingsmore Stadium. For a more artistic outing, visitors can head to the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts or catch a show at the Clemson Little Theater. The Walker Golf Course offers a pleasant day outdoors, complemented by Lake Hartwell State Park and the South Carolina Botanical Garden. History buffs may find interest in the Clemson Area African American Museum and the Bob Campbell Geology Museum.
Hartsville
Hartsville, named after Captain Thomas Edward Hart, is located by Prestwood Lake in Darlington County, Northeastern South Carolina. The town, home to over 7,500 residents, features several historic landmarks, such as the Arcade Hotel, Davidson Hall at Coker University, Wade Hampton Hicks House, E. W. Cannon House & Store, and J. B. Gilbert House, among others. Nature lovers will appreciate the 30-acre Kalmia Gardens, showcasing native plants, trails, and the Thomas Hart House, the founder's residence.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the green spaces in Hartsville’s numerous parks, including Centennial Park, Burry Park, Byerly Park, and The Vista. Architecture fans can delve into the town’s history at the Hartsville Museum, while cultural aficionados can enjoy performances at the Center Theater, Black Creek Arts Center, and the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center. Additionally, the town hosts various events, such as Screen on the Green, the Hartsville Christmas Parade, and the Annual Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting held at Burry Park.
York
York County’s governmental hub, this charming town in Northern South Carolina, is situated about 13 miles west of Rock Hill and 27 miles southwest of Charlotte, North Carolina. Initially settled by the native Catawba Indians, the first recorded European inhabitants—primarily Scotch-Irish colonists—arrived from Pennsylvania and Virginia in the early 1750s. Locally known as "The White Rose City," York is nestled between two sites significant to the Revolutionary War.
The National Register-listed historic district of York features key portions of the downtown’s commercial and residential zones, consisting of roughly 180 contributing properties. Notable landmarks include the Witherspoon-Hunter House, Hart House, and Allison Plantation, among others. Furthermore, the nearby Nanny’s Mountain Trailhead, along with a diverse array of shops, art galleries, bed & breakfasts, restaurants, and venues for entertainment like the Sylvia Theater and McCelvey Center, attracts thousands to York.
From the picturesque fishing community of McClellanville to the vibrant college town of Clemson, each quaint town in South Carolina—the 40th largest and 23rd most populated state in the U.S.—draws visitors from around the globe. These charming small towns offer a peaceful retreat for those wishing to soak in the authentic essence of the state. With their inviting ambiance, friendly residents, notable landmarks, and colorful festivals, these unique spots in the Palmetto State deserve a place on your travel list.
