South Carolina's 11 Most Laid-Back Towns

As home to multiple Civil and Revolutionary War enactments and the rumble of motors at NASCAR's Bojangles' Southern 500, it might seem that South Carolina is anything but laid-back. However, the go-with-the-flow vibe found in the small towns from the Upcountry to the Lowcountry and Midlands to Pee Dee offers quiet spots where visitors are welcome to come and “set a spell.” Here are South Carolina’s 11 most laid-back towns for your next down-south retreat.

Abbeville

Located in the Old 96 District, Abbeville’s 19th-century homes and turn-of-the-century architecture have the same feel as Charleston, without the hustle and bustle. The charming town square is made for relaxing strolls, unhurried shopping, and discovering local eateries.

Theater and architecture lovers will quickly spot the grand Abbeville Opera House. Once a popular stopover for New York stage shows en route to Atlanta, the fully restored theater is now known as the Official Rural Drama State Theatre of South Carolina. Take in a show or relive the good old days at one of the Opera House's acclaimed retro band tributes.

Lunch is all about the dog at The Rough House, a town landmark serving up hot dogs and ice cream for almost a century. The super-casual 1930s “joint” is vintage perfection right down to the tiny booths and pool hall in the back.

Abbeville is known as the "Birthplace and Deathbed of the Confederacy," playing a role in both the state's secession from the Union and the fall of the Confederacy. The Burt-Stark Mansion is the site of the last "council of war" held by Confederate President Jefferson Davis, where members of his cabinet convinced him he had no choice but to dissolve the Confederacy. Take a guided tour and see the room where the meeting took place.

Beaufort

Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. The town is all about shoreside casualness with its ocean breezes, antebellum homes, and endless beaches. The city also has just enough sophistication to indulge visitors seeking some downtime.

Take a stroll or bike ride along the Spanish Moss Trail to discover the beauty of the Lowcountry, from scenic views of the marshes and shoreline to the Spanish moss-draped neighborhoods that inspired the trail’s name. Linger over lunch at Plum’s Restaurant, discovering the flavors of Lowcountry cuisine overlooking the water. Admire the views, cocktail in hand, while you wait for your mouthwatering Classic Shrimp and Grits.

Hop on a Beaufort Buggy Tour, listening to the pleasant clip-clop of horse hooves as you take in the historic splendor of the town. The narrated tour is a relaxing way to see the Antebellum and Victorian architecture and learn about the Civil War’s impact on the community. Shop for cozy yet stylish casual clothing and coastal-inspired home décor at Cabana22 as a reminder of your trip to Beaufort.

Clemson

Clemson is a quiet, caps-and-gowns town ideally situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the shores of Lake Hartwell. Its mountain location is close to tranquil parks made for hours of hiking and outdoor adventures, while Clemson University's campus is filled with hidden surprises worth discovering.

Wander 295 acres of cultivated landscapes and natural woodlands at the South Carolina Botanical Garden, where the silent nature trails intersect with the gurgling waters of Hunnicutt Creek. The landscape is constantly changing with the seasons, offering different garden views as the plants bloom and return to dormancy. An experimental sculpture garden, crafted from natural materials and featuring living plants, was designed to evolve naturally. Some have all but disappeared, while others have adapted to their environment since their initial installation.

Discover nature experiences at Clemson Experimental Forest, where over 19,200 acres offer stunning scenery, opportunities for birdwatching, and trails leading to Wildcat Falls. The forest is also a hotspot for mountain bikers if you prefer to discover nature on two wheels.

Recover from your day of activity at the very chill Kite Hill Brewing Co. The family-friendly gathering space combines site-made beer and a select tasty food menu. Lounge in the beer garden chatting with friends or play some lawn games.

Georgetown

Sitting where the Waccamaw, Black, Great Pee Dee, and Sampit rivers feed into Winyah Bay, Georgetown goes with the flow much like the rivers feeding into the bay. It combines the laid-back feel of the Maritimes and Lowcountry for an extra dose of Hammock Coast relaxation.

The Front Street area earned Georgetown USA Today’s “America’s Best Coastal Small Town” title. It boasts more than 200-year-old homes than Charleston, with 50 located in and around its charming downtown. Shady streets lined with ancient oak trees invite leisurely walks to explore the historic properties and plantations.

Stop to admire the lovely fountain at Joseph Rainey Park as you make your way to the Harborwalk. The walk along the Sampit River offers views of Georgetown Harbor and is a popular spot to watch the sunset.

Cat lovers cannot resist a drink at the quirky Purr & Pour Cat Café, where cozy couches and furry companions feel like a visit to an eccentric auntie’s home. Mingle with the kitties while enjoying a tipple of wine or beer or a cup of coffee and nibble something indulgent from Sweeties Sweets.

Browse the traditional Gullah and Lowcountry crafts at the Gullah Museum. Tours, presentations, and demonstrations teach visitors about the Gullah people, their unique language, and how enslaved West Africans and their descendants transformed Lowcountry swamps into high-yielding rice fields.

Landrum

The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy 11 offers unmatched views of the Blue Ridge Mountains en route to Landrum. Set against rolling hills and pastoral horse farms, you will find charming shops and eateries in the town’s late 1800s and early 1900s brick buildings.

The Landrum area is home to two of South Carolina’s oldest bridges. Campbell’s Covered Bridge is a real charmer spanning Beaverdam Creek with its red clapboard siding and rustic roof. Built in 1909, it is South Carolina’s only surviving covered bridge, made all the more scenic when the leaves are bright red in the fall. Unfortunately, the State's oldest surviving stone bridge is closed for restoration. The 1820 Gothic-arched Poinsett Bridge will reopen in April 2026.

Enjoy a wine tasting experience like no other at the Red Horse Inn Wine Bar, where rare vintages combine with rare vantages in spectacular fashion. The expansive verandah overlooks the distant mountains and horses grazing in the lush green fields. Wine lovers can sample wines from around the world by the glass, ounce, or flight.

Find a seat on the porch at The Hare and Hound or slide into a cozy booth for pub classics and traditional favorites in the heart of town. There is plenty to sip from their impressive drinks menu, including top-shelf bourbon like Pappy Van Winkle, hand-shaken cocktails, wine, and beer.

Newberry

Travel Channel named Newberry one of the Most Charming Towns in America, with its historic downtown architecture dating back to the 1800s. The historic Opera House and its iconic clock tower sit in the town center overlooking a pretty little park shaded with mature trees.

The Newberry Opera House continues to put on a show with ongoing performances that range from live concerts to film screenings. Built in 1882, the Victorian architecture reflects the craftsmanship of local masons and woodworkers, offering a unique theater experience.

Relax at Enoree River Winery, where you can sample local, handcrafted wines made with 100% real juice. The covered porch offers tranquil views of the vineyard, where you can enjoy wine tastings and take home your wine glass as a souvenir. Be sure to visit in the warmer months when they serve Wine Slushies.

The Wells Japanese Garden is an unexpected treasure hidden behind the City Hall, where you will find tranquil ponds and pathways beside a trickling creek. The unique design features a Temple, torii gate, Moon Bridge, and Tea House, creating a serene retreat for quiet contemplation.

You have to watch for the bright yellow bistro tables out front of Tiny Paris Carolina, or you might miss it. It is an eclectic eatery situated on a red brick road, where owners celebrate rustic, country-style French cuisine and wine, and sell an artful selection of boutique candles and décor.

Travelers Rest

Travelers Rest is situated in the Upstate of South Carolina, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Conveniently located just outside of Greenville, the pristine lakes, tranquil scenery, and laid-back town offer the perfect balance of outdoor adventures and foodie experiences.

Avid cyclists can actually bike from Greenville to Travelers Rest along the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail. The multipurpose trail runs along Main Street, offering a lovely greenway to explore the town, find a bench to relax, or discover trailside eateries. Go "Beyond the Burrow," looking for colorfully painted rabbit sculptures hidden along the trail. The sculptures are part of the larger collection of downtown art and murals.

When you spot the giant rabbit mural on Main, you have arrived at Swamp Rabbit Brewery and Taproom. Located across from the trail, the friendly, casual brewpub is a popular spot for cyclists and people from surrounding towns to enjoy a cold craft beer and sample the latest seasonal brews.

In-the-know foodies grab a table at Michelin Guide to The American South-recommended Topsoil Kitchen and Market. The restaurant is known for its weekly three-course prix fixe menu created by James Beard nominee Chef Adam Cooke. There is always something happening, whether it is the dulcet tones of live jazz on Thursdays, toe-tapping Bluegrass Brunch on Saturdays, or the seasonal Chef’s Tasting Experience on Sundays.

McClellanville

McClellanville sits on Jeremy Creek, bordering the Intracoastal Waterway, where time seems to slow down. Here, visitors might stand out like sore thumbs but are welcomed like old friends.

A park in the heart of the historic district is home to the centuries-old Deer Head Oak Tree. The massive oak tree's branches cast shade on the tire swing hanging from its ancient limbs.

As a shrimping and fishing town, McClellanville is known for fresh-caught seafood. Livingston's Bulls Bay Seafood has been selling its fresh-caught clams, oysters, and shrimp since 1995. They will pack your order on ice to keep it fresh on the drive home.

The town is so small that many businesses only open Thursday through Sunday, so a weekday trip could be disappointing. Check T. W. Graham & Co.’s Facebook page to find out if they are open for lunch or dinner. The town landmark is a quirky seafood restaurant with friendly owners and authentic Lowcountry cooking served up in gut-busting portions.

Take a scenic 30-minute ferry ride to Bulls Island in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. The ferry launches from nearby Garris Landing in Awendaw and winds through creeks where you can spot dolphins, sea turtles, and birds. Jump ashore to explore the trails and wind- and sea-carved trees of Boneyard Beach.

York

York sits near the North Carolina border, southwest of Charlotte. It boasts one of the largest historic districts in the state, where you can shop at the charming boutiques or dine at the local establishments.

Shopping at the 12,000 sq. ft. Yorkville Marketplace is an easygoing, all-in-one experience. The boutique mall is a destination for both new and upcycled items, where visitors can browse an eclectic mix of wares in the cluster of unique shops ranging from apparel and jewelry to cigars and snacks. You can also sample the menu at 1786 at the market or reward yourself with a glass of wine or specialty beers at Grapevine after a day of shopping.

History buffs can spend hours at the Revolutionary War site, Historic Brattonsville. The upcountry village transports you back to the 1760s, when Scots-Irish and African Americans contributed to the evolution of Southern culture. Over 30 historic structures ranging from the 1760s to the late 19th century depict how people farmed, cooked, and entertained themselves through period-costumed interpreters.

Combine your love of nature and history at Nanny’s Mountain, where stunning views of the Lake Wylie countryside are available from a prime spot 981 feet above sea level. You might catch a glimpse of the Charlotte skyline on a clear fall day as you wind your way up the mountainside. History buffs can look for the two remaining open-air iron pits that provided the iron for American Revolutionary War cannons, weapons, and goods.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach is a chill island town between the Atlantic Ocean and the Folly River. Located just over 10 miles from downtown Charleston, visitors are a short drive away from the boardwalk, eateries, shops, and miles of beaches offering a welcome retreat from city life.

Known as the Edge of America, Folly Beach is all about the slower pace of coastal living. Whether you cast a line or take a walk, the Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Fishing Pier is a friendly spot to take in the views and enjoy saltwater fishing above the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean. You can also access the beach after your stroll or enjoy drinks and a meal at Pier 101 Restaurant & Bar. The eatery celebrates the carefree days of the past with its retro interiors and classic seaside menu.

If you are hoping to spot some dolphins, the Morris Island Lighthouse Trail is a safe bet. The trail loops along a sandy beach to the lighthouse. The surrounding marshland is a birder's dream, where you can find several species of interest. Be warned, sandals are not recommended!

If you love the nightlife, Folly Beach’s bar scene ranges from laid-back and casual to vibrant and lively. Planet Follywood offers a little bit of both. Chow down on casual fare for a late dinner and hang around into the wee hours of the morning for the live music and karaoke.

Walterboro

Walterboro is a historic Lowcountry town founded as a summer retreat for local planters. Always intended as a place for rest, the breezy front porches are made for lazy afternoons sipping sweet tea and doing nothing.

One such porch curves around the charming Bedon-Lucas House, built in 1820 as a summer residence. The Federal-style cottage is furnished in period-appropriate décor from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s and is open for tours on select weekdays.

Art lovers can explore the galleries at the South Carolina Artisan Center to discover the work of select juried artists. The handcrafted works are available for sale in the restored Victorian cottage, where you can also find educational exhibits and craft demonstrations. Paintings, pottery, ceramics, textile work, and baskets are just a few examples of the folk art available for sale at the center.

Experience the natural beauty of the Lowcountry at Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary. A network of boardwalks and trails takes you through diverse environments inside the ACE Basin, where you can also explore 600-plus acres of the largest estuarine preserve on the East Coast.

Have lunch at the family-owned Side Street Deli for signature gourmet sandwiches served on fresh hearth-baked breads. Their menu features USDA Prime beef pastrami and corned beef, hickory-smoked turkey and ham, as well as classic Italian fresh-sliced deli meats.

South Carolina has its fair share of carefree destinations, from sleepy towns nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the seaside vibe of coastal and island towns. Whether you are overdue for a vacation, are restless for a road trip away from the city, or are in the mood for a bit of romance, you can leave your worries behind in South Carolina’s 11 most laid-back towns.