The 7 Can't-Miss Towns In South Carolina
South Carolina is truly a geographic marvel. The state has an intriguing mix of landscapes, including the Blue Ridge Mountains, coastal plains, and barrier islands. Throughout the state, you will find small towns that reflect this diversity, some shaped by ocean views, others by mountain air. Each one brings a unique personality to the table, whether through beachside art galleries, local breweries, or horse rescue sanctuaries. Planning a vacation soon? The following seven towns should be at the top of your itinerary.
Hilton Head
Nicknamed ‘America’s Favorite Island,’ Hilton Head has consistently ranked as a favorite travel destination in the United States. There are 12 miles of white, sandy beaches to explore, with several public beaches, including Islanders Beach and Alder Lane Beach. Travelers looking to get out on the water can arrange a rental with Sea Monkeys Watersports, which offers paddle boards, kayaks, boats, and jet skis for rent. There are plenty of hotels and inns near the water as well. It is hard to go wrong with Hilton Beachfront Resort and Spa, Hilton Head Island, a beachfront resort with golf courses, tennis, and pickleball courts within half a mile of the property.
Travelers Rest
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Travelers Rest is bursting with opportunities for outdoor recreation. Particularly known for being bike-friendly, the town is full of cyclists, many of them planning on visiting the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail. This trail extends 22 miles, connecting Travelers Rest to the neighboring town of Greenville, with plenty of trailside restaurants, gazebos, and benches along the route. Table Rock State Park is also under a half hour’s drive from town, filled with hiking trails that wind past waterfalls, streams, and mountains. Heading back downtown after a day at the park, you have an excellent selection of restaurants and breweries to choose from. Swamp Rabbit Brewery is a great place to grab a beer, serving IPAs, Pilsners, Pale Ales, and Dunkels, among other craft varieties.
Beaufort
Beaufort is perfect for a laid-back vacation spent near the sea. The state’s most popular state park, Hunting Island State Park, is located less than half an hour southeast of Beaufort, promising all kinds of outdoor recreation. Throughout the island, visitors can explore thousands of acres of maritime forests and marshes, five miles of beaches, an ocean inlet, and a saltwater lagoon. It is also famously home to the Hunting Island lighthouse, a historic light that dates back to the 19th century. Travelers who want to spend their vacation fishing should consider a fishing charter with a local outfitter. Sea Island Adventures is a highly-rated option, with each charter led by a local, highly experienced captain. To learn more about Beaufort’s fascinating history, check out the Beaufort History Museum, which features both permanent and rotating exhibits. Permanent highlight Native American life, European exploration, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and more.
Aiken
Famous for breeding thoroughbreds, Aiken is full of equestrian culture and history. The Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum is located in town, showcasing photographs and trophies from some of the Aiken-trained horses that became national champions. Travelers can also visit Aiken Equine Rescue, the largest horse rescue center in the Southeast, which allows guests to tour its facilities Tuesday through Saturday, so no appointment is needed. Afterward, take in the area’s natural beauty at Hitchcock Woods & Gateway Park, a 2,100-acre forested preserve popular for horseback riding, hiking, and running. With 65 miles of sandy trails, there is plenty to see.
Georgetown
In the heat of the summer, Georgetown provides the perfect mix of activities to keep you cool. Travelers can avoid the heat by catching a movie at the Strand Theater, a historic theater that dates back to 1941, screening classic and independent films and documentaries. Afterwards, explore the waters on a cruise with Low Country Boat Tours, which offers barrier island tours and sunset cruises. To end the day, stop by one of Georgetown’s fresh seafood restaurants. River Room is a great choice, located right along the waterfront and serving a variety of dishes like spicy crawfish dip, seared rare tuna, oysters Rockefeller, shrimp and grits, and McClellanville Crab Balls.
Edisto Island
Craving a vacation where you can disconnect? Edisto Island is largely undeveloped, offering quiet beaches and vast natural preserves. Edisto Beach State Park is a good place to start your trip, featuring more than 1,250 acres of nature, four miles of trails, and two oceanfront picnic shelters. You can also stroll a 1.5-mile, palmetto-lined beach in the park, perfect for seashell hunting or sunbathing. Travelers can also relax at Botany Bay, a 4,600-acre preserve with nearly three miles of remote, undeveloped beaches. Returning to town, you will find several mom and pop shops and boutiques to browse, such as Edisto Pavilion Beach Store, a beachfront gift shop that sells ice cream, t-shirts, beach towels, coffee mugs, and more.
Folly Beach
Folly Beach is a coastal town with lots of artistic flair, offering the perfect mix of sunshine and local art. Travelers can start their trip by taking a stroll along the Fishing Pier, a famous landmark in town where people gather to fish and watch marine wildlife. There is also a restaurant on the pier, Pier 101, for hungry visitors. Afterward, head over to the Graffiti Walk, an interactive outdoor gallery where locals, visitors, and artists alike are welcome to add their own murals and messages. If you are seeking a unique souvenir to remember your trip, consider stopping by Folly Fossils N Art, an eclectic gallery and shop that sells shark teeth and beach-themed artwork.
With so much diversity, there is no doubt that South Carolina is full of places to explore. These seven towns are a great place to start. Places like Hilton Head are quintessential beach destinations, while other places, like Edisto Island, have a more remote feel, allowing you to unwind and connect with nature. You can be rest assured, however, that there is no wrong choice when it comes to places as remarkable as these.
