The Best Small Towns in South Carolina to Chill Out

South Carolina has some of the best towns for relaxing, from Shag dancing in North Myrtle Beach to historic scenery in Georgetown. A key strength of the Palmetto State is its diverse scenery and attractions within a relatively small area, making it a practical choice for a road trip. In under two hours, one can make the drive from the college town of Clemson to the revitalized downtown of Spartanburg, with each offering a different perspective on South Carolina culture.

Beaufort is well-suited for a quiet coastal retreat, with an antebellum historic district featuring landmarks such as the John Mark Verdier House. Communities like Beaufort contribute to the experience, from small diners to nearby resorts on Hilton Head Island. Whether looking for a mountain getaway or a secluded beach, these are the best small towns in South Carolina to chill out.

Beaufort

Beaufort is another relaxed coastal getaway on Port Royal Island. Guided tours offer a good introduction to the area, with some focusing on Old South architecture, including the John Mark Verdier House in the Beaufort Historic District, and others introducing visitors to the Low Country’s Gullah Geechee culture. A quiet stroll down the Avenue of Oaks, a canopied road on nearby St. Helena Island, is a natural next stop.

Waterfront dining at Fishcamp on 11th Street or Luther’s Rare and Well Done in the historic downtown rounds out the day. Each offers traditional South Carolina fare in a comfortable setting, with views that reflect the region’s character. The Cuthbert House provides a refined place to stay, occupying a historic mansion built in 1790 and offering a bed-and-breakfast experience rooted in Beaufort’s past.

Spartanburg

Spartanburg’s downtown has undergone recent changes centered on the AC Hotel, creating a more walkable area suited to slower evenings. Downtown is divided into smaller districts, including the well-known Spartanburg Trail that leads to places such as Cribb’s Kitchen. Each restaurant reflects local tastes and provides an accessible way to experience the area’s relaxed atmosphere.

A short drive from downtown is the Clevedale Historic Inn & Gardens, the area’s only overnight estate. The bed and breakfast includes a converted railroad car in the garden, a nod to the town’s history, which is available for private stays. Guests are free to explore the grounds and join the hosts for social hour each evening. For dinner, The Kennedy offers an upscale menu in a calm setting, contributing to an easygoing stay downtown.

Aiken

Aiken is known for its equestrian culture, small-town character, and rural setting. The oak-canopied South Boundary Avenue reflects the town’s long association with horse country. Institutions such as the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum represent this tradition and play a central role in the community.

Dining is an important part of the local experience, with several options suited to a relaxed evening. Macaluso’s Restaurant is a notable example specializing in homemade Italian food. For lighter fare, La Parisienne French Restaurant & Bakery serves sandwiches, crepes, and other French specialties in a comfortable setting, making it a practical choice for time spent downtown.

Georgetown

Georgetown's Front Street serves as the main corridor of the historic district and is one of the most relaxed areas in the Low Country. The district runs parallel to the Sampit River, and staying at The George Hotel provides waterfront views and a convenient base within walking distance of the town’s main attractions. The boutique hotel features art-inspired rooms and a restrained atmosphere, close to sites such as the Rice Museum, which examines the role of rice cultivation in the state’s history.

The Independent, located inside The George Hotel, offers a chef-driven dining experience with bay windows overlooking Front Street. After dinner, the Harborwalk Marina directly behind the restaurant provides open walking space along the water. The surrounding 18th- and 19th-century buildings frame the marina and contribute to the area’s measured, unhurried pace.

North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach is home to Shag dancing and reflects a balance between relaxed beach time and local tradition. Main Street and the blocks around Ocean Drive form the center of the community, particularly near the Beach Shagger’s National Hall of Fame and Fat Harold’s Beach Club. The club draws both locals and visitors who gather to dance, contributing to a familiar rhythm in the area.

Barefoot Landing maintains a laid-back feel and offers time on the waterfront, with more than 55 shops and 14 restaurants. The entertainment district includes a range of dining options, from Greg Norman Australian Grille to Flying Fish Public Market and Grill. While the menus vary, each spot emphasizes casual dining in a setting that suits the pace of this coastal town.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island has long attracted golfers, art enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a relaxed coastal setting. The island is also easy to navigate on foot, allowing visitors to spend time outdoors while visiting places such as the Art League Gallery and the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island. The gallery features work from local and regional artists, while the museum presents Gullah history through storytelling and interpretation.

The island includes more than 25 golf courses, among them Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III. The course reflects the coastal landscape and contributes to the area’s outdoor-focused pace. After time on the course, dining options such as Nunzio Restaurant and Bar combine Italian and Low Country influences in a setting suited to an unhurried evening.

York

York is a traditional Southern town with a historic commercial district lined with prominent buildings, including the York County Courthouse. Spending time in the area offers a relaxed way to experience the town. York County is part of South Carolina’s Olde English District and includes a mix of historical sites and open spaces, such as the Anne Springs Close Greenway, which is well-suited for a quiet afternoon outdoors.

The McCelvey Center is housed in a historic brick building and serves as a Southern Revolutionary War Institute with a 500-seat theater. The center presents exhibits and programs that interpret the region’s history, including the McCelvey Center Southern Sound Series. After an event, dining at the Hoof and Barrel on Congress Street provides a comfortable setting within the historic district.

Clemson

Clemson is a college town where the downtown district offers a relaxed pace outside of peak university events. The walkable area centers on College Avenue, where visitors can have lunch at Delish Sisters or stay at The Shepherd Hotel, a well-known property with views of the downtown area. Both are within walking distance of key attractions, including the university.

Downtown Clemson becomes busier on game days, and sports-focused establishments such as Evolve Kitchen + Table draw crowds during major events. At other times, shopping at places like True Orange Boutique or visiting local galleries, including the Clemson Area African American Museum, offers a quieter way to spend time while learning about the region’s history.

Finding Time to Chill Out in South Carolina

From college towns such as Clemson to island destinations like Beaufort, these communities create a relaxed travel landscape across South Carolina. Oak-canopied roads in Aiken and preserved architecture in Georgetown reflect a slower pace that appeals to visitors seeking time away from busier settings. Hilton Head Island adds a well-established golf culture and comfortable accommodations, offering an option for travelers who prefer a refined coastal stay.

Compact town centers contribute to an easygoing experience, particularly in places like Georgetown, where walking replaces driving. These features make small towns across South Carolina well-suited to travelers looking for a calm, unhurried visit, from the Low Country to the Upstate.