The Most Picturesque Towns In South Carolina

What makes South Carolina feel like South Carolina is the contrast: live-oak tunnels and Spanish moss in the Lowcountry, bright Atlantic beaches on the barrier islands, and crisp foothill vistas upstate. You can spend a morning strolling Beaufort’s waterfront, an afternoon on Georgetown’s Harborwalk, and the next day chasing quiet coastline at Edisto Beach or shrimp-boat views in McClellanville. For bigger beach energy, North Myrtle Beach pairs nine miles of shoreline with the Carolina Shag tradition. These towns and more below are the South Carolina communities that photograph well and feel even better in person.

Aiken

There is no other place that sums up Aiken's scenery better than South Boundary Road. The scenic canopy road is essentially a tunnel of oaks, intentionally designed around the turn of the 20th century, that gives the town a rustic ambiance. Aiken is also known for its equestrian culture, adding to its beauty, with the Aiken Horse Park at Bruce’s Field hosting many events throughout the year.

Downtown is just as appealing as South Boundary Road, especially when staying at the historic Carriage House. The 1872 inn is in the heart of town, surrounded by nostalgic brick storefronts and a strong feeling of nostalgia. A benefit of booking a room downtown is that you are within a four-mile radius of the Citywide Arboretum, featuring oaks from around the world and rare tree species. The city's website recommends starting a tour on Colleton Avenue and exploring the trail using your cellphone by dialing the number on the label attached to the tree.

Spartanburg

Spartanburg, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, delivers a diverse mix of natural and urban scenery. Its revitalized downtown and Revolutionary War-era history add to its charisma as a top destination, with nearby Cowpens National Battlefield and antebellum homes. Railroad history runs deep here, and many former rail corridors have been converted into trails, such as the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail, so that walkers can experience the celebrated rail yards.

Hatcher Garden is another quiet respite featuring natural elements, scenery, and a tranquil setting, ideal for an afternoon walk. The 10-acre botanical garden has been open to the public since 1969 and features the Children's Garden and several walking bridges. The gardens are divided into sections showcasing conifers, Altrusa native plants, and butterflies for a fantastic look at South Carolina's natural beauty.

Beaufort

Historic Beaufort, on Port Royal Island, is known for its antebellum homes and panoramic waterfront views. The walkable downtown district offers many opportunities to take in the natural beauty, including at Waterfront Park, which offers views of the majestic Beaufort River and the Woods Memorial Bridge. The Cypress Wetlands on Paris Avenue showcase a vital ecosystem for the islands within a short drive of downtown.

Self-guided tours are a great way to see the natural and commercial aspects of Beaufort, with maps available at the Visitor's Center. Touring the Beaufort Historic District highlights Old South architecture and streets framed by Spanish moss-draped live oaks. Often cited as Beaufort's oldest house is the Thomas Hepworth House on New Street, built in 1760, which has served as a residence, Republican Headquarters, and a boys' school.

North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach, in the Grand Strand area of the coast, is a top destination for beachgoers, Shag dancers, and those looking for family-fun beach days. Its nine miles of coastline are broken into walkable neighborhoods, like Cherry Grove, each offering many opportunities to enjoy the scenery from vantage points such as the Cherry Grove Pier. The 1950s landmark is a premier fishing spot delivering panoramic views, rod rentals, and a seminal piece of North Myrtle Beach culture.

Nature lovers should seek out the Ingram Dunes, which were formed over 80,000 years ago. The area features a large swath of green spaces, a marked change from the white-sand beaches it is known for. Booking a day trip on the Barefoot Queen Riverboat gives you a chance to view the town from the Intracoastal Waterway and explore the waterways that are so pivotal to the East Coast, all while enjoying lunch or dinner.

Georgetown

The historic port town of Georgetown is on the banks of the Sampit River, soaked in historic significance and an elevated sophistication. It includes over 250 historic homes and Southern charm with a distinctive maritime heritage that can be felt as well as seen on Front Street and Harborwalk Marina behind The George Hotel. A short drive from the historic district is the Kaminski House, circa 1769, offering an engaging blend of antiques, stories, and views of the Sampit River.

Georgetown's green spaces, like Joseph Rainey Park near the marina, showcase the natural features that make the historic village so beautiful. It includes a fountain, benches, and views of the river. Walking along Front Street is the best way to view this area, which has played a vital role in South Carolina's history and development from a trading town to a sophisticated Low Country destination.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head has made a name for itself as a resort and golf getaway, but it is also surrounded by natural beauty. Those looking for a different side of the resort can choose between 12 miles of pristine coastline, salt marshes, and the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. The 605-acre protected area includes native flora, a boardwalk overlooking the Old Lawton Rice Field, and many other natural wonders.

Eco tours are another excellent way to see the natural side of the resort town. The Dolphin and Nature Cruise features an array of sea birds and Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. Of course, the Atlantic Ocean is one of the biggest attractions for many, and there are several beaches with easy access, including Islanders Beach Park, which features a boardwalk, pavilion, and other amenities for a day in the sun.

Edisto Beach

Edisto Beach is a popular vacation spot, known for its quiet, undeveloped coastline and small community on Edisto Island. Shelling is a favorite pastime at Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve, a Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area with access to Boneyard Beach during low tide. Its name comes from the "boneyard" of a maritime forest that has eroded over the years, providing an unspoiled stretch of sand.

Edisto Beach State Park is another excellent way to get outdoors in coastal Carolina, with a 1,255-acre park that has hiking and biking trails. Events such as the Turtle Tide Art Project blend community, art, and nature for an extraordinary project that ushers in turtle season in May/June. Local artists transform the blank slates into their own artistic creations, in an effort to draw attention to a worthy and critical cause. During Edisto’s Fall Fest in October, the pieces are auctioned off to "forever homes," underscoring the community's devotion to conservation and creativity.

McClellanville

The historic fishing village of McClellanville was once a coastal retreat for rice farmers and indigo planters, and its natural features still draw many visitors today. Its heritage lives on through annual events, including the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival and the Blessing of the Fleet, held on the first Saturday of each May. The area is also home to the Francis Marion National Forest, a 259,000-acre pine stand, marsh, and swamp.

Architecture buffs will want to walk or bike down Pinckney Street, where historic clapboard homes are shaded by grand oaks that seem to belong to an earlier era. This area is also filled with colonial plantation homes, notably the Hampton Plantation State Historic Site, which offers tours. The Georgian-style mansion was built between 1730 and 1750 during South Carolina's rice boom, and it acts as a landmark over 200 years later.

Travelers Rest

The aptly named Travelers Rest is a small town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, surrounded by pristine forests and exceptional views. It is also a hip getaway with craft wine shops and bars, including The Tasting Room, and fantastic outdoor retreats, such as the Bunched Arrowhead Heritage Preserve. The preserve, off Tigerville Road, has a rare seepage habitat where bunched arrowhead can thrive. The 1.25-mile loop trail enables hikers to see the plant in its natural habitat, along with other fauna and a muddy bog.

The Swamp Rabbit Trail has been a popular stop for visitors since its opening in 2009, connecting the tiny town to the larger Greenville. Along the route is Furman University, which features its own 13-mile network of paved pathways for pedestrians to explore the lush grounds, Japanese temple, and gardens. The trail also leads to the popular Whistle Stop at the American Cafe, providing everything from shrimp and grits to wood-fired pizzas to replenish after a long trek.

A State Defined by Scenic Towns

Strolling down Georgetown's Front Street or Boneyard Beach in Edisto Beach, it is clear that South Carolina is a land of beauty. Its heritage and antebellum homes, like those in Beaufort, add to the scenery, making these towns among the most picturesque in the state. Each city is remarkable in its own way, but all share the same hometown feel and affable community that put them on the map for a conventional Southern getaway.

Scenic drives are the norm in this region, as in Aiken, where its canopy road is so iconic that it has become the town's logo. Slow days beneath the old oaks and Spanish moss whisk one to a different time, and that is just part of the appeal. Communities value their heritage through preservation efforts, combining nostalgia and natural elements to create a unique backdrop among the best in South Carolina.