These Towns In South Carolina Have The Best Main Streets

While South Carolina has its fair share of vibrant and beautiful cities, it is primarily a state filled with small towns. And many of these small towns still have timeless, postcard-perfect main streets that serve as hubs of commercial and social activity. It would be impossible to point out all of the picturesque main streets in South Carolina, and it is a tall task to narrow the list to just seven! So, consider the following list of South Carolina’s most charming main streets as a jumping-off point for your next exploration of the great small towns of the Palmetto State.

Abbeville

The town of Abbeville has been called the “birthplace and deathbed of the Confederacy” because South Carolina’s secession movement began there in 1860, and the Confederate government was dissolved there in 1865. Although the town continues to recognize this historic connection to the Civil War, today’s Abbeville is a quiet, lovely community of about 5,000 in South Carolina’s “Upper Western” region, nestled among lakes, forests, and hills. As the seat of Abbeville County, the town’s hub is the courthouse square, which hosts several festivals throughout the year. Among the numerous historic buildings, many of which house local businesses, the 1908 Abbeville Opera House is a particular architectural highlight.

Beaufort

Situated on Port Royal Island, part of the Sea Islands off South Carolina’s Atlantic Coast, Beaufort (population 13,500) is fondly called the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands.” As one of South Carolina’s oldest colonial towns, it boasts rich historic architecture and one of the best-preserved collections of pre-Civil War homes and buildings. Beaufort has earned spots on numerous “best small towns" lists, and over 300 acres of its downtown are designated as a National Historic Landmark. Visitors enjoying an evening horse-drawn carriage ride often feel as though they've traveled back in time.

Bennettsville

Situated along the Great Pee Dee River in northeastern South Carolina, Bennettsville is a county seat with a population of about 7,000. The town is known in the region for its large collection of Victorian-era homes and buildings, especially in the downtown area, which has been named a National Historic District. This impressive architectural heritage harkens back to Bennettsville’s heyday as a commercial hub in one of the state’s most prosperous agricultural regions. While that prosperity has largely departed, downtown Bennettsville still houses a range of local shops, restaurants, and antique stores. The Welcome Center on West Main Street is a great starting point for walking tours of downtown.

Clover

Now part of the rapidly expanding Charlotte (NC) metro area, the northern South Carolina town of Clover has nearly doubled its population since 1990. Despite this growth, Clover remains small with about 6,500 residents, maintaining its small-town charm. The increase in new residents has revitalized the downtown, making it both a scenic spot to visit and a vibrant hub to enjoy. Downtown Clover is an ideal retreat for visitors to Charlotte, those heading to Kings Mountain National Military Park, and those interested in Scots-Irish history and culture, as many of Clover’s early settlers were of Scots-Irish descent.

Gaffney

Gaffney, with about 13,000 residents, is the seat of Cherokee County and a notable small gem in South Carolina's Upstate. Known as the “Peach Capital of South Carolina,” it boasts a rich agricultural heritage and a history of prosperity from the textile industry. Although downtown Gaffney suffered decline when a nearby interstate was built, ongoing revitalization has brought significant improvements. Historic structures have been restored and repurposed into local shops and eateries, new parks and cultural venues have been established, and the community now hosts various festivals, farmers markets, and other events.

Orangeburg

Orangeburg already has a colorful sounding name, but when you add in its nickname, “The Garden City,” you get an even better idea that this is a lovely central South Carolina town! Located about 40 miles from the state capital and the seat of the county of the same name, Orangeburg has a population of about 13,000. As home to two historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Claflin University and South Carolina State University, downtown Orangeburg has a youthful energy to go along with a range of historic structures. A downtown revitalization project initiated in 2000 continues to pay dividends in adding to the vibrancy of an already charming main street corridor.

Pickens

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western South Carolina, Pickens is a charming small town that almost mirrors the beauty of its natural environment. Its roughly 3,000 residents value both the natural scenery and the charm of their downtown. Key architectural landmarks include the elegant Pickens County Courthouse and the stately Old Pickens Jail. The public amphitheater on West Main Street frequently attracts crowds to the downtown area. Several shops and restaurants in downtown Pickens appeal to visitors seeking a rest from exploring the nearby mountains, state parks, or the historic 1845 gristmill just outside of town.

South Carolina welcomes millions of tourists every year, many of whom are drawn to the sunny beaches along the Atlantic shore or the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains on the other side of the state. In both of these regions, however, as well as in as the territory in between, South Carolina is full of charming small towns with picturesque and vibrant main streets. So, on your next visit to the Palmetto State, make time to explore some of the best little downtowns found anywhere.