10 Adorable Small Towns in South Carolina to Visit in 2024
Indulge in true Southern hospitality in these adorable South Carolina towns. Whether you want to escape to the mountains or relax along its beachy shores, these towns are a great escape from the noise of the bigger cities. These towns are true hidden gems nestled in the mountains and are ripe for exploration. Walk the beautiful trails of Hitchcock Woods in Aiken or relax along the shores of Beaufort. If you plan your visit at just the right time, you could even catch the beautiful Festival of Flowers in York or the Newberry Oktoberfest in the fall.
York
York, also known as White Rose City, has all the small-town charm without straying too far from the bigger city of Charlotte. The downtown area hosts stunning historic buildings that date back to the 18th century. Be sure to plan your visit to York during the last weekend in summer during their annual Summerfest. The downtown area springs to life with family-friendly activities, like music and food trucks. While you’re in the downtown area, be sure to head to the McCelvey Center to learn a little more about this historic town.
Located near the Catawba River, York is home to plenty of outdoor adventure and activities! Pack your fishing pole, canoe, or kayak, and spend an afternoon on the water. Or, head about 15 miles east to Glencairn Garden to walk the beautiful gardens or to have a lovely picnic.
Georgetown
As the third oldest city in South Carolina, Georgetown is the perfect spot for history buffs. The Georgetown Historic District has almost 50 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and walking its streets feels like stepping back in time. Located on Winyah Bay, visitors can take a scenic walk along the Harborwalk and browse local shops and cafes over the course of an afternoon.
Right outside of the historic downtown area is Huntington Beach State Park, a seaside park with tons of activities for the whole family. Take a hike on one of its many trails, or grab a boat and spend the afternoon out on the water. If you plan your visit in October, you might be able to catch the annual Wooden Boat Show.
Greenwood
The city of Greenwood is a sleepy little town tucked into the heart of the Piedmont region known for its rolling hills and spectacular sunsets. Uptown Greenwood is known for its amazing boutiques, antique stores, and local cafes and restaurants. It’s the town’s hub and hosts amazing local festivals and events. The Festival of Flowers, held every June, is one of the biggest festivals in town. Visitors from all over the state travel to Greenwood for this amazing festival.
History buffs have to check out The Railroad Historical Center, which depicts the town's rich railway history. Catch a show at the Greenwood Community Theatre, or spend an entire day roaming the beautiful Emerald Farm. For a little rest and relaxation, be sure to check out Lake Greenwood to go for a swim, or to take a boat out on the water.
Pawleys Island
Need a slower change of pace? Pawleys Island is known for its cool, laid-back lifestyle. It’s all the fun in the sun and is located near Myrtle Beach. The island is famous for its stunning, unspoiled beaches and friendly locals. What makes Pawleys Island unique is its rich Gullah heritage. After a day on the beach, make sure you stop in for Lowcountry cuisine from amazing restaurants like Pawleys Island Tavern or Get Carried Away Southern Market.
Check out the Huntington Beach State Park for its untouched beaches and wildlife preserve. When you’ve had enough of the beach life, travel inland to the Brookgreen Gardens to walk the scenic trails and small-town zoo.
Newberry
The charming town of Newberry is a beautiful rural town with a rich history and scenic views. The downtown area boasts well-preserved 19th-century buildings filled with quaint shops, boutiques, and cafes. The Newberry Opera House, built in 1881, is the heart of Newberry. Catch a live show or performance and soak up its ornate charm. The downtown area is also home to fun seasonal festivals like Newberry Pork in the Park BBQ in the summer or the lovely Newberry Oktoberfest in the fall.
For a slower pace, check out Lynch's Woods Park. It offers accessible hiking trails and amazing wooded views. It’s the perfect spot not too far from the charming downtown district to unwind. Visitors can also take a quick 30-minute drive to Dreher Island State Park. Situated on Lake Murray, it’s a great place to fish, boat, camp, and hike.
Beaufort
Ready for a relaxing beach getaway? Beaufort is an adorable seaside town nestled on Port Royal Island. The downtown area is a National Historic Landmark with its antebellum architecture and well-maintained century homes. If you plan your visit at the right time, you can catch one of their many festivals that celebrate Beaufort's heritage, like the Beaufort Water Festival or the Shrimp Festival.
Spend the day soaking up the sun and salty air at Waterfront Park, nestled in the heart of the downtown area. Go for a walk along the accessible paved walkway, or sit on a bench and watch the boats come and go. Visitors should also take a short drive to Hunting Island State Park to admire the beautiful Hunting Island Lighthouse, go for a swim, or hike the salty maritime forests and marshes.
Hartsville
The charming town of Hartsville is nestled not too far from Sugarloaf Mountain. Its downtown district is the perfect spot to spend a relaxing afternoon with its perfectly preserved historical buildings. Walk the streets for a little shopping, or stop in at one of the locally owned cafes for some good old-fashioned Southern cuisine! If you plan your stay just right, you can even catch one of their popular seasonal events, like the Hartsville Christmas Parade in the winter or the Hartsville Farmers Market in the summertime.
Be sure to stop by the Hartsville Museum to learn a little more about this historic town. For more family-friendly activities, check out the Neptune Island Waterpark or explore one of the many natural attractions in the area. The Lawton Park and Pavilion is a great place to hike or set up a picnic. Visitors can also take a short drive to hike the famous Sugarloaf Mountain.
Aiken
From amazing views, nature adventures, and family-friendly activities, Aiken is an adorable town with something for everyone. Head to the famous Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum to learn more about the town's rich horse racing history, and then head to the Aiken Training Track and Bruce's Field to catch a polo match or a horse show. The downtown area is also home to the DuPont Planetarium, which is a wonderful spot to explore the universe with the whole family.
While you’re in the downtown area, be sure to plan your stay to catch one of the many community events held in town. One of their most popular festivals is the Aiken's Makin' Festival. The live music, local food, and shops attract tourists from all over the state. For a slower change of place, stop by the Hitchcock Woods, one of the largest urban forests in the United States.
Camden
Also known as the Steeplechase Capital of the World, Camden also has a rich equestrian history. If you plan your stay in the spring or the fall, you can catch the annual Carolina Cup or Colonial Cup races, which attract thousands of spectators from all over the area. Head to the downtown area of Camden to walk its scenic streets and take in the local charm. History buffs have to visit the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, which is a 104-acre museum dedicated to the Revolutionary War period.
Outside of its equestrian heritage, Camden is also a great down to relax and unwind. Take a short 25-minute drive north to the shore of the amazing Lake Wateree. Visitors can relax along the lake, watch a spectacular sunset, or head out on the water for a full day of fishing. Or, head east to Goodale State Park to hike the beautiful wooded trails.
Walterboro
From the historic downtown area, beautiful hiking trails, and interesting historical sites, Walterboro is a must-see! Walk the historic streets and admire the architecture in the downtown area. Head to a local antique shop and grab a bite to eat at one of their many cafes, such as the Olde House Cafe. Check out the South Carolina Artisans Center for locally-made crafts you can’t find anywhere else. The Colleton Museum and Farmers Market is the heart of Walterboro and offers fresh produce and locally crafted products open year-round.
History buffs have to check out the Tuskegee Airmen Monument which is located at the Lowcountry Regional Airport just outside of town. When you’re ready to relax and absorb the beauty of the surrounding area, head to The Great Swamp Sanctuary. Walk its 800 acres of preserved cypress swamps, and admire the abundant wildlife in this amazing sanctuary. Another great sanctuary in the area worth checking out is the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary.
Whether you want to relax in nature or seek out adventure, these small towns provide the perfect getaway. Head to the Hartsville Farmers Market or the Colleton Museum and Farmers Market in Walterboro to stock up on fresh produce and local crafts. If you want to absorb the beauty of the Mountains of South Carolina, check out the Brookgreen Gardens on Pawleys Island or relax by the lake at Dreher Island State Park in Newberry. With friendly locals, amazing Lowcountry cuisine, and historic downtown districts, these towns are worth the trip.
