10 Must-Visit Small Towns in South Carolina

Small towns in South Carolina are quite well known, for both their ability to reel in visitors for historical significance and subtle tourism attractions. While tourists may enjoy large and populous states with a wider geography, South Carolina provides many features and aspects that allow it to be just as contemporary and still usher in emotion for an unforgettable travel experience. Here are ten small towns in South Carolina worth visiting.

Myrtle Beach

For a population of 37,100 residents, Myrtle Beach is prominently known as a hub for recreational beach activities, as most would quickly determine. It has been frequented by celebrities across Hollywood, making it an attractive destination for film enthusiasts and tourists alike. Another aspect that makes this city unforgettable is its beachfront boardwalk, which includes The Bowery and the Ole Irish Pub. The Bowery is a key foundational landmark of Myrtle Beach's history, going back as far as 1944, during World War II. Ripley's Aquarium can allocate hours of fun, while the Coastal Grand Mall grants shopping pleasures. Myrtle Beach has something for everyone of all ages.

Clemson

Clemson, with a population of 17,986 inhabitants, prides itself on education and historical culture. It established its own reputation with the "town-and-gown" modus, which allowed the city to work closely with Clemson University, the state's second-largest academic institution. Visiting the campus alone is enough to appeal to tourists, as the university is home to wondrous wildlife on the outside, and institutional success on the inside. Tourists can check out Fort Hill, an antebellum plantation for John C. Calhoun, a 19th-century statesman and seventh vice president of the United States. The Hanover House, built in 1716, is a former rice plantation that became a house museum after colonial development and furnishings. For nature enthusiasts choosing to escape from history altogether, Abernathy Waterfront Park, right off College Avenue, provides a scenic stroll with waterfalls and tranquil lakefronts.

Bluffton

Bluffton, with a population of 32,191 residents, is known for the Garvin-Garvey House and embodies post-Civil War resilience. Tourists can also find history in the Campbell Church A.M.E. Church, constructed in 1874 by formerly enslaved men. With Greek Revival influence, hymns, prayer, sermons, and other features are noticeable. The Palmetto Oaks Sculpture Garden is a lovely and peaceful walk of nature pathways, giving tourists plenty to sightsee while exploring at their own pace. The Maye River Gallery, a multi-million dollar venue, is recognized for its displays of fiber art and clay construction. The South Carolina State Museum breaks the ice for tourists by alluding to Congaree River history. Bluffton has so much wonder to come back and see every year.

Newberry

For a small town with 10,487 settlers, Newberry provides a generally charming city experience with genteel Southern culture. The laid-back spirit of residential life here is bound to keep visitors happy and makes for a trip that none can easily forget. The downtown area includes the famous Newberry Arts Center and the Firehouse Conference Center. The Newberry Opera House is another popular locale for tourists and visitors seeking evening entertainment, while a visit to Carter & Holmes Orchids or Enoree River Winery will greet out-of-town guests with orchids and wine-tasting delight. The Wells Japanese Garden is a historic and natural landmark with vernacular styles of Japanese culture. Tourists seeking recreational pleasure from both history and culture may enjoy this unforgettable small town for all it has to offer.

Gaffney

Known as the "Peach Capital of South Carolina," Gaffney is a charming small town with a population of 12,424 residents, but what makes it stand out from the rest is that it respects Cherokee County's history and gives tourists plenty to see. The Gaffney Visitors Center and Art Gallery, which pays homage to the early 2000s era of architecture, has a blend of original construction and Cherokee cultural contributions. Southern charm in the town is also attributed to Kings Mountain National Battlefield, Cowpens Battleground, and Over the Mountain Victory Trail, which are critical to the town's development. For tourists with a penchant for arts and entertainment, the Gaffney Little Theatre is a wonderful locale that provides captivating performances. This town has both historical and entertainment pleasures that tourists will be able to remember for a lifetime.

Laurens

A city with a population of 9,319 inhabitants, Laurens is full of history and heritage. It is known for its distinct courthouses and plethora of commercial, social, and religious sites that shape its current foundation. The town has beautiful parks and lakes, such as Lake Rabon Park and its respective waters, as well as the Musgrove Mill and Lakeside Country Club for golfing. Big Knob and Little Knob are pleasant mountain ranges for nature sightseeing, as vehicle drivers can ride around mountainous roads to get a better view of parks and playgrounds. With so many activities granted to visitors, this small town is an accessible tourism option.

McConnells

With an extremely small population of 284 residents, McConnells is home to Historic Brattonsville, a 775-acre Bratton Plantation museum where tourists can witness how life was during the American Revolutionary War, with Scots-Irish and African-American history being focal points of the guided tour. The preservation of history and Carolina Upcountry reenactments are noteworthy and make for an experience worth reminiscing on long after the trip. The plantation is also recognizable because it was used for German-American filmmaking. The small town in York County is no stranger to animals and wildlife, as the Tatanka Bison Ranch claims a historic landscape with roaming bison while maintaining a natural environment.

Edisto Beach

Edisto Beach is a town with 1,027 residents that centers around family-oriented activities, such as golfing, jogging, biking, kayaking, and seafood cookouts. There is limited commercialization and few entertainment venues, allowing for a simpler tourism experience. The Edisto Island National Scenic Byway is a two-lane road with salt marshes, meandering creeks, and maritime forests, granting viewers with sights of a bygone era. Edisto Beach State Park is another highlight for tourists to experience. For nature and shoreline travel, the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve is a nice wildlife spot. King's Farm Market has local foods and seasonal appetizers. The Edisto Island Museum is a sweetgrass basket stand full of traveling antiquities, while Bailey's Store is a historic general store offering 1880s crafts and artworks. Travelers seeking calm waters, road trip excursions, and welcoming communities may find this beach town quite a positive destination worth visiting for its hidden gems.

Cheraw

Originally a settlement town for the Cheraw Indians, Cheraw houses 4,963 residents and is nicknamed "The Prettiest Town in Dixie." The town is crucial for its Cheraw State Park Golf Course and the Southern African American Heritage Center. Small and cozy gatherings can be found at Laney Landing, Riverside Park, a common locale for guests to host birthday parties and enjoy the marvelous view of boat landings from long-sailed journeys. As for tourists and travelers with a keen interest in dog fields and training events, the H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial & Recreation Area is an ideal spot for friendly visitations. Victorian Revivalism is easy to find in this town.

Georgetown

Known as the third-oldest city in America, Georgetown is a small town that cherishes its population of 9,163 residents. The town was formerly a major crop investor during the Revolutionary War, but after an economic collapse, it was rebranded into a satisfying historic destination for tourists from all wakes of life. The Harborwalk is one of the best walks to take downtown, which includes restaurants, independent shops, and marinas. The coastline includes Cat Island and the Santee Coastal Reserve, offering wildlife refuge for endangered animals. With so much convenience included in the itinerary, Georgetown provides tourists with plenty to see and do.

South Carolina's Small Town Splendor

With so many activities and excursion locales to explore in South Carolina's small-town directory, it is no surprise that residents and guests enjoy the state. South Carolina's rich history bleeds into every small town on this list, with many communities that are ostentatious and friendly to newcomers. When traveling to South Carolina, these small towns are a must-see.