10 Small Towns in South Carolina With Big Charm

South Carolina offers a diverse variety of terrain, attractions, and activities, from the incredible Blue Ridge Mountains in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east. South Carolina is divided into three regions: First is the Upstate or Appalachian Mountains, anchored by the city of Greenville and known for its outdoor recreation activities and charming mountain towns. Second, Piedmont, or The Midlands region, is home to South Carolina's capital, Columbia, and Lake Murray, a popular area for boating and fishing. Third, the Eastern Atlantic Coastal Plain, South Carolina's coast encompasses Hilton Head Island, Myrtle Beach, and historic Charleston with its old-timey cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and the famous waterfront historic district.

These small towns in South Carolina offer immense charm, whether for a family getaway, a vacation with friends, or a romantic road trip. Get your road atlas and find the best route to your favorite small town on this list.

Anderson

Anderson, South Carolina, is located in Anderson County. This small rural town in the foothills of South Carolina has always had a way of keeping up with the times. Anderson is full of history; it isn't only the buildings that have been added to the National Historic Register; there are entire districts of the town that are rich with architectural heritage. The Anderson College Historic District and Anderson Downtown Historic District are two (among many) prime examples. Even the electricity in Anderson can be considered historic.

Even in Anderson's history, the town was dubbed the "Electric City" for the ingenious use of hydroelectric power. The Portman Dam and Power Plant was set up in the late 1800s, eventually providing power to the entire town. This charming town has transformed its historic downtown into an incredibly vibrant community center with breweries and bars, an excellent park for events and concerts, and, let's not forget, the foodie-centric restaurants.

Step outside the town's rich history, and you will find access to Lake Hartwell. Lake Hartwell has been named a "Top 100 Bass Lake in America" and has hosted the Bassmaster Classics thrice. Not only is it a famous fishing spot, but it is one of the most popular recreational lakes for the public. You can access the water from Darwin Wright Park, Sadlers Creek State Park, and nearby marinas. The lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in South Carolina, and it's located along the Georgia-South Carolina border.

If you have an appreciation for cozy small towns with incredible historic districts, you might want to add this small town with big charm to your travel list.

York

York, South Carolina, is well-known for its incredible heritage buildings. York's Downtown Historic District really gives visitors a feel for the area's history, which dates back to the 1750s. The brick-built Georgian-style Wilson House, circa 1828, was once a jail, and the grand York County Courthouse (circa 1914) are prime examples of the buildings in the area that reflect the town's heritage. There are approximately 180 properties in York's Historic District, including residential and commercial buildings.

York is one of the most unique towns in South Carolina, with its exciting combination of small-town vibes and urban charm. The McClevey Center campus is an excellent place to enjoy a show. This cultural and heritage museum is home to the Southern Revolutionary War Institute, the Historical Center of York County, and a historical school that houses the theater. The York Recreation Complex is an excellent park with walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic shelters. Head over to the Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History to see ruby-throated hummingbirds.

Walhalla

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Walhala has a population of around 4,102. This small charming town in South Carolina was ranked among US favorites. As the history goes, the land in Walhalla was purchased by German immigrants in 1850. Walhalla is said to be the German form of Valhalla, a garden of the Gods.

Walhalla is noted for its many incredible waterfalls nearby, including the Yellow Branch Falls and Issaqueena Falls. The tree-lined streets of Walhalla are home to many historic buildings and modern shops and restaurants. Stumphouse Park is home to the infamous Stumphouse Tunnel, an incomplete railroad tunnel that was dug with hand tools before the Civil War. Head out to Walhalla during October for the annual Oktoberfest celebration that is a reflection of the town's rich Germanic heritage.

Landrum

Landrum was founded in 1880 and incorporated three years later. Quaint is a word you might hear when people describe this charming small town in South Carolina. Landrum is one of the friendliest towns in South Carolina. You can find the big southern charm all throughout Landrum, from the quirky shops to the local eateries and antique stores. Millstone Gallery is a fine example of a unique shop to find handcrafted items and gifts.

The Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve is just a twelve-minute drive from town and features a moderately difficult trail with a length of 2.8 miles. Campbell's Covered Bridge is a beautiful and historic bit of architecture. The bridge was built between 1909 and 1911 and is the only remaining covered bridge in South Carolina.

Edisto Beach/ Edisto Island

Edisto Beach is a charming coastal destination in Colleton County, South Carolina. Settled by Spanish colonists during the late 16th century, but the Island's initial inhabitants were the Edisto Indians. Edisto Beach State Park is home to a surviving Indian mound that was built by the Edisto people many years ago. 

Edisto Beach State Park is excellent for outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking and camping. You'll find furnished cabins and campsites at this beautiful state park. One thing many people appreciate about the park is the lengthy system of accessible walking and biking trails available for different abled people, so nobody feels left out because there is something for everyone.

Bay Creek Park is a charming space, home to an arts and crafts fair and market. There is a fishing and crabbing dock at the park, an interpretive center, and lush open spaces for picnics. Edisto Beach is an ideal small town in South Carolina for a weekend getaway.

Abbeville

Homes, mansions, and an opera house are a portion of what make up the Abbeville Historic District. With over 528 properties in this charming district, over 300 add to the historic character. Many of the impressive buildings in this collection date back to the 19th century, which is a testament to the area's rich history, which started as a town founded by French Huguenots.

When you're done admiring the incredible architecture and history, you can head out of town to the southeast, where you can find the Long Cane Scenic area and enjoy a peaceful hike in the lush woodlands. The Parson's Mountain Recreation Area is a beautiful area where you can enjoy a hike and spot wildlife.

Or spend some time checking out the quaint shops and restaurants. Abbeville is one of the most underrated towns in South Carolina.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island, or simply Hilton Head, is unique in every way. From the town's Disney Vacation Club Resort and beautiful gated communities to the incredible array of wildlife. Head to the waters and catch a glimpse of dolphins, manatees, and loggerhead sea turtles. The Harbour Lighthouse is an astonishing place where every level is dedicated to a different point in South Carolina's rich history. This lighthouse museum is a major attraction, and it adds to the island's charisma and charm.

The Coastal Discovery Museum is an excellent place to explore and learn about the biodiversity in the area. Coligny Beach Park is an ideal location to ride bikes, walk, or enjoy simple fun in the sun on the sandy beach. After the afternoon on the beach, head over to the Coligny Plaza Shopping Center or Shelter Cove Harbour Shops and Restaurants. There is a fantastic array of options and a wide variety of shops and eateries in one of the prettiest and most scenic small towns in South Carolina.

Aiken

This incredible horse country town dates back to the 1830s. Aiken wasn't designed to be a winter escape for horses or humans; when the town first became established, it was a railroad town. It is a perfect small town for a weekend getaway. The area has been a hotspot for those looking for a winter home for many years, and the Aiken Winter Colony Historic District is a testament to that. Within the Winter Colony Historic District, you can find the Wilcox, a distinguished and respectable hotel that's been operating since 1898.

Hitchcock Woods offers over 2,000 acres of pristine suburban forestland to explore. The beautiful tree-lined streets, southern charm, and well-equipped equestrian training facilities make Hitchcock Woods a hit with horse riders. Hopelands Gardens lies under a canopy of ancient oaks, Deodar cedars, and fragrant magnolia trees. The 14-acre estate was opened as a public garden around 1970, and it's a popular and thriving location today.

Georgetown

Welcome to the third-oldest town in South Carolina. Georgetown started out early, in 1526, as a European settlement. Around 1670, English colonists founded "Charles Town," by 1729, the plans were laid out for a grid system that would soon become Georgetown.

The most historic part of Georgetown is awash with charming heritage buildings. The Kaminski House Museum is a fine example of one of these incredible buildings. Visitors can find antiques and stunning architecture. Add to that the sweet Southern hospitality and allure. Some of the older neighborhoods offer roads with old oaks overarching them like natural tunnels. Travel down East Bay Street to experience the magical atmosphere.

Beaufort

Located on Port Royal Island, Beaufort is well-known for its beautiful coastal settings, scenery, and well-preserved late 18th-century and early-to-mid 19th-century buildings. Three hundred four acres of the town have been designated as National Historic Landmarks. Beaufort's downtown area is included in this space, and it features the incredibly charming Old Point area. The heritage houses here boast upper and lower balconies permeated with greenery.

The Spanish Moss Trail is a former railroad that makes for a lovely scenic walk in nature. The trees draped in Spanish moss are so beautiful. Head over to the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park and enjoy a lovely picnic by the water.

The Charm of South Carolina

The allure found in these small towns radiates like the bright sunshine on a summer afternoon. From the lovely districts and architecture to the oceanfront picnic sites and beaches, South Carolina has much to offer. The Spanish moss-draped trees, mighty oaks, and the warm sand by the sea lure in thousands of people throughout the year, especially during the winter.