11 Top-Rated Small Towns In South Carolina
South Carolina, nicknamed the Palmetto State, is known for its warm temperatures, pristine sand beaches, nature parks, festivals, and golf park. Shaped like an inverted triangle, North Carolina bounds it to the North, the Atlantic Ocean to the Southeast, and Georgia to the Southwest. South Carolina has a unique geography, providing diverse tourist activities, from taking long treks in the state's nature reserves to dining at world-class restaurants with meals that will keep you coming for more.
Along the coastal and mountainous areas of South Carolina are small towns known for outstanding tourist attractions and out-of-this-world meals. Get set to add these top-rated small towns in South Carolina to your travel wishlist.
Edisto Island
Edisto is one of the sea islands of South Carolina. This small town is 42 miles from the historic Charleston town, a perfect place to relax and unwind after exploring the historic town. This town offers more than just surfing and kayaking along the Edisto River. There are so many other tourist hotspots in Edisto Island.
Pay a visit to the first true Serpentarium in South Carolina. The Serpentarium is a facility dedicated solely to preserving reptiles in the state. Embark on a fishing trip with the fish Chaterers in the town for some fast-action offshore fishing. You might catch some spot-tail bass or red drums if you are lucky.
One great way to explore this town is by water. Join a boat tour around the Island, exploring every area of Edisto Island surrounding the Ace Basin. You get to see the wildlife of the Island closely during your tour.
York
The town of York is 27 miles away from Charlotte, North Carolina. York shares its northern boundary with North Carolina, Catawba River to the east, and Broad River to the west. The town has a rich history, with the historic buildings still standing as a representation of the town's glory days.
Visitors can learn more about the town from the local museums like Brattsonsville and the McCelvey Museum. Shoppers are not left behind; get whatever you want or need from Yorkville Marketplace, from gift items to clothes.
Visit the Bush N Vine Farm in York to shop for fresh, in-grown farm produce at a pocket-friendly price. There are several vineyards and wineries like Grapevine Wine Bar and Illumination Wines for wine enthusiasts to explore.
Hartsville
Named after Captain Thomas E. Hart, a man who owned most of the lands in the town. Hartsville, a two-time awardee of the All-America State, is a perfect place to spend your holiday. There are many tourist gems hidden in this small town.
The Kalmia Gardens is a major attraction in Hartsville. On a tour around these gardens, visitors see Captain Thomas's house, widely diverse botanical gardens, and Cypress Swamp. It is 35 acres of nature's goodness.
There are several parks in Hartsville to visit. Lawton Park provides you with a beautiful view of the sun as it sets and meets the lake. Dine at J. Michael’s Grill or Hoof and Hound, some of the finest restaurants in town, from barbecue to sushi; every meal on the menu warms your heart and lights up your soul.
Clemson
Set on the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the small town of Clemson. It is home to the popular Clemson University. The town locals and college students have built a tightly knit bond, and in 2015, the Princeton Review named the town #1 in the US for “Town and Gown” relations with its resident university.
There is so much to see and do in this small town, from historic sites to recreational activities; you get to have a first-hand experience of all this town has to offer. The town is flooded with museums, each telling its own story. The Clemson College Barn is the oldest building associated with agriculture. Other historic museums include the Forthill Museum, Hanover House, etc.
Pass through Clemson’s experimental forests to access Lake Hartwell. The 17,500 acres of forest land offer several recreational activities, from hiking to bird watching.
Beaufort
Fondly called the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands,” Beaufort is a beautiful town and the second oldest town in South Carolina. The town has a rich cultural history and is known for its Southern hospitality. Named by National Geographic Adventure as one of the “Top 50 Adventure Towns,” Beaufort has no dull moments.
Take home a piece of every Beaufort location in a photograph. The Beaufort Photography tour guides visitors around the beautiful town, helping them capture every moment with their camera so they are constantly reminded of their experience in Beaufort.
Go on a boat cruise along the Beaufort Waterways to catch the wild dolphins in action and discover some remote beaches that are perfect for meditation and group bonding.
Travelers Rest
Travelers Rest is in Greenville County, South Carolina. The town has a Southern hospitality charm, making everybody feel at home. The town is steaming with tourists all year round. From exploring the downtown area to engaging with the great outdoors, there is always something to entertain the crowd.
The Downtown of Travelers Rest is always bursting with activities. Visitors witness the level of hard work and craftsmanship business people in this town put into their work. Shopping is one way to support the community. From beautiful handcrafted memorabilia to locally made dresses, there is a lot you can get at the stores Downtown.
Take a picture inside Campbell's covered bridge before embarking on an adventure to explore the great outdoors. From hiking through the town’s Park Trails to kayaking down the surrounding rivers, visitors are sure to have a swirl time in Travelers Rest.
Kiawah Island
Kiawah is a barrier Island 25 miles away from Charleston. This town is known for its pristine beaches, world-class golf course, and amazing wildlife. Get a view of the amazing wildlife on this island, from Bobcats to Ospreys. Kiawah Island is home to diverse wildlife.
Enjoy the stroll around the Kiawah beach. A better way to explore this small Island town is by biking on the beautifully paved biking trails. On your bike, you are privileged to explore areas of the island you can not explore on foot or with a car.
Are you a fan of golf and tennis? Visit the world-class golf courses and tennis resorts on the Island, like The Ocean Course, Osprey Golf Course, or Cougar Point Golf Course. You can also spend time surfing, kayaking, fishing, and shelling on the Island waters.
Folly Beach
Folly Beach is a small town on Folly Island. The town is 11 miles from Downtown Charleston and is called the “Edge of America” by locals. The town is famous for its amazing surfing spots.
In the migration season, you can spot the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale along the coastline. This beach town offers more than just an amazing surfing experience. The town is littered with gift shops, restaurants, and bars.
Folly Beach is always alive with festivals all year round. Some popular festivals in Folly Beach are Tastes Folly, Sea and Sand Festival, and Bill Murray Polar Plunge.
Aiken
Named after the South Carolina Railroad President, Williams Aiken, Aiken is a small town with a southern charm. The town was named the “Best Town of the South” by Southern Living. The Aiken Arboretum Trail is a hidden gem in this small town that keeps attracting nature lovers to see the diverse tree species available.
Shop for farm produce at Aiken's farmers' market, from tomatoes to baked food. Explore the fine dining options in town, from steaks to stuffed potatoes. Every meal on the menu is sure to leave you wanting more. Shop for clothes and antiques at the local antique shops and boutiques downtown or view artworks by local artists at Aikens Art Center.
Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms is a barrier island in South Carolina, known for its beach, beautiful waterfront view, world-class golf course, and local restaurants. The Isle of Palms Beaches is a major tourist attraction. Tourists enjoy sunbathing by the seashore in front of the crystal-clear waterfront. The sandy shoreline is perfect for building sand castles, every child’s dream come true.
Enjoy the beautiful wildlife on the Isle of Palms on a tour organized by Barrier Island Eco Tours. The tour takes you around the salt marshes, tidal creek, and intercoastalways. On the tour, you get to see the Bottlenose Dolphins, Loggerhead Turtles, and other wildlife.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island was named after Captain William Hilton, who identified it in 1663 at the entrance of the Port Royal Entrance. It is a popular vacation spot for tourists. In 2004, an estimated number of 2.25 million visitors contributed to the town’s economy.
Hilton Head Island is perfect for family getaway vacations. Enjoy quality family time playing family games and building sand castles on any of the beaches on the Island. The water around this Island is perfect for kayaking, fishing, and surfing.
Take a guided tour around the historical spots of this historic town with Hilton Head History Tours. Endless activities await you, from shopping to trying out the amazing cuisine served in the restaurants in town or on the beachside.
South Carolina, known for its southern hospitality, is a tourist favorite because of its warm and humid climate. This state is bounded on the Southeast by the Atlantic Ocean, and an array of small towns litter its coastline. Enjoy climbing mountain trails and surfing against the sea waves while in these small towns. This guide will ensure you have fun at top tourist attractions when you visit these top-rated small towns in South Carolina. Pack your bags and visit these southern beauties today.
