12 Prettiest Towns In South Carolina

South Carolina, the Palmetto State, has so much to offer that a first-time visitor will be spoilt for choice. While the star attraction in South Carolina — as far as natural beauty goes — remains the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, a vast, nature-wrapped swathe that plays host to shimmering lakes, glistening waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails, the eighth state to join the Union also plays host to a delightful cornucopia of towns that look plucked straight out of a travel magazine. The following are some of the most beautiful towns in the state.

Beaufort

Named the Best Small Town In South Carolina by Southern Living and several other publications, Beaufort is a delicious eye candy whose beauty is better experienced than described. Where else in the Palmetto state can you find a tantalizing combination of century-old cottages, slow-paced ambiance, oak-shaded trees, and rich, captivating history? Whether you will want to inhale the intoxicating beach vistas as you bike along Hunting Island's Lagoon Trail — or spend a slow-paced afternoon strolling through The Old Point and admiring the class and style of the several historic homes on display, Beaufort will leave you blown away. Nestled near the southern tip of the Palmetto State, about halfway between Savannah and Charleston, this South Carolina charmer is home to about 13,000 residents.

Sullivan's Island

If you are in Charleston, South Carolina's largest city, and you need a quick getaway to a refreshing neverland unsullied by high-rise hotels, crowded streets, or tourist traps, you should place your bet on Sullivan's Island. Located less than 10 miles from Charleston, and hence a driving distance of less than 20 minutes, Sullivan's Island is a pretty 2.5-mile long island often ranked among the best beach towns in South Carolina. If you are a history buff and want to relive the first decisive victory in the American Revolutionary War, your visit to Sullivan's should include a well-timed detour at Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. While you will wish the museum was a tad bigger and featured slightly more exhibits, the fort, constructed from palmetto logs and sand, is well-preserved and is a wonderful piece of Revolutionary history. 

Camden

In a state that plays host to numerous pretty towns, Camden may be a bit under the radar. But make no mistake, however. This South Carolina stunner is one of the prettiest towns in the state by far. Home to about 8,100 residents and located along the scenic Wateree River, this charmer plays host to many hidden, beautiful old homes, an amazing residential district, and a gorgeous downtown area. If you have the slightest interest in history, a visit to the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, the scene of the worst Patriot defeat of the American Revolution— will be a lifetime experience. Then again, Camden (as is Aiken) is among the best horse towns in the Palmetto State. An old money bastion and the oldest inland town in the state, Camden is also Horse Country. This means you should expect to enjoy live horse racing and scenic trail rides in an environment that is laid back and peaceful.

Aiken

Aiken often consistently appears on several lists of Best Small Towns in the South. Rich in historic charm and tradition, this South Carolina treasure is secreted about 20 miles from Augusta, Georgia. The town was named for a railroad entrepreneur and was once a winter colony for the well-heeled. Today, Aiken boasts a population of about 32,000 residents and is a vibrant equestrian community. Encircled by a gasp-inducing scenery, first-time visitors should not be surprised to lock eyes with a number of graceful Thoroughbreds warming up in the early morning light. To experience the town's horse racing tradition, the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, an Aiken staple since 1977, is worth every minute spent there. But again, who would miss out on Aiken's Hitchcock Woods, one of the largest urban forests in the United States?

Edisto Island

We know Charleston gets all the attention. But a visit to Edisto Island may just make for your biggest South Carolina discovery yet. While several South Carolina towns are slow-paced, Edisto Island is completely reclining. Only about 1,900 residents call it home. The town is about an hour's drive southwest of Charleston and sits right where the ACE Basin, the largest natural reserve on the East Coast — meets the second-largest ocean in the world. Unsullied by traffic lights or high rises, this refreshing neverland boasts incredible sunrises, especially along the 4.5 miles of shoreline at the town's pristine beach — in addition to several other mindblowing attractions. You may want to enjoy a delicious local catch at Whaley's Store before embarking on Botany Bay Ecotours to experience the island's waterways up and close.

York

Strolling through the town of York — and reading street names such as Congress, Madison, and Jefferson will be quite exciting to visitors who love history. And boasting streets lined with historic homes and buildings, York has been called the Charleston of the Lowcountry. It is home to about 7,800 residents, some of them seventh-generation Yorkites. The town's history is dated, rich, and captivating. While York's history may draw you, the town's Southern charm will be quite a temptation. A stroll through Congress Street in downtown York, a classic American Main Street complete with more than 100-year-old redbrick buildings, will feel like a step back in time. If you love either the smell of old buildings or the sound of flawless acoustics, the town's McCelvey Center should be a must-do. 

Travelers Rest

While names may mean nothing, Travelers Rest is an exception. This South Carolina gem easily lives up to its evocative appellation. So if you want to wind down, this quaint town of about 7,000 should be on your bucket list. The town occupies the southern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a sought-after base camp for outdoor adventures because of its proximity to Paris Mountain, Table Rock, and Caesars Head, located about 8, 19, and 22 miles away, respectively. Still, there is more to Travelers Rest than its storybook setting — or the world of outdoor adventures it offers. The town is a vibrant college town — and plays host to Furman University, the oldest private university in the Palmetto State. Then again, the town's downtown area features a delightful array of chic boutiques, trendy cafes, and even breweries —the not-to-miss Swamp Rabbit Brewery & Taproom, for instance.

Blufton

Bluffton boasts a population of about 40,400 and is chockful of casual but classy restaurants – as well as river adventures. This vibrant South Carolina treasure combines the best of big-city amenities and small-town ambiance. When you set foot on Blufton, often called "Heart of the Lowcountry," the Cole-Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center should be your first port of call. The handwork of enslaved people and one of less than ten antebellum homes that remain in the Lowcountry, Cole-Heyward House retells captivating stories about the area and gives a local take on Blufton's current offerings. Besides, Calhoun Street, the heartbeat of the town, showcases more than 100 local artists and will enthuse all types of art lovers.

Georgetown

While you can be tempted to underrate Georgetown, a town of about 8,300 located where four rivers meet: the Black, Great Pee Dee, Waccamaw, and Sampit Rivers — Georgetown is easy on the eyes and offers amazing optical nourishment. Then again, Georgetown is not only the second-largest seaport in South Carolina but also the third-oldest town in the state. Since it is not more than about 60 miles northeast of Charleston, it often makes for a quick escape. Part of what makes Georgetown attractive is its beautiful historic homes, complete with gracious porches; its shaded, live-oak canopies; and its sparkling waterways. Clad in flip-flops, you will enjoy exploring the town's boardwalk, art galleries, several centuries-old buildings, and, of course, the Rice Museum, a property that celebrates the history of Georgetown's port — which once sent out the most rice of any port in the world. 

Hilton Head

Another South Carolina town your eyes will easily fall in love with is Hilton Head. If you often enjoy the heart-ravishing scenery of beach towns and their casual ambiance, flip-flops, and all, Hilton Head should be among your must-visits. Once named by Americans the Best Beach Town in the South, Hilton Head is not a secret beach destination — or a recent discovery. This Lowcountry resort town boasts an array of heartwarming features, including pristine public and family-oriented beaches, waterfront dining, an array of shopping options, and up to about 24 golf courses. For outdoor enthusiasts, the town's many parks and reserves will be of interest, including the Sea Pines Forest Preserve — a protected nature area that boasts a unique shell ring estimated to be about 4,000 years old.

Kiawah Island

If you know the secret, a trip to the South Carolina coast can never be complete without some tongue-tingling seafood experiences. And those who have been initiated into this culinary lifestyle know that a plate of shrimp — ranks highly on the pecking order of seafood. Well, there is no better place to enjoy a flavorful plate of shrimp (and grits) — than on South Carolina's Kiawah Island. And if you are spoilt for choice, as you will most likely be, check out Jasmine Porch at the Sanctuary for a truly phenomenal seafood experience. Then again, Kiawah Island gives that far-away, island-in-the-sea experience that can make for an excellent secluded vacation. And while at it, do not forget to take an alligator tour.

Newberry

For starters, Newberry is home to Newberry College, a small but prestigious liberal arts college that is among the finest private colleges in the Southeast. So if you are looking for a vibrant college town and do not mind rolling with a youthful crowd, you have your pick. This town boasts a population of about 10,000 and is nestled in South Carolina's picturesque Piedmont region about 43 miles northwest of Columbia. Newberry's pretty downtown area plays host to a delightful array of unique shops and locally-owned restaurants — as well as the state-of-the-art Newberry Opera House, whose massive clock tower has been the centerpiece of the city for more than 120 years. Then again, Newberry stages several fun-filled festivals, including the yearly Oktoberfest, which celebrates the town's Germanic heritage.

The Takeaway

From the century-old cottages of Beaufort, the refreshing neverland of Sullivan's Island, and the quaint oasis-like town of Camden, which boasts a vibrant equestrian community, South Carolina's towns are hands-down among the prettiest in the country. That is without mentioning Aiken, once a winter colony of the well-heeled — or even Travelers Rest, whose evocative appellation should pique any vacationer's interest. Here is the truth: The extensive collection of pretty towns in South Carolina will leave a first-time visitor spoilt for choice.