14 Most Scenic South Carolina Towns
The state of South Carolina is a 32,020 square mile section of the southeastern United States. From its pristine beaches to the Blue Ridge mountains, the state possesses a variety of natural wonders that showcase its scenic beauty. With its diverse geographical features, the state has plenty of towns where memories can be made. The following 14 locales offer a sampling of the South Carolina experience, from the natural wonders to its unique cultural heritage.
Kiawah Island
To the south of the City of Charleston, Kiawah Island allows visitors to leave the big city and connect with nature. With 10 miles of beach area shoreline, Kiawah Island is a place to escape their normal daily routine. One of the Island's notable features is its prestigious golf resort. The course has hosted multiple professional tournaments, from the 1991 Ryder Cup to the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships.
For anyone interested in exploring the area, the island provides two bike rental stores. A vast array of wildlife species are local to the region, with 18 different kinds of mammals, 30 species of reptiles, and 300 species of birds. The Wetland Wildlife tours are a 7-mile bike excursion where you can gain a better understanding of the region's ecosystems while traveling with a local naturalist.
Aiken
Located near the state's border with Georgia, Aiken has earned a reputation for being the "Tree City" for its efforts in urban forest management. The Aiken Arboretum Trail is a four-mile section of downtown with more than 100 trees to explore. Another location to explore the outdoors of Aiken is Hitchcock Woods. A 70-mile region of land, the Woods offers visitors the opportunity to connect with the outdoors, either through horseback or hiking. Boyd Pond Park is a 373-acre region where visitors can partake in a game of soccer or disc golf or just a day fishing on the region's 30-acre pond.
On November 11, 2023, Aiken is hosting the Take a Hike initiative, planning to get residents outdoors and connect with the outdoors. If you are interested in a spooky experience, Kent Cubbage offers up the Aiken Ghost Tours, an exploration of Aiken's urban legends and myths. A trip to the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame Museum allows visitors the chance to explore the exhibits commemorating the town's successful Horse Racing history.
Clemson
Clemson, South Carolina, is a college town, known primarily for its successful Football Program. Located near the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town invites you on an exploration of the outdoors. Bordering the states of South Carolina and Georgia is Lake Hartwell, a 56,000-acre body of water. You can accomplish a variety of activities in your day at the lake, from fishing to setting up a campsite. Residing in Clemson is the 295-acre South Carolina Botanical Garden. Visitors can schedule a tour of the Garden region to explore the area and increase their understanding of the natural world.
The Clemson Experimental Forest provides 17,500 acres of land for educational and research purposes, with 100 miles of land sectioned into hiking trails. The Isaqueena trail showcases a view of the nearby Lake Hartwell to its travelers. A unique experience for visitors, The Bob Campbell Geology Museum is home to a unique collection of more than 10,000 gems, minerals, and fossils for visitors to explore.
Travelers Rest
In the 1800s, travelers often rested in this location before resuming their journey, inspiring the name of the future community, Travelers Rest. Given its location, there are a multitude of scenic tours for visitors. The Blue Ridge Parkway, for instance, is a scenic drive through diverse landscapes, exploring the local wildlife and geological features. Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22-mile bike trail connecting the towns of Travelers Rest, with nearby Greenville.
Furman University provides onlookers with beautiful creations of nature, from the Place of Peace Japanese Temple to its adjoining Asian Garden. In 2020, the University was nationally recognized as one of the "Most Beautiful College Campuses." Pink Mama's Ice Cream Parlor is a local ice cream establishment. They provide visitors with an outdoor experience while sampling an original waffle cone. TrailBlazer Park is a venue used for most festivities in Travelers Rest. Over the summer, residents can attend events like free outdoor movie nights in the park.
Beaufort
On numerous occasions, the town of Beaufort has been a feature in major Hollywood Productions. The film Forrest Gump infamously used many local sites, such as the Woods Memorial Bridge and the Basil Green Sports Complex. Located on South Carolina's East Coast, there are many ways you can experience Beaufort outdoors. Spend a day at the Legends Golf Course, an 18-hole par 72 course known for its enriching experience connecting players with nature. Each year, the community unites at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park for the Taste of Beaufort. The festivities include sampling the local cuisine and live music.
A trip to the Beaufort Historic District gives visitors a glimpse of the town's past. Take a self-tour of the area, with houses that, in some cases, pre-date the Civil War, and picturesque streets with trees loosely covered in Spanish Moss. If you need more recreational activity, look no further than the Spanish Moss trail. A 10-mile journey, it has been nationally recognized amongst the "Top 10 Urban Walking trails in the country" by Outside Magazine. The trail takes you across the region's picturesque natural landscape. Hoping to escape to the beach? Hunting Island is 15 miles east of Beaufort and provides five miles of beach area, as well as a vast array of local wildlife.
Landrum
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the town of Landrum. The Blue Wall Passage is a 14-mile segment of the Palmetto Trail. This passage takes visitors through downtown Landrum and Lake Lanier. The local farmers market is a staple; every Saturday morning from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, from June to October. Just outside town, explore Campbell's Covered Bridge, a 35-foot long by 12-foot wide structure built over a century ago.
Newberry City
In 2023, HGTV recognized Newberry as "One of the most Charming Small Towns in America." A unique feature of the town is the Wells Japanese Garden. Placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the area provides a peaceful escape. Features in the Garden include a stone lantern and a moon bridge. In a celebration of the city's German community, Newberry commemorates Oktoberfest. With a history of crowds as numerous as 20,000, the festival offers attendees a fun time for all ages. Visitors come for the entertainment, stay for the German Cuisine, and can also suit up for the "Best Traditional German Dress Contest."
A brief drive outside Newberry takes you to Lake Murray. A 50,000-acre body of water, the lake is ideal for recreational activities, from water sports to fishing. The Newberry Passage is a 10.7-mile section of the Palmetto Trail. On the journey, visitors are taken across the local college (founded in 1856) and past historic buildings, such as the local Opera House.
Hilton Head Island Town
From its more than 26 golf courses, 64 miles of biking trails, and 12 miles of beaches, there is no shortage of ways to experience Hilton Head Island. Audubon Newhall Preserve is a 50-acre property providing visitors with a series of trails to explore. Bird watching is a common practice for visitors, as over 140 species have been seen within the area. The Legends Tour is the primary attraction of a visit to the Harbour Lighthouse. On the tour, you will get an educational experience as you explore the symbolic landmark. Lawton Stables provides visitors with a horse riding experience for visitors, as they can tour over 600 acres of the local region.
Spartanburg City
Located in northern South Carolina, Spartanburg City is a region with plenty of areas to explore and a downtown area known for uniting the community. The Cottonwood trail provides over 4 miles of leisure for visitors to partake in an outing. The trails are within the 116-acre Cottonwood Trail Preserve, known for being a water quality buffer and habitat for local wildlife. Duncan Park is the home of Duncan Park baseball stadium, a ballpark that in 2016 was commemorated with a placement in the National Park Service's Register of Historic Places. Also featured in the park are two little league fields, paved walking trails, and six miles of off-road mountain bike trails.
For a wildlife journey, travel the available 5 miles of trails located in the Edwin Griffin Nature Preserve. Downtown Spartanburg offers a variety of entertainment, from Music on Main, to Fr8yard. Fr8yard is the state's first open-air beer garden offering an all-inclusive place for visitors to have a good time. Spartanburg is also home to a BMW manufacturing plant, which, since 1994, has produced more than 6 million vehicles.
Abbeville
Located in the Northwestern corner of South Carolina, the town of Abbeville is a place for entertainment, as well as outdoor exploration. Calhoun Falls State Park provides a multitude of activities for its visitors, from a 1.75-mile Cedar Bluff Nature Trail to a tackle shop, where visitors can stock up on equipment before setting sail on nearby Lake Russell. The Burt-Stark Mansion is a historical monument from the American Civil War era. The Mansion is known to history as the place where Confederate President Jefferson Davis realized that the Civil War was a lost cause.
A place for entertainment for the Abbeville community is the local Opera House. With over a century of history, the town provides concerts, comedies, and other events. Another location unique to Abbeville is the Diamond Hill Mine. Visitors here are shown a variety of crystals found within the region. The mines allow partakers to dig in the mine's tailings for crystals to create a personal collection.
McClellanville
In 1989, the town of McClellanville was hit with a Category Four Hurricane. Despite the damages taken, a unifying spirit within the town remains to this day. The Francis Marion National Forest is a nearly 250,000-acre land mass. Visitors can journey through the scenic landscapes which encapsulate the region. Since 1977, the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival has been an annual spring celebration. Attendees experience the local cuisine and a celebration only McClellanville can give.
York
The town of York boasts a variety of activities for those who enjoy summer and festivals, which help bring the community together. The Garden Cafe provides visitors with the option to partake in a variety of delicacies while sitting on the outdoor porch. Peach Tree Orchard is a location where attendees can sample the local peaches and order from the popular Ice Cream Parlor. The year 2023 marked the 40th anniversary of the York Summerfest festivities. The event brings the community together as they watch the scheduled events and performances.
Anne Springs Close Greenway is a 2,100-acre natural preserve that allows visitors an opportunity to schedule a day filled with outdoor activities. The preserve has areas for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. The Mcelvey Centre is a museum local to York. Visitors to the center can partake in viewing their annual "Performing Arts Series" at their 560-seat theatre.
Sullivan's Island Town
Sullivan's Island Town has a beautiful beach scenery and unique cuisine. Home Team BBQ is a quality dining establishment just a short walk from the beach. Fort Moultrie is a historical monument located on Sullivans Island. It was once a military base that was used in 1776 to repel a British invasion and it played a role in future American conflicts such as the Civil War. By 1960, the fort was transformed into a national monument maintained for visiting tourists. Sullivan's Island Nature Trail is a 190-acre section of land known for bird watching and a unique opportunity to view local plant life. With local species such as the sailfish and wahoo, Sullivan's Island provides plenty of opportunities for fishing excursions.
Edisto Beach Town
Located 42 miles south of the city of Charleston is Edisto Beach Town. Travelers can explore the region on the 0.4-mile Edisto Bike trail, taking them to the nearby beach. A common exploration spot in the region is Edisto Beach State Park. One of the trails located in the Park is the Bache Monument trail. This 0.2-mile trail takes visitors along the local Big Bay Creek. The Edisto Plein Air Paint Out is a unique tradition. Attendees spend a multi-day period painting while appreciating the local scenery. The Seacow Eatery is a 25-year local dining establishment. It provides a creative breakfast menu featuring foods such as the Moo La La French Toast.
Just to the South of North Carolina lies a state brimming with natural beauty, cultural history, and spaces for outdoor activity. Whether exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains region, celebrating the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival, or playing a round of Golf on Kiawah Island, the state of South Carolina is a land waiting to be explored. So stop what you are doing, and plan your vacation to this lovely region commonly referred to as the Palmetto State.
