2024's 10 Most Scenic South Carolina Towns
Travelers in 2024 will appreciate the scenery, history, and moderate climate in South Carolina. The Palmetto State has an abundance of small southern towns surrounded by early American History, such as Georgetown. Each offers visitors options to experience secluded mountains, parks full of Palmetto trees, and oceanfront tropical flowers. All towns feature walkable shopping and dining options with plenty of southern charm. South Carolina is the perfect destination for those interested in the history of the Civil War as well as visitors who love the coastline. Find the perfect beach on Edisto Island. If you are looking for a secluded mountain, check out Walhalla, and for those searching for the most scenic garden to stroll, find several within Litchfield.
Litchfield
Litchfield offers miles of pristine beach access and coastal biking and walking trails. Catch unique sights with a visit to Atalaya Castle or Brookgreen Gardens. Atalaya includes a Moroccan castle and a sculpture garden that Archer and Anna Huntington created. Brookgreen Gardens hosts the oldest and largest American sculpture garden and is sure to delight the senses.
When visiting, consider taking part in beach activities like kayaking near the shore, or crabbing in the marsh. Golf lovers will love hitting the green at Litchfield Country Club or the Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort. Litchfield offers a family-friendly atmosphere surrounded by serene and natural surroundings. Think of it as less of a tourist trap and more of a true Southern experience.
Georgetown
Georgetown combines the charm of a coastal town with old southern style in its architecture and historic downtown. Georgetown sits along the Waccamaw River. City streets are lined with twisted oak trees, historic southern storefronts, and preserved houses from the distant past. Georgetown has 50 buildings on the National Historic Register. History buffs will delight in visiting the Georgetown County, Rice, Gullah, South Carolina Maritime, and Kaminski Museums. Learn about the area’s agricultural roots in the rice industry.
Cruise the boardwalk and take in the sights overlooking the Sampit River. View the past mansions that still line the streets or the sunset, and have a ball in the water. Sign up for a fishing charter from Georgetown Coastal Adventures or Kingfisher Guide Service. Rent a boat from one of several active marinas, including Georgetown Landing, Harborwalk, or Hazzard.
Travelers Rest
Travelers Rest sits within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take in a bounty of stunning views of the mountains, walkable downtown, and the famous Swamp Rabbit Trail. Bikers and walkers can take the paved 22-mile Swamp Rabbit trail from Travelers Rest to Greenville. The path is mostly shady and flat making it perfect for biking or hiking.
From Swamp Rabbit Trail, visitors can wander off near the trail and discover waterfalls from connecting trails within the Blue Ridge Mountains’ Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Golfers can take a swing at the Spring Park Golf Range, the Green Valley Country Club, or the nearby Paris Mountain Country Club. Outdoor enthusiasts find breathtaking views at the Paris Mountain State Park or by walking around Table Rock State Park.
Beaufort
Find pleasure in the wild beauty of Beaufort. Immerse yourself in the hundreds of pine forests, palmetto trees, and endless coastal views. Visit the ancient maritime forest at Hunting Island State Park. In the evening, catch the sunset over the Beaufort River.
Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island, one of South Carolina's coastal islands. History lovers will appreciate a visit to the stately southern mansions with immense porches on Craven Street. See the John Mark Verdier House Museum for a look into the early 1800s. Next, stroll in the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park that overlooks the Beaufort River and find the Woods Memorial Bridge.
Next, consider signing up for Beaufort Dolphin Adventures, which is a boat trip that takes visitors out to catch a glimpse of dolphins. Or, sign up for a water tour via Beaufort Kayak Tours. Optionally, walk the Avenue of Oaks and travel through tree-lined coastal country roads.
Aiken
Aiken is an equestrian community rich in historic charm and southern style. The surrounding Hitchcock Woods is a 2,100-acre urban forest with more than 70 miles of natural trails. Visitors can also walk or hike the Aiken Arboretum Trail. The arboretum is home to a diverse family of oak trees, some over 100 years old.
On the way, tour the Hopelands Gardens or Aiken State Park for even more scenic South Carolina views. Nature is everywhere in Aiken. Walk around Boyd Pond Park or the Ditch Pond Heritage Preserve. Interested history buffs may like the Aiken County Historical Museum or the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum.
Edisto Beach
Edisto Island is one of South Carolina’s largest barrier islands, intentionally undeveloped to preserve its natural state. There are no hotels or resorts but a surplus of space to spot wildlife, including dolphins and osprey. Edisto Beach is perfect for a small-town coastal experience. The island is home to some of the south’s most beautiful beaches, including Driftwood Beach. Visitors find curious and interesting scenery amongst the driftwood deposited every tide along the beach.
Learn about South Carolina’s island’s history at the Edisto Island Museum, including the Gullah Geechee people. Visitors will appreciate the serene and natural beauty of Edisto. Visit one of many secluded beaches and hunt for prime shells. Take part in a bird-watching tour or search for fossils. Visit the Botany Bay Plantation for kayaking, hiking, or several scenic drives.
Anderson
Travelers haven’t seen the southern United States until they have stayed on the lake. Anderson is home to Lake Hartwell, one of the southeast’s largest recreational lakes. Find fantastic sunset and sunrise views off the lake. Fish, boat, or swim. Hikers and bikers love the Carolina Wren Park or the trails at Sadlers Creek State Park.
Anderson, which sits in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, also boasts a 16-block historic downtown district known as a hospitality center. Discover new finds at the Apple Dumplin’ Antique Mall, The Vine Antiques, McDowell’s Emporium, or Grady’s Great Outdoors. Take a walking tour and learn more about the Anderson County Courthouse, the P&N Railroad Depot, and the Anderson County Museum.
Florence
Florence enables visitors to paddle down the Revolutionary Rivers Paddling Trail and discover the wonders of nature. Travel in the path of Revolutionary War hero General Francis Marion. Revisit Civil War history at the Florence National Cemetery, which serves as the final resting place for both Union and Confederate soldiers. Outdoor enthusiasts can stretch their legs at Timrod Park, Maple Park, or the High Hill Creek Bike Path.
Florence is home to South Carolina’s pecan industry. Pecans are a popular ingredient in the local fare year-round. Head down the South Carolina Pecan Trail and inhale the beauty of the trees. In town, visit the Little Theatre and note the influence of the Civil War on the city’s architecture.
York
York is a small town awash in southern history and charm. The city boasts 364 acres on the National Register Historic District. York is part of the Olde English District and is known as the White Rose City. Find a favorite spot by viewing the area’s natural allure by visiting active farms, including the Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery and the Bush-N-Vine Farm.
Discover local history at the Culture and Heritage Museum. Learn more about the history of the Civil War by visiting Historic Brattonsville. Historic Brattonsville encompasses 778 acres of Revolutionary War history. There are 30 historic structures to casually wander through. The Bratton Plantation performs live reenactments of the Civil War period year-round for visitors to enjoy.
Walhalla
Walhalla sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Originally settled by German immigrants in the late 1800s, it provides an abundance of natural pleasures. The best hikes in Walhalla include several waterfalls. Head out on a short hike to the Yellow Branch Falls. Continue on for another short distance and find the Issaqueena Falls and the Stations Cove Falls. Go to Lake Keowee for swimming, boating, fishing, and camping.
A scenic trip to Walhalla is not complete without a visit to Stumphouse Park, which includes a tunnel created by hand during the Civil War but never completed. The tunnel stays a cool 50 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The park also includes a challenging mountain bike park and scenic picnic sites. While you are here, walk down the Blue Ridge Railroad hiking trail or the Stumphouse Passage of the Palmetto trail.
Coastal beauty, forests, mountains, waterfalls, and natural greenery await visitors to South Carolina. These scenic South Carolina towns provide a little bit of everything in the way of landscape and nature. From the lakes, falls, and coasts, visitors can get in tune with the water. Find your favorite trees at one of many arboretums or tree-lined country roads. Southern architecture and history are also alive in South Carolina in 2024.
