6 Lovely Small Towns to Visit in South Carolina This Summer
Summer in South Carolina is magical—the warm weather, breathtaking beaches, and idyllic landscapes beckon eager explorers. South Carolina’s small towns are especially alluring with their rich history, hospitality, and culture. Each town has a mix of mouthwatering local cuisine, quaint shops, welcoming residents, and picturesque streets, which makes a South Carolina holiday memorable. For a truly spectacular Southern experience, consider a visit to any of these six lovely small towns this summer.
Beaufort
Located on Port Royal Island is Beaufort. The town’s downtown has been named a historic district by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Beaufort is a small town with 300 years of history. Fun things to do are an exploration of Beaufort’s waterways which includes dolphin and bird-watching, and a horse-drawn carriage tour of historic Beaufort.
In July, Beaufort comes alive with its 10-day premier Water Festival. The festival will be held from July 12 to 21, 2024, and includes an Arts and Crafts Market, raft race, bocce tournament, badminton tournament, and more, culminating in a concert in the park.
Aiken
Aiken is a small town that borders the South Edisto Fork River and the Savannah River, which means there is no shortage of water activities like fishing and boating. The town is also a great place to hike or horseback ride along Langley Pond Park Loop Trail. Aiken is home to one of America’s largest urban forests—Hitchcock Woods, which is ripe for exploration.
Aiken is a horse town with a profound equestrian history. Therefore, a visit to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum is a must. When vacationing in the town in summer, visitors should try to attend one of the town's Hopelands Gardens Concert Series, which begins in April and continues through June. It is a free outdoor music concert held every Monday starting at 7 pm.
Georgetown
Dubbed “America’s Best Coastal Small Town” by USA Today, Georgetown is overflowing with Southern charm. The town features 200-year-old homes, of which at least 60 are on the National Register of Historic Places. The Georgetown Harborwalk is quite beautiful, especially in the summer. It spans the entire historic district and provides tourists with scenic views of the Sampit River.
Georgetown County Watercolor Society Annual Show is one of Georgetown's best events. It is an exhibition at the Rice Museum that showcases the traditional and contemporary works of local watercolor artists. The exhibition begins in June and runs all throughout July and August.
Camden
Like Georgetown, Camden is a small town with over 60 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The town is home to the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, which shouldn’t be missed. It is an outdoor museum covering over 100 acres of land that features an 18th-century town site, two log cabins, and military ramparts. Located five miles outside Camden is Goodale State Park, which has a 140-acre lake ideal for kayaking and fishing and an ancient cypress forest for avid hikers.
On July 13th, the town will host the Jammin' in July Music Festival. The festival will take place on Broad Street, start at 5 p.m., and feature live performances by seven musicians, as well as food and drink.
Bluffton
Nestled on the banks of the May River is Bluffton, a quaint small town with bustling local markets and plenty of parks. Visitors should begin their trip at Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center. The house, built in 1841, is open for tours and provides brochures and maps of Bluffton. The May River presents visitors with ample opportunities for outdoor fun, including fishing, shrimping, and crabbing, tours of the tidal creeks and marshes, and dolphin watching.
At the end of June, the town will host its 3rd annual Bluffton Independence Day Celebration. The event includes a pre-party at Martin Family and DuBois Parks, an Independence Day race, carnival games, concession stands, food trucks, and, fireworks!
Cheraw
Cheraw, also called the "Prettiest town in Dixie," has much to see and do for enthusiastic visitors, beginning with a day exploring Cheraw State Park. At 7,361 acres, the Park is one of the largest in South Carolina. Visitors can rent cabins in the Park, enjoy the lake and lakeside boardwalk, play golf at the 18-hole course, go boating, hike or bike the trails, and fish, camp, and picnic. The Cheraw Lyceum Museum is another great attraction. Built around the 1820s, the building was once a library but is now a museum showcasing the town's history.
Families may be interested in the upcoming Cookies & Cream Social hosted by The Caffeinated Cow on July 4. It's a sweet event to beat the summer heat with delicious ice cream flavors and an assortment of cookies.
From the cypress forest in Camden and the Harborwalk in Georgetown to the horse-drawn carriage tours in Beaufort, there is something natural, historic, or cultural for the avid visitor. These towns provide ample reason to visit this summer for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big-city living and relax in a charming getaway. So, consider these six lovely small towns in South Carolina when planning your next vacation.
