7 Best South Carolina Towns For A Weekend Trip

With 187 miles of shoreline, 76 National Historic Landmarks, and 47 state parks, South Carolina is filled with adventure. But what if you only have a weekend to spare? Some towns in the state offer the perfect balance, with just the right mix of attractions to make every moment count. So get your weekend bag ready and prepare to make the most in one of these seven South Carolina towns.

McClellanville

Home to just over 600 residents, McClellanville has a tight-knit community spirit and plenty of off-the-beaten-track adventures. As travelers pass through town for the first time, they will encounter pre-Civil War era homes and moss-draped live oaks, setting the scene for the weekend. A coastal town, McClellanville has freshly caught seafood available for purchase, with Carolina Seafoods Inc. offering everything from the catch of the day to delicious crab dip.

Situated among fascinating ecosystems, travelers can explore blackwater swamps on the Wambaw Creek Wilderness Area Kayak and Canoe Trail, where they can kayak through the cypress-lined waters. Driving roughly 15 minutes from town, visitors will come across the St. James Santee Brick Church, a historic church built in 1786 with vaulted ceilings, rounded brick columns, and pews crafted of hand-pegged cypress. A vacation rental is visitors’ best bet in McClellanville, with Lovely 4BR Waterfront Home being a good option as a renovated home situated right on the waterfront.

Spartanburg

Near thousands of acres of lakes and countless miles of rivers, Spartanburg is a great hub for a weekend of outdoor recreation. Travelers can go paddling or fishing at Berry Shoals Pond, or go boating in Lake Blalock, which spans 1,105 acres. Cottonwood Trail is a good option for hikers, home to Lawson’s Fork Creek and sitting on a 115-acre urban preserve.

Looking for a locally sourced meal? Cribb's Kitchen On Main, operating since 2010, has innovative dishes prepared with ingredients sourced from local farms. For a historic stay, consider spending the night at Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens, a cozy and vintage-style home just seven minutes from downtown.

Folly Beach

Located just 25 minutes from Charleston, the coastal town of Folly Beach, with a population of roughly 2,000, is an easily accessible weekend option for those hailing from the city. Upon arriving in town, visitors can take a stroll on the Folly BeachPier, a wooden pier whose history dates back to the 1930s. For a bit of history, travelers can visit the Hunley Submarine, a vessel used during the Civil War.

In the warmer months, Folly Beach is a great place to go surfing as well, with surf schools such as Isla Surf School offering classes for beginners. Need a place to stay? Hotel Folly, just a few hundred steps from the coastline, is a renovated and stylish boutique hotel that guarantees a comfortable stay for guests.

Greer

With brick-lined streets, numerous award-winning restaurants, and a privileged location near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greer feels like a town from a postcard. Downtown Greer is home to over 40 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting the town's rich heritage. Throughout the year, Greer buzzes with events like Food Trucks in the Park, international festivals, farmers markets, and live music performances. Just a 15-minute drive away, Lake Robinson provides a peaceful escape on a Saturday afternoon for fishing, boating, and picnicking.

After a day by the water, travelers can savor modern American cuisine at Select Restaurant, known for its creative dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Although there are a number of hotels in Greer, those wanting a more charming night away can stay in the neighboring town of Wellford at Whole Hearts Bed and Breakfast, a locally owned bed and breakfast decorated with vintage-style furniture.

Aiken

Aiken, home to roughly 33,000 residents, offers everything a vacationer could hope for, from lively art galleries to thick forests. The town’s lodging options include special spots like The Willcox Hotel, a historic home dating back to 1898. Downtown, visitors can explore charming boutiques and cafes, while the Aiken Center for the Arts showcases exhibits and galleries featuring local talent.

Dining in Aiken is equally memorable, with standout options like Neon Fig, known for its colorful and creative dishes. Those who love the outdoors must check out Hitchcock Woods nearby. As one of the largest urban forests in the country, it has countless places for hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching.

Travelers Rest

Despite its tranquil name, Travelers Rest is a hub for adventure seekers. Those seeking a thrill can white-water raft down the Chattooga, Ocoee, and Nantahala Rivers or soar above them on ziplines. With three state parks nearby: the Jones Gap State Park, Caesars Head State Park, and Table Rock State Park, hikers could spend the entire weekend just exploring trails as well.

For a piece of history, travelers can visit the oldest bridge in South Carolina at the Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve, a rock bridge constructed in 1820. Sitting at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains, Hotel Domestique is a great weekend lodging option, boasting a gorgeous old-world style interior.

Newberry

Named by the Travel Channel as one of the most charming towns in the country, a weekend in Newberry is sure to be exciting, no matter the season. The Newberry Opera House is one of the town’s highlights, dating back to 1882 with Victorian and French Gothic-style architecture. Travelers can enjoy boating and fishing on the 50,000-acre Lake Murray or go canoeing along the Enoree River Canoe Trail, located in the Sumter National Forest.

For a South Carolina homestyle meal, grab a bite at either The Grille on Main or Bill & Fran’s Restaurant, both highly rated. The centrally located Newberry Manor is one of the best locally owned lodging options in town, offering a hot breakfast each morning and colorful, vintage-style rooms.

Final Thoughts

Stepping out of your weekly routine for a quick getaway is the perfect way to keep life exciting, and these seven towns deliver just that. Whether you are in the mood for a weekend of hiking or prefer exploring restaurants and museums, each destination ensures every moment is time well spent. From leisurely strolls along a coastal pier to savoring a hot breakfast at a historic inn, these towns promise a weekend you will be reminiscing about for months.