7 Best Towns in South Carolina to Visit in 2024
There is no doubt about it: Charleston is South Carolina’s most beautiful town, most historic, and most popular. And make no mistake. Time and tide have done nothing to dim its quaint and charming luster. Yet there is more to the Palmetto State than Charleston. From Hilton Head to Georgetown, discover some of the best South Carolina towns to visit in 2024 below. While a few entries may surprise—and probably narrow some eyebrows—many are well-established names that beckon visitors from all over.
Hilton Head
Hilton Head is almost unrivaled for those who want to chill at the beach while getting serenaded by some cool ocean breeze. A South Carolina charmer about 20 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia, Hilton Head has a well-established reputation as one of the country’s preferred family beach destinations. Twelve miles of shoreline — fringed by soft and warm sand — are among Hilton Head’s most inviting features. Coligny Beach, the most popular in the area, is a delicious sliver of soft sand consistently ranked among the best in the nation. Aside from the sand and views, this beach scores on amenities, including well-maintained restrooms, sand showers, classy shops, and restaurants. Golfers will find a variety of manicured courses, perfect for each skill level. These include Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Golf Course, a challenging course that is well-designed and maintained. Finally, besides its idyllic, year-round weather, Hilton Head is known for its rich history and heritage, and sites such as the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island preserve this rich and storied heritage.
Edisto Island
Fondly referred to as the relaxation capital of South Carolina, Edisto Island is the perfect place for leaving all behind, winding down, and savoring every minute of a sweet, unhurried vacation. Known to be among the state’s quietest and most peaceful, one can enjoy lounging on the beach, biking the dirt roads, and enjoying some unbelievably delicious seafood. Whaley's Store serves crispy wings, delectable crab cakes, and over-the-top fried oysters. Alternatively, Pressley's at the Marina is a laid-back eatery that provides sumptuous views of the Intercoastal Waterway and the Marina itself. Still, Botany Bay, with its untouched beach, live oaks (draped in Spanish moss), and freshwater ponds, provides what could be the most pristine picture of the island.
Walhalla
Steeped in Cherokee Native history, Walhalla, which means “Garden of the Gods,” is a historic city framed by the captivating grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lofts Over Main, conveniently located in the middle of the town, is a cool, rustic place to set up a home base. That said, Bolt Farm Treehouse, a sumptuous stone-and-timber retreat secreted in the woods, is peaceful and homey.
The 500-mile Palmetto Trail, the longest pedestrian and bicycle trail in South Carolina, will terminate at Walhala when completed. For nature enthusiasts, Yellow Branch Falls, located minutes from town, is among the area’s most sought-after cascades. But do not miss the Issaqueena Falls, if just for its heart-rending legend. For water lovers, the freshwater fun at Lake Keowee is always hard to beat. Meanwhile, Middle of Main Antique & Gem Mine, located in downtown Walhalla, is known to stock an incredible selection of rare coins, fabulous antiques, and various interesting musical instruments.
Beaufort
Think of downtown Charleston, but it's a bit quaint and smaller. It may boast a French-sounding name, but Beaufort was founded by the English and named for Henry Somerset, the Duke of Beaufort. South Carolina’s second-oldest city is as historic as it is charming. To get a taste of its historic charm, you will want to stroll through the neighborhood of Old Point, once the wealthiest neighborhood in the Lowcountry. Old, beautiful homes, mostly hidden under massive oak trees, feel like stepping back into a bygone epoch. Also, Hunting Island State Park — and how it looks like some primordial wonderland — is better experienced than described. However, you may not have to visit South Carolina's most popular state park. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, known for its heart-melting views and fascinating history, is a great starting point for ambling through downtown Beaufort and may just suffice.
Aiken
One does not have to wait until October (sometimes September) when authentic German beer, live music, and delicious German cuisine thoroughly sweep the streets of downtown Aiken, leaving a trail of good-natured revelry in its wake. In South Carolina's thoroughbred country, Aiken is as eye candy as possible. Hopelands Gardens is a stunning, peaceful oasis (more in fall), and serves a visually enticing menu that includes fountains, cobblestoned pathways, massive trees, and lush gardens. This magical spot will come in handy if you are looking for some seclusion — or a calm, romantic date. At Aiken, you can also find the largest privately owned urban forest: Hitchcock Woods. But for history buffs, the Aiken County Historical Museum is free of charge and often comes with the feeling of boarding a time ship.
Travelers Rest
Travelers Rest is nestled in the southern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A traveler's haven, as the name implies, this slow-paced, welcoming retreat is among the most photogenic towns in the Upstate. Expect a world of outdoor adventure, historic charm (although recently incorporated), and great eateries. Upcountry Provisions Restaurant, for instance, serves fresh and filling food, besides featuring a garden worth a trip on its own. The picture-perfect 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail winds through the town and is among the town’s highlights. You can tee off an afternoon at Spring Park Golf Range or explore rare treasures — such as a vintage 20's dress — at RetroMarketplace, an antique store that thoughtfully reenacts elements of the forgotten past.
Georgetown
Located just an hour northeast of Charleston on the Winyah Bay, where up to four scenic rivers meet, Georgetown, like several others, was named for Britain’s King George II. This underrated Hammock Coast gem features historic homes (complete with roomy porches), majestic, moss-covered live oaks, vibrant shop fronts, a selection of art galleries (check out Art Harbor Gallery on Front Street)—and then some. Slide into flip-flops and learn some fascinating history at the Gullah Museum, catch a rib-cracking play at Strand Theater, or relish hearty Southern meat dishes at Aunny's Country Kitchen. With gems such as Georgetown, your 2024 travel diary should not remain blank.
As the travel season comes full circle, it is often the time to make — and review – travel plans. Fortunately, whether one is looking to lounge on the beach, step back into time, or wander through the time-honored silence of the woods, South Carolina boasts sites and towns that will fit the bill. And we have not touched on peaches, oysters, and tantalizing barbecues. For those keen on exploring the Palmetto State in 2024 but curious about specific recommendations, towns such as Hilton Head, Edisto Island, and Walhalla offer fantastic promise. The latter particularly provides access to several cascades, including Yellow Branch Falls and the 100-foot-tall Issaqueena Falls.
