7 Breathtaking Towns To Visit In South Carolina
South Carolina is part of the coastal Southeastern region of the United States and shares borders with North Carolina, Georgia, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Savannah River. Home to the Atlantic coastal plain, the Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge Mountains, this state has a diverse range of naturally beautiful landscapes, and, coupled with the rich war and tribal heritage of the area, it becomes a great tourist destination. Those who venture into the small towns in this state will be greeted with a charming mix of natural wonder and historic awakening that will make their trip one to remember for years.
Beaufort
Beaufort, also known as the "Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands," is located in Beaufort County and is the second oldest city in South Carolina. The city’s entire downtown area is designated a National Historic Landmark, with more than 50 architectural wonders lining its streets. Hence, it is the perfect destination for history buffs to explore. Take a self-guided walking tour to discover the pre-Civil War buildings, or head to the Beaufort History Museum, where knowledgeable Docents guide visitors through 450 years of Beaufort’s past and how it shaped America. For a more outdoorsy experience, take a trip to Hunting Island State Park, where tourists can get lost in over five miles of uncrowded beaches and stunning nature trails, and visit the only public lighthouse in the state. The city also offers kayaking and canoeing opportunities, multiple kinds of cruises, and even unique dolphin tours for those who love getting out on the water.
Aiken
Aiken is the most populous city in Aiken County, South Carolina, and is widely known for its unique equestrian culture, which is full of Southern charm. Start by learning more about this small town at the Aiken County Historical Museum, located in the Winter Colony mansion from 1930, which is home to multiple artifact collections and display materials recounting the county’s past. Then, head to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, housed in an old carriage house, to look through photos, trophies, and other memorabilia of flat racers and steeplechase horses dating back to 1942. Have some family fun at the Sprayground splash pad and 14 multipurpose fields in the Citizens Park, or go fishing, canoeing, or kayaking through the woodlands in Aiken State Park. Outdoor enthusiasts should also visit Hitchcock Woods, America’s largest privately owned urban forest, or the public, 14-acre Hopelands Gardens to enjoy some beautiful and relaxing walks. Of course, when in Aiken, check the town’s events calendar and make sure to attend a polo game, a horse show, or one of the popular equestrian festivals.
Georgetown
Georgetown has the second-largest seaport and is the third-oldest town in South Carolina, making it a great vacation destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The Georgetown Museum should be a tourist’s first stop so that they can get to know more about this colonial town through the 300 years of history and heritage that the museum houses. Then, tour the Gullah museum to celebrate the language and culture of Africans who settled in South Carolina during Colonial times. Take a tram tour with Swamp Fox Tours to explore the historic district, or hop on a Cap’N Rod’s Lowcountry water tour to discover the town a different way. Visitors can even rent paddle boats or kayaks to get onto the water on their own. To get a unique experience out in nature, head to the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, a group of barrier islands off the coast of Georgetown, which serve as a habitat for abundant wildlife in a preserved environment. In the evening, take a stroll on the harborfront boardwalk to feel the relaxing breeze, or, for the more adventurous, take a ghost tour of the town’s eerie nighttime downtown.
Clemson
Clemson is a university town, most famous for being home to Clemson University, and is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This city is ideal for those looking to reminisce about the days of their adolescence and get into the college spirit. Roam around the campus to check off notable attractions such as the clock tower on Tillman Hall and its iconic clock tower, the famous Bowman Field, and Fort Hill, the antebellum plantation of former Vice President John C. Calhoun. Then, head to the South Carolina Botanical Garden located nearby, a live 295-acre museum of cultivated landscapes and natural woodlands that features a couple of very rare plants, such as the insect-eating Venus flytrap and Oconee bell wildflowers in the world. For an outdoor experience, take a trip to the 17,500 acres of forestland in Clemson Experimental Forest, where visitors can enjoy up to 100 miles of trails to hike, mountain bike, and horseback ride. Lake Hartwell is also located nearby, which is a popular fishing and relaxing spot. Finish with a show at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts that hosts world-class professional dance, musical, and theatrical performances year-round.
Landrum
Landrum is a classic display of the beauty of Southern towns, with the Blue Ridge Mountains as its backdrop and acres of pasture extending across its landscapes. Here, visitors will be sure to find a quiet respite from the hubbub of urban life. Book a stay at The Red Horse Inn, an AAA Four-Diamond bed and breakfast that promises captivating views of the mountains. It has a fireplace installed in every room to provide the perfect retreat experience. Hiking enthusiasts should hop in the Palmetto Trail Blue Wall Passage, a 14-mile trek taking hikers through the town on country roads and sidewalks up to the beautiful Lake Lanier. Discover the town’s past at the train depot on Coleman Street from 1877, which is now a museum and event space that honors the region’s history as well as the life of the Reverend John Landrum. Stop at the only remaining covered bridge in the state, Campbell’s Covered Bridge, to take a commemorative photo. Those who visit this town in the fall months will have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking fall foliage and the unique Fox Hunting Season in which this town participates.
York
York is located just west of Rock Hill and is known as the "White Rose City" after the War of the Roses that took place in the 1400s between the House of Lancaster and the House of York in England. The town boasts one of the largest National Register Historic Districts in the state, spanning over 364 acres, which is a gold mine for history buffs. Head to the Historical Center of York County, located in the McCelvey Center, to discover the town’s heritage and stop at the Southern Revolutionary War Institute to view war exhibits. The McCelvey Cente also houses a 500-seat Lowry Family Theater, which boasts incredible acoustics, and watching the Southern Sound Concert Series there is a must. To dive deeper into the war take a tour of the 778-acre Historic Brattonsville, a living history site that features more than 30 historic structures and also an award-winning Heritage Farm Program to provide a different perspective on the wars. For more historic inspiration, tourists can visit sites such as the Allison Plantation, the Hart House, the Wilson House, or the York County Courthouse. Shopping lovers will find heaven in Yorkville Marketplace, which is a boutique mall featuring a diverse selection of unique fashion items, as well as food, drinks, accessories, and more. Complete the experience of Southern living by touring the freshly grown produce at Black’s Peaches or picking berries at Bush-N-Vine to take home!
Walhalla
Walhalla is located within the Blue Ridge Escarpment, giving the town access to the mountains and numerous waterfalls, which is also why it is nicknamed the “Main Street to the Mountains.” Get the adrenaline pumping by going white water rafting at the National Wild and Scenic Chattooga River, or take a relaxing walk up to the 100-foot tall Issaqueena Falls. To unwind in nature, head to the Sumter National Forest which offers a backwoods camping retreat, some great hiking trails, the Chauga Scenic River to fish in, mountain biking paths, and much more. Dive into the town’s Cherokee history at the Museum of the Cherokee in South Carolina with artifacts from Cherokee tribes or discover Oconee heritage at the Oconee Station Historic Site, the Oconee History Museum, and the Oconee Military Museum at Patriots Hall. Catch a show at the Walhalla Performing Arts Center restored school gym that hosts a wide array of performances, plays, and concerts. Those fond of exploring should take a hike along the Blue Ridge Railroad Historic Trail to discover the never-completed railroad track and examine some curious tunnels along the way.
In conclusion, this Southern region of the United States, particularly housed in the state of South Carolina, offers a diverse array of destinations, each with its own unique charm and attraction. From the historic streets of Beaufort and the equestrian culture of Aiken to the pristine natural landscapes of Georgetown and the Southern hospitality of Landru, the towns on this list perfectly encapsulate the spirit of this region. Whether visitors want a tranquil retreat, a gateway to adventure, or a trip down the past, a town in this list is sure to provide all the experiences that a tourist could be looking for. So dive into this rich tapestry of history, culture, and nature to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
