7 Most Charming Towns In South Carolina

From its pleasant climate, sandy beaches, and stunning Sabal Palmetto trees to its amazing culture and cuisine, South Carolina is a treasure trove of charm. Located in the southeastern United States, this coastal state is an amazing destination drawing in tourists from across the globe. Wildly underrated and overshadowed by the popular state of Florida to the south, South Carolina is home to many charming small towns that deserve a second look.

Beaufort

Incorporated in 1711, Beaufort is the second-oldest city in South Carolina and a wellspring of historic value. This is prevalent throughout the streets begging visitors to indulge in the amazing stories, unique architecture, and stunning memorabilia. A great place to start your journey is the Beaufort History Museum. Established in 1939, this museum features historical documents, artifacts, and items detailing the town’s eventful timeline. If your curiosity isn’t fulfilled by the museum, the Beaufort Historic District should be next on your list. Housing dozens of buildings with Federal, neoclassical, and Greek revival architecture styles, a short stroll through the district is like a trip to the past. Be sure to visit the Barnwell-Gough House, Marshlands, and Tabby Manse for an interesting time.

While Beaufort’s historical charm is unmatched, take a step back into the present for a wellspring of natural beauty. With a range of protected areas in and around town, you can enjoy time under the sun. For example, Henry C. Chamber Waterfront Park is an ideal place to take in the Beaufort Riverfront. Spanning 7 acres, the park surrounds you with lush greenery on one side and crystal-clear waters on the other. For something a bit more exciting, head over to Beaufort Paddle. Here, you can take classes, join teams, and spend the day exploring the waters on a kayak, boat, or paddleboard. Put it all together, and you have a treasure trove of natural and historic charm in Beaufort.

Georgetown

Combining Beaufort’s history with waterside charm, Georgetown is a wellspring of interesting attractions. Thanks to this, anyone can enjoy a fun time in Georgetown no matter what they're into. For example, history enthusiasts can spend their time in the expansive Georgetown Historic District. One of the oldest in the country, there are many iconic buildings here, such as the 1740 Hopewell Plantation, 18th century Kaminski House Museum, and 1842 Rice Museum.

Georgetown also boasts a spooky take on local history. According to many locals, some historic sights, such as the Man-Doyle House, are haunted by ghosts, demons, and other entities. So, join the Ghosts of Georgetown lantern tour for a spine-chilling experience through town.

If you’re not into ghosts and the occult, don’t worry, as Georgetown is not all dark and creepy. A short trip to the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center Heritage Center and you’ll be filled with joy again! Boasting 24,000 acres of natural land, this wildlife center houses hundreds of animals, including American alligators and loggerhead sea turtles, amidst an awe-inspiring natural backdrop. Another great way to enjoy the outdoors is by hitting the green at the Wedgefield Plantation Country Club. With 18 amazing holes, the golf course offers a verdant retreat for some relaxing golf and fun conversations.

York

The county seat of York County, York, combines urban charm and small-town tranquility. Home to a tight-knit community of 7,700 and growing, everyone here has a smile on their face and is up for a chat. For live music and art, head down to the Downtown Live York Venue, which hosts regular shows with a side of yummy snacks. If you’re still feeling hungry after the show, the historic downtown shopping district is a must-visit. Eateries abound, such as Hoof & Barrel, where you can devour a steak or grab drinks.

Step out of the town center, and you’ll be entrenched within South Carolina’s natural scenery. From majestic orchards to playful wildlife, it is a treasure trove for nature lovers. Head on over to the Bush-N-Vine Farm, where you can walk through rows of fruit trees and pick out fresh peaches, berries, and apples. The farm also sells fresh produce like jams and honey, so you can relish the "fruit" of your efforts with sweet delicacies. Another popular spot nearby is the James Ross Wildlife Reservation. Along with dozens of stunning animals, you can enjoy hiking, hunting, and nature viewing in the 300+ acre area. All in all, with a hospitable environment, vibrant culture, and outdoor fun, York is a charming destination in South Carolina.

Edisto Beach

Edisto Beach is the place to be for waterside action and coastal scenery. Filled with tourists throughout the year, this town is nestled within Edisto Island in Colleton County. Thanks to this, there is an endless coast providing a charming experience rarely found elsewhere. To enjoy the coastline, set up a chair and umbrella at the popular Gray’s Beach. With a lively vibe, this beach showcases clear waters in the day and idyllic sunsets in the evening. If you’re lucky, you might find a shark tooth or shell, which often wash up on the sand. For a more involving experience, you can opt for activities such as fishing, boating, or surfing along the coast. The Marina at Edisto Beach is a great spot with dolphin tours and fishing tournaments.

After drying yourself off, walk back into town to enter the affluent community and high-class vibe, ranked among South Carolina’s richest communities. So, whether it is restaurants, stores, or hotels, you can enjoy the utmost quality here. For a bite, stop by Whaley’s Store, which sells some of the best crabcakes in the state. Or, grab unique souvenirs from the town’s favorite, Shore Thing Gift Shop. No matter what you decide to do, you’ll meet friendly locals and energetic tourists for a charming experience.

Newberry

Often called one of the best small towns in America, Newberry is a charming reprieve of culture and allure. The county seat of Newberry County, this town is bustling with life amongst its 10,000 residents. For art and music enthusiasts, the Newberry Opera House is a timeless location with Gothic architecture and world-class performances. With more than 150 events, you can enjoy a lighthearted stand-up comedy show or an intense rock concert. After the show, walk over to Downtown Newberry, which is always bustling with locals and tourists. Home to eateries, stores, and galleries, spending hours here is a breeze. For example, chow down on a hefty steak at the Palms Grill & Bar or relish a delicate glass of wine at the Cabana Café.

If Newberry’s lively districts and cultural sights are to your liking, you are bound to enjoy the local events. Bringing in people from all over, Newberry hosts entertaining festivals for various holidays and purposes. Food enthusiasts should visit during the annual Taste of Newberry, which showcases all sorts of dishes like crab sakes, pork, ribs, ice cream, and more. Or, wait till Christmas to take in the colorful lights and decor which wrap the entire town in snowy beauty. With events happening year-round, you’ll probably stumble into one without even knowing.

Travelers Rest

With its uniquely apt name, Travelers Rest is a relaxing abode encompassed by South Carolina's verdant greenery. Exuding a small-town charm and rural appeal, the town of 7,800 is a great place to escape from urban woes. Along with being a great rest stop today, the town has been pivotal for travelers for many decades. Instead of highways, these journeymen walked along iconic trails like the idyllic Bunched Arrowhead Heritage Preserve loop. Surrounded by the outdoors, this trail still feels like a blast from the past and is popular with tourists. With thousands of people, wagons, and horses coming through town, there is also an abundant history imbued in the streets. To learn all about it, visit the History Museum of Travelers’ Rest, home to hundreds of unique artifacts that tell a lovely story.

Travelers Rest is a town with a rich cultural heritage that is evident in its historic attractions, entertainment, and outdoor scene. Spend an evening at the Trailblazer Park venue, which hosts movie screenings, concerts, and other events near the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. If this sounds like your thing, you’ll also want to attend the Fall Bluegrass and Harvest Market. Bringing in vendors, farmers, and makers from all over, this event is a great way to sample fresh delicacies and meet amazing new people. And after a long day of exploring, relax with a glass of wine at The Tasting Room!

Cope

Another amazing place for travelers to rest, Cope is one of the state's smallest towns. With a population of less than 40, this town boasts a secluded escape from bustling urban cities. However, there is still loads to enjoy in this charming reprieve. You can stroll through the town and see quaint rural buildings like the Vallentines General Store, Vallentine Cotton, and Old Cotton Gin.

However, none of them are as intriguing as the famous Cope Depot railroad depot. Constructed in 1893, this depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcasing its interesting history. If not in town, you can head over to the nearby Cope Kayak Company to take on the waters head-on. Just strap yourself into one of the bright green kayaks and become one with the rapids for a memorable trip to South Carolina. All in all, Cope is the place to be if you want to get away from everything for a few days.

From the interesting history of Beaufort to the beautiful coast of Edisto Beach, there is no end to the charm in South Carolina. Whether you’re looking for delicious food, outdoor fun, or even a relaxing retreat, there is something for everyone here. So, the next time you’re in South Carolina, be sure to check out one of these charming small towns.