9 Best Towns in South Carolina for a Winter Getaway
The charming winter wonderlands of South Carolina are where hospitality meets southern charm against a backdrop of picturesque landscapes. As temperatures drop, the Palmetto State unveils a different face of beauty, offering a unique and cozy escape for winter enthusiasts. Many parts of South Carolina receive minimal annual snow fall, especially in the southern coastal region (with fewer than 5 inches a year), making for a mild winter getaway. Set amidst the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, towns like Walhalla and Greer boast the most snow and are popular destinations.
Similarly, you can find the towns of Pendleton and Beaufort whispering tales of antebellum charm and moss-draped oaks, inviting travelers to explore their historic streets adorned with timeless architecture. Whether reveling in the coastal breezes or basking in the warmth of small-town charm, each destination unfolds a chapter of Southern winter magic when visiting this beautiful region of the United States.
Murrells Inlet
Murrells Inlet is a hidden gem with tropical weather and mild winter escapades along South Carolina's Grand Strand. The Brookgreen Gardens, a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve, is a must-visit, showcasing over 1,400 sculptures amidst 500+ acres of lush gardens. The Huntington Beach State Park offers winter birdwatching, with green-winged teal, canvasback, ring-necked ducks, and many others flocking to its marshes.
For a historical plunge, Atalaya Castle, nestled within Huntington Beach State Park, provides a glimpse into the life of Archer and Anna Huntington. Simultaneously, Murrells Inlet is a haven for seafood enthusiasts; indulge in local flavors at The Wicked Tuna or The Claw House. For a cozy stay, consider The Inlet Sports Lodge or the resort-style Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation East.
Walhalla
You can escape the winter hustle in the peaceful embrace of Walhalla at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stumphouse Tunnel in the namesake Park, an unfinished 1850s railroad tunnel, is a surreal cavern etched into the mountains perfect for chilly hiking adventures while admiring stunning icy formations. You can walk about 1/4 mile to find the beautiful Issaqueena Falls, named after a Native American legend.
About 30 minutes away, Chattooga River provides a serene setting for winter angling, and the Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park offers thrilling downhill rides. You can dine at The Steak House Cafeteria, a local favorite offering hearty winter comfort food like fried chicken with a touch of southern hospitality, before retiring for the night at the convenient Rodeway Inn & Suites.
McClellanville
The picturesque fishing village of McClellanville along the Cape Romain Shore is a coastal winter retreat off the beaten path, boasting a pleasant winter experience. A boat tour to Bulls Island, a pristine barrier island within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, is the best way to kick off the trip. Winter birdwatching reaches its peak at the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, home to diverse avian species against a backdrop of scenic marshes.
The serene surroundings make McClellanville an ideal spot for winter kayaking along the Intracoastal Waterway. Lastly, Hampton Inn Georgetown-Marina provides a comfortable lodging experience.
Beaufort
Beaufort emerges as a winter haven rich in history and Southern charm, with the daily high temperature hovering at a comfortable 66°F during the winter months. Winter in Beaufort is a time to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Hunting Island State Park, just a short drive away. While the beach may be chilly, the maritime forest offers tranquil 5+ miles of trails for hiking and birdwatching. You can also stroll through Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, where the waterfront comes alive during the holiday season with festive lights and decorations.
The Beaufort History Museum is the place to look into the region's past, showcasing artifacts from the Civil War and Gullah culture. The annual Beaufort International Film Festival, held in February, adds a cultural flair to your winter escape with the best of independent movie screenings. Finally, you can book a room at Anchorage 1770, a waterfront inn with a rich history dating back to the 18th century.
Bluffton
Bluffton appeals to all winter wanderers characterized by moss-draped oaks and colorful historic structures, providing a serene winter backdrop of the low 60s (Fahrenheit). Nature enthusiasts can venture to the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, a pristine natural preserve with more than 22 miles of hiking and biking trails amidst the 20,000+ acres of maritime forests. You can also cherish the beauty of the Lowcountry by taking a boat tour or a guided kayak tour along the May River, where winter highlights a quieter, more contemplative side of Bluffton in addition to seasonal bird migrations and coastal wildlife.
The Heyward House Historic Center, an 1841 preserved antebellum home, gives insight into the town's plantation past through guided tours and exhibits. Also keep an eye out for the historic Church of the Cross, a gothic architectural gem dating back to the mid-19th century in Bluffton's Old Town.
Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island, famed for its pristine beaches, is a sanctuary for warm and pleasant winter walks amidst windswept dunes. The island's unique maritime forest at Night Heron Park, perfect for winter birdwatching, notably the snow-shoe egret and the great blue heron, and over 30 miles of walking tracks amidst centuries-old live oaks, is a must-to-do on the list.
Do not miss the Kiawah Island Golf Resort's Nature Center, which has insightful programs, like wildlife spotting, highlighting the island's diverse ecosystems and wildlife, in addition to world-class golf courses, including Turtle Point Golf Course, Osprey Point Golf Course, and The Ocean Course, against a backdrop of expansive forests. The Sanctuary Hotel, offering luxurious oceanfront accommodations, or the Kiawah Island Golf Resort Villas for a cozy and convenient escape, are your best options.
Pendleton
Pendleton welcomes winter wanderers with its rich historical tapestry, in addition to hopes of experiencing snow, which ranges between 1 to 2 inches annually. It is evident in the historic Woodburn Plantation, a National Historic Landmark showcasing antebellum architecture and guided tours through the estate. The 1828-constructed Ashtabula Historic House is another plantation home featuring Southern heritage with period furnishings and guided tours.
However, this is not all. Winter in Pendleton brings the chance to embrace the winter breeze by hiking more than 100 miles in the 17,500 acres of Clemson Experimental Forest, a haven for nature lovers. You have the option to choose a warm winter stay at the Liberty Hall Inn, an 1840s bed and breakfast, or experience the charm of the Inn at Magnolia Hill.
Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island, draped in coastal charm, is where you can wander the iconic Pawleys Island Hammock Shops, known for local crafts and artisanal goods. The Pawleys Island Nature Park offers serene trails for birdwatching and enjoying the mild winter breeze along the salt marsh.
Winter on Pawleys Island is subtropical and a time for beachcombing and finding seashells, while the annual Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art draws tourists. Held in October, the festival features live performances, art exhibits, and cultural events, infusing the town with vibrancy amidst the quieter winter months. You can either stay at The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn, a quaint bed and breakfast with a coastal flair, or the Litchfield Plantation Inn for a blend of luxury and Lowcountry charm.
Greer
Receiving anywhere between 3 to 8 inches of snow yearly, Greer offers a quintessential winter escape. Begin with walking the winter-kissed paths of J. Verne Smith Park along Lake Robinson. About ten miles away, you will find Paris Mountain State Park, a 1,540-acre expanse for you to hike during the chilly winters.
For history buffs, the Greer Heritage Museum unfolds the town's railway legacy, housed in a restored train depot showcasing artifacts and photographs. You can uncover automotive history at the BMW Zentrum Museum, showcasing the evolution of iconic BMW models, making it a unique stop for car enthusiasts. Do not forget to check out the annual Greer Station Vintage Christmas, a festive celebration that transforms downtown into a winter wonderland with night shopping trips into well-lit stores and tree lighting. The Hampton Inn Greenville/Greer provides a comfortable retreat with easy access to the town's attractions.
As the winter sun sets over the Palmetto State, the best towns in South Carolina for a winter getaway bid farewell with a lingering warmth in the hearts of travelers. On the next journey to this state, anticipate serene marsh walks, frost-kissed mountain trails, and the echoes of history in antebellum squares. From festive celebrations to quiet moments of reflection, these charming destinations in South Carolina await, promising an unforgettable winter escape, where the magic of the season intertwines with Southern hospitality.
