9 Offbeat Towns to Visit in South Carolina
The geographically diverse state of South Carolina in the coastal American Southeast is bounded by the mighty Atlantic and by the US States of Georgia and North Carolina. Sprinkled all over the Palmetto State’s picturesque terrain are countless underrated small towns esteemed for their pristine natural surroundings, vibrant Main Streets, fascinating historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and Southern Hospitality. Although a large percentage of vacationers mostly tour the state capital, Columbia, and the biggest city, Charleston, South Carolina’s offbeat small towns appeal to those who wish to unwind away from these congested metropolises.
Beaufort
Beaufort, lovingly called the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands,” is situated amidst a marshy estuary on Port Royal Island, at the center of the Sea Islands and the state’s Lowcountry region in Beaufort County. Considered South Carolina’s second-oldest city, Beaufort is celebrated for its spellbinding vistas, lively cultures, rich heritage, and waterfront eating joints serving appetizing cuisines. Visitors can take a walk through the town's downtown historic district with streets lined by Spanish moss-draped oak trees and numerous carefully preserved houses, commercial buildings, and religious places constructed using the antebellum architectural style.
Aside from these, the town houses the Beaufort National Cemetery, Parish Church of St. Helena, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Kazoo Museum, and plenty of independent bookstores. Additionally, there are a number of motels, art galleries, sporting venues, and luxurious bed & breakfasts. The adjoining Hunting Island State Park is the state’s most popular state park, attracting over a million visitors yearly. Beaufort also hosts several festivals and art events like the Home Water Festival, Fall Tour of Homes, Beaufort International Film Festival, ‘A Taste of Beaufort,’ St. Helena’s Spring Tour of Homes, and the Beaufort Shrimp Festival.
Aiken
The biggest town and administrative center of Aiken County, Aiken, named for the Railroad President William Aiken, is located in Western South Carolina, about 20 miles northeast of Augusta, Georgia. The town’s world-class training facilities and mild climate throughout the year have made it an ideal destination to host equestrian events, enticing thousands of thoroughbred owners. Downtown Aiken is packed with equine-themed gift stores, art galleries, restaurants, and brews like the Alley Downtown Taproom or Malia’s Restaurants. Aiken’s noteworthy attractions include Hopelands Gardens, Aiken County Historical Museum, Aiken Visitors Center & Train Museum, and DuPont Planetarium.
Georgetown
Georgetown County’s administrative center, this quaint waterfront town, occupies the heart of the state’s Hammock Coast, close to where the Black, Sampit, Great Pee Dee, and Waccamaw rivers drain into the Winyah Bay. Being South Carolina’s second-biggest seaport as well as the third-oldest city, Georgetown has more than 50 antebellum houses in and around its downtown district. Historical buffs can get an insight into the town’s bygone days at the Hampton Plantation State Historic Site, Hopsewee Plantation, Kaminski House Museum, and the Gullah Museum. The scenic Harborwalk provides tourists with opportunities to discover an assortment of shops, clothing boutiques, and top-notch restaurants offering fresh seafood and delicious Lowcountry cuisines.
Bluffton
Dubbed the “Heart of the Lowcountry,” Bluffton is a serene Beaufort County coastal community situated between Interstate 95 highway and Hilton Head Island, mostly around U.S. Route 278. Occupying a bluff along the May River is this Lowcountry town’s initial one-square-mile area, referred to as the “Old Town.” The National Register-listed Bluffton Historic District comprises 46 buildings with residential and commercial architecture, two landscape features that reflect the historic character of the district, and 17 non-contributing properties. Visitors can tour the Heyward House & Historical Center, Church of the Cross, Garvin-Garvey House, and Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church.
Additionally, there are great eclectic specialty stores, art galleries, boutiques, hotels, distilleries, and fine restaurants like Red Stripes Caribbean Cuisine & Lounge, Burnt Church Distillery, and Bluffton Oyster Company. Nature enthusiasts can head to the different waterfront parks of the neighboring Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve and take self-guided kayaking and boating tours on the May River. The town also hosts annual events like the Bluffton Village Festival, Shag & Drag, Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival, May River Cleanup, and Christmas Parade.
McClellanville
A tranquil fishing town in Charleston County, McClellanville forms a part of the Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville Metropolitan Area, about 23 miles from Georgetown and 38 miles from Charleston. Placed right on the Atlantic coast and encircled by the Francis Marion National Forest on land, the residents of McClellanville have traditionally relied on the mighty ocean and coastal marshes for oystering, fishing, and shrimping activities.
This laid-back town invites tourists to stroll its attractive downtown, jam-packed with scores of independent businesses and pre-Civil War era homes. Holidayers can unwind along the Jeremy Creek banks, listen to tales about the area’s history at the Village Museum, and appreciate the works of regional artists at the Pickney Street Gallery and the McClellanville Arts Council. After a nice day out, it's worth relishing mouthwatering seafood at the award-winning diners and engaging in various recreational activities at the nearby Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Special events such as the Blessing of the Fleet and the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival are hosted by the town every year.
Edisto Beach
Located at the southeastern extremity of Colleton County, Edisto Beach is one of South Carolina’s favored beach destinations and a bedroom community that includes only the developed coastal portion of Edisto Island within the town limits. Aside from the ample beach-related activities, tourists at Edisto Beach should browse the displayed artifacts at the Edisto Island Historical Society Preservation Museum to know more about the island and its inhabitants' role in US history.
Vacationers can also explore the Edisto Beach State Park and the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, partake in tours at the Marina at Edisto, and play a round of golf at the Plantation Course. Furthermore, taste the lip-smacking crab cake sandwiches, burgers, and homemade potato chips at Whaley’s Restaurant & Bar, and observe a variety of reptiles at the adjoining Edisto Island Serpentarium.
Clemson
Spread across Pickens and Anderson counties in the state’s northwestern corner; this pretty college town is at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and right on the shores of Lake Hartwell. Clemson is well-known for being home to the beautiful campus of Clemson University. Every fall, sports fanatics are drawn to the Frank Howard Field of Clemson Memorial Stadium (nicknamed “Death Valley”) to watch a match played by Clemson Tigers (the University's athletic team).
The Fort Hill Plantation, Littlejohn Coliseum, Tillman Hall & its iconic clock tower, and Doug Kingsmore Stadium are some of the town’s must-visit points of interest. For a more artistic afternoon, feel free to visit Brooks Center for the Performing Arts and the Clemson Little Theater. The Walker Golf Course is great for a fun day outside, along with the Lake Hartwell State Park and the South Carolina Botanical Garden. Those interested in history may enjoy the Clemson Area African American Museum and the Bob Campbell Geology Museum.
Hartsville
Christened in honor of Captain Thomas Edward Hart, Hartsville is situated along Prestwood Lake in Northeastern South Carolina’s Darlington County. With over 7,500 inhabitants, the town has multiple historic sites, including the Arcade Hotel, Davidson Hall on the Coker University campus, Wade Hampton Hicks House, E. W. Cannon House & Store, J. B. Gilbert House, etc. The 30-acre Kalmia Gardens, with its native flora, trails, and the Thomas Hart House (the residence of the town’s founder), is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Outdoorsy types can spend quality time amidst the greens at Hartsville’s countless parks like Centennial Park, Burry Park, Byerly Park, and The Vista. Architecture buffs get to learn more about the town’s history at the Hartsville Museum, while cultural enthusiasts can watch performances at the Center Theater, Black Creek Arts Center, and the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center. The town also hosts a variety of events like the Screen on the Green, the Hartsville Christmas Parade, and the Annual Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting at Burry Park.
York
York County’s seat of government, this adorable town in Northern South Carolina, is located roughly 13 miles west of Rock Hill and 27 miles southwest of the North Carolinian city of Charlotte. Originally inhabited by the indigenous Catawba Indians, the first known European settlers (mainly Scotch-Irish colonists) migrated to the area from Pennsylvania and Virginia in the early 1750s. York is affectionately called “The White Rose City” and is set between two Revolutionary War battle sites.
York’s National Register-listed historic district encompasses significant portions of the town’s downtown commercial and residential areas and comprises approximately 180 contributing properties. Some of these landmark structures include the Witherspoon-Hunter House, Hart House, Allison Plantation, and many others. Additionally, the nearby Nanny’s Mountain Trailhead, as well as a wide selection of shops, art galleries, bed & breakfasts, eateries, and entertainment spaces like the Sylvia Theater and McCelvey Center, also lure thousands to York.
From the idyllic fishing town of McClellanville to the attractive college town of Clemson, each small town in the nation’s 40th-largest and 23rd-most-populous state captivates holidaymakers from all over the world. These smaller towns provide a serene escape for those seeking to experience the state's authentic charm. With a welcoming atmosphere, friendly locals, significant landmarks, and colorful festivals, these offbeat locales in the Palmetto State are worth adding to your itineraries.
