9 Small Towns In South Carolina To Visit For A Weekend Getaway

Boasting some of the prettiest beaches on the East Coast and a setting where one can be frolicking at the beach at one moment — and a couple of hours later will be standing in awe of majestic, timeless mountains, South Carolina is hands-down among the most handsome states in the U.S. And known for its pleasurable weather, Southern hospitality, affordability, historic, time-frozen charm, beautiful coastal towns, it is difficult to find fault with The Palmetto State. If you are seeking to explore the eighth state to join the Union during a weekend of fun and adventure, discover these small towns in South Carolina to visit for a weekend getaway.

Camden

Camden offers a range of awesome experiences that will leave a first-time visitor spoilt for choice. Art enthusiasts will want to kickstart their weekend adventure at the Camden Art Shoppes in the Downtown Camden Cultural District, where more than 80 local artists display their finest crafts. After some hours here, you will need to sate your hunger pangs in a relaxed, traditional environment and sit down to a delectable meal of smothered pork chops at the appropriately named Flavours Buffet & Grill, a family establishment specializing in home-style cuisine. The Camden Archives & Museum will now beckon, where you can learn about the area and why the town is such a historical gem. For antiquarians, all kinds of antiques seem to pour from just about every door on Broad Street, a stretch worth traipsing through. When it comes to the great outdoors, Goodale State Park will see a weekend end — even before it starts.

Aiken 

Criminally overlooked, Aiken is a tasty South Carolina treasure located less than half an hour's drive from Augusta on the western side of the Palmetto State. Giant trees, peaceful greenery, and grinning faces are among the town's most recognizable ushers. This is a horse-country town, and when strolling through the 2,100-acre Hitchcock Woods, you can catch a glimpse of horseback riders rambling the woods. For a pampered stay, you may want to lodge at Rose Hill In Aiken, a gorgeous, Victorian-style property just out of town. Other attractions and sites include the Aiken Equine Rescue, home to many thoroughbreds, including the last living relative of Triple Crown Winner, Affirmed. For a close-up encounter with nature, camping at the Aiken State Park, which is set against the calm waters of the South Edisto River, should be on the cards.

Beaufort 

Home to about 13,000 residents, Beaufort is an intoxicating South Carolina town that can make for an awesome weekend getaway. Beaufort's Waterfront Park is an excellent spot for magical sunsets or for just whiling away the time while hearing the water lap against the floating dock and drinking 360-degree views that are sure to set your heart aglow. Just across is Bay Street, a bustling stretch lined with inviting eateries, including the Saltus River Grill, a popular restaurant that serves succulent seafood caught just off the coast. For a cozy place to stay during your weekend visit, The Beaufort Inn should check most boxes, if not all. This done, you may want to reserve a whole day for Hunting Island State Park, the most popular state park in South Carolina. This island is a gasp-inducing 25-minute drive from downtown Beaufort.

Travelers Rest 

Home to about 7,900 residents, Travelers Rest, just as the name implies, is a perfect destination to escape the big city bustle and discord. This town is situated in the peaceful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just about 9 miles from Greenville. The downtown area is incredibly beautiful and is often a delight to stroll through. Outdoor adventures include the 22-mile Greenville Hospital System Swamp Rabbit Trail, arguably the Upstate's most treasured greenway. For those who love hunting for vintage treasures, Travelers Rest can be an excellent option. Retro Marketplace, for instance, features vintage clothing, accessories, and other fascinating collectibles. If you do not mind spending a weekend away — and in a beautiful property whose owners are known to bend over backward to ensure patrons have a wonderful experience- Spring Park Golf Range meets and often exceeds expectations.

Sumter

Sumter may not be tiny (its population is about 42,200), but it still offers the distinctive laid-back aura ideal for a weekend getaway. If Sumter did not boast any other attractions, Swan Lake Iris Garden would still make it worth visiting. This park features lovely paths, active swans and geese, and delicious waterfront views. Plus, with its ample parking and restroom facilities — and benches where one can sit and relax, this well-maintained spot can effortlessly steal a day. For art exhibits that will awaken everyone's creative side, the Sumter Gallery of Art is often the go-to place. Sumter Original Brewery is your answer if you are craving some kick-ass food amid outdoor rooftop dining and great views.

Walhalla 

Walhalla is a perfect jumping-off point to a bunch of scenic spots in the area. For instance, three major upstate lakes — and more than ten trails — are all within a 30-minute drive from town and can effortlessly fill up a weekend itinerary. For an experience that is immersive, naturewise, and which comes with living in the treetops, The Majestic Treehouse is unbelievably rustic and, hence, known to provide the ultimate escape. One of South Carolina's most overlooked towns is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 30 minutes west of Clemson. Yellow Branch Falls, Issaqueena Falls, and Station Cove Falls — are all a few minutes from town. You can also take a dip in the shimmering waters of Lake Keowee or catch a show at Walhalla Performing Arts Center.

Seneca 

South Carolina's Oconee County, where Seneca is located, is among the most treasure-laden counties in the Palmetto State. It, therefore, makes perfect sense to pick Seneca as one's base from which to explore this area of the state. Boasting a population of about 9,000, Seneca is a small town — but one that is big on charm and appeal. Instead of booking a room at some 7-story hotel, South Cove County Park provides a peaceful campsite on the water and is known to offer a more immersive experience. In a similar vein, Twin Lakes Park is an awesome spot for fishing, hiking, and camping. For some memorable Mexican chorizo, however, or egg tortilla wraps that hit the spot, 313 Cafe is a nice little joint tucked away in the corner of the shopping center.

Georgetown 

Claiming the picture-perfect South Carolina's Hammock Coast as its setting, Georgetown has all the elements that can make for an adventure-packed weekend getaway. Boasting a population of about 8,300, Georgetown is the third-oldest town in the Palmetto State, a fact that often comes to mind as one strolls among the town's classic old homes, of which more than 60 are on the National Register of Historic Places. Indigo Mercantile provides delectable pre-made dishes, an amazing wine selection, and an impressive menu of craft beer. Besides, The Cottage is a unique shop that brims with locally-made art. The Hobcaw Barony, once the winter escape of a Wall Street millionaire, is a 16,000-acre natural preserve and wildlife refuge where leaders such as Winston Churchill (his favorite armchair is on display) and Franklin Roosevelt would often retreat. 

Edisto Beach

Rounding off this list is Edisto Beach, a story-book town located on the southern edge of Edisto Island. This town serves as the perfect base for exploring the island and is ideal for those looking for a much less touristy escape. For some delicious Edisto Shrimp Cakes or Edisto Seafood shrimp in an enticing, upscale environment, Ella & Ollie's is often the go-to place. Edisto Island Museum tells the story of the island and its rich Gullah culture in a heart-gripping style and is a place worth checking out. Magical sunrises and excellent shelling are among the many adventure options at Edisto Beach, while Edisto Island Serpentarium is the place for those who want to lock eyes with more than 20 adult American alligators.

The Takeaway 

Whether coastal or upstate, north or south, almost every inch of South Carolina is defined by spellbinding natural beauty. The Palmetto State, as South Carolina is known, also brims with several points of historical interest. It was one of the original thirteen states and played a sizable role in many of the country's defining moments. To explore what South Carolina has to offer, a weekend getaway is ideal. For this, towns such as Camden, Aiken, and Beaufort are top contenders. Still, Travelers Rest, Walhalla, and Seneca are all travel-worthy options.