The Best Kept Secrets of South Carolina’s Lowcountry

The South Carolina Lowcountry covers much of the southern coastal area of the state, spanning approximately from Georgetown down to the border of Georgia (near Savannah). It is significant in a number of ways- ecologically, economically, and historically on the Atlantic Coast.

The Lowcountry stands out mostly for its delicious and fresh cuisine, a unique blend of cultures from around the world, and its natural beauty, with some of the most diverse landscapes in the country and generally great weather. Already a popular destination for vacationers looking to kick back on a beach, let's cover the best towns in the area that will surely make your trip a memorable one.

Beaufort

Beaufort, one of the oldest towns in South Carolina, captures the essence of the Lowcountry with its wonderful waterfront, historic neighborhoods, and strong cultural/economic relevance for the region. Founded in 1711, the town’s downtown core is exemplified by Bay Street, where local restaurants, hotels, and other amenities overlook the Beaufort River. The Cuthbert House is a particularly beautiful accommodation just steps from the harbor. Be sure to take a walk over to the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, which provides a peaceful setting framed by moss-draped oaks and other wildlife.

Like many towns on the East Coast, History is central to Beaufort’s appeal and can be openly explored. For example, the nearby Penn Center on St. Helena Island, established in 1862, is one of the first schools for formerly enslaved African Americans and now serves as a cultural hub for Gullah-Geechee heritage. The town’s main historic district also features antebellum homes and churches, many of which survived the Civil War and are accessible through guided tours or self-led walks.

You can also explore the great outdoors here at spots like Hunting Island State Park, just a short drive away. This park is known for its lighthouse, web of marsh trails, and expansive beach.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island stands out with its abundant coastal beauty and recreational opportunities, making it a prime destination for those who love to get outside in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

With over a dozen miles of pristine beaches, the island offers ample space for sunbathing, swimming, boating, or whatever else you may want to do by the water during a vacation. The island’s extensive network of bike trails will also connect you to more unique scenic views over the ocean and its rich wildlife habitats. The local commitment to environmental preservation is evident in other protected nature reserves, such as the Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge, which provides space for birdwatching and more hiking.

Beyond its beaches, Hilton Head Island is known for its renowned golf courses, housing some of the best in the country. Home to the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage, it is a top spot for golf enthusiasts around the world.

Hilton Head’s other offerings include the Coastal Discovery Museum, where you can learn about the island’s history, ecology, and Gullah culture. The island’s dining scene also highlights Lowcountry cuisine, from fresh, locally caught seafood to Southern-inspired dishes at popular joints like FISH Casual Coastal Seafood.

Port Royal

Port Royal offers a quieter but equally compelling destination on this list. Located just minutes from Beaufort, Port Royal has become a beloved spot for those seeking an authentic coastal experience, with its extensive waterfront and huge selection of nearby parks providing a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. From kayaking and fishing to strolling through the Port Royal Sound Heritage Preserve, this truly is the spot for those who want to get up close to nature in this southern region of the state.

Start your visit at Sands Beach. With its idyllic views of the salt marshes, it is a popular place to relax and soak up some sun. Check out the nearby Cypress Wetlands too, a nearby greenspace that offers you an opportunity to see the area's flora and fauna up close. For something a little more laid back, you can opt to take a walk along the Port Royal Boardwalk, which comes with great viewpoints of sound along the way.

With history as a former naval base, you can find out more about Port Royal's past through sites like the Old Town area, with its charming old homes and historic landmarks.

Port Royal’s proximity to Beaufort and Hilton Head Island makes it an accessible yet quieter alternative for travelers looking to experience the Lowcountry. With its storied history, natural beauty, and easy-going atmosphere, it is certainly a hidden gem in South Carolina worth exploring.

Bluffton

Bluffton, located on the May River, is a growing town in the heart of the Lowcountry that doubles as a top-rated tourist destination and an excellent place to live.

Bluffton’s prime location along the river provides numerous places for outdoor activities. Boating and fishing are popular ways to enjoy the scenic waterways, while the surrounding salt marshes and forests offer a nice array of hiking trails and other spaces to enjoy the outdoors with favorable weather nearly all year long to match. Just west of town is the renowned Savannah National Wildlife Refuge a huge 29,000-acre nature reserve with seemingly endless footpaths, bike trails, and a very well-grounded visitor center.

Golf enthusiasts will also fall in love with the area, with over a dozen local courses including May River Golf Club, Old South Golf Links, The Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes, and more.

Historic landmarks, including the Church of the Cross, a beautiful 18th-century structure, speak to Bluffton’s colonial past. Yet, Bluffton has also embraced modern development with a focus on preserving its longstanding heritage which has carried on since its incorporation in 1852.

The town’s annual festivals, such as the Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival, further highlight its strong cultural sense and its community-oriented attitude.

Walterboro

Walterboro is sometimes referred to as the "Front Porch of the Lowcountry." Located a short drive west of Charleston, it is a destination where one goes to see what real Southern hospitality is, and it welcomes all with its numerous charming attractions.

Located along the scenic Edisto River, Walterboro is highly recognized for its well-preserved architecture, including antebellum homes and historic buildings, which reflect the town’s roots dating back to the early 1800s. The town's commitment to its cultural heritage is evident through landmarks like the Colleton County Courthouse and the South Carolina Artisans Center, which showcases regional art.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Edisto River, ideal for fishing and boating amidst the region's diverse wildlands. Additionally, the nearby Ace Basin National Wildlife Refuge contains miles of hiking trails and opportunities to observe wildlife within one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the East Coast.

Edisto Beach

Edisto Beach is an amazing island town that is a perfect place to escape from big city life. Known for its incredible selection of nearby beaches, great weather, and rich natural landscapes throughout the island it sits on, consider this destination for your next vacation this year.

Make a point to stop by Edisto Beach State Park, where you can hike through maritime forests, enjoy saltwater fishing, or simply unwind on its uncrowded beaches. The island’s various marshes and waterways are also ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, two amazing ways to explore the area in a more intimate way.

Edisto Island is also steeped in interesting history to learn more about, with several sites reflecting its Gullah-Geechee (an English-African creole dialect) heritage and plantation past. The Edisto Island Historic Preservation Society offers tours that delve into the island’s African American history and its significance, especially during the Civil War era. Furthermore, the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve, currently an over 4,600-acre nature reserve, features a mix of trails and remnants of some of its historic plantation structures.

McClellanville

Situated along the Intracoastal Waterway between Charleston and Georgetown, McClellanville is a quiet fishing village that many city folk come to for its laid-back, deeply rural atmosphere. It is known by locals for its historic shrimping industry, quaint waterfront, and preserved buildings dating back centuries.

It is clear to most who visit that the heart of McClellanville revolves around its connection to the sea. Local docks bustle with shrimp boats, and nearby seafood restaurants serve fresh catches straight from local waters. Make sure to pay a visit to T W Graham & Co, one of the most highly rated seafood joints in the entire region.

Before or after a defocus meal, learn more about the area at The Village Museum, which offers detailed insight into its extensive maritime history, local Gullah-Geechee culture, and the town’s resilience following hurricanes and natural disasters over the years/

For nature lovers, McClellanville provides easy access to the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. This protected area spans over 66,280 acres of barrier islands, wetlands, and oceanside forests.

Daufuskie Island

Daufuskie Island is South Carolina's southernmost inhabited sea island, putting it within sight of the Georgia border. Accessible only by ferry or private boat, this barrier island between Hilton Head and Savannah offers a quiet retreat defined by dirt roads, moss-draped oaks groves, and a strong sense of community. With no bridges to the mainland, the island’s charm lies in its isolation, creating a slower pace that encourages exploration by locals and visitors alike via golf cart, bicycle, or on foot.

Local landmarks like the Bloody Point Lighthouse and the First Union African Baptist Church are among several historic sites that offer a glimpse into its longstanding past, strongly associated with its geographic location on the ocean and the various groups of people who have come to call it home.

The island is also a bit of a haven for local artisans, including locales like the Iron Fish Gallery and Silver Dew Pottery, where you can see crafts developed by local tradition.

Natural beauty is everywhere on this small island, from the wide, uncrowded beaches to the marshlands and maritime forests. Guided eco-tours and kayaking trips provide close encounters with native wildlife. For travelers seeking a more off-the-grid Lowcountry experience, Daufuskie Island presents a fine blend of history, nature, and authentic coastal living in the Palmetto State.

Experience These Coastal Gems in South Carolina

The Lowcountry of South Carolina is perhaps one of the most underrated vacation spots in the United States, serving as a less crowded and deeply historic alternative to Florida and other states along the Gulf Coast. Whether you just want to sit back on a sandy beach, indulge in some freshly caught seafood, or journey through a wonderful state park by the ocean, this region is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the Atlantic coastline this year.