The Best Small Towns in South Carolina to Chill Out In 2024
From world-class beach destinations like Myrtle Beach to the historic port city of Charleston to mountain getaways in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, South Carolina is a vacationer’s paradise. South Carolina’s small towns can get overlooked among all the great places to visit in the “Palmetto State,” but fun attractions and friendly locals await in these lesser-known communities. Small towns are also great for slowing down and chilling out, so we have listed seven of the best places to take it easy while you explore all that South Carolina has to offer.
Abbeville
Little Abbeville has a unique claim as the “birthplace and deathbed of the Confederacy”—South Carolina’s secession movement began there in 1860, and the Confederate government officially dissolved there in 1865. The town recalls this deep connection to the Civil War era with numerous historic markers, sites, and homes, especially in and around its classic courthouse square. Yet this community of 5,000 is not trapped in the past—the beautiful 1908 Abbeville Opera House, for example, hosts lively events ranging from musical comedies to rock concerts! Before taking in a show, try pairing a relaxing stroll through town with a more challenging hike through the surrounding forested hills
Pickens
Pickens’ biggest community event, the Azalea Festival, happens in mid-spring, meaning you will have to wait until 2025 to experience it. But there are still plenty of reasons to check out Pickens in 2024 while you await next April! If you want a great community event and cooler weather, for example, come to Pickens’ annual Christmas parade and other holiday activities in December. Also, any time of year, you can take advantage of Pickens’ ideal location in the foothills of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, which offers easy access to numerous trails, parks, and outdoor recreation areas.
Orangeburg
Like Pickens, Orangeburg’s biggest community event—the Festival of Roses, held each May—has already happened in 2024. Yet Orangeburg’s well-earned reputation as South Carolina’s “Garden City,” carries on into autumn, with great floral displays all over town, most notably at Edisto Memorial Gardens. After the flowers fade in anticipation of Spring 2025, Orangeburg keeps up the Garden City spirit with fun events like the Children’s Garden Christmas. Orangeburg is also a great place to explore the traditions of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), as two such institutions—South Carolina State University and Claflin University—reside in town.
Clover
Just like finding a four-leaf clover brings good luck, visiting the town of Clover is sure to bring the good fortune of a relaxing, fun time. While Clover is now part of the enlarging Charlotte metro area, this community of 6,500 still has a vibrant downtown area and a distinct small-town identity. Much of Clover’s identity is tied to the Scots-Irish heritage of its early settlers, which is celebrated at the annual Clover Highland Games (Feis Clobhair) in November. Clover is also close to Kings Mountain National Military Park, which commemorates the 1780 American victory that was essential to the outcome of the Revolutionary War.
Gaffney
Gaffney was a boomtown during the late 1800s when the textile industry flourished in South Carolina’s Upstate region, and in recent decades has finally recovered from a long economic decline. The town of 13,000 now takes advantage of its beautiful location and its agricultural heritage, styling itself as the “Peach Capital of South Carolina.” Gaffney hosts the annual South Carolina Peach Festival (July 11-20, 2024) in midsummer, which is loaded with great food and family-friendly activities. If you prefer to visit in cooler weather, Gaffney is a great base for visiting the nearby Cowpens and Kings Mountain battlefields from the American Revolution..
Beaufort
Beaufort is the primary town on Port Royal Island, which is widely known as the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands.” While much of this barrier island’s regal reputation comes from its natural beauty, Beaufort’s status as one of the oldest and most picturesque towns in the state also plays a big role. To get the full effect of Beaufort’s laid-back charm, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the 300-acre National Historic Landmark district downtown. Or, if you do not mind chilling out with thousands of other visitors, come in midsummer for the fantastic Beaufort Water Festival (July 12-21, 2024).
Bennettsville
Bennettsville’s slow decline from its agricultural and commercial peak in the early 1900s had a silver lining, as it is now a popular heritage tourism destination due to its large number of largely unchanged Victorian-era houses and buildings. Bennettsville is also an excellent place to observe South Carolina’s history of racial segregation and the resilience of its African American population. The Gulf District, separated from the primary downtown area, served as the hub of African American commercial life for generations. If you prefer to skip the scorching summer heat, come in December to see the town festively decorated as it hosts its classic holiday parade.
With all of the great reasons to visit the Palmetto State, it should be no surprise that thousands of people choose to move there every year, making South Carolina one of the fastest-growing states by population. But, despite all this growth, there are still plenty of open spaces and small towns where you can enjoy a relaxing visit. So, if South Carolina is on your 2024 travel itinerary, set aside time to do some small-town exploring. Maybe you will decide to stay for good as well!
