These 8 Towns Are South Carolina's Best-Kept Secret
South Carolina has a mystical, compelling charm like no other state in America. It is full of teeny towns with classic southern charm, whether it’s inland or coastal. There’s no shortage of things to do and see in and around these lovely little towns. From the historical downtown of Beaufort to the luxurious beach resorts of Isle of Palms and the gorgeous mountain scenery of Landrum, discover these South Carolina towns and unravel their secrets.
Beaufort
Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island and is the second oldest city in South Carolina. Its entire downtown is a designated historic district by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, so it is a natural choice destination for history buffs! Visitors can stop by the Beaufort Visitor Center and pick up a guide for a self-guided tour around the homes of the historic district before venturing over to the Beaufort History Museum, originally an arsenal. Lunch at Bricks on Boundary or the cute corner café, Blacksheep, will keep travelers satiated for a walk around the nearby Hunting Island State Park. The park features 3 public beaches, a lighthouse, a fishing pier, and nature trails that the whole family can enjoy. Stay at the top-rated 607 Bay; a bed and breakfast that also organizes charters or kayaking adventures for guests.
Edisto Island
Known for being a gently developed beach along the South Carolina Coastline, Edisto Island is a perfect destination for anyone looking to be surrounded by beachy nature without all the hype and tourism. There are no hotels on Edisto Island, so visitors can choose to camp at Edisto Beach State Park or stay at a rental beach house advertised on Edisto Realty. Travelers love the easy flow of biking down the 5-mile Edisto Island Bike Path which winds around the back side of town. Rentals are available at Island Bikes and Outfitters. McConkey’s Jungle Shack is a local favorite for beachy drinks and classic sandwiches.
Hartsville
Home to Coker University, Hartsville is a small town in north central South Carolina that attracts visitors for its history, outdoor recreation, and charming downtown. A stay at the Mantissa Executive Suites & Spa is an intimate boutique hotel to spend evenings at with a rooftop bar and it is conveniently located across the street from The Blind Pig, serving up classic American fare and fabulous cocktails. In the mornings, travelers can grab a tasty coffee at Crema before heading to Kalmia Gardens, a public botanical garden with trails that wind through a variety of animal and plant life.
Isle of Palms
An hour north of Charleston, Isle of Palms is known for its world-class luxury for guests; from its top-notch golf courses to award-winning spas, Isle of Palms is for the lavish traveler. Wild Dunes Resort, the 1600-acre retreat, has two golf courses, a full-service spa, 1 clay tennis court, and 5 pickleball courts. The public Isle of Palms beach is great for sunbathing or catching a sunrise. The Islander is a rowdy way to end a day out in Isle of Palms with your friends and family; they have consistent live music, trivia nights, and delicious seafood sharables or main dishes like ahi tuna Bruschetta or local Oysters.
Walhalla
Walhalla or “Garden of the Gods” is a lovely mountain town in upstate South Carolina. Visitors can plan to book ahead for a one-of-a-kind stay in the Majestic Treehouse, a cozy cottage surrounded by 40 acres of forest, creeks, gardens, and trails to wander. In town, guests will find the Museum of Cherokee and Oconee History Museum or fun shops like Sunni Ann Mercantile Company. Nearby Sumter National Forest is a haven for hikers in the Southern Appalachians with waterfall views on trails like Big Bend Falls and Foothills Trail.
Lake City
A small town dedicated to art in action, Lake City is a visual experience. Visitors to Lake City will find painted murals and sculptures like “Geisel’s Garden” throughout town, along with accessible art centers featuring exhibitions at Acline Studios or Trax Visual Art Center. Piggyback’s BBQ & Catfish is a local hub for southern fare with delicious bbq platters and catfish baskets. Overnights at the artfully designed 'The Inn at Crossroads,' will put travelers in the middle of downtown with an in-house bar and restaurant, Lake City Bistro. At Riverrat’s, kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent to paddle along the Lynches River.
Laurens
In the piedmont of South Carolina, Laurens is a tight-knit, growing town of welcoming locals. Laurens has a rich history that can be tracked through the walls and exhibits of Laurens County Museum or sites like the Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, the location of the Battle of Musgrove Mill, around half an hour away. Whiteford’s Giant Burger is a legendary spot to grab a hearty burger, serving customers since 1957 with quality being their highest priority. At Lake Greenwood State Park, anglers can rent equipment and catch a variety of fish: bass, crappie, bream, perch, catfish, or stripers.
Landrum
Founded in 1880 and situated against the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Landrum is a delightful little town and a breath of fresh air. Hikers base themselves in Landrum to trek the popular Palmetto Trail’s Blue Wall Passage, a 14-mile moderate trail featuring a 30-foot waterfall. Post-hike food fuels are best fulfilled at Southside Smokehouse, known for its variety of specials and Cajun-inspired recipes. The Landrum Farmers Market is not to be missed on Saturdays from April through December featuring live entertainment, homemade foods or crafts, and fresh produce.
The scattered small towns of South Carolina offer a variety of landscapes, the famous southern charm from welcoming locals, and a kind of mysticism in the air that’s unmistakable and alluring. From the upstate southern end of the Appalachia’s to the relaxed Atlantic coastline, South Carolina truly has a small town for all kinds of kinds. South Carolina’s small communities have a way of carving unforgettable memories into all who wander around them.
