These Towns in South Carolina Come Alive in Spring
The towns in South Carolina are great places to visit year-round. However, during winter, some of their top attractions hibernate or freeze. With the arrival of spring, all the incredible attractions come alive, making these host towns beautiful and full of adventures. From Landrun, framed by the famed Blue Ridge Mountains, to Georgetown and its rich history, there is something for everyone in these towns. Without further ado, here are the top towns in South Carolina to visit this spring for a vibrant and fun-filled vacation.
Anderson
Anderson is a big town on the Piedmont Plateau with a bustling cultural, historical, and economic atmosphere. After winter, the town springs back to life, especially on Lake Hartwell, one of the largest recreational lakes in the Southeast, where fishing is a prime sport. More exciting things to do on the lake include kayaking, canoeing, boating, camping, wildlife sightings, and swimming. The lake is also home to the 395-acre Saddler's Creek Park, featuring a 100-foot fishing pier, campgrounds, a lakeside pavilion, and two picnic shelters. Art lovers are welcome to spend time at the Anderson Arts Center browsing through exhibitions and galleries. Otherwise, embark on recreational pursuits in the town's many parks, such as Darwin Wright (featuring picnic shelters, swimming area, fishing pier, and play equipment) and Bea Thompson Park (featuring picnic shelters and play equipment).
Georgetown
Georgetown is the third oldest town in South Carolina and is particularly attractive for history lovers. On a spring vacation here, visitors can explore the historic rice plantation properties in the town, such as Mansfield (established in 1718) and Black River (built in 1919). Next, visit and walk around Brookgreen Gardens, a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve, which is particularly beautiful in spring. Additionally, the town sits along Winyah Bay, and its harbor boardwalk is another great destination to soak in the warm breeze of spring while admiring the numerous boats and sailships on the water. For something different, head to the old town district, take scenic walks beneath several oak-lined streets, and meander into Front Street to enjoy Lowcountry delectables at top restaurants like River Room and Buzz's Root.
Travelers Rest
Travelers Rest in Greenville County prides itself on being South Carolina's coolest town, and spring is arguably the best time to visit as the town is lively and exciting yet remains less crowded. While here, visitors can bike or hike on the 22-mile Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail to savor the natural beauty while stopping at restaurants and picnicking along the way. Afterward, explore nearby state parks, starting with Table Rock State Park, which is just 15 minutes' drive away. Table Mountain frames this park and offers numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, streams, and lakes to explore, including a swimming hole for dips. Paris Mountain State Park is another nearby option, featuring 15 miles of hiking trails, campsites, a swimming area, and two charming lakes for water sports.
Sullivan's Island
Sullivan's Island is a small barrier island at the entrance of Charleston Harbor with a bustling beach scene. In spring, beach lovers looking to escape the crowd in summer are welcome to the town’s soft sugar-white shore, which is great for strolls and picnics. The waters are also available for kiteboarding, surfing, and boating, and visitors will also get to see the iconic Sulivan’s Island Lighthouse right from the beach. For a little bit of history, head to Fort Moultrie to learn about a significant American Revolutionary War battle on the island. Afterward, head to Home Team BBQ to savor barbecue or enjoy lunch at Poe's Tavern, named after famed author Edgar Allan Poe, stationed in Fort Moultrie for a year.
Landrum
Landrum is a magnificent town framed by the imposing Blue Ridge Mountains and lavish with many tourist attractions. Visit in spring when the town gets its groove back from winter and behold the scenic allure of the Campbell Covered Bridge, the state's only remaining covered bridge. Proceed to the Pointsett Bridge, the state’s oldest bridge, stretching over Little Gap Creek and surrounded by lush greenery. Nature lovers can head to the 575-acre Blue Wall Preserve to hike and observe birds, while wine lovers can check out Eagle Mountain Vineyards & Winery. Before leaving, browse through some arts and crafts at the Millstone Gallery and then make a quick stop at the Hare and the Hound restaurant to indulge in some delicious Southern delicacies.
Edisto Island
Edisto Island is an attractive and quintessential Lowcountry beach town in the South Carolina Sea Islands region with much to offer its guests. While summer is the most famous season for this beach town, spring has many advantages, such as fewer crowds, fair weather, and off-peak rates. For instance, Edisto Beach State Park, the town’s most famous attraction, is usually less crowded, making it the perfect time to explore its trails, play on the sandy beach, and explore its maritime forests. Visitors here are also welcome to witness nature's glorious bloom at the 4,306-acre Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management, featuring maritime forests, marshlands, tidal creeks, ponds, and a beach. Storm the downtown area afterward to taste local culinary offers at Whaley's Bar & Restaurant, and then go shopping for incredible handmade artworks at the With These Hands Gallery. Wrap up with a little bit of history at the Edisto Island Museum, which also features a gift shop.
Beaufort
Beaufort is a famous and scenic town on Port Royal Island, with many touristy attractions, making it a hub for various outdoor activities in spring. The nearby Hunting Island State Park, east of the town, is the state's most visited park and bounces back to life in spring. This park features miles of hiking trails, a marsh boardwalk, a 4-mile-long beach, a lighthouse, a fishing pier, 100 campsites, and abundant wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and loggerhead turtles. Beaufort also features the Port Royal Boardwalk and Observation Tower, a scenic area to explore in spring and enjoy coastal air, watch birds, see dolphins playing on the Beaufort River, and fish on the water. For history lovers, Fort Frederick Heritage Preserve is in this town, and it features a historic monument with interpretive details and picnic stands.
Bluffton
Bluffton is a naturally charming town on a bluff overlooking the May River in Beaufort County. In spring, this town booms with the Bluffton Village Festival (MayFest), which celebrates local artisans, musicians, and the town's rich cultural heritage. With the May River stretching on its shores for up to 12 miles, this town is a great place to enjoy boating and swimming as there are several boat ramps around. In addition to the water adventures, visitors are welcome to stroll on the banks and enjoy picnics.
Bluffton also features some exciting parks, including Oyster Factory (featuring a boat ramp, picnic tables, and great river views) and May River Road Pocket Park (featuring benches, tables, chairs, and a beautiful grassy area). History buffs can visit the Rose Hill Mansion, renowned as the most beautiful plantation house in the low country, or check out the Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center to learn more about the town.
Aiken
Aiken is a large town that booms with several activities in spring thanks to its natural, historical, and recreational attractions. For starters, this town features the Aiken County Farmers Market the oldest in the state, and it comes alive in spring as tons of vendors flaunt their agricultural produce. Visit this market to shop for fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products, and handmade crafts. Next, head to Aiken State Park to explore its nature trails and enjoy swimming, canoeing, and fishing adventures. Boyd Pond Park is an alternative destination for adventures as it features a 300-foot boardwalk, a boat ramp, eight miles of hiking and biking trails, and picnic areas. The park also offers opportunities for fishing and birdwatching. Before leaving, visit the Aiken County Historical Museum to learn more about the town’s history through engaging exhibits.
Clemson
Clemson is a beautiful town in Pickens and Anderson Counties that’s home to the South Carolina Botanical Gardens, one of the most beautiful places in America to visit in spring. Here, visitors are welcome to stroll around the garden's nature trails, woodlands, streams, and ponds to behold the magnificence of nature's return. Next, head to the Abernathy Waterfront Park to promenade on the boardwalk and behold a beautiful lake and the surrounding green trees. Keep in mind that Clemson sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and spring is a suitable period to hike around, especially on trails like the 0.7-mile Todd Creek Falls trail that leads to a 20-foot waterfall.
Walhalla
Walhalla is a gorgeous town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This town is blessed with so many natural wonders from picturesque waterfalls to lakes, rivers, and lush forests, among others and spring is without doubt the best time to enjoy all those endowments. Visitors can start by hiking to the town’s numerous waterfalls, starting with the closest, the 50-foot Yellow Branch Falls, just an 8-minute drive from town. Also, visit the majestic 100-foot Issaqueena Falls and the 60-foot Station Cove Falls, within short distances from Walhalla. Lake Keowee is another must-see scenic attraction in this town as it offers swimming, fishing, picnicking, camping, and boating opportunities. Don't forget to visit the Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel Park, which is a marveling man-made tunnel that visitors can explore as well as a pond, gazebo, picnic tables, and a mountain bike park.
Spring is a season of restoration and a time when nature reclaims its beauty from winter. In these South Carolina towns, everything comes alive from plants to attractions offering locals and visitors unforgettable outdoor experiences. Whether you’re looking for a place to spend the Easter break, enjoy a weekend vacation, or just witness spring come alive, these towns promise to be exciting. Plus the weather is generally comfortable so there will be less need for sunscreens and sunshades when outdoors.
