9 Of The Most Captivating Small Towns In South Carolina
South Carolina is a magical state chock full of history and tradition, and one of the best ways to get to know this colorful subset of the South is by adventuring out from the larger metropolises and into its captivating small towns. There are plenty of them, and it's hard to pick favorites but take a brief tour of nine of the state's tiny, more intimate communities that you must pay a visit to.
From the well-preserved National Registry historic districts in Aiken and Newberry to the luxurious white sand beaches of Hilton Head Island and Sullivan's Island, each location boasts its own colorful combo of cultural significance, historical roots, culinary mastery, and natural beauty.
So, pack your bags and set your sites on an unforgettable exploration of the Deep South state of South Carolina.
Beaufort
The laid-back town of Beaufort in the Lowcountry exudes small-town charm and boasts a rich historical tapestry. Known for its waterfront views, expansive marshlands, and antebellum architecture, a trip to Beaufort feels like a step back in time.
Aside from wandering the picturesque streets and taking in the beauty of the Spanish moss-laden oak trees, visitors will enjoy touring Beaufort's multitude of cultural and historical landmarks. The historic district is home to stunning residences built in the 18th and 19th centuries, including the John Mark Verdier House. This house-turned-museum provides a window into the lives of the rich during Beaufort's pre-Civil War Antebellum period.
Another must-see landmark in town is the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park. Follow winding trails through gorgeous green spaces dappled with significant historical sites highlighting the struggles (and triumphs) of post-Civil War African Americans in their quest for freedom.
When you are done seeing the sites, take time to walk along Beaufort's picturesque waterfronts and bask in the town's thriving culinary scene. Grab lunch at Plums Restaurant or step into the hoppin' bar scene at Ladys Island Dockside for a fabulous sunset and Southern seafood. Walk it off with a long stroll at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Travelers Rest
With an awe-inspiring backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rich cultural history, and a vibrant community of outdoor adventure enthusiasts, Traveler's Rest (or TR, as locals call it) is another must-visit small town in South Carolina. Wander through the beautifully preserved downtown buildings and set your sites on unmissable adventures into nature.
Back in the 19th century, Travelers Rest was a popular stagecoach stop. Its location at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains made it an ideal resting point for travelers going between the more populous towns of Greenville and Asheville. The town also housed many soldiers and their families during the Civil War. Today, remnants of this history can be explored at the History Museum of Travelers Rest as well as via a wander through the town's well-preserved historic district.
A trip to TR wouldn't be complete without an adventure on Swamp Rabbit Trail. This scenic 22-mile-long multi-use trail connects Travelers Rest to Greenville along the region's historic railroad corridor. It's the perfect place for a bike, walk, or run through picturesque landscapes, parks, and historic areas.
If you are willing to take a bit of a drive, TR is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and rivers bursting with adventure opportunities. Kayak on pristine Lake Jocassee, go white water rafting on the Green River, or explore the hiking trails around the haunted Poinsett Bridge, one of South Carolina's oldest surviving structures.
Georgetown
With waterfront views of the Great Pee Dee River and Winyah Bay and just a stone's throw away from the vast Atlantic Ocean, Georgetown is a captivating coastal town that deserves a visit. With its beautifully intact historic architecture and welcoming atmosphere, this quaint seaside town invites visitors to dive into its friendly Southern culture and easy-going lifestyle.
One of our favorite historical sights in Georgetown is Hopsewee Plantation. This 18th-century waterfront plantation home was the birthplace of Thomas Lynch, Jr., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The historical residence is now open to the public and offers an inclusive view of the lives of the plantation owners and the African Americans they kept as slaves. It's also home to a tea room where you can relax and enjoy high tea while discussing the history around you.
Visitors to Georgetown will also enjoy an amble down the Harborwalk on the Sampit River. This 4-block boardwalk will take you past some of the town's more notable landmarks and attractions, such as the Kaminski House Museum, the Rice Museum, and the Town Clock. Be sure to stop into each for a little dose of history. The Rice Museum showcases the town's rich rice-cultivating history and is particularly neat!
If you find yourself in Georgetown in October, be sure to check out the town's annual Wooden Boat Show. Attendees can view exquisite wooden boats of all types and enjoy boat-building demonstrations, live music, and local cuisine.
Bluffton
Bluffton is another cute riverfront town in South Carolina's Lowcountry. It draws visitors from near and far with its scenic marshlands, elegant historic homes, and thriving arts scene.
Wander down Calhoun Street to the water's edge. Lined with centuries-old brick buildings now inhabited by welcoming shops, eateries, and colorful galleries, this historic street will take you past several notable landmarks. Just off the main drag, you will find the Hayward House. Then, where Calhoun Street meets the May River, you will find the Church of the Cross. Stop into this Gothic Revival church and learn about its history as a Civil War hospital.
With the May River at its doorstep and ample opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and other waterfront activities, Bluffton is an outdoor adventurer's dream. Book a seat on May River Excursions' Historic River Excursion for a neat perspective on the town's historical nuances. Once you are back on land, head on over to Bluffton Oyster Company. This family-owned eatery has been serving up oysters on the half-shell since 1899!
Bluffton is taken over by its Historic Arts and Seafood Festival for much of October. If you are an art lover and can plan your visit around it, do it! Artists from all over the country come to display their art while appreciative locals and visitors soak it all in, along with incredible local cuisine and musical performances.
Aiken
On the western side of South Carolina, Aiken is known for its equestrian culture, beautiful parks, and historic architecture. The town's tranquil atmosphere and ever-happening calendar of events ranging from live music to polo matches to art and cultural exhibits make it a truly lovely place to spend a weekend (or a lifetime!).
The streets of Aiken are lined with huge, arching oak trees dressed in Spanish moss, making a drive or a walk through town mystical and magical in its own right. In addition to its mighty oaks, the 4-mile radius around downtown Aiken is loaded with a notably diverse collection of trees. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate a walk along the Arboretum Trail. The town has set up a mobile program that allows you to dial a number on each tree to learn about it.
While you are in town, you have to pay a visit to Aiken Winter Colony Historic District III. This National Register historic location features a collection of 42 residents built over a century ago for colonists renting in Aiken for the winter months. Feast your eyes on some of the finest examples of Colonial Revival, Classical Revival, Victorian, and Queen Anne architecture.
Aiken is a hot spot for horse enthusiasts and riders. With its numerous equestrian facilities and annual Aiken Horse Show, it's the place to be for those of you who love these majestic creatures. The horse show is held in late March every year in the incredibly scenic Hitchcock Woods and showcases talented riders and their horses in all sorts of events, celebrating the area's horsemanship tradition.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is a coastal paradise renowned for its pristine beaches and world-class golf courses. No wonder it's one of the most popular vacation destinations in the state. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a myriad of activities ranging from sea kayaking to hitting the golf links, while those looking for a more relaxing stay can turn their attention toward sunbathing and world-class spas and shopping.
A perfect day on Hilton Head Island might feature 9-18 holes at Harbour Town Golf Links, followed by a sunset bike ride on the beach or through the surrounding maritime forests and salt marshes. Wrap things up with cocktails, snacks, and live music on the beach at the Tiki Hut.
For those seeking pure luxury, you can't miss out on a massage and a facial at Moor Spa, followed by an afternoon of sunbathing on the town's 12 miles of sandy beaches. Afterward, treat yourself and a loved one to a sunset dinner cruise with Vagabond Cruise for an incredible culinary experience (and maybe even dolphin spotting!).
Although Hilton Head is known for its reputation as a classy resort town, it has some serious historical significance. Visit the town's Civil War forts, Fort Walker being perhaps the most notable, and take a Gullah Heritage Tour. The Gullah people are descendants of enslaved Africans who have done a marvelous job preserving their culture and language in Hilton Head and beyond. Enjoy an afternoon learning about the people's oral storytelling tradition, colorful crafts, cuisine, and more.
Newberry
Named by the Travel Channel as one of the "Most Charming Small Towns in America," Newberry is a captivating community. This friendly little town in the heart of the state is packed with historic buildings and landmarks highlighting the past within its thriving modern-day community.
Founded in the late 1700s on an economy based on cotton, Newberry has a rich trade history. Visit The Boundary Street-Newberry Cotton Mills Historic District to get a feel for what life might have been like in the mid to late 1800s when cotton was all the rage in town. The district is home to a historical mill village that is still pretty well intact, as well as fabulous examples of 19th-century Victorian, Greek Revival, and Queen Anne architecture.
Another historical gem that's worth a visit is the Newberry Opera House. This ornate, centuries-old opera house is still up and running and hosts a variety of cultural performances and events year-round. If you can score tickets to a show during your visit, go for it!
For the hikers out there, Newberry is the namesake of one of the passages along Palmetto Trail, a 500-mile scenic hiking and biking network in South Carolina. The Newberry Passage takes travelers right through its historic downtown, a comfy respite from a more rugged journey.
York
Located near the state's border with North Carolina, York is a picturesque town that captures the essence of the South. Between its beautifully preserved historic downtown and agricultural bounty, it's a pretty amazing place to visit.
History enthusiasts must spend time in the York Historic District. It's home to 180 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. York has a rich agricultural past, present, and (knock on wood) future. While you are there, you will want to check out the farms in the area. Black's Peaches has been around for just over a century and hosts great U-Pick events, as well as an excellent Fall Festival that runs every weekend in October.
While you are out there celebrating fall produce, swing into Windy Hill Orchard! This family-run cider mill grows its own apples and allows you to pick them. Take the family out for good old-fashioned apple picking, or stop into their Hard Cider Bar for a pick-me-up.
Sullivan's Island
Sullivan's Island is another ideal destination for folks looking to relax and unwind on the stunning white sand beaches of South Carolina. Just a short ferry ride from the larger metropolis of Charleston, Sullivan's Island is a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle.
Relax on the beautiful sandy beaches, swim in the Atlantic Ocean, or enjoy seriously outstanding shell hunting on the shoreline. Looking to get the blood moving a little? Rent a beach cruiser (or an E-bike) and explore the Island's friendly neighborhoods in style.
If you would care to dive into the history of Sullivan's Island, pay a visit to Fort Moultrie. This stronghold served its soldiers well during both the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Explore the fort's grounds and exhibits to learn about its role in American history. Nearby, Sullivan's Island Lighthouse in the United States Coast Guard Historic District has been serving as a beacon of hope since 1962. Its iconic triangular design sets it apart from other lighthouses and makes it a favorite photo spot in town.
When you are done playing outside and tapped out on sun exposure, head on over to Sullivan's Fish Camp. Since their arrival in town in 1988, this island legacy has been serving up some of the best seafood in town. Grab yourself a glass of champagne and oysters, or get the gang together to share their infamous Big Fish Jug of Margs and fish tacos.
From Beaufort to Sullivan's Island, there are plenty of captivating small towns in South Carolina that you have to visit. Whether you are looking for a relaxing city getaway on the white sand beaches of the Atlantic Ocean or a deep dive into the region's enthralling historical and cultural treasures, the Palmetto State has something for everyone.
So grab a weekend bag, hop in the car (or on a plane), and get ready to relax, explore, and make lasting memories in South Carolina.
