Consider taking a trip to South Carolina today!
When you think of South Carolina, you probably picture pastel-colored homes in Charleston. But what if we told you there’s more to the state beyond this big city? Its small towns and secluded islands are well worth a visit, whether on a day trip or as the main destination.
And don’t worry. You’ll find sweet tea, Southern hospitality, and a wide variety of stunning landscapes no matter where you choose to go in the state. We’ve rounded up some of the most unique small towns in South Carolina we could find.
So, whether you’re looking for a mountain getaway or a beach vacation destination without the crowds, we’ve got something for everyone!
Beaufort, South Carolina
Set on Port Royal Island, this South Carolina town is known for its stunning coastal scenery and well-preserved late 18th and early 19th century buildings. Not surprisingly, a total of 304 acres of the town has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.
When visiting the area, you can expect to see Beaufort’s downtown, featuring the ever-charming Old Point area, its heritage houses boasting upper and lower balconies soaked in greenery.
You might also be interested in checking out The Penn Center, which is a former school for formerly enslaved people that now charts the history and culture of African-Americans.
Nature lovers can take a stroll along the scenic Spanish Moss Trail, a former railroad, or just enjoy the atmosphere at the manicured Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Walhalla, South Carolina
Founded by German settlers in 1849, the heritage of Walhalla can pretty much be guessed through its name… It’s the German version of Valhalla, a heavenly hall of slain warriors according to Norse mythology.
In its surroundings at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it can be clearly seen that the early settlers thought they had found a kingdom worthy of the gods. Walhalla is noted for the many waterfalls near it, including Issaqueena Falls and Yellow Branch Falls.
History runs rampant in the area, too. As well as the spooky Stumphouse Tunnel, an incomplete railroad tunnel, and you’ll also find the 1901 Walhalla Graded School, among other historic sites. An annual Oktoberfest also reflects the town’s Germanic heritage.
Georgetown, South Carolina
This location happens to be the third-oldest town in South Carolina. It was first founded in 1526 as a Spanish colony. Next were the English colonists in 1670, who named it “Charles Town.”
Afterwhich in 1729, plans were drawn up for a city laid out on a grid system and would become Georgetown. Nowadays, that particular historic part of town is teeming with heritage buildings.
You can even walk around one of them and get a peek into the past at the 18th-century Kaminski House Museum. Georgetown also has tons of charm, and older neighborhoods feature roads with oaks that look like tunnels.
Why not take a stroll down East Bay Street to experience this magical atmosphere for yourself?
Landrum, South Carolina
Pioneers settled the area around Landrum, South Carolina, as early as 1760. Although, it wasn’t until sometime in the late 19th century that this picturesque town started booming. Nowadays, quaint is most definitely the perfect word to describe this town.
Landrum is filled with quirky shops, little eateries, and antique stores, like the Millstone Gallery, which makes visiting this area an ideal trip for those who love to browse and wander around.
But it isn’t all town-based! Start heading out of Landrum, and you’ll be rewarded at the Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve, which features a few challenging but picturesque hiking trails.
There’s also Campbell’s Covered Bridge, which was built in 1909, and is the only remaining covered bridge in the entire state.
Aiken, South Carolina
Dating all the way back to 1835, the established town of Aiken had, by the end of the 19th century, become a popular place for wealthy Northeasterners to spend their winters.
You can spot this by simply driving or walking around the roads that spiral through Aiken Winter Colony Historic District. But many of the lavish 19th-century mansions are behind tall gates and extremely high hedges.
You can also take a stroll around Hitchcock Woods, a 2000-plus acre suburban forest. Tree-lined streets, plenty of charm, and well-equipped equestrian training facilities make it popular with horse riders, as well.
Aiken’s former and current prestige results in an authentic South Carolina town through and through.
Edisto Beach, South Carolina
This is one of the wealthiest communities in South Carolina, thanks to its position as a commuter town for travelers to nearby Charleston. At the same time, the town is also a charming coastal vacation spot.
Colonized by Spanish settlers sometime in the late 16th century, Edisto Beach grew from there. Today, there’s a lot it offers. For starters, you could head to Edisto Beach State Park for hiking and camping.
The area boasts the state’s longest system of accessible walking and biking trails for differently abled people. You could also stroll around Bay Creek Park, which is home to an arts and crafts fair.
Or you could just head to the long beautiful sandy beach…it IS Edisto “Beach,” after all!
Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina
And speaking of beaches, just a short drive away from downtown Charleston, Sullivan’s Island is one of the best beach towns in the entire state.
The 2.5-mile long island is known for the historic Fort Moultrie, with a few ties to the American Revolution and Civil War, a charming main street, and immaculate beaches unsullied by high-rise hotels or tourist traps.
Suitably named Middle Street, which is located in the center of the small island, is home to many favorite restaurants, including Poe’s Tavern, an Edgar Allen Poe-themed restaurant with fantastic burgers, Home Team BBQ, and The Obstinate Daughter.
Travelers Rest, South Carolina
This Upstate South Carolina region is dotted with many lakes and rolling green hills that live in the shadow of the closeby the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Travelers Rest offers a dose of small-town living and some great outdoor adventure just a short distance away from the quaint city of Greenville.
Before you go kayaking, hiking, or maybe even mountain biking, be sure to stop and fuel up at Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse. And after a full day of adventure outdoors, how about ending your day with a pint at Swamp Rabbit Brewery?
Hotel Domestique is less than 20 minutes outside of town, and it offers a taste of the Tuscan countryside with beautiful settings and accommodations that overlook the majestic mountains.
York, South Carolina
Located not too far from the state border, York, which dates all the way back to the 1750s, puts the past on full display for travelers and locals alike to appreciate. The area is well known for its heritage buildings. They dot character-rich York’s Downtown Historic District.
You’ll definitely want to visit Wilson House, aka the Old Jailhouse, and browse Farm Chicks Vintage. Continuing on, you can see a show at the majestic McCelvey Center or just take a leisurely stroll around the leafy York Recreation Complex to relax.
Over at Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History, you might even get to witness a hummingbird or two. Also, on tap? Try the AH-MAZING spiced apple donuts at Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill.
So what do you think of all these picturesque gems? Please leave us a comment and let us know if you’ve been to any of them or if you know of any other charming small towns worth seeing in the beautiful state of South Carolina.
And in the meantime, we’ve got another great read for you! Check out: 50 Best State Parks Around The US
