10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in South Carolina You Need to Visit

Beaufort is known for being the second oldest town in this state and it consists of many beautiful buildings and historical spots. Beaufort was founded by the British colonists in the year 1711. The main attractions of this town include a stunning waterfront, an energetic cultural scene known for hosting numerous festivals each year, and a huge variety of water sports. The water sports in this town are so popular that National Geographic listed it as the 7th best waterfront adventure town.

This town was founded in the late 1860s and it consists of many historical buildings. These days McClellanville is commonly known as a fishing village, but there was a time when it used to contain a huge number of plantations. The historical buildings just mentioned are also listed on the national register of historic places. With that said, McClellanville is still an amazing the fishing village, you’ll absolutely love the fresh taste of seafood you eat here.

Edisto Island is an ideal option if you like to spend quiet evenings along the coast. This area was inhabited by American Indians for many centuries and they can still be found today. Before slavery was abolished in the United States, many African slaves used to live in this part of the country. It is an extremely important and humbling experience for all visitors of South Carolina to witness.

A small city consisting of fewer than 5000 people, Travelers Rest is well known for having many activities for locals and the tourists. If you want to enjoy hiking while experiencing 3 different waterfalls, Wildcat wayside mountain bridge is the place you must visit. Other attractions of Travelers Rest include Sun-rift adventures, Carolina Honey Bee Company, copperhead mountain distillery, and the tasting room, which includes huge varieties of wine and beer.

York is a small town in South Carolina having little more than 6000 inhabitants. This town became inhabited in early 1750s and most of the settlers had migrated from Virginia and Pennsylvania. Before migration events took place, this city was home to Catawba Indians. In modern days, the most interesting places of York includes the windy hills and peach tree orchards, The Sylvia Theater, and McCelvey Center.

Hilton Head Island is counted among the prime tourist attractions in South Carolina. This island includes everything from amazing beaches to interesting cultural offerings and restaurants. The ecosystem of this island also covers a huge variety of wildlife. There are many different events that take place on this island. Examples of such events are: chili eating contests, golf tournaments, and the dove street festival, which is held around Christmas time. The activities and events this island has to offer make it an ideal spot to spend your summers. However, you’ll end up falling in love with this place anytime you choose to visit.

Georgetown is also counted among the oldest towns in South Carolina; and with the passage of time it has also become an important port as well. Even though it was founded in 1526, it failed to grow as a colony at that time, so it has enjoyed a slow growth, as is the style of the south. The main attractions of Georgetown include: the waterfront, the streets of downtown, and any number of small diners and dives hidden throughout.

If you are into military and naval memorabilia, this town might be the perfect choice for you. This place is a resting spot for many famous US Navy vessels for tourist to get up close and learn a bit of history. Additionally, you can also enjoy the natural beauty of stunning parks this town includes. Just like many other towns on this list, Mount Pleasant also contains historic old buildings which date back to the 1700s.

This town is located near the border which South Carolina shares with Georgia. It was founded in the 19th century and became home for wealthy people from the northern areas to spend their winters. In the modern world, Aiken is known for hosting horse racing events and polo tournaments. The manicured landscapes and breezy afternoons make for a great resting place.

Clemson is usually known for their university, which are very well known for their championship athletic programs. However, the fact that most of us aren’t aware of is, Clemson also consists of many stunning sites that are best for nature lovers. Some examples of these sites: Blue Ridge Mountains, Botanical Garden of South Carolina, huge man-made reservoirs, lake Hartwell, and boating activities for everyone. Needless to say, this is a popular spot during spring break.