The Best Small Towns In South Carolina

Beaufort

Population: 12,960

Wild beauty and Lowcountry allure abound in this South Carolina gem. Get lost among the pines and palmettos of an ancient maritime forest at Hunting Island State Park, catch a striking sunset over the Beaufort River, and marvel at the columns and sweeping porches of stately mansions on Historic Craven Street. One final bit of advice for our trip to Beaufort: Order the tomato pie at Lowcountry Produce Kitchen. It’s a seasonal delicacy that can’t be missed.

Georgetown

Population: 8,333

South Carolina’s Hammock Coast is made up of six towns between Myrtle Beach and Charleston. Georgetown, located smackdab in the middle of them, calls itself “the little town you’ve been looking for," and it’s hard to disagree. Stroll among gorgeous old homes and ancient live oaks as you pop into colorful downtown shops and galleries like Indigo Mercantile and The Cottage. The third oldest town in South Carolina after Charleston and Beaufort, there’s plenty of history to unearth here.

Bluffton

Population: 32,191

Consider Bluffton the poster child for the Carolina Lowcountry. With tranquil marshland, elegant homes, a colorful art scene, and palmettos everywhere you turn, this enclave on the May River has everything to love about South Carolina all in one place. Order a dozen on the half-shell at Bluffton Oyster Company, family-owned since 1899. Then, explore the river they were harvested from on a boating trip with May River Excursions.

Aiken

Just about 20 miles from Augusta, Georgia, Aiken is as genuine as they come. It's not a gimmicky horse-themed tourist attraction but an authentic South Carolina equestrian community rich in historic charm and tradition. Take a walk in Hitchcock Woods, Aiken's 2,100-acre urban forest, and you will likely see riders on horseback, exploring 70 miles of trails. After, make reservations at Malia's Restaurant, a local fine dining spot known for its seasonal dishes.

Folly Beach

Population: 2,056

If you associate South Carolina with the coast, then you might want to head to the relaxed seaside village of Folly Beach. Nothing’s too precious here, but you will find your fair share of spirted local dive bars (like the Sand Dollar Social Club) and six miles of pristine shoreline. You can even learn to surf with lessons from McKevlin’s Surf Shop, or get up close and personal with the Morris Island Lighthouse via a kayak tour.  

Clemson

Population: 17,986

Best known for being home to Clemson University, this town and gown locale has much more going for it than just a healthy student population and beloved football team. Nestled in the Blue Ridge foothills, Clemson offers plenty for visitors of all ages to explore. Nature enthusiasts can make the hike to the precipice of Sassafras Mountain or wander the 295-acre South Carolina Botanical Garden. After, treat yourself to homemade ice cream from the university’s legendary student-run ice cream shop, the ’55 Exchange.

Travelers Rest

Population: 7,771

Over the past few years, Greenville has stolen both the spotlight and its visitors’ hearts. Just 20 minutes up the road in the southern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll want to get to know Travelers Rest. There’s a bit of everything here—outdoor adventure, historic charm, local shopping, and great restaurants. Ride the 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail that parallels Main Street, where you can stop to find vintage treasures at RetroMarketplace or practice your swing at Spring Park Golf Range.

Edisto Island

Population: 1,991

One of South Carolina’s biggest barrier islands, Edisto Island is intentionally undeveloped. Since there’s nary a hotel in sight (just picture-perfect beach houses where you can make home base), you’ll have all the peace and quiet you need to spot all kinds of wildlife, from dolphins to osprey. If cooking your own fresh catch isn’t in the cards, head to Ella & Ollie’s for seasonal seafood dishes like scallops with early summer succotash and Creole butter or Firecracker Flounder with butter beans and Tasso spinach grits.

Landrum

Population: 2,540

Downtown Landrum has plenty of small-town charm. Antique shops with brick storefronts dating from the late 1800s and early 1900s fill the center of town, while a restored train depot gives a sense of the town's past. But you have to explore the surrounding foothills to truly appreciate the beauty of the destination. Take a drive through South Carolina's horse country, cruising through rolling horse pastures hemmed by white farm fences, then head back downtown and refuel at The Hare & Hound Pub for hearty American fare.

Anderson

Population: 29,284

Southerners love a good lake town, so the fact that Anderson is home to one of the Southeast’s largest recreation lakes, and has a beautiful historic district, makes it an absolute slam-dunk. When you’re not busy fishing, boating, or swimming on Lake Hartwell, peruse the 16-block historic district that's blessed with boutiques, specialty shops, breweries, restaurants, and Carolina Wren Park, where you might be lucky enough to catch an open-air concert.   

Florence

Population: 39,958

Downtown Florence earned recognition as a Great American Main Street in 2023 thanks to its bustling thoroughfare where visitors can attend a play at Florence Little Theatre, shop at local stores, and make dinner reservations at local restaurants. Florence marks the start of the South Carolina Pecan Trail, so while you’re in town, head to pecan outlet Young’s Premium Foods or Pee Dee State Farmers Market, where you’ll find pecans in dozens of flavors. If you need to walk off a brown sugar-glazed bag of pecans, use the city’s trail system to visit Florence Veterans Park and Timrod Park.

York

Population: 8,615

Often referred to as the Charleston of the Upstate, York is steeped in history, In fact, the tiny town is home to nearly 200 state and national historically registered locations. Among vestiges of the past, you’ll find modern shopping and dining on Congress Street. During your visit, be sure to venture away from town (as charming as it is!) to spend time at some of the area’s beautiful working farms like Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery, always a great fall activity, and Bush-N-Vine Farm, where you can pick your own berries and peaches in the summer and eat at the darling café year-round.

Newberry

Population: 10,487

The Travel Channel once named Newberry one of the Most Charming Small Towns in America, and we’d have to agree. The town in South Carolina’s Midlands was founded in the mid-18^th century and has been carefully preserved through the decades since. When you roll into town, you can’t miss the imposing Newberry Opera House, outfitted with a 130-foot-high clock tower topped with a weathervane. Now used as a performing arts center, check the venue’s calendar to see if you may be able to catch a show.

McClellanville

Population: 601

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, this quaint fishing village is it. McClellanville is located at edge of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, so you’ll want to take time to explore the beautiful estuary and undisturbed beaches. Book a tour with Coastal Expeditions to have a chance at seeing more than 300 bird species and the famous Boneyard Beach, where weather trees have washed up on the shore.

Walhalla

Population: 4,095

In upstate South Carolina, the tiny town of Walhalla is a nature lover’s dream just waiting to be discovered. Located 30 minutes west of Clemson and about an hour from Greenville, Walhalla is home to 4,000 folks who have built a idyllic community in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Chase waterfalls like Yellow Branch Falls, Issaqueena Falls, and Station Cove Falls. Shop and stroll along Main Street, then pick up a treat at Hershberger’s Bakery. If you have the chance, visit in October to attend the city’s annual Oktoberfest, which celebrates the town’s German roots.