These are the 15 best small towns in SC, Southern Living says. Here’s what makes them charming
Sometimes the city, with its crowds and bustling atmosphere, gets tiring. A growing population in South Carolina is making the state’s urban areas congested, and sometimes, residents want a change of pace.
Thankfully, SC has plenty of relaxed, small towns that offer beautiful outdoor activities, unique shops and amazing restaurants that are great places to settle down.
And it doesn’t get much better than the following SC towns, according to a recent article from Southern Living.
Here are Southern Living’s 15 favorite small towns in SC:
15 best small towns in SC
#1. Beaufort
Beaufort is a hidden gem in SC, with its natural beauty, scenic waterways and beautiful parks, such as the Hunting Island State Park.
#2. Georgetown
South of Myrtle Beach, Georgetown has a long strand of restaurants, shops and galleries right by the coast. It’s the third-oldest town in SC after Charleston and Beaufort, and there’s plenty of history to explore.
#3. Bluffton
If you live in Bluffton, you can enjoy visiting the tranquil marshland, elegant homes, a colorful art scene and palmetto trees everywhere you turn. Located by the May River, there are plenty of fresh seafood restaurants to try out.
#4. Aiken
Located 20 miles away from Augusta, Georgia, Aiken has a rich equestrian community with historic charm and tradition. Visitors and residents can explore the Hitchcock Woods, the 2,100-acre urban forest.
#5. Folly Beach
Folly Beach is known for its beautiful and clean seaside village. It’s a popular surfer destination, and there are plenty of restaurants, shops and bars to explore.
#6. Clemson
Home to Clemson University, Clemson has a healthy downtown area and many parks, trails and gardens that visitors can walk through.
#7. Travelers Rest
Tucked away in the southern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Travelers Rest is a charming little area that is becoming increasingly popular. You can find outdoor adventure, historic charm, local shopping and great restaurants.
#8. Edisto Island
One of South Carolina’s biggest barrier islands, Edisto Island, is intentionally undeveloped. There is barely a hotel in sight, and beautiful houses are displayed along its beach. After a nice beach day, go and try out Whaley’s, the famous, award-winning seafood joint.
#9. Landrum
Downtown Landrum has plenty of small-town charm. Filled with antique shops with brick storefronts dating from the late 1800s and early 1900s, it’s a town rich with history.
#10. Anderson
Known as The Electric City, Anderson is home to one of the Southeast’s largest recreational lakes and has a beautiful historic district. With a welcoming atmosphere, anyone can enjoy the town’s boutiques, specialty shops, breweries, restaurants and Carolina Wren Park, where you might be lucky enough to catch an open-air concert.
#11. Florence
Downtown Florence earned recognition as a Great American Main Street in 2023 thanks to its bustling environment. The Pee Dee State Farmers Market is a great place for residents and visitors to enjoy the area’s local products. There are also many different parks and shops to try out.
#12. York
The town of York is home to nearly 200 state and nationally registered historic locations. It has a charming downtown area, filled with local shops, museums and restaurants.
#13. Newberry
Founded in the 18th century, Newberry has a carefully preserved, historic environment. The charming small town has the beautiful Newberry Opera House, which is now used as a performing arts center.
#14. McClellanville
McClellanville is a small fishing town in the rural area of Charleston County. McClellanville is located at the edge of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, so you’ll want to take time to explore the beautiful, undisturbed beaches.
#15. Walhalla
Walhalla is a nature lover’s dream destination, located in the Upstate. Located about an hour away from Clemson, the tiny town has several waterfalls to explore, such as the Yellow Branch Falls, Issaqueena Falls and Station Cove Falls.