Charming towns are what South Carolina is all about. When it was realized that a lot of our small towns were struggling, people came together and put into place a plan to revitalize them so they wouldn’t go the way of the Dodo bird. Now, we have some of the prettiest small towns on the east coast! But, they are not only pretty…they are thriving. Here are 15 of the most beautiful small towns in South Carolina that you should definitely visit if you get the chance.
York is situated not too far from the North Carolina line. There is quite a bit of history in this place. It's quite a place to visit with the family, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing colors.
Edisto Island is not just a beach destination. There is a town there, but many don't see it because it's not on their radar. Edisto itself is a small, but charming town that has beautiful scenery.
Yes, Clemson is a college town and home to many students, but the downtown is so very nice with little shops to browse through. When you get hungry after all that walking, they have excellent restaurants. Don't forget SC Botanical Gardens, Fort Hill Plantation, and Bob Campbell Geology Museum.
This entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places. You have to visit Palmetto Moonshine Zoo on the Roof after you tour the Farmer's Hall which is the center of the town square. Also, don't skip the Clemson Little Theater and the Agricultural Museum.
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Travelers Rest is a great example of what downtown revitalization can do for a place. Besides being the home of Furman University they also have the popular Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Beaufort is the small town that everyone thinks of when they think of South Carolina. It's rich in history just like all of our other towns, but it's lively and on the edge of being a small-big town. It was named in Southern Living Magazines's "Small Towns We Love".
Clover is a charming little place just south of North Carolina. Their main attraction is the fact that they are just minutes away from Carowinds, but that should be a bonus. Clover has a great downtown area full of shopping, antiques, and restaurants.
This has to be the happiest town in South Carolina and surely stands up to its name of "Pleasant". The town is most definitely charming, but the people are the real charmers.
14. Cheraw, SC
Gwen Galloway/Fey Illusions Photography
Full of little shops and restaurants, I quite enjoy visiting here. The tree-lined streets and town statues are gorgeous.
Hartsville has become something of a leader these days in sprucing up and cleaning out. It really is quite a beautiful little town to visit with small shops, great restaurants, and delicious bakeries.
It’s time to get out those roadmaps, Atlas, or GPS and find your way to these beautiful places. You will love finding the heart of South Carolina in these small charming towns. If your favorite small town didn’t make the list, be sure to nominate it here.