The East Coast is filled with must-visit places, from Montauk’s surfing beaches to Newport’s majestic mansions. Many vacationers visit the East Coast to check out the spectacular beaches, perfect for swimming, surfing, and tanning. Even in the winter months, the nature on the coast is splendid. One particularly wonderful East Coast state is South Carolina. From stunning South Carolina waterfalls to South Carolina’s oldest, most historic hotels worth staying at, there is plenty to see and do in the Palmetto State.

While South Carolina is home to beautiful cities like Charleston, there is also a great deal of charming towns in the state. Here are the best towns to visit in South Carolina.

UPDATE: 2023/04/30 22:15 EST BY MARIA BOU INK

Now, There Are Even More of the Prettiest Towns In South Carolina to Visit

The Charm of South Carolina towns is never-ending. Therefore, this list was updated to include more of the most beautiful towns South Carolina has to offer. Most of them combine culture, history, entertainment, and beauty, making every tourist's journey dazzling and enchanting.

Related: These Are The Most Scenic Roads On The East Coast For A Road Trip

14 Clemson

Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
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Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina

The University of Clemson is well recognized for its championship sporting programs, which have made it synonymous with the school. However, most people are unaware of the fact that Clemson also has several breathtaking locations that are ideal for nature enthusiasts. These locations include, among others, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the South Carolina Botanical Garden, enormous manmade reservoirs, Lake Hartwell, and public boating opportunities. This is a well-liked location during spring break; it goes without saying.

13 Landrum

Historic Campbells Covered Bridge in Landrum, South Carolina
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Historic Campbells Covered Bridge in Landrum, South Carolina

Although homesteaders began to settle the region around Landrum as early as 1760, this charming South Carolina town’s development didn’t take off until the late 19th century. Small eateries, unusual shops, and antique stores make Landrum a great destination for people who enjoy window shopping and aimless wandering. Nonetheless, it's not only in the town; if tourists venture outside of Landrum, they’ll find the Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve, which has a few difficult hiking paths. Campbell's Covered Bridge, the only surviving covered bridge in South Carolina, was constructed in 1909 and offers another option.

12 Abbeville

Prysmian Copper Wire Tower in Abbeville, South Carolina
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Prysmian Copper Wire Tower in Abbeville, South Carolina

The Abbeville Historic District is made up of 528 buildings, including mansions, homes, and even an opera theater. This is a group of remarkable structures, most of which are from the 19th century. It serves as evidence of Abbeville's lengthy history. Named after a French town, Abbeville was built by French Huguenots. When tourists have had enough of all the construction, they can leave town and hike in some peaceful woodlands in the Long Cane Scenic Area, which is located southeast of the city.

  • Cost: The entrance fee to Long Cane Scenic Area is $3 per vehicle

11 Greenville

Table Rock State Park and Pinnacle Lake at Sunrise near Greenville South Carolina SC
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Table Rock State Park and Pinnacle Lake at Sunrise near Greenville South Carolina SC

Greenville's economy and population are among the fastest-growing in the state, but it also has a lovely downtown and a lot of interesting natural and cultural attractions. Falls Park on the Reedy is the perfect site to take in the scenery because it is situated in the mountainous, forested foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. One of Frank Lloyd Wright's final works is in Greenville, an excellent destination for those who enjoy architecture. The West End historic neighborhood, which was formerly a collection of vacant warehouses, is now a wonderful illustration of how the city has grown recently.

Related: South Carolina Adventure Awaits: The Ultimate Guide To Greenville & Things To Do

10 Edisto Island

Charleston, Botany Bay, Boneyard Beach, Edisto Island
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Charleston, Botany Bay, Boneyard Beach, Edisto Island

One of the best small towns in South Carolina is Edisto Island. Edisto Island’s population is under 2,000, making it the perfect small-town getaway. The outdoor activities in the area are a major draw, including fishing, golfing, biking, hiking, paddle boarding, and surfing. In addition, the local seafood does not disappoint. Tourists can ask any local about shrimp, and they will say Edisto Beach contains the best shrimp in the world. Some visitors attempt to catch their own shrimp, while others turn to the local seafood restaurants for a delicious dish.

9 Newberry

Newberry on the map of South Carolina
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Newberry on the map of South Carolina

Another one of the prettiest towns South Carolina has to offer is Newberry. Located in the Midlands of South Carolina, this town is rich with culture and history. Visitors enjoy strolling along Newberry’s historic downtown. This charming area features restaurants and small business shops. The Newberry Opera House is perfect for travelers wishing to see some beautiful Newberry architecture and take in a show. The opera house offers a wide variety of concerts, as well as ballets and gospel brunches.

  • Address: 1201 McKibben St, Newberry, SC 29108

8 Mount Pleasant

Sunset over Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
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Sunset over Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

The US is full of small towns people should visit in the winter. One South Carolina town that is equally beautiful year-round is Mount Pleasant. Less than a 20-minute drive from Charleston, Mount Pleasant offers a quiet escape from city life while still giving visitors the option to drive into Charleston. What makes Mount Pleasant truly beautiful, however, is the breathtaking views of the Wando River and the Atlantic Ocean. Palmetto Islands County Park is the perfect Mount Pleasant spot to experience nature, featuring fishing, kayaking, paved trails, and picnic areas. So, get away from the big cities in South Carolina to discover this hidden gem and get back to peace and quiet.

  • Address: 444 Needlerush Pkwy, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

7 McClellanville

The dock in McClellanville, South Carolina
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The dock in McClellanville, South Carolina

Tourists who enjoy fishing will love the South Carolina town of McClellanville. This beautiful oceanfront town is known for its superb fishing, shrimping, and oystering. While days out on the water are appealing to some folks, others prefer biking along the luscious Pinckney Street. This stretch of road is surrounded by all sorts of greenery, creating a shaded tunnel to bike through. The town’s downtown area also impresses guests with its local shops and restaurants.

Related: East Coast USA: Complete Travel Guide

6 Aiken

Avenue of Oaks - South Boundary, Aiken, South Carolina
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Avenue of Oaks - South Boundary, Aiken, South Carolina

Located in Western South Carolina, Aiken is the perfect southern small town. From farmers' markets to music fests to parks, there are plenty of charming activities to enjoy in Aiken. Visitors looking to get a lay of the land should embark on Aiken’s 2-hour guided trolley tour. Perfect for any season, the trolley contains both heating and AC. Guests on the tour learn about the town’s history, including information on historic homes in Aiken and the Civil War’s Battle of Aiken.

  • Company: Aiken Trolley Tours
  • Address: 406 Park Ave SE, Aiken, SC 29801
  • Hours: Saturday 10 am-12 pm
  • Cost: $15 per person

5 Hilton Head Island

Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
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Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island is a name many people have heard before, with many travelers pondering this question: does Hilton Head Island live up to the hype? This town is known for its sandy beaches and bright waters, but Hilton Head Island offers much more than a stunning shoreline. Must-visit historic sites on the island include Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center and Stoney-Baynard Ruins at Sea Pines.

Outdoor activities are also popular on Hilton Head Island. Visitors enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, as well as golfing at one of the impressive courses.

4 Georgetown

The boardwalk along the river in Georgetown, South Carolina
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The boardwalk along the river in Georgetown, South Carolina

When people hear the name Georgetown, they often think of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. There is also, however, a charming town named Georgetown in South Carolina. Georgetown, in fact, is South Carolina’s third oldest city. This waterfront town is lined with delightful shops, flower beds, and powerful oak trees. Local bookstores, vintage shops, boutiques, and restaurants can all be found in Georgetown. Some travelers prefer to get out on the water, enjoying Georgetown’s boating and fishing scene. Overall, this is one of the nicest towns in South Carolina for those looking for a quaint getaway and escape from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities.

Related: Soak Up The Sun In South Carolina's 10 Best Beach Towns

3 Bluffton

Scenic view of May River, Bluffton, SC
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Scenic view of May River, Bluffton, South Carolina, United States

A beautiful and peaceful South Carolina town worth visiting is Bluffton. Bluffton possesses a strong art scene, with several art galleries and artist workshops located throughout the town. Tourists can visit The Society of Bluffton Artists Gallery to view incredible local artwork, including mixed media pieces, paintings, photography, sculptures, and jewelry. At least one local artist is always on-site to answer questions and share their knowledge of art.

  • Address: 6 Church St, Bluffton, SC 29910
  • Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 11 am-3 pm
  • Cost: Free

2 York

North Congress Street, York, South Carolina
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North Congress Street, York, South Carolina, one of the most underrated South Carolina towns

Another quiet South Carolina town is York. York's downtown area is lined with colorful storefronts, glowing streetlamps, and several local eateries. Those who need caffeine to start their day will love York Coffee Roastery and Greenhouse Coffee. When in York, it is also essential to visit the farms in the area. Black’s Peaches, a local farm, sells fresh strawberries and peaches, as well as delicious homemade pies. During the months of early May-mid June, visitors can pick their own strawberries.

  • Address: 1800 Black Hwy, York, SC 29745
  • Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm, closed Sunday

1 Beaufort

Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

Travelers looking to stay on an island will love Beaufort, located on Port Royal Island. While Beaufort SC is less than 26 square miles in size, there is no shortage of things to do. The Visit Beaufort website shares 50 things to do in the Lowcountry. Three must-try activities are taking a Beaufort biplane tour, visiting the Beaufort History Museum, and embarking on a kayak tour. Exploring the area via kayak tour is a fun and unique way to learn about Beaufort and its marine ecosystem. Visitors who embark on the Dolphin Ecology Tour can paddle through the salt marsh and view dolphins up close. All in all, many travelers believe this to be the prettiest town in South Carolina - why not visit and see if that's true?

  • Company: Beaufort Kayak Tours
  • Hours: 7 am-5 pm daily
  • Phone number: (843)-525-0810