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Southern charm, timeless tradition, and incredible scenery 鈥� if you haven鈥檛 yet visited South Carolina, what are you waiting for? If you are looking for ideas for the perfect trip down south, keep it local. One of the best ways to experience the Palmetto State is strolling its scenic small towns. Here you will find coastal boardwalks humming with activity, quiet streets lined with antebellum architecture, and tranquil parks shadowed by ancient moss-covered oaks. This is the south at its best, showing off its signature charm, rich heritage, and walkable towns.

Beaufort

One of the prettiest towns in South Carolina, Beaufort is an unforgettable destination. Its shady streets and grand antebellum homes will make you feel as if you have walked onto a movie set, and you have 鈥� Forrest Gump, Platoon, Prince of Tides, and Forces of Nature were all filmed in and around Beaufort.

Beaufort鈥檚 entire downtown is a National Historic Landmark, boasting more than 50 architecturally significant gems. Start at the Beaufort Visitors Center to pick up a self-guided tour of the historic district which takes you into the Old Point and Bay Street neighborhoods, starting at the Beaufort History Museum on Craven Street and winding past old churches and stately homes. The 1.5 mile tour is a loop, bringing you back to your starting point downtown.

If you don鈥檛 feel like walking, take a horse-drawn carriage to see the sights in style. From Craven Street, head south to Bay Street where you will find Beaufort鈥檚 bustling marina, local eateries, and boutique shopping. Check out the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park for a pretty picnic spot overlooking the harbor where you can watch the ships go by or sign up for a kayaking tour to explore the waters around nearby Hunting Island.

Bluffton

Not far from Beaufort is a small tidewater community with a relaxed vibe and an eclectic, artistic feel. Visit the Old Town, a one square mile National Historic District, to see stunning examples of antebellum architecture including the 1841 Heyward House, former residence of George Cuthbert Heyward, whose grandfather lent his signature to the Declaration of Independence.

This is where you will also find Bluffton鈥檚 Welcome Center with information on other historical sites around town. From there, head towards the river and visit the Church of the Cross at the bottom of Calhoun Street. This Civil War chapel, overlooking the May River, is a beautiful spot to catch your breath, take pictures, and find out more about Bluffton鈥檚 fascinating history.

Head up Calhoun Street to see the best of modern-day Bluffton with art galleries, quirky boutiques, eateries, and gift shops. If you get hungry, keep walking to where Calhoun Street becomes Promenade Street. Find The Bluffton Room, a local favorite in the heart of Old Town, which serves up delicious Creole fare and fine dining classics.

Georgetown

Established in 1729, Georgetown is one of South Carolina鈥檚 oldest and most picturesque communities. The town overlooks Winyah Bay on the Hammock Coast and has a small, easily navigable, downtown centered around the Harborwalk on Front Street. This short boardwalk runs through the historic core of Georgetown. Starting from the east, you will quickly encounter the Rice Museum, a small museum dedicated to Georgetown鈥檚 rice industry (half of America鈥檚 rice used to come from this area). Attached to the museum, find the Prevost Gallery and gift shop which features the work of local artists and craftsmen.

Keep wandering along the harbor to the Kaminski House, a beautifully preserved example of mid-1800s Low country architecture. Tours run daily except Sundays and visitors in the winter can take a special Christmas-themed tour to see the property dressed up for the holiday season. Also on Front Street is the South Carolina Maritime Museum and Maritime Park. Visit this venue in October to catch the annual Wooden Boat Show which brings more than 100 classic historical vessels to the busy harbor.

Spartanburg

Founded in 1785, Spartanburg is a Civil War-era town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its vibrant downtown runs east to west on Main Street, and there is plenty to keep you busy on this bustling strip. Stop into one of the country鈥檚 first nonprofit bookstore, Hub City Bookshop, which funds artist programs and community outreach initiatives. The store is housed in a historic Masonic Temple and is next door to its partner business, the Little River Coffee Bar 鈥� a cozy spot to grab some caffeine and a quick bite.

Walking east on Main, the striking Clock Tower marks the heart of Spartanburg. Head a little further to see the Morgan Monument. Built to commemorate the Civil War hero General Daniel Morgan, this statue was erected in 1881 and overlooks Morgan Park at the intersection of Church and Main, the core of downtown. Stroll up Church Street to see the towering Montgomery Building where a young Elvis Presley performed in 1956, and then head east into Spartanburg鈥檚 cultural district. This is where you will find the Chapman Cultural Center, home to the oldest contemporary art museum in the south, the Spartanburg Art Museum.

Abbeville

Known as the 鈥渂irthplace and deathbed of the Confederacy,鈥� Abbeville in South Carolina is where the state leaders met and decided to secede from the Union in 1860. Just five years later, President Jefferson Davis opted to dissolve the Confederacy at a meeting in Abbeville鈥檚 Burt-Stark Mansion. This stately home is now open to the public and is located near the beautiful Jefferson Davis Park in Abbeville鈥檚 historic downtown. Tours of the National Historic Landmark run on Friday and Saturday afternoons.

The Burt-Stark Mansion isn鈥檛 the only piece of living history in Abbeville. A visit to nearby Historic Court Square is like stepping back in time. Wander down Trinity Street to get a closer look at the stunning pink cathedral of Trinity Episcopal Church, built in 1860. Another must-see, a short walk around Court Square to East Pickens Street is the Abbeville Opera House. Opened in 1904, the Opera House has seen the history of the south come alive on stage, hosting The Ziegfeld Follies, Vaudeville acts, Burlesque shows, and more.

Newberry

Newberry, in the midlands of South Carolina, has an eclectic past. This area was settled in the mid 1800s by European explorers, giving it a mix of German, Irish, and English heritage. Downtown has retained its distinctive feel, blending old and new with boutique shopping, art galleries, and cozy eateries housed in eye-catching historic buildings. You can鈥檛 miss the imposing Newberry Opera House, built in 1881 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Next to the Opera House is Memorial Park, the perfect spot to sit and watch the 海角社区 go by.

From there stroll down Boyce Street to CT Summer Hardware and Antiques, one of Newberry鈥檚 oldest businesses. This family-owned store opened its doors in 1928 and is a treasure trove of unique memorabilia. Head a couple of blocks south to Friend Street to visit the Newberry Museum, housed in a former post office built in 1911. The Museum has an extensive collection of exhibits telling the story of Newberry鈥檚 military history, arts and entertainment, industry, and more.

Conway

Located on the shores of the Waccamaw River, Conway is a historic river town in Horry County with 17 sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Take the historic riverwalk to see the sights, enjoying beautiful views of the water as you make your way to the Conway Visitors Center on Third Avenue, housed in the town鈥檚 former post office. Third Avenue is a busy thoroughfare full of shops, bistros, galleries, and more.

Stop for a snack at the Rivertown Bistro, a local favorite for over three decades, or grab a refreshing craft beer at the Crafty Rooster. The east end of Third Avenue meets Main Street, where you will find the Horry County Museum and LW Paul Living History Farm. Here you can spend a few happy hours learning about the natural history of the area and experiencing life on a one-horse farm in the early 1900s. The museum also includes a freshwater aquarium, a 600-seat auditorium which regularly hosts dynamic presentations, and interactive exhibits.

Delightful Downtowns and Scenic Strolls

From centuries-old homes and leafy parks to quirky boutiques and waterfront cafes, South Carolina鈥檚 walkable small-town streets are full of surprises. And you can enjoy the state鈥檚 legendary hospitality year-round with summer walking tours, fall fairs, holiday markets, and more. Embrace the slower pace of life in this inviting destination 鈥� a must-see stop for adventurers, wanderers, or those simply in need of a relaxing getaway.