7 Picturesque Small Towns in South Carolina for a Weekend Retreat
South Carolina offers a beautifully diverse landscape, home to mountainous terrain and some of the country's most renowned beaches, such as Myrtle Beach, making it the optimal destination for a picturesque weekend retreat. The state sits along the Atlantic Coastline, dazzling locals and visitors alike with its unforgettable beauty. Its small towns house all of its natural beauty, alongside charming inns and B&Bs, as well as local events and happenings that are sure to intrigue. Each town is an easy place to kick back and relax, where visitors may indulge in the sunshine and the sweet iced tea for which the Palmetto State is famous.
Travelers Rest
The town of Travelers Rest is exactly what the name implies: a small town chock full of Southern charm, surrounded by sparkling lakes, mountain trails, peaceful waterfalls, and picturesque views. It earns a spot on the list of best small towns to visit in South Carolina for its location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as its proximity to the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile multi-use greenway where visitors hike, bike, and stroll. Under 20 minutes outside of town is Pleasant Ridge Falls, an ideal location for birding, exploring, and waterfall-viewing.
Moreover, the town's Trailblazer Park is the perfect place to experience local events, such as the seasonal Travelers Rest Farmers Market, the Fall Bluegrass & Harvest Market, and the Music in the Park Concert Series in summer. After all the fun, visitors can choose from one of many cozy places to stay, including Swamp Rabbit Inn, Hotel Domestique, and Hampton Inn.
Aiken
Aiken is one of the most charming small towns in the American South, well known for its equestrian community and Aiken Horse Show, which has been around for decades. The town also explodes with outdoor splendor, home to the serene Hitchcock Woods which is chock full of hiking trails, as well as the stunning Hopeland Gardens, the Aiken Arboretum Trail, and Boyd Pond Park & Observatory. History lovers will find delight in a trip to the Aiken County Historical Museum, while music enthusiasts must watch a show of the Aiken Symphony orchestra.
Travelers may embark on several tours to get a taste of the area's beauty and history, including the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum, Aiken Ghost Tours, and the Aiken Equine Rescue. As the day comes to an end, spots such as Annie's Inn Bed & Breakfast, Carriage House Inn, and Rose Hill in Aiken offer a comfortable reprieve to recharge.
Beaufort
Beaufort is one of the most charming towns in South Carolina, a portion of which sits on Port Royal Island, one of the most populous Sea Islands. The town is well-loved for its antebellum mansions as one of the oldest towns in South Carolina, such as the notable John Mark Verdier House Museum, an early-1800s Federal-style mansion with several exhibits and period pieces. Centuries-old oak trees line the town's historic streets, while popular events such as The Annual Beaufort Oyster Festival, Beaufort's International Film Festival, and The Annual Beaufort Water Festival fill the area with life.
Other opportunities for fun include boating, paddling, and kayaking on the Beaufort River or birdwatching and strolling along Waterfront Park. No matter how you decide to spend the day, the best places to stay in Beaufort include Anchorage 1770, Beaulieu House at Cat Island, and North Street Inn.
Edisto Beach
Edisto Beach sits on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean on Edisto Island, and it is one of the cutest small towns in South Carolina. Miles of sandy beaches, salt marshes, and forests make the town a wonderful destination for all sorts of outdoor adventures. For example, tourists here love to go hunting for shark teeth and fossils on Edisto Beach, or even watch Loggerhead Turtle eggs hatch and make their way to the water in the late spring and summer. Fishing is a popular activity given the town's proximity to the ocean, while historic churches such as the Edisto Island Baptist Church and the Edisto Island Museum offer a deep dive into the area's past.
Edisto Island houses the beautiful Wyndham Ocean Ridge to stay for a weekend getaway, while visitors may also camp out under the stars in Edisto Beach State Park.
Daufuskie Island
While not a designated town, this community has all the makings of a wonderful small town in South Carolina. Daufuskie Island sits between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, Georgia, offering easy access to the hustle and bustle of the city alongside the beauty of the small town. It is also only accessible via boat, whether it is a ferry or a water taxi, making for an especially private and remote retreat. Popular things to do include exploring the Bloody Point Lighthouse & Museum, as well as Daufuskie Trail Rides by horseback and nearby May River Excursions.
The town also hosts plenty of weekly and annual events, such as heritage trail tours and farmers markets. Travelers may stay on the island at Blue Crab Cottage or nearby spots such as Beach House Resort or the 1748 Bluff Villa on Hilton Head Island.
Clemson
Clemson is one of the most picture-perfect towns in South Carolina, situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordered by Lake Hartwell. It is home to Clemson University, offering an attractive nightlife and plenty of football games where travelers may cheer on local teams. Outdoor recreation hot spots include Lake Hartwell, perfect for kayaking and fishing; Clemson Experimental Forest, where many travelers hike 17,500 acres of forestlands; and Abernathy Waterfront Park, the perfect destination for a peaceful stroll or picnic. That said, if you have to choose one outdoor destination, the state's 295-acre South Carolina Botanical Garden is a must-visit, with tons of stunning flora on offer.
There are also plenty of museums awaiting exploration, such as the Bob Campbell Geology Museum, Clemson Area African American Museum, and Hanover House. The best places to stay in Clemson include The Shepherd Hotel and The Abernathy, where visitors can enjoy great food and comfortable lodging.
Bluffton
Bluffton, situated on the shores of the May River, earns a spot among US favorites with its abundant scenery. The town boasts an array of things to enjoy in the great outdoors, such as hiking in Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve, and guided tours of the Atlantic Ocean with May River Excursions, where travelers may even spot dolphins. The area is also rich in arts and culture, home to spots such as La Petite Gallerie, Marsh on the May, and the Society of Bluffton Artists.
Well-loved events in Bluffton include Mayfest, Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival, and Easter Sunrise at Oyster Factory Park. Travelers may turn a trip to Bluffton into a weekend getaway and stay overnight at Old Town Bluffton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Comfort Suites Bluffton.
Enjoy a Weekend in South Carolina!
The picturesque small towns of South Carolina are ideal for a weekend retreat, earning a spot on any traveler's bucket list for vacation destinations. From searching for fossils on Edisto Beach with the kids to exploring Beaufort, the second oldest founded town in South Carolina, there is plenty to see and do in the beauty of South Carolina. Visitors may enjoy all of the natural beauty of the area, such as the Aiken Arboretum Trail or the Swamp Rabbit Trail, while also delving into local events and culture for a truly unforgettable, adventure-packed weekend getaway.
