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South Carolina is a magical paradise bordering the Atlantic Ocean, with amazing towns that should be on your 2025 bucket list. Most of these towns are historic, with some dating to the 1700s, and full of 19th-century structures, plus establishments offering trips down memory lane. Georgetown and Beaufort are just a few such towns, with the latter featuring a park dedicated to the Reconstruction Era.

Additionally, these towns in South Carolina are endowed with natural resources like beaches, cascading waterfalls, and waterbodies teeming with fish. Clemson, for instance, is located beside the 56,000-acre Lake Hartwell and is home to one of the most enchanting botanical gardens in America, full of nature trails, streams, and woodlands. So, regardless of preference, there鈥檚 so much to make you happy in these exciting towns in South Carolina. With the year just starting, there鈥檚 still plenty of time to explore each of these towns individually and better appreciate the Palmetto State.

Landrum

Landrum is a town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with just over 2,000 residents near the border with North Carolina. The town lays claim to the spotlight for being close to a few quaint attractions like the Campbell Covered Bridge - the only surviving covered bridge in the state over Beaverdam Creek. Landrum is also home to the Poinsett Bridge, featuring a 14-foot Gothic arch and representing the oldest stone bridge in the state. Additionally, the Landrum Rail & History Museum is in town and offers a deep dive into the area's railroad history with its exhibits, documents, and programs. Visitors to this town can explore these interesting attractions and then stop by the Southside Smokehouse later to savor barbecue and smoked meats.

If there鈥檚 still time, art lovers can head to the Millstone Gallery to check out some arts and crafts, while nature enthusiasts can take the 2.75-mile trail through the Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve to see birds, beautiful trees, and a river.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Charleston into an arena of water sports and adventures. This beach town on Folly Island is renowned for its iconic public beach, which is a paradise for surfing, sunbathing, and kayaking. From the beach, one can go on tours to the Morris Island Lighthouse, the tallest in South Carolina, or head to the pier for fishing. Besides the beach, this town has a vibrant downtown full of establishments worth exploring, like the Lost Dog Cafe, which offers delectable sandwiches & salads, and Rita鈥檚 Seaside Grill, featuring delicious tacos and seafood.

Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is a beautiful and laid-back beach town worth visiting year-round. This barrier island on the Atlantic Ocean is home to seven miles of pristine beachfront, perfect for relaxation and recreation. Activities on the beaches include swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, building sand castles, and picnicking.

Visitors who love entertainment can kick back at the Windjammer, a local music venue at Front Beach featuring live music, shows, waterfront views, and good eats. Wildlife lovers can take the Barrier Island Eco Tours to traverse marshes, creeks, and the Intracoastal waterway while sighting loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and coastal birds. Before leaving, be sure to enjoy delicious seafood at the Coconut Joe鈥檚.

Aiken

Aiken is a large town with an interesting history and plenty of things to offer. Founded in 1835, this town was once a hot spot for Northeastern vacationers escaping the winter cold. Today, it remains a favorite destination, albeit for a wider range of visitors seeking recreation and relaxation. Visit this town and start by learning about its equestrian history by visiting the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum. Next, head to the Aiken County Historical Museum to immerse yourself in the history of the town and see an 1890s schoolhouse and an early 19th-century log cabin.

Later, visit the nearby Aiken State Park to swim, fish, boat, camp, and hike, or head to the Aiken Center for Arts to get inspired by some artworks ranging from photography to jewelry and ceramics, among others. Weekend visitors will be delighted to shop at the Aiken County Farmers Market, which is one of the oldest food markets in South Carolina, established in 1954.

Clemson

The university town of Clemson is one of South Carolina鈥檚 finest, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains beside the 56,000-acre Lake Hartwell. First off, this massive lake is one of the most exciting destinations in the state for swimming, fishing, and boating. Even more exciting, the town hosts the mesmerizing South Carolina Botanical Gardens, featuring hundreds of nature-based outdoor sculptures, nature trails, ponds, streams, and woodlands.

The garden park also features the Fran Hanson Discovery Center, which contains art exhibits, and the Bob Campbell Museum of Geology, featuring over 10,000 rocks. Explore this garden and its beautiful attractions, and then tour Clemson University to admire some of its iconic attractions, like the 1891 Tillman Hall and the historic Hanover House, which was built in the early 1700s. Later, catch a show at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts and wrap up with a fine dining experience at the Pixie & Bill鈥檚 restaurant.

Anderson

Anderson is a university town that prides itself on being the friendliest city in South Carolina. This town also has many beloved draws, such as the Rocky River Nature Conservancy, which has a boardwalk over its protected wetlands for tourists to explore. Lake Hartwell is another massive draw near the town, perfect for boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and cruising experiences. Besides its outdoor draws, the town is home to the Anderson County Museum, where visitors can explore the county鈥檚 past, including its Native American, pioneer, military, and baseball histories. Meanwhile, art lovers will appreciate the visual art offerings at the Anderson Art Center, including the interesting shows and concerts that can be enjoyed at the Market Theatre Company.

Walhalla

Walhalla stands in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Blue Ridge Escarpment area, offering easy access to some of the state鈥檚 most beautiful waterfalls. If you鈥檙e a waterfall lover, like everybody else, visit this town and start an unforgettable adventure by taking a 15-minute hike to the nearby Issaqueena Falls.

This magnificent 100-foot cascade waterfall is beautiful and unique as it was named after a Creek maiden who was said to have hidden behind the waterfall to escape capture by Cherokee warriors. Next, visit the 50-foot Yellow Branch Falls for more waterfall scenery, and then head to the Oconee History Museum to learn about the area鈥檚 Native American, immigration, agricultural, and railroad history.

In the meantime, Walhalla invites visitors to enjoy a unique stay at the Majestic Treehouse on Bolt Farms, featuring a suspension bridge, a two-tiered deck, and a host of luxurious amenities perfect for royalty.

Beaufort

Beaufort is South Carolina鈥檚 second oldest city, founded in 1711 and renowned as the Queen of Carolina Sea Islands. This pretty town on Port Royal Island has so much to offer, especially for history buffs, as it features attractions like the Beaufort History Museum. This museum is the perfect place to learn about the area鈥檚 history, from the Spanish settlement to the town鈥檚 involvement in the Civil War. Just a few steps from this museum, the beautiful Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park offers a great way to relax as it is on the Beaufort River and features picnic tables, green lawns, and amazing sunset and river views. Visitors can enjoy the scenery of this park for a moment and then head to the Reconstruction Era National Historic Park to learn more about the period between 1861 and 1900 when the United States debated topics such as what it means to be free, who should be citizens, and how to integrate millions of freed Africans into the American society.

For some adventures, visitors can book a tour with Beaufort Lands End Paddling to kayak or canoe on the Beaufort River and Hunting Island. Afterward, rent a bike or put on some boots and hit the 10-mile Spanish Moss Trail to explore the spectacular coastal scenery of Beaufort County.

Bluffton

Bluffton is a naturally splendid town on a bluff overlooking the May River, perfect for a coastal vacation filled with water-based recreation and historic endeavors. Incorporated in 1852, this town鈥檚 location on the river has made it a favorite destination for relaxation and recreation since the early 19th century. Today, the river remains a hot spot for boating, swimming, and fishing, with the Oyster Factory Park offering easy access to the water. The park also has fire pits & grills and the 19th-century Garvin-Garvey Freedman鈥檚 Cottage House, which served as the home of a former African slave named Cyrus Garvin. Visitors to this town will also be delighted by the town鈥檚 many historic attractions, including the 1857 Church of the Cross and the 1890 Planters Mercantile, which once sold clothing, boots, shoes, and groceries.

Additionally, Bluffton is rich in the arts and invites visitors to stroll through Calhoun Street and explore establishments like Calhoun Street Gallery and La Petite Art Galleries, both featuring local artworks. While exploring, stop at the May River Theatre company to catch electrifying shows and performances.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a resort town in the 60-mile-long Grand Strand, lavish with exciting attractions and several beautiful beaches. Visit this town and start an unforgettable vacation by heading to one of its beaches to surf, sunbathe, or boat in the water. Proceed to walk on the beach boardwalk & promenade and explore establishments like the SkyWheel, an observation wheel reaching heights of 200 feet; and Fun Plaza, featuring a wide range of games. Next, head to Myrtle Beach State Park to explore nature trails, camp in the maritime forest, and fish in the water.

Visitors with children can head to the Family Kingdom Amusement Park to have fun. There are more than 30 rides and a water park, among other incredible attractions. Elsewhere, the Alabama Theater invites guests to come enjoy incredible shows and performances.

Georgetown

Georgetown is a charming and exciting town located along Winyah Bay and at the confluence of several rivers. Incorporated in 1729, this town is the third-oldest in the state and is now home to historical attractions like the South Carolina Maritime Museum, which features exhibits and events highlighting the state鈥檚 maritime heritage. The Georgetown County Museum is another excellent historic stop in town, where visitors can delve into the county鈥檚 300-year history. For more history, head to the Gullah Museum to learn about the language and culture created by enslaved Africans in the colonial era.

Away from the history, visitors here can take a stroll on the Harborwalk to admire the picturesque river scenery, rest on the benches along it, and fish in the water. Nature lovers can book a guided tour to explore the marshes, wetlands, forests, and beaches of the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center while watching out for migratory birds, eagles, alligators, and loggerhead sea turtles.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a barrier island and resort town where summer vacations are just as exciting as they come. Typical of islands, this town boasts a 12-mile shoreline with many beaches, such as Coligny, Burkes, Alder Lane, and Folly Field beaches. Visit any of these beaches to relax on the sand, stroll, swim, and embark on water sports. Next, visit the Harbor Town Lighthouse Museum to see towering red and white stripes, and climb the lighthouse to savor views of the ocean.

For history and art enthusiasts, check out the Coastal Discovery Museum to see exhibits and artifacts about marine life across its many galleries. Elsewhere, visitors can shop for souvenirs at the Coligny Plaza Shopping Center and then head to the Shelter Cove Town Center to enjoy picnics, movie nights, and stroll along the waterfront of Broad Creek.

Why South Carolina鈥檚 Towns Should Be on Your 2025 Travel List

Visiting South Carolina is one of the best decisions one can make, considering the state鈥檚 many exciting offerings. Think about tree-shaded trails leading to cascading waterfalls, beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, and streets lined up with 19th-century structures. These are just some of the impressive destinations South Carolina has to offer, and they can be found in its small towns like Myrtle Beach, Walhalls, and Aiken. Visit these towns in 2025 and prepare to enjoy some of the most incredible attractions and scenery in all of South Carolina.