South Carolina can be a wonderful state to visit, but where should you go?
There are some great cities in the state, such as Charleston and Greenville. But if you are looking to step up your travel game, try something off the beaten path with more of a small-town feel.
Here are some great South Carolina small towns to add to your travel list.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources
Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $15 the first year with auto-renewal.
Landrum
/images/2024/03/03/american-red-barn.jpg)
Landrum offers great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and plenty of outdoor splendor, from a nature preserve to Campbell's Covered Bridge.
The area also has a small downtown area with restaurants and antique shops to enjoy.
Bluffton
/images/2024/03/03/bluffton-south-carolina.jpg)
Bluffton calls itself the Heart of the Lowcountry. The Society of Bluffton Artists displays the work of more than 100 artists, as well as offering workshops for residents and visitors.
Beaufort
/images/2024/03/03/promenade-on-the-waterfront.jpg)
Take in Beaufort's Waterfront Park before heading on a walking tour to see the historic homes in the town.
Beaufort is also near South Carolina's Hunting Island State Park, where you can enjoy hiking and biking trails before returning to your inn downtown.
Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.
If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Anderson
/images/2024/03/03/interstate-highway-rest-area.jpg)
Anderson is the perfect stop for anglers who want to get in some fishing on one of the lakes in the area.
The town also hosts major fishing competitions if you simply want to watch from the shore.
Abbeville
/images/2024/03/03/3d-highway-sign.jpg)
The town of Abbeville has a quaint downtown where you can visit local bars, restaurants, and artisan shops.
Abbeville is also close to the Calhoun Falls State Park. There, you can enjoy fishing, swimming, kayaking, and hiking.
Trending Stories
Lake City
/images/2024/03/03/mount-pleasant-sunset.jpg)
Artists and art lovers will find a welcoming place in Lake City.
The town hosts events throughout the year that celebrate visual arts, music, botanical displays, and more.
Edisto Beach
/images/2024/03/03/sunset-over-the-houses.jpg)
Get out to the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy a relaxing time in Edisto Beach.
The town has a laid-back feel and is a perfect option if you want to relax on a family friendly beach and enjoy some time unwinding.
Walterboro
/images/2024/03/03/walterboro-courthouse.jpg)
Walterboro is just 50 miles from Charleston, making it a great option for a day trip.
The downtown's 19th-century architecture welcomes you in with artisan shops and a local museum covering the history of Colleton County.
Newberry
/images/2024/03/03/newberry-south-carolina-logo.jpg)
Head to Newberry for a wine tasting at a local winery. Or, enjoy the arts at the Newberry Arts Center or Newberry Opera House.
The city is also close to plenty of outdoor activities. Enjoy several lakes, rivers, and nature walks through nearby Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Travelers Rest
/images/2024/03/03/south-carolina-travelers-rest.jpg)
Take a break at Travelers Rest with activities to keep you busy during the day and at night.
The town holds concerts in a local park and has an art event with local artists. You can also pick up an outdoor adventure guide to explore the local scenery.
Daufuskie Island
/images/2024/03/03/daufuskie-island-sc.jpg)
Outside Hilton Head is Daufuskie Island, where you can take a ferry to enjoy the sun and sand or wander around the oak trees.
The island also has golf for adults. Or, take the kids to a local community farm run by volunteers that features cows, goats, ducks, and more.
York
/images/2024/03/03/sunset-landscape.jpg)
York is named after the city in England. It is also known as the White Rose City in a nod to the symbol of the House of York.
The town's historical district includes 180 contributing properties to get you close to the past.
Aiken
/images/2024/03/03/hopelands-gardens-tree-tunnel.jpg)
Aiken has a beautiful landscape that features plenty of old oak trees, trails, and more. Golfers also may enjoy a stop in Aiken, as the town has five golf clubs.
Clover
/images/2024/03/03/sky-and-clouds-sunset.jpg)
Spend a day hiking in nature with history all around you at Kings Mountain State Park in Clover.
The town also has plenty of dinner spots to enjoy. You can even find a sweet spot or two serving doughnuts and chocolate.
McClellanville
/images/2024/03/03/old-public-school-architecture.jpg)
McClellanville is a fishing village, so there is plenty to look for if you want to eat fresh fish or simply watch the boats come in and out with their catches.
You also may want to set aside some time to visit during the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival in May, which has been a tradition in the town for 45 years.
If you plan to visit McClellanville or any of the other cities on this list, make sure to take one of the best cashback credit cards with you. Earning cash back will help defray the cost of your trip.
Bottom line
/images/2024/03/03/downtown-in-the-morning.jpg)
South Carolina can be a great place to visit, or an affordable option if you want to retire early.
So, visit one or more of the places on this list for a healthy dose of relaxation and Southern charm.
Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards
Benefits
Card Details
- $0 annual fee
- Simple, flat-rate rewards
- Flexible redemption options
- Up to 75% Bank of America Preferred Rewards® bonus potential
- Apply Now
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases. You could earn 3.75-5.25 points for every $1 you spend on travel purchases made through the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
/images/2024/12/16/bofa-travel.png)
on Bank of America’s secure website
Read Card ReviewIntro Offer
Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Annual Fee
$0
Why we like it
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is great for individuals who enjoy earning rewards and traveling.
Cardholders will enjoy the flexibility to redeem points with no blackout dates and receive a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
- Apply Now
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.