Posted in South Carolina Attractions June 16, 2021 by

Take This Road Trip Through South Carolina’s Most Picturesque Small Towns For An Unforgettable Experience

Here in South Carolina, we’re blessed with an abundance of beautiful and charming small towns. Exploring them one by one will give you one of the most scenic road trips in South Carolina. Gas up the car because we’re hitting the road for the ultimate road trip through small towns in South Carolina. Enjoy these picturesque small towns and the beautiful drive through the Palmetto State in icy-cool air-conditioned comfort. Here’s a link to the Google route. Have fun!

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1. Clemson
Flickr/Bart
Flickr/Let Ideas Compete
Facebook/South Carolina Botanical Garden
One of the best scenic road trips in South Carolina start in the town of Clemson. Clemson's motto is "In Season, Every Season." This picturesque small town in the Palmetto State is in fact beautiful any time of the year. Be sure to seek out the South Carolina Botanical Garden, an urban paradise of 295 acres located on the campus of Clemson University. Admission to the Garden is free.
2. Pendleton
Flickr/Let Ideas Compete
Flickr/Bill Herndon
Pendleton is located in Anderson County and was established in 1790. It was a rich man's playground as the wealthy folks from the South Carolina coast were once known to migrate here and build large homes, such as the one photographed above. While you're in town, you can stop by Mac Smith's Country Store for a mouthwatering burger.
3. York
Wikimedia Commons/Connor401
Flickr/Nick
The area now known as York, South Carolina first came to be known as Fergus’s Crossroads after a tavern that was built here. Then it was called Yorkville and now, just York. There are about 7,800 people living in York and it still has that small town historical charm.
4. Cheraw
Cheraw, SC
Flickr/Ron Stafford
Without a doubt, Cheraw is one of the most scenic towns in South Carolina. The birthplace of Dizzy Gillespie will warm your heart with its southern charm. Learn more about the relatively little-known Dizzy Gillespie Park.
5. Newberry
Flickr/Natalie Maynor
Flickr/Martin LaBar
Home to Newberry College and the Newberry Opera House, this historic city in South Carolina is as beautiful as they come. Learn more about what you can do when you visit this scenic South Carolina destination.
6. Edgefield
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Facebook/Explore Edgefield (The Edgefield Community Development Association)
Edgefield is the "Gateway to Southern History." This small town of just under 5,000 people still retains the character of days gone by. You'll enjoy all the turkeys here too. (You'll see what we mean when you get there...)
7. Walterboro
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Flickr/OZinOH
Walterboro was originally established as a place wealthy South Carolina residents would go to get away from the sweltering heat of the summer sun. If you like antiquing, then you'll love the historic downtown area...an antique lover's dream. When it comes to scenic road trips in South Carolina, Walterboro is a must-see destination.
8. McClellanville
Flickr/Daniel Bates
Flickr/Daniel Bates
Last on our list of small towns that make up one of the most scenic road trips in South Carolina is none other than McClellanville. We've saved the smallest town on this list (population of about 500) for the last stop on this road trip. You'll want to have plenty of time to get out and explore the historic district in McClellanville. The breathtaking tree-lined streets are gorgeous. There are many public buildings here to explore, and a few opportunities to grab a cold drink and something to eat. You'll also want to carve out some time to explore the stunning botanical garden.

We love putting together road trips for our readers. Are there any scenic road trips in South Carolina you’d like to see? Let us know in our comments. We’d love to hear.

For another great road trip, we suggest The Ultimate South Carolina Waterfalls Road Trip.

Address: Clemson, SC, USA
Address: Pendleton, SC 29670, USA
Address: York, SC 29745, USA
Address: Cheraw, SC 29520, USA
Address: Newberry, SC 29108, USA
Address: Edgefield, SC 29824, USA
Address: Walterboro, SC 29488, USA
Address: McClellanville, SC 29458, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

scenic road trips in South Carolina

June 21, 2021
Beth C.

What are the most charming small towns in South Carolina?

Above, we’ve pinpointed one of the most scenic road trips in South Carolina that takes you from one lovely small town to the next. However, this list of charming small towns is by no means exhaustive. Some others that deserve a spot on your itinerary include Cope, Travelers Rest, Bluffton, Pawleys Island, Smyrna, Chester, Walhalla, Santee, Hampton, Hemingway, and Yemassee. Learn more about these must-visit locales in South Carolina that will elevate your appreciation for small-town living.

What are the most beautiful places in South Carolina?

Whether you’re a resident of the Palmetto State or simply passing through on a visit, you’re likely curious to learn about the state’s most stunning destination. For the most beautiful places in South Carolina, look no further than the following: Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner, Pretty Place in Cleveland (also known as Fred W. Symmes Chapel), Old Sheldon Church ruins in Yemassee, Yellow Branch Falls between Walhalla and Mountain Rest, Botany Bay on Edisto Island, Bald Rock Heritage Preserve in Cleveland, Lake Jocassee in Salem, and the Angel Oak Tree in Charleston. Have you seen these stunning places in South Carolina?

What are the most scenic drives in South Carolina?

One of the best ways to experience the South Carolina landscape is by car. South Carolina is filled with stunning backroads, scenic byways, and winding roads that will showcase scenery at every turn. If you’re looking for a long scenic drive, you can’t go wrong with any of the following backroads: Falling Waters Scenic Byway, Edisto Island National Scenic Byway, Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway, Savannah River National Scenic Byway, Old Sheldon Church Road Scenic Byway, Plantersville Scenic Byway, and Western York Scenic Byway. Learn more about these beautiful drives in South Carolina.

Address: Clemson, SC, USA
Address: Pendleton, SC 29670, USA
Address: York, SC 29745, USA
Address: Cheraw, SC 29520, USA
Address: Newberry, SC 29108, USA
Address: Edgefield, SC 29824, USA
Address: Walterboro, SC 29488, USA
Address: McClellanville, SC 29458, USA