The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of South Carolina’s Most Charming Small Towns

We have some great big cities in South Carolina. Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head are renowned all over the South as an epic summer travel destination, and Charleston's historic charms are known worldwide. With that being said, it's the small towns that make the Palmetto State really special, and if you ask us, there's no better way to get to know South Carolina culture than by checking out some of our smallest locales. If you feel the same way, we think you'll love this wonderful road trip we've got planned for you today. It's a long one, and you'll definitely want to take at least three days to enjoy it, but this small-town road trip will take you to five of our favorite little destinations in the state.

This six-hour road trip requires about 350 miles of driving, but if you don't have the time or budget to enjoy the whole trip, you can customize the itinerary on Google Maps to remove or rearrange stops. You'll want to set aside at least a few hours to explore each city, and this is a perfect option for a three-day weekend adventure.

We'll start our trip in the coastal town of Georgetown. As the third-oldest city in South Carolina, there are some really cool historical landmarks here. The Rice Museum is one of our favorite museums in the state. Once an open-air public market, it now provides a look into the past. Guided tours are offered throughout the day and last about 45 minutes. The museum is also home to an art gallery that showcases works from local artisans.

Our next stop is Lake City, a Florence County town with about 6,000 residents. This creative community has colorful murals, lots of public art, and several art galleries. It's also home to Moore Farms Botanical Garden and Lake City Park. This is such a unique place, and it's a perfect representation of a small Southern town.

Our third stop lies just outside of Greenville, which is also worth a visit if you've got the time. Greenville is not a small town, but with a growing population of more than 70,000, it's so much fun and a blast to explore. The Greenville suburb we are featuring on this road trip is Travelers Rest. It's nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has historically served as a great resting point for those looking to head into the mountains, hence the somewhat unusual name. With restaurants, a wonderful farmers market, and plenty of local shops, there's a lot to check out here, so don't spend too much time resting!

Our fourth stop is Landrum, a historic city with a population of 2,600. If you love shopping for bargains, you'll want to plan to spend extra time here. Landrum is home to some of the best antique stores in the state. It's a great spot for an overnight visit - consider a stay in this charming riverside cabin.

We'll end this fun trip in York, a historic town that's home to nearly 200 historic buildings. The entire downtown area has been named a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. You'll find lots of wonderful shops here, and The Garden Cafe is one of our favorite restaurants in the state - it's got a great al fresco dining area.

How many of these small towns in South Carolina have you visited? Is there anything that you think belongs on the trip? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Of course, no road trip is complete without a few bites to eat! Check out our favorite on-the-go travel snack ideas that are perfect for all your trips, whether you're heading across the state or just across town.