11 Offbeat Towns to Visit in SC (Start with Travelers Rest)

South Carolina has plenty of unique places worth exploring. You’ve probably heard of Charleston and Greenville. But some of the most interesting experiences happen in small towns off the main road.

Here are 11 offbeat towns to visit in SC. Each one offers something different. If you’re planning a road trip or just looking for something new, start with these.

This list is inspired by Word Atlas, which highlighted some of the state’s most unusual and interesting small towns.

11 offbeat towns to visit in SC

Travelers Rest

The name “Travelers Rest” comes from its early days as a stopover for weary travelers heading north or south. Today, it’s a destination all its own.

This small town sits near the Blue Ridge Mountains, just north of Greenville. At first glance, it may seem like a quiet stop. Look closer and you’ll find a town full of character, local legends, and places that make you want to stay longer.

You’ll find the Swamp Rabbit Trail running through the center of town. Cyclists and walkers come from across the region to use it. Coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants line the trail. Sidewall Pizza, Tandem Crêperie, and Farmhouse Tacos are all local favorites.

One unusual spot nearby is the Poinsett Bridge. Built in 1820, it’s the oldest surviving bridge in South Carolina. Visitors have reported ghost sightings and unexplained noises. Local stories claim it’s haunted.

The Spring Park Inn adds more to the town’s offbeat character. Built in the 1800s, it served as an inn and private residence. Now it's being preserved as a historical site. There’s also the Sunken Manor, another place locals claim is haunted.

Want a break from crowds? Travelers Rest gives you space, scenery, and a little mystery.

Other Offbeat SC Towns To Explore

Beaufort has the Kazoobie Kazoo Museum. It’s also known for porch ceilings painted “haint blue,” a tradition meant to ward off spirits.

Little River features haunted restaurants like Brentwood Bistro and a church-turned-steakhouse called Parson’s Table.

Walterboro has a water tower with jail cells inside. It also houses the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial and Colleton County Museum.

Gaffney is known for the Peachoid, a giant peach-shaped water tower you can’t miss from the highway.

Georgetown includes the Hobcaw Barony and the Maritime Museum. Both dig deep into coastal history.

Sunset gives you access to Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in the state. The area also features some scenic waterfall trails.

Lancaster has a now-abandoned amusement park and a state park named after Andrew Jackson.

St. George calls itself the Grits Capital of the World. Its annual Grits Festival includes unusual events like rolling in a pool of grits.

Cayce sits near the Congaree River and includes a large nature preserve filled with wildlife and ancient artifacts.

Yemassee is home to the Old Sheldon Church ruins and a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed plantation.

Looking for towns to visit in SC that are a little off the beaten path? Start with Travelers Rest, then keep exploring. Small towns often hold the biggest surprises. Which one will you visit first?