Chimney Sweep in Edisto Beach, SC

Morgan Island's monkey population has a fascinating origin story, and although it's closed to visitors, boat tours are available for those who want to get a closer look.

If you're walking along the beach and you hear the chittering of monkeys coming from the treetops, you could be in a tropical country, or you could be in South Carolina.

Tucked away in the St. Helena Sound, off the coast of Beaufort, South Carolina, sits Morgan Island. It's made up of more than 2,000 acres of pristine land, but don't get your hopes up about lounging on the sand. This island strictly belongs to the monkeys—more than 3,000 of them, to be exact.

If you didn't know, monkeys aren't exactly native to the United States, which lacks the many tropical environments that primates in the western hemisphere, in particular, need to survive. So how on earth did a colony of monkeys make it to an island off the coast of South Carolina, you ask?

As explained, in the summer of 1979, 1,400 rhesus monkeys were placed on the island to use as research animals. It was all part of a plan by the U.S. government to establish a "self-sufficient breeding program" after India banned the export of viable research animals, the magazine reported. Morgan Island was the perfect home, and since then, the monkey population has grown to over 3,000, according to the most recent census, as reported by the Post and Courier.

Morgan Island is both owned and managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and the monkey colony itself is owned by the National Institute of Allergy + Infectious Diseases. This means humans aren't allowed on the island as they may disturb the population—it's illegal to even try to access the land. However, that doesn't mean you can't see them at all.

How to See Monkey Island

Visitors are still welcome to take a boat trip around the island and cruise the coast to spot a monkey or two hanging out in the distance. Alternatively, try visiting nearby Edisto Island and launching your boat or kayak journey from there, where the tides are weaker and the journey is shorter. Just remember: The island is theirs, not yours. There are also plenty of "no trespassing" signs and cameras keeping a lookout, so stay offshore and observe this unique island from a distance.

If you’re looking for a slower pace and a glimpse of the real South Carolina, it’s not all about Charleston or Myrtle Beach. Tucked between the coast and the mountains are small towns where people still say hello on the street, barbecue recipes are passed down through generations, and the days feel a little longer, in the very best way. No big crowds, just places that feel like home, even if you’re only passing through. From salt marshes to quiet main streets, these 9 small towns in South Carolina offer something simple and genuine, and are worth visiting in 2025.

Travelers Rest

Originally a 19th-century rest stop for travelers and livestock heading north, Travelers Rest has grown into a charming destination with a creative, welcoming spirit. Just across the state line and close to Greenville and Spartanburg, this charming town with fewer than 8,000 residents has evolved into a haven for modern explorers. Today, visitors can enjoy easy access to South Carolina’s stunning waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and picturesque mountain bridges.

What makes it special is the seamless integration of outdoor adventure and culture, where visitors can ride local trails, explore lush mountain scenery, and then unwind with craft beer or farm‑to‑table cuisine in town. Among its top attractions are biking or walking the Swamp Rabbit Trail, attending live concerts or browsing artisanal goods at Trailblazer Park, and visiting the historic Poinsett Bridge, the oldest stone bridge in South Carolina, set amid scenic nature trails. Add to that a walkable downtown filled with quirky shops, cozy cafés like Tandem Crêperie, and you’ve got a town that feels both laid-back and alive. It’s the kind of place where you come for the nature but stay for the vibe.

Cheraw

Cheraw, nicknamed “The Prettiest Town in Dixie”, is a charming riverside community in Chesterfield County with a population of around 5,000 residents. Set along the scenic Pee Dee River, Cheraw blends Southern history, antebellum architecture, and tranquil natural beauty into an idyllic getaway. Cheraw’s historic streets echo with the rhythm of jazz, honoring hometown legend Dizzy Gillespie with a 7-foot bronze statue in the middle of town.

The Cheraw Historic District boasts 39 preserved buildings that include 19th-century frame houses, antebellum homes, and storybook-style churches. Outdoor lovers visit Cheraw State Park, where they can play 18 holes on the championship golf course, paddle across Lake Juniper in a kayak or canoe, hike or bike scenic trails, enjoy the sandy lakeshore beach, or stay overnight in cozy cabins among pine forests. Rounding out the top attractions are the Cheraw Lyceum Museum, housed in a historic 1820s building showcasing regional artifacts. Each year, Cheraw comes alive during its jazz festivals, drawing top-tier musicians and welcoming visitors with Southern hospitality and deep pride in its rich musical and cultural roots.

Ridgeway

There are small towns and then there’s Ridgeway. This South Carolina gem is home to only about 250 full-time residents and boasts a rich history as a rail‑founded community settled by Scotch‑Irish families and named for the ridge where the South Carolina Railway once ran. What makes it special is the blend of Southern charm, deep railroad heritage, and community pride evident in annual festivals like the Pig on the Ridge BBQ Cook‑off in November, featuring two days of food vendors and friendly competition, and Arts on the Ridge in May.

The downtown area features thrift shops, flea markets, and a handful of cozy eateries, offering visitors a genuine glimpse of small-town South Carolina life. Popular attractions include exploring Ruff’s Chapel a classic 1870s Methodist chapel listed on the National Register with original cemetery and bell lore; wandering the charming historic district with its antique shops and Colonial‑Victorian architecture; touring the nearby Valencia plantation house built in 1834, also on the National Register; and enjoying nearby Lake Wateree State Park, just 14 miles away, where visitors can camp, hike the Desportes Island Nature Trail, fish, kayak, and soak in scenic lakeside recreation.

Hartsville

With a population of just over 7,400, Hartsville is worth visiting for its quiet charm, community warmth, and understated beauty. Another sleepy Southern destination where not much stirs on Sundays, Hartsville doesn’t aim to dazzle with flashy attractions; instead, it offers a high quality of life rooted in simple pleasures. Neptune Island Waterpark brings out the playful side of the town, a splashy, sun-soaked retreat with waterslides, lazy rivers, and poolside cabanas perfect for both kids and adults chasing that endless summer vibe.

But Hartsville’s real showstopper is the serene and stunning Kalmia Gardens. Set along Black Creek, this 35-acre botanical haven bursts with blooming azaleas, wildflowers, and winding nature trails, making it the town’s crown jewel for nature lovers and one of the most peaceful spots in the Pee Dee region. Hartsville Museum, set inside a beautifully preserved historic post office, offers a glimpse into the town’s past through rotating exhibits, local artifacts, and artwork that celebrate its cultural heritage.

McClellanville

McClellanville, home to roughly 600 residents, is a serene coastal fishing village of just over half a square mile where time seems to slow to a gentle, Lowcountry hum. Perched at the edge of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and surrounded by the marshes of Francis Marion National Forest, it stands out for its natural beauty with Spanish-moss-draped live oaks, shrimp boats tied at the docks, and pristine coastline. With deep roots in the seafood industry, the town offers plenty of fresh local catch and celebrates its heritage each year with the beloved Lowcountry Shrimp Festival. Seafood is still hauled in daily, and you’ll find some of the freshest shrimp, oysters, soft‑shell crabs, and more available from family‑run vendors across from the dock.

Some of the highlights around town include kayaking through the calm, winding waters of Wambaw Creek, catching a ferry to explore Bulls Island and its quiet, driftwood-strewn beaches, or spotting the historic Cape Romain lighthouses just offshore. For something closer to town, the ancient Deerhead Oak, estimated to be well over five hundred years old, offers a shady spot to swing, picnic, or simply rest beneath its wide, twisting branches. With quiet barrier islands nearby and the natural beauty of Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge just beyond, the area draws in those looking for peaceful, outdoorsy escapes without the crowds.

Edisto Island

Edisto Island is quietly mesmerizing with a small-town population of around 1500 residents. Nestled in the Lowcountry just under an hour’s drive from Charleston, it stands out for its undeveloped beaches, scenic byway, and strong Gullah‑Geechee heritage. With its blend of nature, wildlife, history, and off‑the‑grid charm, Edisto Island is an idyllic small‑town getaway for 2025. Unlike busier resort destinations, Edisto offers tranquility without the crowds or pretention, all framed by maritime forests and tidal creeks.

Among the top reasons to visit are the pristine sands and hiking trails of Edisto Beach State Park, one of South Carolina’s four oceanfront State Parks. The Edisto Island Serpentarium is a very popular hands‑on reptile zoo where visitors can see alligators, snakes, turtles, and enjoy educational talks and even feedings, while the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve offers 4,600 acres of maritime forests, wildlife viewing, and historic ruins. Those interested in local history can also visit the Hutchinson House, built by a formerly enslaved freedman and cotton planter in 1885, which is now undergoing restoration and tells a powerful story of post-Civil War independence.

Union

Founded as “Unionville” and named after a historic church that served as a gathering point for early colonial settlers, Union carries layers of history in every corner. Today, Union feels like a living museum, where preserved antebellum homes, historic churches, and 19th-century storefronts line quiet streets. At the heart of Union is its beloved Carnegie Library, a quiet symbol of the town’s dedication to history, progress, and community.

Union stands out for its well-preserved architecture, from the elegant buildings of the Downtown Historic District to the tree-lined streets of the South Street-Church Street area. Visitors can get a sense of the town’s past at the Union County Museum or take a peaceful walk through the Piedmont Physic Garden, filled with native and medicinal plants. For those curious about South Carolina’s deeper roots, Rose Hill Plantation offers a look into Civil War-era life.

Clemson

In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Clemson is an idyllic small city with a population of approximately 17,750. Though modest in size, Clemson buzzes with charm thanks to Clemson University’s sprawling 1,400‑acre campus, which defines the town’s vibrant cultural identity. What makes this destination special is the seamless blend of youthful energy, lush gardens, outdoor recreation, and historic legacy, perfect for nature lovers, history fans, art buffs, and sports enthusiasts alike.

In Clemson, you can wander the peaceful trails of the South Carolina Botanical Garden, where native plants, outdoor art, and historic homes like the Hanover House invite slow exploration. History buffs can step into the past at Fort Hill, the preserved 19th-century home of John C. Calhoun that now serves as a museum on campus. Sports are a big part of life here, too; catching a football game at Memorial Stadium or a baseball match at Doug Kingsmore Stadium offers a real taste of local life. For something a bit more laid-back, a round at Walker Golf Course along Lake Hartwell is a relaxing way to soak in the views. In the fall, the town buzzes with enthusiasm as fans and alumni return, making game days a true community celebration.

Walterboro

Walterboro is a friendly, welcoming town of approximately 5,490 residents offering a walkable downtown brimming with Southern charm. About 50 miles west of Charleston, Walterboro was once a hub for rice farming, and still reflects its agricultural roots with preserved plantation homes and old rice fields that tell the story of its Lowcountry past. Each May, its historic downtown comes alive during the WHAM! Festival, short for Walterboro History, Art and Music. This vibrant, weeklong event brings together local artists, musicians, storytellers, and history buffs for a celebration of the town’s creative spirit.

Known as the “Front Porch of the Lowcountry,” Walterboro invites visitors to slow down, whether that means browsing a few antique shops on Washington Street or simply strolling through town at your own pace. The Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary, right in the heart of the city, offers quiet boardwalk trails through cypress swamps and wetlands. A stop at the South Carolina Artisans Center is a must for anyone who appreciates local craftsmanship, with handmade pieces from across the state.

Whether you're chasing coastal calm, mountain air, or just a slower pace of life, these 9 idyllic towns in South Carolina offer something real and refreshing. Each one is packed with local flavor, warm hospitality, and that laid-back Southern charm that’s hard to find in busier destinations. In 2025, skip the usual tourist spots and discover a side of the Palmetto State that’s quieter, friendlier, and full of unexpected gems.

Where Southern charm meets beautiful natural surroundings and rich history, you’ll find South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Among beloved vacation destinations like Hilton Head, Beaufort, and Bluffton, the Lowcountry is home to several smaller towns that don’t get as much attention but are just as worthy of a visit. South Carolina’s Sea Islands, located just off the coast of the mainland, are exactly the types of under-the-radar beach towns that make the perfect getaway. On Edisto Island, pronounced ED-IS-TOE (kind of like Eddie's Toe), you won’t find any high-rise condos or hotels, chain restaurants, or neon signs. Instead, you’ll discover uncrowded beaches, scenic tidal creeks and rivers, and charming beach houses and rentals that are suitable and affordable for any group size. Just 42 miles from bustling Charleston, time has a way of slowing down on Edisto Island. As you cruise the 14-mile-long Edisto Island National Scenic Byway on the way into town, you’ll find yourself taking one big exhale. By the time you make it onto the island, any worries will be long gone. Here are the best things to do on Edisto Island.

You may be tempted to spend your entire day on the beach at Edisto Beach State Park, and we wouldn’t blame you. The better thing to do is spend a day relaxing on the serene shoreline, then come back the following day to discover everything else the park has to offer. Wander along trails that take you through hammock islands, maritime forests, and eventually to the Environmental Learning Center. While there, take time to learn about the island’s history and the types of flora and fauna that call it home. If you're keen to stay even longer, you can book a campsite or cabin, and spend the night.

This zoo and education center focused solely on reptiles was the vision of brothers Ted and Heyward Clamp, who translated 50 years of snake hunting and adventure into the state’s first serpentarium in 1999. Home to incredible indoor and outdoor exhibits of alligators, turtles, lizards, and of course, snakes, a visit to this attraction is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Officially called the Botany Bay Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area, this more than 4,600-acre tract of land is the most historically and ecologically significant property on the island. Formerly privately owned and the site of two plantations, the land is now managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Visitors can experience Botany Bay’s gorgeous natural ecosystems that include maritime forests, salt marsh, tidal creeks, freshwater ponds, and hammock islands. If you visit, be sure to spend time on the beach, where the elements have bleached fallen trees bone-white, creating a striking sight to see.

If you want to see Edisto Island the right way, ditch the car and its noisy engine and opt for the sweet nostalgia of traveling on two wheels. Bike rentals can be found at Edisto Essentials or Island Bikes and Outfitters. Once you’ve snagged a set of wheels, set out on the Edisto Island Bike Path, a five-mile, flat-terrain trail that takes you all over town. If you get tired along the way, there are plenty of shops and restaurants where you can take a quick pitstop to refuel or rest.

Explore The Island’s History

Edisto Island has always been home to someone. The island got its name in the 1500s thanks to the Edisto Native Americans, but it has seen many lives since then. Learn all about the many groups, from Native Americans to Spanish pirates to English settlers to wealthy cotton planters to enslaved people, who have lived on the island and influenced its development at the Edisto Island Museum. One of the museum’s permanent exhibits called “From Africa to Edisto Island: The Gullah Story” gives voice to the rich history of Gullah culture on the sea islands.

A former rice plantation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service now protects this land that’s part of the larger 350,000-acre Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto (ACE) Basin System, the largest undeveloped wetland ecosystem on the Atlantic Coast. Spend a day hiking or biking around the land that’s home to all kinds of wild species, from fish to migratory and resident birds to reptiles. Guests can also fish, hunt, and visit the Grove Plantation Manor, a late-Federal plantation-style home that’s on the National Register of Historical Places and now holds the refuge’s offices.

Go Shopping Around Town

You’ll find a few separate places to shop at one address here, which makes it an ideal place to spend an afternoon browsing. South Edisto Trading Co., also known as SET Co., offers branded T-shirts and apparel to commemorate your visit. At Sabal & Oak, find boutique clothing, accessories, and gifts. Edisto Surf Shop carries beach apparel like hats and tees.

Edisto Island may be small, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to cross back over to the mainland to find everything you need for an outstanding weekend away. Any good beach trip requires an equally great beach read, and you can find the right novel to match your mood at the Edisto Island Bookstore, which has been a fixture on the island since 1989. Inside the quaint shop, search through shelves of used and new books in every genre. Just be sure to give the shop cat a little scratch under the chin before setting off.

With These Hands has promoted the arts in Edisto Beach for more than 30 years. The gallery showcases local and national art across a number of mediums, including pottery, glass, paintings, photography, jewelry, metal, fiber, and prints. Inside the colorful gallery and shop, you can find something perfect to accent your home, be it a framed oil painting of a South Carolina sunset or a handwoven sweetgrass basket to display on your dining table.

Not just a specialty store, but a community gathering space, Revel is known for bringing people together. Inside, you’ll find all kinds of gourmet food gifts from Bloody Mary mix to gourmet sea salt. You’ll also find a huge selection of gifts ranging from bath and body products to art to tableware. The real magic of Revel lies in its events. Stop by to hear live music on the porch, or come for Revel Reveal, where local artists have a chance to share their new work with the community.

Try The Local Cuisine

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves a local secret, then you’ll be right at home at Whaley’s, a former gas station that’s known for its top-notch seafood. Opened in 1948 (and one of the island’s oldest establishments), Whaley’s isn’t particularly fancy—except when it comes to the quality of the food. Order the crab cake or shrimp and grits. A tiki-style drink, listed on the menu as a “local libation,” is also a must.

If a meal with a view of the water sounds right up your alley, you’ve got two options: pack a picnic for the beach or head to Coot’s Bar & Grill. As the island’s only beachfront restaurant, you won’t find a better view than the one from the back deck of this casual eatery. Look out for live music and drink specials on most nights of the week.

The family behind George and Pink’s has been farming on Edisto Island for more than 50 years, which means their crops—and their business—have stood the test of time. Pull off Highway 174 onto the sandy Eddingsville Beach Road and you’ll find this produce paradise shaded under the arms of ancient oak trees. In the summer, you can pick up tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, okra, watermelon, peaches, and more. Each season brings a different selection. Once you’ve stocked up on fresh fruits and veggies to get you through your stay on the island, treat yourself to a slice of fruit pie or some boiled peanuts as a reward for your future healthy eating.