SC has one of 10 best small coastal towns in the nation, USA Today says. Here’s why it’s great
The quaint and historic city of Beaufort, South Carolina, has been named a top coastal town by USA Today Reader’s Choice 10 Best.
The Lowcountry is known for its water views, majestic canopy trees draped in Spanish moss and laid-back lifestyle.
From the sandy beaches of Hilton Head, up to the marinas of Port Royal, there is never a shortage of things to do and places to explore.
With so much to see, it’s easy to understand why the city of Beaufort was ranked as the No. 10 spot.
Located on Port Royal Island, Beaufort is completely surrounded by waterways. From the Broad River, Coosaw River and Beaufort River, there are scenic views almost anywhere you go.
Adding to its charm is the access to neighboring sea islands, including St. Helena Island, Fripp Island and Lady’s Island.
For nature lovers, Beaufort is home to Hunting Island, which is a haven for shark teeth collecting and offers a more secluded beach area.
Known for its history and downtown area that overlooks the water, you can find boutique shops, unique restaurants, fishing, hiking and water activities all along Bay Street.
If you’re lucky, you may even get to see the Richard V. Woods Memorial Bridge swing open for boats passing through.
The town itself was founded in 1711 and the entire downtown area is preserved as a historic district, leaving visitors and locals alike feeling as if they took a step back in time.
But its history stretches back even farther through the rich Gullah-Geechee heritage, which is preserved throughout the entire Lowcountry area.
The city of Beaufort is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a blend of Southern charm, history and waterfront views.
The top 5 locations from the list include:
- No. 5: Morro Bay, California
- No. 4: Bar Harbor, Maine
- No. 3: Castine, Maine
- No. 2: Cedar Key, Florida
- No. 1: Pismo Beach, California
How was this list selected?
The editors and readers of USA Today 10 Best independently select the top choices on each list.
The locations are nominated by an expert travel panel and voted on by readers, according to USA Today.
Each city selected for this ranking has a population of 25,000 or less and was required to meet specific criteria, including scenic views, historic attractions, food options and things to do both on and off the water.
Has the Lowcountry received other awards?
The Lowcountry has long been recognized as a top destination. Here are a few other notable awards:
- The city of Beaufort was ranked as a top Southern small town by Southern Living in 2024.
- In other Lowcountry rankings, Hilton Head has maintained a title as one of the top islands by Condé Nast for eight consecutive years.
- Hilton Head also took the No. 1 spot in 2021 for Travel + Leisure as the best island in the United States.
- Most recently, Hilton Head was ranked No. 11 out of the top 12 beach towns on the Atlantic Coast in 2025 by Travel + Leisure.
