South-Carolina
7 Prettiest Towns to Visit in South Carolina
The state of South Carolina evokes living history and natural beauty with its small towns and unique charm. The Palmetto State, amidst all the splendor of the Civil War heritage, a scenic coastline, and Southern hospitality, contains within itself a few pretty unique destinations packed with scenic landscapes and well-preserved landmarks. Despite the usual attachment to their historical roots, these communities possess modern amenities while preserving their aesthetic. There’s a place everyone can enjoy in South Carolina’s prettiest small towns below.
Beaufort
Beaufort is set along tranquil Port Royal Sound and blends history and waterfront beauty. Start with the Beaufort Historic District, where homes like the John Mark Verdier House will recall you to the antebellum era. Take a boat tour from Downtown Marinaas as close to the waters and coastal wildlife. Visit Hunting Island State Park for its pristine beaches, and climb the Hunting Island Lighthouse for its panoramic views of the Atlantic. In addition, pay a visit to St. Helena Island, the site of the historic Penn Center, one of the first schools for freed slaves. In addition, visitors will enjoy Parris Island, where they can explore the museum and learn about the region’s military history. For more history, tour the Chapel of Ease Ruins.
Aiken
Aiken is a Southern town that takes its love of horses very seriously. As such, why not start the trip with the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame in Hopelands Gardens, which offers a peek into the equestrian history of the town? To take in more beautiful nature, enjoy an easy walk on the Aiken Arboretum Trail, a walking path lined on either side with over 100 species of trees. The country’s largest urban forest, Hitchcock Woods, offers 70 miles of trails perfect for hiking or horseback riding. Stop in and check out the Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site and tour this pretty antebellum plantation home and its grounds. For art lovers, The Aiken Center for the Arts is among one of the local exhibition and class hubs.
Georgetown
Georgetown is packed with must-see spots for history lovers. Visit the Georgetown County Museum and delve into this area’s rich past; second, visit the Kaminski House Museum, the impressive, exquisitely restored mansion of the 18th century. Follow the Harborwalk, a walking boardwalk with shops and restaurants overlooking the Sampit River. History lovers take note—Hopsewee Plantation sits on the site of a former rice plantation from before the American Revolution. The garden hosts some of the loveliest sculptures and a zoo set amidst historic landscapes and is outside of town. Other attractions include the Georgetown Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the US, which is still operational on North Island.
Camden
Camden is a town of historic wonders the entire family can enjoy. At the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, there are guided tours available around battlefields and historic houses. The Camden Archives and Museum is rich in local artifacts, everything from Civil War memorabilia to early settler documents. Goodale State Park offers more outdoorsy activities: kayak or hike through this scenic wetland and admire the pretty surroundings. Visitors who adore the arts and diversity will enjoy the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County, which features art exhibitions, live performances, and cultural programs. Also, visit Goodale State Park, where nature and history intertwine beautifully for a peaceful and serene stroll.
Bluffton
Old Town Bluffton has just about everything you might want to see, including historic architecture and coastal Lowcountry scenery. Start with the Heyward House Museum, a stunningly well-preserved 19th-century home. Next, head to the Garvin-Garvey House, one of a handful of remaining freedmen’s cottages from Reconstruction. Take a leisurely walk along the Bluffton Oyster Factory Park for serene views of the May River. Visit it and enjoy the life of luxury at Palmetto Bluff with its meandering nature trails, marina, and perfectly preserved nature scenes. The other must-see places include the Church of the Cross, a masterwork of Gothic Revival perched high above the May River, and several galleries and shops of the Old Town Bluffton.
Summerville
The town, referred to as the “Flowertown in the Pines,” has been synonymous with colorful gardens and historic charm. Azalea Park is the place to begin; a beautiful place of color when these azaleas bloom, along with reflections across peaceful ponds. Begin at the Summerville Dorchester Museum to glimpse the town’s past, then head to the Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site and explore the astonishingly well-preserved remnants of a pre-Revolutionary village. Middleton Place, nearby, has America’s oldest landscaped gardens, while Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, one of the oldest plantations in the South, has spectacular gardens and historic house tours. Drive to Summerville’s Historic Downtown District, which is lined with charming shops and restaurants.
Mount Pleasant
Across the river from Charleston, Mount Pleasant provides historic attractions and stunning waterfront views. Take a tour at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, where you go aboard the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier. Check out Boone Hall Plantation, famous for its pretty avenue lined with oaks and its well-preserved slave cabins. For some outdoor prettiness, look at Shem Creek Park, where you will find a boardwalk lined with shrimp boats bringing in that day’s catch. Not to be missed is Mt. Pleasant’s Old Village where historic homes line the streets as well as boutique shops, and the nearby Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, which preserves the Estate of one of the Constitution’s founders.
Counties throughout South Carolina maintain an ideal balance of history, natural beauty, and pulsating culture. Whether it is the leisurely strolls down shaded streets in Beaufort or going to Summerville in the spring for its blooming azaleas, these towns serve as gateways to the storied past and prettiness of the region. From Aiken’s horse farms to Georgetown’s coastal charm, each town is a feast for the eyes.
COLUMBIA — Three candidates seeking to become South Carolina’s first Democratic governor in more than two decades squared off in fiery rebuttals on live television June 3.
State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, attorney Mullins McLeod and businessman Billy Webster debated for an hour during SCETV’s Democratic gubernatorial square-off where McLeod attacked the other two candidates almost every chance he got to speak.
It was the second SCETV debate this week and all three candidates participated, compared with the Republican debate June 1 where only half the six candidates appeared.
Nearly every question, McLeod exceeded his allotted time, often using his messaging to attack his opponents.
Democrats face long odds in the November general election. The Palmetto State has not elected a Democratic governor in more than a quarter-century, and the party’s prospects have diminished in recent election cycles.
But the three candidates on the debate stage made it known they’re not afraid of the challenge.
“In this state there are at least 1.1 million people who are willing to vote for a Democrat and a Black person statewide,” Johnson said on his odds of winning, referencing the number of people who voted for Jaime Harrison in 2020 against Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham.
And while it wasn’t mentioned during the debate, Democratic early voter turnout has reached historic levels this election cycle. On the first day of early voting, Democratic primary voters outnumbered Republicans more than four-to-one, about 46,000 to 10,000. Early voting will end June 5.
While the three candidates largely agreed on broader policy like Medicaid and abortion access, they did have some key differences in opinions on issues like gambling and even how to work with the legislature.
Where candidates agreed
The three men largely agreed there are major issues that need to be addressed in the state’s health care systems, but went about addressing them in different ways.
Medicaid expansion was something all three candidates broadly agreed on, specifically tied to ensuring the state decreases the rise in infant mortality rates. All three believed there is corruption in the government.
All candidates had issues with data centers. McLeod labeled himself as the only anti-data center candidate, while Johnson boasted about his Statehouse experience in introducing a moratorium to stop data centers from coming into the state. Webster poked at flaws surrounding promises of transparency associated with the projects and the environmental hazards the centers bring.
Both Webster and Johnson went after Republicans who have campaigned on getting rid of the state income tax, saying it was unrealistic for the state to do so.
“We cannot eliminate the state income tax and even have a state that is recognizable in 10 years,” Webster said.
Where they disagreed
There were some stark disagreements, including how to go about working with the legislature. Johnson and Webster reflected on their time working across the aisle with Republicans while McLeod said bipartisanship is not the answer.
“More politics is not the answer. Bipartisanship is not the answer” McLeod said. “You know what’s been missing? The truth, the light … servant leaders who are willing to stand for the people of South Carolina.”
Public education was another area the candidates differed. Webster said there needs to be less regulations and restrictions on South Carolina teachers so that they are not so weighed down by requirements. Johnson proposed adding universal pre-K and McLeod said he wanted to pay teachers $85,000-$100,000 per year.
Candidates also had different answers on gambling. Johnson reflected on personal experiences where he saw gambling bring havoc to his family, but said the opening of casinos in South Carolina could be possible with great oversight. Webster said he didn’t have enough knowledge on the topic but could see the benefits that casinos could bring in the form of jobs in counties like Orangeburg if given proper regulation. McLeod said gambling causes problems and was against the opening of casinos.
Surprises
Much of the campaign attacks from Democratic candidates have been directed at Republicans, not necessarily each other. But the night was different.
Multiple times during the debate, McLeod went over his allotted time to try to attack Johnson or Webster. Both candidates repeated the same response in return, sometimes laughing, saying they had no idea what McLeod was talking about.
McLeod continued to reference both Webster and Johnson as being part of the corruption in South Carolina that he could “shine a light” on. He referred to himself as a servant more than six times.
“If you’re going to be on the stage and run for governor, you better start checking your facts,” Webster said to McLeod.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – A ceremonial bill signing was held We Wednesday for a new law that enhances penalties for harming police animals in South Carolina.
H.3034 – also known as Fargo’s, Hyco’s, Rico’s, Coba’s, Wick’s, Mikka’s, and Bumi’s Law – was passed and ratified by state lawmakers in May.
The bill is named after seven police K-9’s lost in recent years acros South Carolina.
Gov. Henry McMaster later signed the bill into law, with it going into effect on May 15.
The law makes killing or severely injuring a police animal, such as a K-9 or horse, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
It also states that anyone convicted of that crime must pay back the full cost of the animal – including buying a new one, training and any veterinarian bills. The law also makes it a crime to fire at a police vehicle if an animal is inside.
Police are also required by law to keep detailed records when a K-9 bites or causes injury.
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Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 2, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from June 2 drawing
15-26-43-48-60, Mega Ball: 12
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from June 2 drawing
Midday: 8-7-6, FB: 6
Evening: 3-8-3, FB: 6
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from June 2 drawing
Midday: 2-8-6-6, FB: 6
Evening: 7-1-4-4, FB: 6
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from June 2 drawing
Midday: 02
Evening: 06
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from June 2 drawing
01-04-05-07-34
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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