Move Over Charleston! Lesser-Known Town Named South Carolina’s Most Beautiful Fall Getaway

Charleston is magnificent to go to year-round, however at the same time as timber start to vary, journey consultants at Southern Living do not consider it is South Carolina’s most lovely fall getaway.

At Travel Off Path, we understand we won’t showcase each single map-dot city remodeling right into a postcard this yr, however this one is actually value it.

Let’s be actual — few lake towns are going to be a worthwhile go to come winter, given the chilly temps and restricted actions to get pleasure from your self within the chilly.

Fall is the final hurrah for 2025 to go to this lesser-known hideaway boasting over 300 miles of scenic shoreline, backdropped by a pure curtain of vibrant, lush forestry.

If you are searching for a soothing getaway to recharge in unmatched serenity, look no additional than the small city of Seneca, dwelling to postcard-worthy Lake Keowee.

Seneca’s Small Town Charm

One look at Seneca’s Historic District, and you will be hooked.

It feels prison how a city as picturesque and welcoming as Seneca is not puffed up extra.

The city has undergone a little bit of a makeover, with new companies popping up, particularly alongside the principle drag often known as Ram Cat Alley, lined with a row of rejuvenated old-timey buildings.

Despite some trendy aptitude, there are nonetheless many timeless points which can be positive to captivate you, reminiscent of quite a few museums that provide a deep dive into native historical past.

Located downtown, you may discover the Lunney Museum and the Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum — each with rave evaluations.

Standing the check of time for almost 200 years, the Old Pickens Church is a must-visit too. Though it is a bit of a trek to succeed in from downtown, it’s set alongside the tranquil Keowee River.

As you already know, the South tends to have a system that goes like this: Southern appeal + historic streets = savory, down-home eats.

But, Seneca breaks the foundations. Yes, there are your typical Southern staples, but additionally extra worldwide choices than you’d anticipate for a city of simply 9,000 residents.

The hottest hangout has gotta be the Main Street Diner, an Americana basic, however do not sleep on the standard of tacos from the Alazan Taco Truck both.

Lake Keowee: South Carolina’s ‘Best Place’ For Fall Foliage

Lake Keowee takes the crown as Southern Living’s high rec in South Carolina for an autumn immersion. Bypassing honorable point out, Poinsett Bridge is a real getaway, reasonably than a landmark. Lake Keowee presents guests a wide range of rustic cabins from naked bones to reasonably priced luxurious.

Within the huge Lake Keowee area, you may discover Keowee-Toxaway State Park, the place you reserve an upscale 3-bedroom villa (and Fido is allowed to!).

Airbnb and its rival platforms have some superior stays listed too, a lot of that are below $200.

The lake sees delicate climate till December, so there is not any must rush your journey plans. Even then, the realm turns right into a festive winter wonderland, drawing a crowd for the annual Christmas parade.

For fall, temps are nonetheless nice sufficient for a day swim and paddleboard or kayak journey, or to easily get pleasure from a pleasant seashore day in a quiet spot alongside the lots of of miles of shoreline.

But if you happen to discover the water extra brisk than an inexpensive iced tea, one other common exercise is to rent a pontoon boat from the marina — and gasoline is free!

For the perfect photo-ops, you may already start to see colourful hues sprinkled within the towering timber, however peak leaf-peeping is from late October to the primary week of November.

Best Way To Reach Seneca

Seneca is nestled in South Carolina’s Blue Ridge foothills, so you already know it makes for an epic highway journey.

Otherwise, your finest wager is to fly into close by Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), roughly an hour or so from Seneca.

If you are actually up for an journey, you might additionally hop aboard an Amtrak prepare to Clemson, a buzzing faculty city about quarter-hour away.

To benefit from your journey, it’s best to hire a automotive. A journey across the beautiful lake itself is well worth the journey.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 nations and written over 1000 articles with a concentrate on sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a light-weight on lesser-known gems.