This SC community was named one of the best small towns in the Southern U.S. Here’s why

Murrells Inlet was named among the best 10 small towns to visit in the South because of its seafood and outdoor activities.

USA Today put out several “10 Best” lists ranking various cities for 2024. Murrells Inlet was ranked sixth on “Charming getaways: 10 best small towns in the South.” Reasons for it making the list include Brookgreen Gardens, Huntington State Park and for being “the seafood capital of South Carolina.”

“The people who live here know what a jewel it is and we are all excited for the recognition,” Clint Elliot, Georgetown County Council member representing Murrells Inlet, said in an email to The Sun News. “Know that once you visit, it will forever be a special place in your heart.”

During the summer, Huntington State Park gets so busy that it runs out of parking spots and stops admitting people. Brookgreen has the largest collection of American figurative sculptures and is big enough for people to wander around for an entire day.

The top towns were decided by an “expert panel” and then voted on by readers, according to USA Today. The top spot was given to Starkville, Mississippi.