Famous for its fast horses, exquisite gardens, and bustling vibe, Aiken is a must-see in South Carolina. This city is extremely popular for its equestrian events and festivals, but there are a lot of other places you can visit and activities you can do here.
1. Aiken Center for the Arts
The Aiken Center for the Arts today offers numerous awareness and educational programs with various opportunities for adults and children. The arts center is also host to many judging competitions and shows, classes, lectures, and a number of concert events.
— Rick Wong, Editor-in-Chief of Cameras Trends
They host a summer art camp for kids ranging from 4 to 15+. They also offer an art gallery with opportunities for local artists to get their work showcased.
— Jennifer Jones, Founder, Beginner Guitar HQ
2. Hopeland Gardens
The stunning Hopelands Gardens, where many wonderful live shots and varied static pictures are displayed from the garden, is one of the uncommon spots for attractive activities. One of the most serene environments can be found in the well-known Hopelands Gardens, which are bordered by trees and give off a fairytale-like atmosphere.
— Matthew Bowley, Marketing Manager,Solmar Villas
The Gardens are a 14-acre 1800s estate-turned-public gardens, made-up of a network of paths shaded by 100-year-old live oaks, an Oak Alley, fountains, a reflection pool, statues, a rock fountain and the Dollhouse, home to the Aiken Garden Club. Aiken is home to one of the most diverse collections of trees found in any municipal landscape and Hopeland Garden’s Arboretum Trail is an easy way to see every tree the city has to offer just 4 miles outside of downtown.
— Diandra Bolton, Turner PR
The estate of a bad ass heiress Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin who was quite a sportswoman and had no qualms about beating the men in her world on the field, or in a poker game. Her 14 acre estate is now a tranquil public garden with children’s story time, a performance stage where free concerts are held and is a stop on the Aiken Arboretum Trail, a free phone tour of Aiken’s diverse trees.
— Bianca Trembley, CEO and Founder, The Best Calgary
3. Edisto River
After a long trip, stretch your legs as you make your way down the serene South Fork portion of the Edisto River. The Edisto is one of the longest black rivers in the country, stretching 250 miles and flowing through 10 counties in South Carolina. This peaceful stretch of water is enveloped by intertwining Cypress and dotted with lily pads offering beautiful scenery around every bend. The river’s calm nature also makes it an ideal outdoor excursion for the entire family.
— Katie Reeder, Director of Public Relations, Laure Rowe & Company
4. Aiken State Park
Check out Aiken State Park, home to the Edisto River Canoe Trail. A scenic 1.7-mile canoe and kayak trail winds its way down the south fork of the Edisto River, attracting paddlers from across the region. Additional facilities include campsites (RV and primitive), nature trail and picnic shelters. Canoe, kayak and paddleboat rentals are available seasonally.
— Katie Reeder, Director of Public Relations, Laure Rowe & Company
This state park in Aiken, South Carolina has a history as a destination for natural beauty. As well as kayak and canoe trails, Aiken State Park also offers visitors the opportunity to fish in four lakes, rent picnic shelters, and pitch a tent at twenty-five campsites.
— Jon Altschuler, President and Founder, Herbie
5. DuPont Planetarium
Visiting the DuPont Planetarium is one of the best and most exciting things in Aiken, South Carolina. The DuPont Planetarium is a show zone that inspires people to explore and learn more about the “Majesty of Heavens.” There are shows presented to the public every Saturday throughout the year, with hundreds of visitors coming to watch. DuPont Planetarium play shows about the seven wonders of the world, ancient cities, and kingdoms. They also play shows that teach kids about the different types of weather. Don’t miss DuPont Planetarium when in Aiken, South Carolina.
— Maria McDowell, Founder, Easy Search People
6. Aiken County Farmers Market
Listed on the city’s historical register, the Aiken County Farmers Market offers a wide variety of fresh produce from local farmers, such as fruit, beans, tomatoes, and corn.
— Rick Wong, Editor-in-Chief of Cameras Trends
The Aiken County Farmers Market is the oldest county farmers’ market in continuous service in the same location in SC. Vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods, meat, honey, and dairy products, along with handmade crafts. Goods are displayed on tables built by farmers and their families of Aiken County over 50 years ago. The Market, even now, is a place where conversation and recipes are shared with friends, old and new.
— Bianca Trembley, CEO and Founder of The Best Calgary
Farmers in the region offer a wide array of fresh produce at the Aiken County Farmers Market, which is listed on the city’s Historic Register. Several vendors also sell cheeses, meats, and baked goods. It is open every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, from sunrise to noon, throughout the year. Throughout the year, Saturdays are filled with a variety of activities and events.
— Nathan Watson, CEO, Lion Locs
7. Aiken Brewery Co
The Aiken Brewing Company produces some of the finest locally brewed ales in the area. The brewery has become a popular meeting place in the city and is a place where visitors and locals alike can eat both al fresco and indoors.
— Rick Wong, Editor-in-Chief of Cameras Trends
8. Aiken Center for the Arts
The Aiken Center for the Arts today offers numerous awareness and educational programs with various opportunities for adults and children. The arts center is also host to many judging competitions and shows, classes, lectures, and a number of concert events.
— Rick Wong, Editor-in-Chief of Cameras Trends
They host a summer art camp for kids ranging from 4 to 15+. They also offer an art gallery with opportunities for local artists to get their work showcased.
— Jennifer Jones, founder of Beginner Guitar HQ
9. Aiken County Historical Museum
The Aiken County Historical Museum is housed in a former Winter Colony mansion. The History Museum displays a wide variety of objects representative of the history of Aiken County, from its earliest inhabitant to the present day.
— Rick Wong, Editor-in-Chief of Cameras Trends
For history lovers, it is perfect for learning about Aiken county. The building itself is of historic significance since it was a former colony mansion.
— Ellie Walters, CEO, FindPeopleFaster
A house on 3.5 acres dedicated to preserving the history of Aiken county. It boasts a schoolhouse built in the 1890s and a log cabin built in 1808.
— Jennifer Jones, founder, Beginner Guitar HQ
10. Aiken National Park
Located on the South Edisto River, Aiken State Park is an ideal destination for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The 1.1-mile scenic kayak and canoe meander along the southern fork of the river, drawing paddlers to the state park from across the region.
— Rick Wong, Editor-in-Chief, Cameras Trends
Like Aiken, other cities in South Carolina offer fun recreation centers too! Visit Anderson, SC for enjoyable things to do for you and your family.
11. Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum
The AHA Horse Arena commemorates the long tradition of thoroughbred racing and the role that the city of Aiken has played over the years. A total of 40 Champion Thoroughbreds were trained at the famous Aiken Training Track in Aiken, South Carolina.
— Rick Wong, Editor-in-Chief, Cameras Trends
This area is known for its thoroughbred racing, and this museum is a great way to see the history of this popular pastime. Be sure to also visit the Aiken Steeplechase as well, for a piece of the modern-day racing action.
— Larry Snider, VP of Operations, Casago Vacation Rentals
With its stunning scenery and peaceful backdrop complemented by great weather, Aiken has the sparse suburban feel to offer for anyone looking for a peaceful retreat. However, Aiken’s true attraction lies in its first-class polo and racing scene, with the city being the center of South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country. Photos, trophies, and other memorabilia highlight the careers of famous race horses at the popular Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and museum, which is a central attraction.
— Aleesha Dane, Lead Editor, RelaxingSpace
The Gardens are also home to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame , an interactive museum celebrating Aiken’s Thoroughbred history, featuring photos, trophies and other memorabilia. The Hall of Fame also has a Children’s Room where kids can “horse around” with a variety of horse related toys, draw pictures of their favorite horses and more.
— Diandra Bolton, Turner PR
12. Henderson Heritage Preserve
The Henderson Heritage Preserve consists of a series of unmarked fire control trails. These trails lead through the natural and tranquil nature reserve.
— Rick Wong, Editor-in-Chief of Cameras Trends
Natural and quiet trails circle the preserve. Guests can explore two unmarked, rugged, hilly trails that lead past high vistas, lowlands, and ponds, where turtles, among other wildlife, may be seen. It is possible to see rare plants such as bog spice bushes.
— Colton Horn, Co-Founder, Brainfuel Inc.
13. La Dolce Tea room
La Dolce Tea Room offers premium loose leaf teas, delectable culinary choices, and more in the heart of Aiken town. It is a combination of a tea room, cafe, and bakery.
— Rick Wong, Editor-in-Chief of Cameras Trends
14. New Moon Cafe
The New Moon Cafe in Aiken, South Carolina first opened to the public in 1995. Over the years the owners have kept the cafe local, funky and fresh.
— Rick Wong, Editor-in-Chief of Cameras Trends
15. Hitchcock Woods
It is a fun spot for nature lovers due to its wide range of flora and fauna. Its large land mass also makes it suitable for hiking.
— Ellie Walters, CEO at FindPeopleFaster
Open Tuesdays from 1:30 to 4:30 PM and Saturdays from 8:30 to 11:30 AM. A massive park in Aiken dedicated to nature. There are tons of animals to see and many trails to follow, Horses and dogs welcome!
— Jennifer Jones, founder of Beginner Guitar HQ
In the late 1800’s, Aiken became the winter colony for elite families from the Northeast. It all started when Thomas Hitchcock and Thomas Whitney convinced friends to join them in the mild climate. Today 2,100 acres of that land, about three times the size of Central Park in New York, has been put aside to preserve the forest. There are 70 miles of sandy trails in Hitchcock Woods and in addition to hikers and dog walkers, it is not unusual to see people riding horses along the trails.
— Bianca Trembley, CEO and Founder of The Best Calgary
16. Richardson’s Lake Water Park
Richardson’s Lake Water Park offers opportunities for family and friends to have fun outside in the sun just outside of Aiken. The water park offers an ideal escape from the city with lakeside activities, diving boards, slides, and more.
— Rick Wong, Editor-in-Chief of Cameras Trends
It offers the opportunity to enjoy a lot of water sports and nonwater sports like volleyball. It is a good relaxation spot.
— Ellie Walters, CEO at FindPeopleFaster
17. Carolina Bay Nature Preserve
Visitors can escape the bustle of the city and enjoy nature in this natural wetland preserve. Visitors can enjoy a climbing wall, walking trails, and observation deck. Several bird species inhabit the preserve, along with reptiles, raccoons, and squirrels. A wildflower meadow adds color and beauty to the preserve.
— Colton Horn, Co-Founder, Brainfuel Inc.
18. Disc Golf
Aiken, SC has over 10 different Disc Golf courses within a 20 minute drive. With local courses such as Odell Weeks and Boyd Pond Park, your readers will have plenty of options to explore the disc golf scene in Aiken, SC.
— Corey Turner, Content Director, Disc Golf Dash
Final Thoughts
It’s plain to see that there are many choices when it comes to attractions, entertainment options, and things to do in the city of Aiken. Whether you want to explore historical sites, visit gardens and parks, or watch equestrian events, Aiken, South Carolina is a highly-recommended destination.