Are you planning a trip to Aiken, South Carolina, and wondering what to do? Look no further! Aiken has something for everyone, including a fun and vibrant side, historical charm, art and culture, family-friendly activities, natural beauty, and more. Whether you’re a native or a visitor, Aiken is an excellent choice for a weekend break or a longer vacation.
If you’re looking for an exciting adventure, Aiken has you covered. With its busy downtown atmosphere, amazing food and drink options, and intriguing events, there is never a shortage of things to do.Â
However, if you are more interested in history and culture, Aiken has those as well. From its gorgeous architecture to its museums and galleries, Aiken is a city rich in history and culture. If you’re traveling with family, Aiken offers plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained.
Things To Do in Aiken, SC
1. Explore Life at the Famous South Boundary Avenue
South Boundary Avenue
South Boundary Avenue is one of the most picturesque streets in the United States, known for its breathtaking canopy of live oak trees that create a stunning tunnel of greenery. Located in Aiken, South Carolina, this iconic avenue instantly captures attention with its historic charm and natural beauty.
Lined with century-old oak trees and historic homes, South Boundary Avenue is a favorite for scenic drives, leisurely walks, and photography. The street’s peaceful ambiance and timeless appeal make it a must-visit for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Experience the beauty of South Boundary Avenue for yourself. Whether you’re exploring Aiken’s rich history or simply soaking in the serene landscape, this enchanting street offers an unforgettable glimpse into Southern charm at its finest.
Address: S Boundary Ave SE Aiken, SC 29801, United States.
2. Pedego Aiken
Enjoy a wonderful time when you visit the magnificent Pedego Aiken to pick up one of your best pedagogical rides, which is an excellent addition to your list of fun things to do in Aiken, South Carolina.
The Pedego Aiken offers rental services as well as complete purchases, with a large number of professional personnel available to assist you with anything you need while enjoying your wonderful ride. The famous Pedego Aiken amusement center has a full selection of fantastic e-bikes; you may ride with friends and loved ones on a tandem or ride solo on an Interceptor.
The lovely Pedego Aiken is one of the city’s greatest attractions, with stylish motorcycles that provide every guest a nice time out, regardless of their fitness level.
Address: 4019 Pavillion Pass, Aiken, SC 29803, United States.
3. Whitney Polo Field
Whitney Polo Field
Enjoy the best rides at the famous Whitney Polo Field and experience the cool breeze of the magnificent surroundings; a must-see in Aiken, South Carolina.
The gorgeous Whitney Polo Field offers an evergreen, quiet, and picturesque perspective for interested visitors to relax and have fun while on tour.
Whitney Polo Field is located in the heart of Aiken, South Carolina, making it one of the city’s most popular attractions. Experience live polo matches on the gorgeous turf of the Whitney Polo Field, which opened formally in 1882.Â
4. New Moon Cafe
One of the best things to do in Aiken, South Carolina, is to visit the famous New Moon Cafe and sample local cafe items, as well as unique and fresh cuisine. The gorgeous New Moon Cafe opened to the public in 1995 and has remained open to this day, making it one of Aiken’s top attractions.
The historic New Moon Cafe serves comforting meals with a distinctive touch, employing farm-fresh ingredients.
Customers can enjoy real meals at the famed New Moon Cafe, which serves superb roasted cafe coffee. New soup is created daily from scratch in tiny batches, as are pastries, baked goods, and other items.
Address: 116 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States.
5. Site of Aiken’s 1953 Gas Explosion
Site of Aiken’s 1953 Gas Explosion
The site of Aiken’s 1953 gas explosion is one of the city’s most intriguing events. It acts as a moral lesson for visitors and is an excellent addition to your list of the greatest fun things to do in Aiken, SC.
The popular site of Aiken’s 1953 gas explosion is well-known across the city, and it serves as an important training facility for security officers and researchers.
The site of Aiken’s 1953 gas explosion is located on Laurens Street; the tragedy occurred on Tuesday morning, January 27, 1953, when a spilled natural gas blasted the basement of Jones Electric Station.
The site of Aiken’s 1953 gas explosion resulted in an instant conflagration, which disorganized the entire street and shook the city.
Address: Laurens St. Aiken, SC 29803, United States.
6. Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum
Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum
The historic Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum is a long-standing heritage of thoroughbred racing and a must-see attraction in Aiken, South Carolina. The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum has helped to make Aiken a popular tourist destination for racing and other sports.
The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum has trained approximately forty champion thoroughbreds and is a well-known training track in Aiken.
The exquisite Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates both the adorable carriage horse and Iselin’s old horse.
Address: 135 Dupree Pl, Aiken, SC 29801, United States.
7. Highland Park Hotel
Explore the stunning Historic Highland Park Hotel and indulge in the ultimate outdoor leisure, making it an ideal addition to your list of fun things to do in Aiken, South Carolina. The majestic Historic Highland Park Hotel is set on the huge hill of the famed Aiken Golf Club, making it one of Aiken’s popular attractions.
The Historic Highland Park Hotel opened in the early 1890s and has done exceptionally well throughout the city, providing excellent customer service and timely delivery.
The famed Historic Highland Park Hotel is surrounded by rich flora and great environmental conditions, and it boasts one of the most exceptional architectures in downtown Aiken.
Address: 563-501 Highland Park Terrace, Aiken, SC 29801, United States.
9. Tailored Tours of Aiken
Tailored Tours of Aiken
Discover Aiken’s rich history and charm with Tailored Tours of Aiken, a must-do experience for visitors who love storytelling and exploration. This top-rated tour service brings the city’s past to life with fascinating details and insider knowledge.
Founded in 2013 by Marty Bailey, a Texas native who fell in love with Aiken’s beauty and history, Tailored Tours offers engaging, customized experiences. From historic sites to legendary tales, each tour is designed to immerse guests in the city’s unique heritage. Conveniently located in the heart of Aiken, this tour service is perfect for first-time visitors and history enthusiasts alike.
Don’t miss your chance to explore Aiken like never before! Book a tour with Tailored Tours of Aiken while in Aiken and uncover the stories that make this city truly special.
Address: Aiken, SC 29801, United States.Â
10. Hopelands Gardens
Hopelands Gardens
Visiting the Evergreen Hopelands Gardens in Aiken is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Aiken, South Carolina, and it provides one of the best settings for photoshoots and video footage.
The gorgeous Hopelands Gardens is one of the few venues for picturesque activities, with many exquisite live shots and static pictures on show.
The famed Hopelands Gardens feature one of the most tranquil environmental circumstances, with trees lining the road, making it feel like a fantasy narrative. The stunning 14-acre estate of the Hopelands Gardens was officially opened to the public in 1970, with beautiful 100-year-old trees such as deodar cedars and live oaks scattered across the region.
Address: 135 Dupree Pl Aiken, SC 29801, United States.
11. Henderson Heritage Preserve
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Aiken, South Carolina, is to visit the historic Henderson Heritage Preserve and explore a network of great firebreak paths. The famed Henderson Heritage Preserve is located in the heart of the city and is one of the entertaining attractions in Aiken, South Carolina.
The facility has one of the nicest loop routes in the natural and maintained area, with rare plant species like the bog spicebush growing on the grounds. The magnificent Henderson Heritage Preserve allows visitors to choose between two sections of unmarked, tough uphill trails, and witness rare photographs of turtles, among other wildlife, as they travel around the sandy paths of the high panoramas and lowland pond.
Address: 309-337 Croft Mill Rd, Aiken, SC 29801, United States.
12. Unique Expressions
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Aiken, South Carolina, is to visit the well-known Unique Expressions, which specializes in home design and furnishings.
The stunning Unique Expressions was introduced to the Aiken community in 2000, quickly becoming one of the city’s most popular attractions. The Unique Expressions exhibits include a one-of-a-kind gift shop, a typical boutique, hair salons, various sorts of equipment, and other grocery outlets.
Unique Expressions is well-known for offering a large choice of gift options for almost any event, as well as the ability to purchase gifts for friends, family, and loved ones.
Furthermore, the business boasts one of the greatest customer services, with qualified experts and staff who assist with gift choices and let interested persons enjoy one of the best shopping experiences.
Address: 1521 Whiskey Rd, Aiken, SC 29803, United States.
13. The Willcox Hotel
The Willcox Hotel
The well-structured Willcox hotel has a reasonably beautiful feature, such as a lined frontage with rocking features and a white-columned front porch, making it a popular attraction. The Willcox Restaurant serves local delicacies in a gastropub atmosphere and American fashion, with vegetarian and vegan alternatives available to ensure everyone’s satisfaction.
Address: 100 Colleton Avenue SW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States.
14. Aiken Center For the Arts
The Aiken Center for the Arts is one of the most unusual things to do in Aiken, South Carolina, for anyone interested in art, design, research, education, and other fields.
Explore the magnificent Aiken Center for the Arts and learn about a wide range of the city’s awareness programs, works, and other outreach for both young and old. The beautiful Center for the Arts hosts several competitions, workshops, seminars, public/private performances, and musical concerts.
The historic Aiken Center for the Arts hosts a variety of dance performances, live music, craft displays, and other types of action arts.
Furthermore, the Aiken Center for the Arts archives the original works of local craftsmen and displays them for the public to purchase in the Gallery Store.
Address: 122 Laurens St SW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States.
15. Aiken County Historical Museum
Aiken County Historical Museum
The museum is housed in the 1930s Winter Colony home known as “Banksia.” The 3.5-acre grounds also include a one-room schoolhouse from the 1890s and a log cabin erected in 1808. The Aiken County Historical Museum, under the auspices of the Aiken County Historical Commission, collects, and preserves historical material connected to Aiken County, as well as displays and interprets such information for the public.
The Aiken County Historical Museum is housed in an old building originally known as a winter colony mansion, where the city’s historical treasures are maintained for future use. The well-known Aiken County Historical Museum displays a diverse collection of things representing Aiken County’s history, from the current day to ancient times.
Address: 433 Newberry St SW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States.
16. The Alley
The Alley is one of the most gorgeous places to end your tour in Aiken, making it an excellent addition to your list of the finest things to do in Aiken, South Carolina. The lovely Alley Center is located in the heart of the city and is home to the Alley Downtown Taproom, where you may have a refreshing drink after a long trip.
The legendary Alley Downtown Taproom is one of Aiken’s top craft beer venues, with over 48 taps and a wide selection of beers, wines, kombucha, ciders, coffee, and sodas on tap.
The Alley boasts the greatest drink service in the entire city and encourages visitors to bring their food to complement the drink from surrounding eateries such as Tako Sushi, Mellow Mushroom, Whiskey Alley, and BrewPub.
Address: The Alley SW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States.
17. Cyndi’s Sweet Shoppe
In quest of what to do in Aiken, South Carolina, stop by the famed Cyndi’s Sweet Shoppe for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Cindy Rudisill and Dick own and operate the lovely Cyndi’s Sweet Shoppe, which is located in the center of downtown Aiken.
The historic Cyndi’s Sweet Shoppe has a wide variety of delectable candies, chocolates, fudge, and small candy, and the chocolate shop is a great location to stop for a snack while visiting the city.
Enjoy a favorite time out with family and friends with scrumptious delicacies from the sweet store and a friendly conversation over a cold glass of Coca-Cola.
Address: 146 Laurens St SW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States.
18. Newberry Street Fountain
Newberry Street Fountain
The Newberry Street Fountain offers a variety of enjoyable activities for both young and old, making it an ideal addition to your list of top things to do in Aiken, South Carolina.
The spectacular Newberry Street Fountain is located in the heart of downtown Aiken and features gorgeous scenery, making it one of the city’s top attractions.
The iconic Newberry Street Fountain is one of the oldest tourist attractions in Aiken, South Carolina, and you may meet a local historian to learn more about the area.
The Newberry Street Fountain provides curious individuals and families with pieces of knowledge about each area in the city throughout a 12-mile journey.
Address: 133-199 Newberry St SW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States.
19. Aiken Steeplechase
Aiken Steeplechase
Steeplechasing is still practiced in Aiken as a result of the Aiken Spring Steeplechase being renewed. Aiken Steeplechase is an exciting event that is regarded as a cultural tradition for both locals and visitors from all regions of the country.
This is recognized as Aiken’s largest athletic event. It revolves around the attractive new event space. The event is full of the fun and laughter of family and friends, and you can watch and cheer on horses as they fly.
Aiken Steeplechase includes Crazy Pants and Hat Contests, as well as a tour of the village of stores.
Address: 2020 Richland Ave E, Aiken, SC 29801, United States
20. Aiken State Park
Aiken State Park
Experience the natural beauty and outdoor adventure of Aiken State Park, one of the top destinations in Aiken, South Carolina. Whether you’re looking for water sports, scenic trails, or peaceful relaxation, this park offers an unforgettable escape into nature.
Nestled along the South Edisto River, Aiken State Park is a prime spot for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Paddlers especially love the 1.7-mile water trail, which winds through picturesque landscapes, offering a serene yet adventurous experience. The park’s lush surroundings make it perfect for hikers, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Plan your visit to Aiken State Park today and immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you’re gliding through the water or exploring the scenic trails, this park is a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and adventure.
Address: 1145 State Park Rd, Windsor, SC 29856, United States.
21. DuPont Planetarium
The DuPont Planetarium exists to encourage others to explore the wonders of the sky. Every Saturday, public shows are held for visitors aged 4 and up. We advise tourists to make reservations in advance. If you’ve made a reservation, please arrive no later than 20 minutes before the show begins. All unclaimed reservations will be issued ten minutes before the show.
The facility teaches children and adults about the behavior of various weather systems, how they work, and when they reemerge. The exquisite DuPont Planetarium houses some of the best archives and historical documentaries from the past, such as the world’s seven ancient wonders, making it an educational destination for both young and elderly.
Address: 471 University Parkway, Aiken, SC 29801, United States.
22. Visit the Confection Cottage
The Confection Cottage serves a variety of exquisite culinary items and fine loose-leaf teas, making it an ideal addition to your list of fun things to do in Aiken, South Carolina.
The center is located in the heart of Aiken, South Carolina, making it one of the city’s most enjoyable attractions, with many gorgeous sights to see. The exquisite Confection Cottage features interesting displays such as a cafe, tea room, and traditional bakery to keep visitors and interested individuals on a healthy diet.
The Confection Cottage sells tea accessories, artisan products, pastries, and custom tea blends sourced from the farm.
Address: 967 Dougherty Rd, Aiken, SC 29803, United States.
23. Richardson’s Lake Water Park
The gorgeous Richardson’s Lake Water Park provides one of the best outdoor experiences in the city, making it a fantastic addition to your list of things to do in Aiken, South Carolina.
Richardson’s Lake Water Park offers a variety of interesting displays for people, families, and loved ones, including diving boards, fun slides, lake activities, and many more.
The historic Richardson’s Lake Water Park offers entertaining activities for all ages, including a huge beach volleyball court for sports enthusiasts. The center permits several merchants to sell food and other items to visitors; while coolers are not permitted inside the park’s gates, guests are recommended to keep portions of their belongings in their cars.
Address: 919 Richardson’s Lake Rd, Warrenville, South Carolina 29851, United States.
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Conclusion
Aiken, South Carolina, has something for everyone, from its fun and vibrant side to its historical charm, art and culture, family-friendly activities, natural beauty, and more.
Whether you’re searching for a thrilling adventure, history, and culture, or family-friendly activities, Aiken has you covered.
Aiken is an ideal weekend getaway or longer vacation location, with a busy downtown environment, fantastic food and drink options, and intriguing events.