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Why is Aiken a popular destination in South Carolina?
- Aiken is one of South Carolina’s most popular cities and favorite places to visit, offering a rich blend of historical attractions and outdoor recreational activities.
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What can visitors do in Aiken?
- The city is full of rich historical attractions and outdoor recreational activities, combined with a variety of restaurants serving delicious dishes and unique shops.
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Does Aiken have a vibrant downtown area?
- Yes! Aiken has a thriving downtown area where visitors can find a variety of activities, from dining and shopping to live entertainment.
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Are there annual events in Aiken?
- The city hosts a number of events throughout the year that showcase the best of concerts, food, and dance.
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What is Aiken's Makin'?
- Aiken's Makin' is a popular event happening from September 5-6, 2025, featuring local arts, crafts, and delicious food.
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1. Aiken County Historical Museum
The Aiken County Historical Museum is located inside of a building that was formerly a winter colony mansion. The history museum showcases a wide variety of objects that are representative of the history of Aiken County, from its earliest resident to modern day. Among the numerous rooms in which visitors can view historical items are the Aiken County Room, the Winter Colony Room, the Circus Room, the Graniteville Room, the Agricultural Room, and Nature Room. There are also the Gardens, the Military Hall, a one-room schoolhouse, and a log house. Many other rooms and exhibits can also be seen at the museum.
Address:Aiken County Historical Museum, 433 Newberry St SW, Aiken, SC 29801, Phone: 803-642-2015
2. Aiken Center For the Arts
The Aiken Center For the Arts today provides numerous awareness and educational outreach programs that include various opportunities for adults and children alike. The arts center is also host to many juried competitions and shows, classes, lectures, and an array of concert events. Visitors can watch a variety of film, dance, music, and other forms of the performing arts. Original works by local artisans are available for sale in the Gallery Store at the Aiken Center for the Arts. Artists from throughout the world are displayed at the center in year-round exhibitions, with a focus on regional and local artists.
Address:Aiken Center For the Arts, 122 Laurens St SW, Aiken, SC 29801, Phone: 803-641-9094
3. Aiken County Farmers Market
The Aiken County Farmers Market, which is designated on the city’s Historic Register, offers a wide variety of fresh produce from farmers in the region, such as fruit, beans, tomatoes, and corn. Visitors can also find several vendors selling cheeses, meats, and different baked goods. The farmers market in Aiken, South Carolina first started more than fifty years ago, and is place where recipes and conversations are shared. The Aiken County Farmers Market is open throughout the whole year on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from sunrise until noon. Several different activities and events take place on Saturdays during the year.
Address:Aiken County Farmers Market, 115 Williamsburg St, Aiken SC, 29801, Phone: 803-293-2214
4. Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum
The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum commemorates the long lasting tradition of thoroughbred racing, as well as the role the city of Aiken has played in it over the years. A total of forty Champion Thoroughbreds have been trained at the famous Aiken Training Track in Aiken, South Carolina. The Hall of Fame celebrates each one of these horses in the Iselin’s old and charming carriage house. The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame includes both steeplechase horses and flat racers, dating back to 1942 and up to present day, showcasing trophies, photos, and other racing memorabilia.
Address:Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, 135 Dupree Pl, Aiken, SC 29801, Phone: 803-642-7631
5. DuPont Planetarium
The mission of the DuPont Planetarium is to inspire people to explore and learn more about the “majesty of the heavens.” Shows are presented for the public every Saturday throughout the year. Visitors to the planetarium are encouraged to reserve seats for these shows in advance, as well as to arrive at least twenty minutes prior to the shows starting time as unclaimed reservations are released ten minutes before the show starts. One show transports guests back to the past view the world’s seven ancient wonders, and another teaches younger children about different types of weather.
Address:DuPont Planetarium, 427 Scholar Loop, Aiken, SC 29801, Phone: 803-641-3654
6. Henderson Heritage Preserve
The Henderson Heritage Preserve is made up of a series of unmarked firebreak trails. These trails loop around the natural and quiet preserve. Visitors can choose one of the two sections of unmarked, rugged, hilly trails to explore, along which they may see turtles among other wildlife as they walk down rutted roads and sandy paths past high vistas, lowland areas, and ponds. One of the rare plant species that can be seen is the bog spice bush. The trails in the preserve are only for foot traffic. Camping and hunting aren’t allowed in the Henderson Heritage Preserve, however, fishing is permitted.
Address:Henderson Heritage Preserve, 309-337 Croft Mill Rd, Aiken, SC 29801, Phone: 803-734-3886
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Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Ideal for outdoor activities and blooming azaleas.
The Willcox – A historic luxury hotel with Southern charm.
Visit Hopelands Gardens – A beautiful park with walking trails and seasonal blooms.
Summer (June-August) – Warm temperatures, great for exploring nature and historic sites.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Aiken – A comfortable and convenient stay.
Explore Hitchcock Woods – One of the largest urban forests in the country.
Fall (September-November) – Mild weather and equestrian events.
Carriage House Inn – A charming boutique hotel in downtown Aiken.
Attend the Aiken Fall Steeplechase – A popular horse racing event in the region.
Plan Your Trip
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