18 Fun Things To Do In Aiken That Locals Love

Founded in 1835 as a stop along the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company line, Aiken quickly grew from a railway village into one of the South’s most distinctive small cities. Named after William Aiken, the railroad’s first president and later governor of South Carolina, the town embodies the 19th-century spirit of progress and connection that transformed the American South. By the late 1800s, Aiken had become part of the famed “Winter Colony,” attracting wealthy Northerners who built mansions, stables, and gardens, turning the city into a seasonal hub of leisure and equestrian culture.

That heritage still defines Aiken today. Its tree-lined avenues, historic mansions, and thoroughbred racing tradition preserve the aura of a bygone age, while its museums, arts centers, and festivals ensure its role in modern American culture. The city’s layered past—spanning railroads, horse racing, Southern architecture, and African American history—makes it not only a charming getaway but also a meaningful destination for understanding regional identity.

In the present, Aiken balances history with modern vitality: thriving arts, outdoor preserves, and vibrant downtown streets welcome travelers seeking both culture and relaxation. To explore Aiken is to walk through history while experiencing a small city that still plays a proud role in the story of the American South.

1. Hopelands Gardens

📍 Location: 135 Dupree Pl, Aiken, SC 29801

Once the private estate of Hope Goddard Iselin, a wealthy socialite and philanthropist from New York, Hopelands Gardens is one of Aiken’s most enchanting legacies of the “Winter Colony” era. In 1897, Hope married Charles Oliver Iselin, a prominent financier and yachtsman, and the couple became part of the Northern elite who flocked to Aiken each winter for its mild climate and equestrian culture.

Hope transformed her 14-acre estate into a garden paradise, blending winding paths, reflecting pools, and centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss. When she passed away in 1970, her will generously left the gardens to the city of Aiken, ensuring the public could enjoy what had once been a private retreat.

Today, Hopelands Gardens stands as a living piece of Gilded Age history—a reminder of how Aiken became a seasonal playground for America’s elite. Visitors stroll under canopies of magnolias, discover fountains and hidden alcoves, and even encounter the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, located on the grounds. More than a scenic park, the gardens are a testament to the Iselin family’s influence and to Aiken’s identity as a city shaped by both Southern charm and Northern wealth.

2. Hitchcock Woods

📍 Location: 444 South Boundary Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801

The Hitchcock Woods is one of the largest urban forests in the United States, spanning over 2,100 acres—and it owes its existence to Aiken’s equestrian legacy. In the early 20th century, Thomas Hitchcock Sr. and Louise Eustis Hitchcock, wealthy members of Aiken’s Winter Colony, began acquiring land to preserve it for fox hunting, horseback riding, and outdoor recreation. Their foresight created a natural haven that today defines Aiken’s character.

The Hitchcock Woods Foundation was established in 1939 to ensure the forest’s preservation, making it one of the earliest examples of private land being permanently set aside for public enjoyment in the U.S. Its sandy trails, relics of ancient seabeds, have carried generations of horses and riders, while its tall pines and quiet glades remain a sanctuary for walkers, runners, and nature lovers.

In modern America, Hitchcock Woods is a rare treasure: a vast, protected landscape not on the edge of a city, but at its very heart. For Aiken, it is both heritage and identity—proof of how the Winter Colony’s equestrian passions left behind not only a cultural tradition but also an environmental legacy that residents and travelers can still enjoy today.

3. Aiken County Historical Museum

📍 Location: 433 Newberry St SW, Aiken, SC 29801

If you're someone who actually enjoys learning about the place you're visiting (and not just ticking landmarks off a list), the Aiken County Historical Museum is a must. Housed in the grand Banksia Mansion, the Aiken County Historical Museum offers a sweeping look at the people and events that shaped Aiken. The mansion itself, built in 1931 by New York banker Richard Howe, is a relic of Aiken’s “Winter Colony” era, when wealthy Northerners built stately homes to enjoy the region’s mild climate. Its name, Banksia, came from the Banksia rose that once bloomed across the grounds.

The museum opened in 1970 and has since grown into a community archive of memory. Its exhibits range from Native American history and the founding of Aiken in the 1830s, to the boom years of the Winter Colony, to Aiken’s role in the Savannah River Site nuclear project of the Cold War era. This makes it not just a house museum but a cultural timeline, connecting local events to larger American stories.

4. Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame

📍 Location: 135 Dupree Pl, Aiken, SC 29801 (inside Hopelands Gardens)

If you don’t know much about horses now, you will after a visit here. The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum is small but packed with stories, trophies, and photos of some of the most famous racehorses to ever hit the track. The museum is housed in the former carriage house of Hopelands Gardens, so you get the double win—natural beauty outside, equestrian history inside.

Aiken’s equestrian story began in the late 19th century when members of the Winter Colony introduced polo, fox hunting, and thoroughbred racing to the area. By the early 20th century, Aiken had become one of the nation’s premier winter training grounds for horses, producing dozens of champions that went on to earn national recognition. The Hall of Fame honors these horses—including legendary names like Kelso and Shuvee—and the trainers, owners, and jockeys who shaped Aiken’s equestrian legacy.

The museum also highlights how Aiken’s horse culture influenced the broader American sporting scene, blending Southern landscapes with Northern wealth and passion for equestrian pursuits. Today, it remains a living tribute to a tradition still visible in Aiken’s polo fields, horse shows, and fox hunts.

5. Redcliffe Plantation

📍 Location: 181 Redcliffe Rd, Beech Island, SC 29842

The Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site, located just outside Aiken, is a window into the Antebellum South. Built in 1859 by James Henry Hammond, a U.S. senator, governor of South Carolina, and a powerful plantation owner, Redcliffe was the centerpiece of Hammond’s sprawling agricultural empire. Hammond was a controversial figure—an outspoken defender of slavery whose wealth and influence were built on the labor of the enslaved people who worked his land.

Today, Redcliffe serves as both a preserved plantation house and a site of historical reckoning. Tours interpret not only the grandeur of the Greek Revival mansion and its surrounding grounds but also the lives of the enslaved men, women, and children whose labor sustained it. Restored slave quarters on the property bring that history into focus, ensuring their voices are included in the story.

6. Aiken Center for the Arts

📍 Location: 122 Laurens St SW, Aiken, SC 29801

The Aiken Center for the Arts embodies the city’s transformation into a modern cultural hub while still drawing on the traditions of its past. Located in downtown Aiken, the center was founded in 1972 by community members committed to making the arts accessible to all. Its mission reflects a nationwide movement of the late 20th century, when smaller cities invested in local art as a way to strengthen identity and community pride.

The center offers rotating exhibitions of regional and national artists, classes in painting, pottery, dance, and music, and serves as a stage for performances that connect Aiken to the larger cultural landscape of the South. It also plays a role in preserving Aiken’s artistic traditions, from equestrian-themed art to Southern folk crafts, while introducing contemporary and experimental works.

7. Downtown Aiken’s Shops

📍 Location: Laurens St SW & Park Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801

If you’re the type of traveler who skips the mall and heads straight for the local spots, downtown Aiken’s shopping scene will not disappoint. You’ve got everything from charming bookstores and antique emporiums to art supply stores and boutiques where you can find stuff you won’t see on everyone else back home. It’s walkable, low-pressure, and filled with store owners who are more than happy to tell you the story behind that handmade candle or vintage leather satchel.

Start at 3 Monkeys Fine Gifts for unique home goods, then hop over to Carolina Wine & Spirits to grab something local for later. The Book Tavern is a must if you love indie bookshops with personality, and you can’t miss Beyond Bijoux for funky jewelry that feels one-of-a-kind. Want southern charm and locally crafted finds in the same afternoon? Done. When it comes to shopping in Aiken, it’s less about big brands and more about discovering what gives this town its vibe, one storefront at a time. Bring a bag—you’ll use it.

8. Carolina Bay Nature Reserve

📍 Location: 837 Willow Run Rd, Aiken, SC 29801

The Carolina Bay Nature Reserve highlights both natural history and civic responsibility. Carolina bays are rare, elliptical wetlands found across the southeastern United States, and the one preserved in Aiken is part of this mysterious geological legacy. Scientists still debate how these depressions formed, with theories ranging from ancient meteor impacts to wind and water erosion during the Ice Age.

Aiken’s reserve protects this unique ecosystem, which for centuries provided resources for Indigenous peoples and later served as natural green space during the city’s expansion. In the late 20th century, as environmental awareness grew, local leaders and conservation groups worked to preserve the Carolina Bay site for public education and recreation.

Today, the reserve offers trails through wetlands, pine forests, and meadows where visitors can spot diverse wildlife, from herons to amphibians. Its preservation mirrors a national shift toward valuing ecological diversity, even in small towns.

9. Whiskey Alley

📍 Location: 227 The Alley SW, Aiken, SC 29801

If you’re looking for a spot that balances upscale flavor with laid-back vibes, Whiskey Alley is where you want to end up. It’s not just a bar—it’s kind of a whiskey museum with a kitchen. Located right off the charming back-alley strip downtown, this place has an ever-changing lineup of craft cocktails, hard-to-find whiskeys, and food that punches way above its weight class.

The bartenders here know their stuff and are happy to walk you through the menu (or mix you something off the cuff). And yeah, there’s more than just whiskey—local beers, wine, and a rotating cocktail list that’s always got something weird and wonderful on it. Try the duck wings or one of their seasonal flatbreads. The whole space has that cool, industrial-meets-Southern-comfort vibe without trying too hard. And the patio? Absolute gold when the weather’s nice. If you're scouting out the best bars in Aiken, SC, put this one at the top of your list—it’s the kind of place you “just stop by” and end up staying all night.

10. Joye in Aiken

📍 Location: Various venues throughout downtown Aiken

The Joye in Aiken Festival (formerly known as the Juilliard in Aiken Festival) is one of the city’s proudest cultural achievements, reflecting Aiken’s surprising connection to world-class performing arts. Founded in 2009, the festival grew from a partnership with New York’s Juilliard School, which brought top-tier musicians, dancers, and actors to perform in intimate settings throughout the city.

The festival’s roots, however, reach deeper into Aiken’s “Winter Colony” tradition. Wealthy seasonal residents once filled the city with private concerts, art salons, and high culture, setting a precedent for Aiken as a place where the arts flourished in unexpected ways. Joye in Aiken continues that legacy, making global artistry accessible to a small Southern community.

11. Citizens Park

📍 Location: 1060 Banks Mill Rd SE, Aiken, SC 29803

Citizens Park, developed in the late 20th century, represents Aiken’s shift from its historic identity as a Winter Colony retreat to a modern American city invested in recreation and community life. Unlike the gardens and estates that once catered to wealthy seasonal residents, Citizens Park was designed for everyone, embodying a democratic vision of public space.

Its 123 acres include sports fields, walking trails, and open spaces that serve both locals and visitors. Baseball and softball tournaments hosted here have brought in teams from across the Southeast, making Aiken part of the wider American tradition of youth and amateur sports tourism. The park also reflects national trends of the 1980s and ’90s, when communities invested heavily in multi-use recreational complexes as a way to promote health, civic pride, and economic development.

12. Aiken Train Depot (Now Aiken Train Museum)

📍 Location: 406 Park Ave SE, Aiken, SC 29801

The Aiken Train Depot is where the city’s story begins. Completed in 1833 as part of the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company line, it made Aiken one of the earliest planned towns in the United States, tied directly to a rail system. The depot was named for William Aiken, the railroad’s first president, and it gave the city both its name and its very reason for being.

Rail travel defined Aiken’s rise in the 19th century. The depot welcomed visitors seeking the healthful climate of the South Carolina “sandhills,” as well as the wealthy Northerners who would establish the Winter Colony. The arrival of the train symbolized progress, connection, and opportunity—values that shaped America’s growth in the railroad era.

Though the original structure was destroyed in a 1954 fire, the rebuilt depot, completed in 2010, honors that legacy. Today, it serves not only as a transportation monument but also as a visitor center and museum, reminding travelers that Aiken’s history is inseparable from the railroad that created it. Snapping a photo here isn’t just about capturing a landmark—it’s about connecting with the very origins of the city and its enduring role in America’s story of rail and expansion.

13. Aiken Brewing Company

📍 Location: 140 Laurens St SW, Aiken, SC 29801

The Aiken Brewing Company, located in a historic downtown building, reflects both the old and new faces of Aiken. While craft beer may seem like a modern trend, the tradition of local brewing dates back to the 19th century, when taverns and inns served as key gathering spots for railroad workers, merchants, and travelers. These establishments were the social glue of early Aiken, offering a place to share news, conduct business, and relax after long days of labor.

When the craft beer movement surged in America in the 1990s, Aiken Brewing Company became part of this renaissance, bringing brewing back to the heart of town. Its location within a brick-lined historic block reinforces the sense of continuity: a place that might once have housed a general store or saloon is today a center for creativity and conviviality.

14. The Center for African American History, Art & Culture

📍 Location: 120 York St NE, Aiken, SC 29801

Housed in the beautifully restored Immanuel Institute Building, built in 1881, the Center for African American History, Art & Culture is one of Aiken’s most significant historic sites. Originally a school founded to educate newly freed African Americans during Reconstruction, the building itself is a powerful symbol of resilience, education, and community progress in the face of adversity.

The Center preserves and presents this legacy through exhibits, oral histories, and art that highlight the contributions of African Americans to Aiken and the broader South. It tells stories that are essential to understanding not only local history but also the national struggle for equality and cultural recognition.

In modern America, the Center plays a vital role in fostering dialogue about identity, heritage, and the continuing impact of Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement. For visitors, walking through its halls is both a tribute to the past and an invitation to reflect on ongoing challenges.

15. Augusta Riverwalk

📍 Location: 10th St & Reynolds St, Augusta, GA 30901 (Just 30 minutes from Aiken)

Though located just a short drive from Aiken, the Augusta Riverwalk along the Savannah River has long been part of the region’s shared story. The river itself was central to trade and settlement in the 18th and 19th centuries, linking Augusta to ports along the Atlantic and shaping the economy of Georgia and South Carolina alike. By the late 20th century, as American cities sought to reclaim their waterfronts from industry and neglect, Augusta transformed its riverfront into a pedestrian-friendly space that celebrates both history and leisure.

The Riverwalk reflects this broader national movement to revitalize urban centers, turning industrial relics into cultural hubs. Brick-lined paths, gardens, and amphitheaters now replace warehouses and mills, offering locals and visitors a place for concerts, festivals, and scenic strolls. For Aiken residents, it has become a convenient escape—an extension of their cultural and recreational life.

Visiting the Riverwalk today offers travelers a chance to experience how Southern cities balance history with renewal. It’s a reminder that rivers, once highways of commerce, now serve as avenues for community and celebration. For Aiken visitors, it’s the perfect short trip that ties local history into a larger story of Southern resilience and reinvention.

16. Virginia Acres Park

📍 Location: 1700 Whiskey Rd, Aiken, SC 29803

Virginia Acres Park, home to the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center, is a cornerstone of Aiken’s community life. Unlike the historic estates or Winter Colony stables that once defined leisure in Aiken, this park was built for everyone—a reflection of modern America’s commitment to accessible recreation.

With tennis courts, playgrounds, a disc golf course, and miles of walking paths, the park embodies the post–World War II trend in American towns to develop public green spaces that supported health, family life, and civic engagement. In many ways, it represents the democratization of leisure: what was once the preserve of the wealthy elite became available to all citizens through spaces like Virginia Acres.

Today, the park continues to thrive as a gathering place for festivals, farmers' markets, and neighborhood events. Its location in the heart of the city makes it a living reminder of Aiken’s evolution from an exclusive seasonal resort to a modern, inclusive community.

17. Historic Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

📍 Location: Tours start from 121 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801

Few experiences capture the soul of Aiken like a horse-drawn carriage tour. Horses have been part of the city’s identity since the late 19th century, when wealthy Northerners established Aiken as a premier equestrian retreat. While polo, racing, and foxhunting defined the city’s Winter Colony era, carriages were just as important—serving both as practical transportation and as social symbols of refinement.

Today’s carriage tours preserve that heritage, letting visitors roll past tree-lined streets, Gilded Age mansions, and historic landmarks at the same pace as those early Winter Colonists. Guides bring Aiken’s layered story to life, weaving tales of the city’s founding, its railroad beginnings, and its rise as a cultural hub.

In the larger American picture, these tours reflect the modern appetite for immersive history experiences where you don’t just learn about the past, but move through it. The sound of hooves on pavement links visitors directly to a time when Aiken’s identity was being shaped.

18. What’s Cookin’ Downtown

📍 Location: 123 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801

Looking for a classic Southern breakfast or brunch that doesn’t mess around? What’s Cookin’ Downtown is the kind of place where regulars are greeted by name and first-timers are treated like regulars. It’s fast, friendly, and exactly what you want when you’re hungry and need something real. Their biscuits are the stuff of legend—flaky, buttery, and loaded with everything from bacon and eggs to fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese.

The vibe is casual, with chalkboard menus, counter service, and a cozy dining room that fills up fast on weekends. Their hash browns are crispy, the coffee is strong, and the portions are solid without being insane. Lunch here is underrated too—soups, wraps, chicken salad, and a killer Reuben. If you're looking for places to eat in Aiken that are no-fuss, all-flavor, and locally approved, this is your breakfast-and-lunch headquarters. Just show up hungry. And maybe wear pants with a little stretch.

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Where to Eat in Aiken

How to Get to Aiken

Aiken is located in western South Carolina, near the Georgia border and only about 20 miles from Augusta, GA. Despite its small-town charm, it’s very accessible by car, air, and even by regional bus connections.

By Car

Driving is the most convenient way to reach Aiken, thanks to its proximity to major highways.

From Augusta, GA: Just 30 minutes via US-78 E (about 20 miles).

From Columbia, SC: Around 1 hour via I-20 W (approximately 60 miles).

From Charleston, SC: About 2.5 hours via I-26 W and I-20 W (about 130 miles).

From Atlanta, GA: Roughly 3 hours via I-20 E (about 150 miles).

From Charlotte, NC: About 2.5 hours via I-77 S and I-20 W (around 140 miles).

By Air

The closest airport is Augusta Regional Airport (AGS), only 30 minutes from Aiken, with daily flights to major hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Dallas.
Other options include Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) (1 hour away) and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) (3 hours away) for more flight connections.

By Bus

Greyhound and Southeastern Stages operate services that connect Aiken with Columbia, Augusta, and other regional hubs.

Local Transportation

Once in Aiken, most visitors prefer driving. Car rentals are available at nearby airports, and taxis or ride-share services like Uber and Lyft operate within the area.

Conclusion

Aiken is a city where the past is never far from the present. From its founding in 1835 as a railroad town to its rise as a Winter Colony retreat for America’s wealthy elite, Aiken has continually reinvented itself while preserving the stories that make it unique. Its gardens, parks, and equestrian culture reveal a city once defined by leisure and refinement, while its museums, theaters, and cultural centers highlight a broader American narrative of resilience, inclusivity, and artistic expression.

What makes Aiken stand out today is how these layers of history have been folded into modern life. Horse-drawn carriage rides keep alive traditions from the Gilded Age, while downtown cafés and breweries reflect the contemporary spirit of small-town America. Festivals, parks, and trails show how Aiken has embraced its role as a community for everyone, not just a seasonal playground for the wealthy.

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FAQ

1. How far is Aiken SC from Augusta GA?

Aiken, SC is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Augusta, GA. The drive between the two cities takes about 30 minutes, making it a convenient day trip or stopover for travelers exploring both destinations. The route is scenic, and there are plenty of options for food and gas along the way.

2. What is Aiken, South Carolina known for?

Aiken is renowned for its rich equestrian culture, historic charm, and Southern hospitality. The city is famous for its horse racing, polo events, and thoroughbred training, with many visitors drawn to the annual Aiken Steeplechase. Aiken is also known for its beautifully preserved historic homes, tree-lined streets, and relaxing green spaces, like Hitchcock Woods, one of the largest urban forests in the United States.

3. Is Aiken, SC worth visiting for a weekend trip?

Absolutely! Aiken offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities, making it an ideal weekend getaway. Whether you're exploring the horse culture, visiting art galleries, strolling through Hopelands Gardens, or enjoying the downtown's vibrant dining scene, Aiken offers something for everyone. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it an excellent destination for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure.

4. What’s the best time to visit Aiken, SC for outdoor activities?

The best time to visit Aiken for outdoor activities is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is mild, making it perfect for hiking in Hitchcock Woods, attending equestrian events, or enjoying the city's many gardens and parks. Springtime is particularly beautiful when the azaleas and dogwoods are in full bloom, adding to the city's Southern charm.