17 Fun Things To Do In Lexington, South Carolina
Lexington, Kentucky, unfolds like a living tapestry—where horse farms stretch beneath bluegrass hills and tree‑lined streets echo with centuries of story. Founded in 1775 and named after the Revolutionary War town in Massachusetts, Lexington earned early acclaim from wealthy settlers, and by 1782 it became the home of Kentucky’s first legislature and university. As railroads and bourbon followed, the city evolved into the “Horse Capital of the World,” its economy tied to equestrian excellence and agricultural innovation.
Today, Lexington feels both rooted and lively. Thoroughbred farms sit side by side with distilleries offering rich bourbon trails. The city’s downtown district showcases restored Victorian buildings, arts venues, and an emerging culinary scene that celebrates local ingredients and creative chefs. Among the many things to do in Lexington, one discovers not just attractions but a rhythm of life defined by horse shows, bluegrass music, bourbon heritage, and cultural resilience.
This is a place shaped by ambition and tradition—where every street, museum, and horse‑ridden path speaks of growth, community, and the broad horizon ahead.
1. Lexington County Museum
Lexington County Museum occupies a seven-acre open-air setting featuring around thirty historic structures that bring early South Carolina life vividly into focus. Established in 1970, the museum showcases everyday architecture from the Colonial and Antebellum eras, including the earliest remaining buildings in Lexington County. Among them is the John Fox House (circa 1832), offering insight into mid-19th-century daily life, and the 1771 Lawrence Corley Log House, recognized as the oldest structure in town.
Costumed guides lead visitors through a living history experience, sharing stories of Swiss‑German settlers, traditional crafts, and rural livelihoods. Inside, curated exhibits display locally made pottery, quilts, firearms, and furniture, all reflecting the heritage of this Midlands region. More than just preserved buildings, the site evokes the rhythms of frontier farms, early homesteading, and community resourcefulness from one family to the next. For those seeking authenticity and thoughtful exploration, the Lexington County Museum offers both connection and context to a past that continues shaping community identity.
2. Robert Mills House and Gardens
The Robert Mills House and Gardens stands as an elegant testament to early American design and cultural evolution. Built in 1823 to designs by architect Robert Mills—renowned for planning the Washington Monument—the stately brick mansion features a Classical Revival façade of soaring Ionic columns, round‑arched windows, and balanced symmetry, all set within a four-acre urban oasis. Today the house operates as a historic museum furnished with fine examples of American Federal, English Regency, and French Empire decor, allowing guests to explore living rooms and parlors restored to early 19th-century style.
Outside, formal English-style gardens blend clipped hedges with native plantings beneath mature canopy trees, creating paths that invite both reflection and discovery. Tours illuminate politics, design, and domestic life of the period, including a thoughtful exhibit on the experiences of enslaved people and culinary labor. As one of only five National Historic Landmarks in Columbia, the Robert Mills House offers architectural beauty and deeper stories, woven into the rich tapestry of South Carolina’s past.
3. Lexington Historic District
The Lexington Historic District occupies the charming heart of town, offering a stroll through centuries of South Carolina architecture and heritage. Cobblestone streets wind past homes dating back to the early 1800s—some built with wooden pegs or subtle Federal-style symmetry—and include landmarks like Gratz Park enclosed by lovingly preserved houses. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since the 1970s, this district whispers stories of colonial settlements, Civil War rebuilding, and the resilience of a town shaped over time. Every brick facade and iron gate reflects local craftsmanship and quiet perseverance. The district feels lived-in yet timeless, with a peaceful rhythm that invites visitors to slow down and notice. Whether admiring stately porches or pausing beneath century-old trees, you’ll find history woven into the sidewalks.
4. Lake Murray
Lake Murray spans an impressive 50,000 acres with roughly 650 miles of scenic shoreline. It was created in 1930 by damming the Saluda River—a feat that erected what was then the world’s largest earthen dam, the Dreher Shoals Dam. Today the lake is a beloved recreational gem in the Midlands, offering everything from boating, sailing, and fishing to paddleboarding and jet skiing in summer months.
On the Lexington side of the dam, Lake Murray Public Park opens from April through Labor Day, offering sandy beaches, swimming areas, picnic facilities, and a pedestrian path across the 1.7-mile dam with stunning water views. The Irmo side remains open year-round, with boat launches, fishing docks, and shaded picnic spots that invite both quiet mornings and weekends on the water. Dreher Island State Park, located nearby, provides camping, trails, lakeside cottages, and miles of shoreline access for paddling, hiking, and wildlife watching
5. Lexington Medical Center Athletico
When winter weather puts outdoor activities on hold, head indoors to the Lexington Medical Center Athletico for top-notch fitness and therapy services. This impressive complex houses a three-court gymnasium, indoor track, over 100 cardio and weight machines, exercise studios, a saltwater pool, and cafe.
Day passes grant access to all facilities and equipment. Register for classes like yoga, Zumba, cycling, and aquatic fitness inspired by the fun resort-style environment. The pristine space and variety ensure an invigorating workout escape from the cold.
6. Columbia Museum of Art
The Columbia Museum of Art stands at the cultural core of South Carolina’s capital, inviting visitors into a world where art lives in conversation—with history, public life, and everyday curiosity. Open since the mid‑20th century, the museum first gained prominence through generous collections donated by the Kress Foundation and continues to evolve with rotating exhibitions featuring regional and international artist.
Set at the intersection of Main and Hampton Streets, its galleries unfold across contemporary architecture and a shaded sculpture plaza. Inside, immersive spaces—like the “Our Story Matters” gallery or the printmaker-focused exhibitions—encourage both contemplation and dialogue. The museum hosts lectures, film screenings, art-making workshops, and community conversation series, weaving cultural engagement into Columbia’s downtown energy. Admission can even be free for state residents during summer months, making it both accessible and inviting. The Columbia Museum of Art isn’t just a repository; it’s where art, community, and history meet.
7. South Carolina State Museum
Housed in the restored Columbia Mills textile factory along the Congaree River, the South Carolina State Museum offers four immersive floors of history, art, science, and technology. As the largest museum in the state, it features hands-on galleries exploring everything from prehistoric fossils to Southern industrial heritage and civil rights narratives. Visitors can experience a 55-foot digital dome planetarium, a 4D theater adventure, and an observatory with telescopes that bring nighttime skies into focus.
Permanent exhibits include a life-size replica of the first U.S.-built locomotive and a suspended Megalodon shark skeleton that captures imagination across generations. With special programming for families, free summer admission for residents, and a museum cafe and gift shop on site, this institution welcomes curiosity in every form. It’s a place where state history, science, and art converge under one roof—and where learning unfolds like exploration.
8. Carolina Opry Theater
Although not in Lexington itself, the Carolina Opry Theater in Myrtle Beach earns praise as one of South Carolina’s premier entertainment venues. Since opening in 1986, this theater has captured audiences with its award-winning blend of music, comedy, and dance. The main production, The Carolina Opry, pulses with energy—featuring vocalists, dancers, and live band performances against a backdrop of multimedia effects and theatrical flair.
Other scheduled shows like Time Warp: Hits of the ‘60s, ‘70s & ‘80s offer fast-paced nostalgia with elaborate costuming and production values rarely expected outside major cities. Audiences consistently highlight the venue’s spacious seating, clear sightlines, and professional sound. While a dedicated drive, it offers South Carolina visitors an unforgettable evening of polished entertainment and top-tier talent
9. Lexington County Blowfish Baseball
Lexington County Blowfish offer classic small-town fun with a summer collegiate baseball twist. This Coastal Plain League team—based at the Lexington County Baseball Stadium—played its first season in 2006 and has since claimed multiple awards, including Organization of the Year honors and CPL championships in 2012 and 2023. Home games feature family-friendly promotions, themed nights, and all-you-can-eat ticket packages, making each evening lively as the crowd cheers on young prospects and local talent.
The ballpark’s retractable grandstand and classic-style seating create a nostalgic atmosphere—even as the team embraces modern fan comfort and community spirit. A game under the lights here is more than competition—it’s a neighborhood gathering where southern hospitality and summertime traditions take center stage.
10. Catch a Concert at Colonial Life Arena
In nearby Columbia, the Colonial Life Arena stands as South Carolina’s largest indoor performance space and hosts major concerts, sporting events, and community gatherings. Opened in 2002 and seating up to 19,000 for concerts, the arena presents top-tier talent—recent and upcoming shows include Stevie Nicks, Maxwell, Jonas Brothers, Nate Bargatze, and Adam Sandler. Home to University of South Carolina basketball, the venue delivers big-event energy with modern acoustics and sweeping sightlines.
Visitors appreciate the wide range of concessions, accessible seating, and proximity to downtown Columbia, making a trip here both straightforward and exciting. For anyone seeking regional entertainment beyond Lexington, this arena offers unforgettable nights under bright lights, whether it’s music, comedy, or major sporting events.
11. Christmas in Cayce-West Columbia
On the first Friday in December, the sister cities of Cayce and West Columbia come alive with free holiday fun during the annual Christmas in Cayce festival. Activities include carolers, concerts, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, carnival rides, train rides, and of course, photos with Santa! Musicians take the stage in the early afternoon, with the main event being the Tower of Power R&B concert starting at 6 pm. Stick around after dark for the evening Christmas parade winding through the park, complete with colorful floats, dancers, and lights.
12. Lexington Christmas Parade
Bundled up with family and friends, hit downtown Lexington's Main Street on the first Saturday evening of December to watch the area's biggest and most festive nighttime parade. Lexington lays claim to hosting South Carolina's oldest holiday parade, a tradition since 1939. Today, it features over 100 brightly decorated floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and crowds eagerly awaiting Santa rolling in on the final float.
Arrive early to grab hot chocolate and cookies from vendors near the Old Mill. If you can, reserve a spot at one of the restaurants or bars along the route for an elevated viewing experience. Be sure to dress warmly and bring blankets, folding chairs, and glow sticks to fully take part in the merry atmosphere.
13. Polar Express Train Ride
This beloved Christmas tradition lets families take a one-hour train ride with the Lexington Railroad Company to meet Santa and his elves. Kids are encouraged to wear pajamas for the night journey, which includes reading the classic Christmas tale, enjoying hot chocolate and cookies, caroling, and receiving a special gift from Santa himself.
The Polar Express departs from Virginia Avenue Station in Lexington every November and December, starting the day after Thanksgiving. Make reservations early, as this sought-after excursion often sells out. Check the schedule for special extras like story time with Mrs. Claus and frosting cookies in the train's cafe car.
14. Lexington Wine Walk
For grown-up fun, check out Lexington’s popular Wine Walks held on Saturday afternoons in January and February. These lively events allow you to sample fine wines from six different participating venues throughout the downtown historic district. Lexington restaurants, bars, galleries, and retail shops all take part.
Tickets to the Wine Walk include a souvenir glass so you can visit each stop for wine-tasting portions from places like COA, Southern Tailgate BBQ, and Wine World. You'll also receive a charm engraved with that month's year to add to a bracelet or necklace as a memento. Relax with live music at many of the stops as you explore downtown.
15. Saluda Shoals Park
One of Lexington's largest parks at over 500 acres, Saluda Shoals Park is a scenic gem located along the Saluda River. The park features 5 miles of wooded hiking and biking trails, including the wheelchair-accessible “Sensory Trail” dotted with braille information panels. Cool winter days are perfect for wandering the wetlands boardwalk loop, keeping eyes peeled for egrets, wood ducks, and beavers.
Rent a canoe or kayak from the boathouse and paddle along the peaceful open waters of Lake Saluda for picturesque views. History buffs will appreciate the preserved ruins of an old textile mill and covered bridge from the 1800s. Be sure to save time for the scenic riverside picnic areas too.
16. Swamp Rabbit Trail
The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a popular 22-mile multi-use greenway trail network winding through forests, wetlands, parks, and downtown areas. Well suited for walking, jogging, cycling, and even rollerblading, it connects Greenville to Travelers Rest, SC. Sections winding through the Lake Conestee Nature Park area make for brisk and scenic winter hikes and bike rides.
In Cayce, extend your activity by connecting to the 3-mile Timmerman Trail, which runs along the Congaree River. All along the way, stop for hot drinks or snacks at one of the adorable trailside cafes and shops in cities like Greenville and Travelers Rest.
17. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
See exotic animals from penguins to giraffes at one of America's top zoos, right in Columbia. Riverbanks has over 2,000 animals, as well as interactive exhibits, animal shows, train rides, and luscious botanical gardens spanning 170 acres. It's an ideal outdoor winter activity for families, especially during the holidays when extra seasonal magic sparks events like Boo at the Zoo and Zoo Lights.
The zoo's scenic grounds, with stone paths winding past waterfalls and quiet benches, make for leisurely walking even on cold days. Step inside climate-controlled reptile houses and aquariums to warm up while admiring alligators, giant sea turtles, pygmy hippos, koalas, and other rare creatures. With so much to see and do, you can easily spend an entire day or weekend exploring Riverbanks.
Conclusion
Lexington and its surrounding region offer more than a passing glance at South Carolina’s culture—they invite you to immerse in it. From walking among preserved homes in the historic district to spending summer evenings cheering on the Blowfish under stadium lights, every experience is rooted in connection. Here, art, history, sports, and nature blend seamlessly across scenic parks, lakeside trails, theaters, and galleries.
Among the many things to do in Lexington, you’ll find that it isn’t defined by any single attraction. It’s the way a local museum tells a story you’ve never heard, how a meal tastes better after a day on the water, or how a quiet stroll can lead to something unexpectedly beautiful. This is a place that values pace—measured, meaningful, and always welcoming.
Whether you’re staying a while or just passing through, Lexington leaves an impression that lingers. It reminds you that joy can be found in small-town rhythm, and discovery doesn’t always require a big map—just an open heart.
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FAQ
1. What is the best time of year to visit Lexington, South Carolina, for outdoor activities?
Lexington’s mild climate makes it enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall are especially ideal for outdoor activities, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. During these seasons, visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, boating on Lake Murray, and exploring local parks.
2. How easy is it to get around Lexington and the surrounding areas?
Lexington is easily navigable by car, and it’s close to major routes like I-20, which connects to Columbia and other nearby cities. For those exploring without a car, rideshare options are available, but renting a car is recommended for exploring the scenic areas around Lake Murray and nearby historic sites.
3. Are there any local traditions or events unique to Lexington that visitors should experience?
Yes, Lexington hosts several annual events that showcase its local charm. One of the town's most popular traditions is the Lexington Wine Walk, where visitors can sample local wines and foods. Additionally, the Lexington County Peach Festival, held every July 4th, celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage with local treats, crafts, and fireworks.
4. Is Lexington a pet-friendly destination?
Absolutely! Many parks, trails, and outdoor spaces in Lexington are pet-friendly, including the well-known Virginia Hylton Park. Some restaurants and cafes also welcome pets in their outdoor seating areas, making Lexington a comfortable place for travelers with pets.
5. How does Lexington’s location near Lake Murray enhance the visitor experience?
Lake Murray is one of the top attractions near Lexington, offering activities like boating, fishing, and lakeside picnics. Many visitors come specifically to experience the lake’s beautiful scenery, as well as events like the Fourth of July fireworks show over the water, which is a local highlight each summer.