Things to Do in Aiken
Nice weather, friendly locals, charming community, and stunning natural beauty make Aiken one of the best places to live in South Carolina. This southern city is known for its horses and equestrian community, but it’s not all fast horses and polo matches. Aiken has a lot more to offer and its social calendar is always booked. To help narrow down the list, here are some of the best things to do in Aiken, SC.
Hopelands Gardens
Image: Hopelands Gardens Facebook
Hopelands Gardens is a 14-hectare estate bequeathed by Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin to the City of Aiken. The curves and paths of the garden are shaded by century-old live oaks. It has become a quiet haven for residents of Aiken where they can kick back, relax, and enjoy nature. It’s also the perfect place to meditate, reflect, and do Yoga.
Hopelands is practically untouched by commercial enterprises. There are no ball fields and sports centers—just quiet and peaceful gardens. It’s home to the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage and the Gerde Carriage Museum. The stables in Hopelands house the historical horses of Aiken.
Amidst the frenzied city life, Hopelands Gardens offer a little peace and quiet and provides an escape from the chaos, even just for a moment.
Richardson's Lake Water Park
Image: Richardson's Lake Water Park Facebook
If you’re dreaming of white sandy beaches, water slides, diving boards, and a whole lot of outdoor fun, come to Richardson’s Lake Water Park. You don’t have to travel far for that weekend escapade with the whole family.
Feeling competitive? Challenge your friends (or strangers) to a game of beach volleyball or a billiard match. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, but the water park’s full concession stand has got all the food covered.
Aiken County Historical Museum
Image: Aiken County Historical Museum Facebook
If you want to know the history of Aiken County from the time of the Native Americans to the modern era, the Aiken County Historical Museum has all the answers and more. The museum is nestled in the 17,500 sq. ft. Winter Colony cottage called Banksia.
The museum not only informs, but it also educates us on how the rich history and heritage of Aiken Country is interpreted, preserved, and promoted. Apart from the usual museum tours and exhibits, there are plenty of activities—real and virtual—that make your visit extra fun. There are lectures, explorations, history kits for the kids, Banksia tour, and events that celebrate the history and culture of Aiken County. Many of the exhibits and galleries are interactive, which makes for a more immersive experience.
Electric Bike Tour
Image: Pedego Electric Bikes Aiken Facebook
What better way to tour Aiken than on electric bikes? Pedego Electric Bikes makes it possible for you to rent e-bikes and explore the historic city and enjoy the lush scenery. Bike along the tree-line roads and take in the beauty of the structures and architecture that are steep in history.
It is not uncommon to fall in love with the rental Pedego electric bike, so we won’t be surprised if you bring one home with you. It’s truly a great experience to go around Aiken with less carbon footprint. Whether you’re touring solo or with a partner, there’s an electric bike waiting for you. Definitely a cheaper alternative to Tesla.
Should you become a Pedego owner, you’re free to join the Pedego Palooza, where Pedego enthusiasts come together, share stories, go for a ride, and enjoy the festivities.
Hitchcock Woods
Image: Hitchcock Woods Foundation Facebook
With a massive 2,100 acres of forestland, the Hitchcock Woods is one of the largest forests in the United States. Located at the heart of Aiken, the Woods has become a sanctuary for hikers, runners, dog walkers, and people who love nature and the outdoors. With 70 miles of sandy trails, it’s the perfect place to go for a walk and explore the stunning beauty of the Woods for free.
An interesting but dangerous tidbit about the Woods is that a sand river runs through it. This means that after a heavy rain, the sand river turns into a real river temporarily. As a result, the sand becomes quicksand. You’d find warning signs posted on trees around the forest, so don’t say you have not been warned.
As a South Carolina Heritage Trust site, the various ecosystems of the Hitchcock Woods are protected forever so that future generations can enjoy the spectacular views of the forestland.
Aiken Center for the Arts
Image: Aiken Center for the Arts Facebook
The Aiken Center for the Arts promotes creative self expression among members of the community and provides visitors with unique visual arts and performances. It offers both entertainment and education for those of all ages and is an attraction we consider to be one of the best things to do in Aiken.
The center is conveniently located in downtown Aiken and is open Mon-Sat. Stop in to check out the current exhibits, shop around the gallery gift shop, or sign up for a class or workshop. Whether you’re looking to support local artists or thinking about becoming one yourself, the Aiken Center for the Arts is the place to get started.
Aiken Music Fest
Image: Aiken Music Fest Website
If you want to know what’s happening in the Aiken’s local music scene, attend the Aiken Music Fest, a 6-event music series every Saturday night being held at Highfields in Aiken, SC. Headlined by some of the best local musicians and artists, the Aiken Music Fest features music from different genres. Whether you’re into rock, funk, jazz, blues, country, soul, or hip hop, the music fest always delivers exciting and powerful live performances. Up and coming artists also flex their musical muscles. Who knows, the next big superstar may just be the one whose performance you’ve just watched.
The Aiken Music Fest not only celebrates local bands, but it also brings together the Aiken community in full support of their local talents.
VIZION VR
Image: VIZION VR Website
Virtual reality is all the rage right now and Vizion VR gives you all the VR experience your mind can handle. With over 100 games from a multitude of genres, you’ll have hours of fun experiencing an alternate universe where you can be a zombie killer, a sports superstar, a super soldier, a robot, or pretty much any character that’s so far removed from the real world.
Solo booths are available if you want to immerse yourself in a game all by your lonesome self. You’ll be strapped in a 360-degree contraption with no walls. For groups, VR stations and family booths are available.
Nothing is as immersive and as engaging as a virtual reality experience. It’s a great form of high-tech entertainment that beats binging on Netflix or watching TikTok videos.
Boyd Pond Park
Image: Boyd Pond Park Facebook
A picturesque 30-acre pond awaits at Boyd Pond Park. This hidden jewel located southwest of Aiken, SC is a nature lover’s paradise. It’s a great place to go for a run, have a nice stroll, or simply relax on the picnic grounds. As you explore the park, you’ll find different species of birds and butterflies. It’s a great spot for bird watching.
The park has hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as softball and soccer fields. Disc golf tournaments are also held in the park. There are plenty of things to see and do on the ground. In the water, there’s boating, kayaking and fishing. Kids will have a grand time in the playground with wide open space to run around.
