Things to Do in Florence
Aptly nicknamed “The Magic City,” Florence, South Carolina is a hidden tourism gem. Great for families, couples, and even for those traveling alone, Florence has a number of unique attractions great for your next vacation.
Ready to plan your itinerary? Check out the ten best things to do in Florence, SC below! Use this guide to make your next vacation the best one yet!
Florence County Museum
Image: Florence County Museum Website
Designed for people of all ages, Florence County Museum is the perfect place to lose yourself in the culture of the city. The museum features a range of exhibits from both local and outside artists, including the famed 20th century Florence painter William H. Johnson. Take a free public tour and admire the diverse artisan culture of the region!
Got your kids in tow? Participate in family day or the afternoon art club to help get them more involved in art and spark their creative interest.
DEFY Extreme Air Sports
Image: DEFY Website
Get ready for the time of your life. DEFY Extreme Air Sports brings a new level of excitement to your vacation. With a park so thrilling you’ll need to sign a waiver to attend, DEFY adds the perfect spice to any vacation.
This extreme trampoline park offers a number of your favorite activities with an extreme twist. From its games of extreme dodgeball to its ninja course and everything in between, DEFY is one of the most thrilling things to do in all of Florence, South Carolina.
Timrod Park
Looking to unwind? Timrod Park provides the perfect relaxing and family-friendly venue. Nestled within one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, it boasts numerous historic sites and relaxing activities that the whole family will love. Make sure to check out the old, one-room school building where the park’s namesake, Henry Timrod, taught.
When the sightseeing is over, tour the gardens, rest at the gazebo, hike the iconic nature trails or have a picnic with the kids on the open grass. If you’re feeling super active, you can even take advantage of Timrod’s tennis courts and multiple fitness courses!
Florence RedWolves
Image: Florence RedWolves Facebook
You can’t leave Florence without seeing a Florence RedWolves game (if it’s in season, of course). This team from the Coastal Plain League has represented Florence since 1998 and has produced some of the best baseball talent in the region during that time span.
Calling iconic Sparrow Stadium their home field, the team is always sure to knock one out of the park. Root for the home team at one of their games—and enjoy every bit of the fair Florence whether as you do it!
Florence Veterans Park
Dubbed the “All-American City,” Florence pays tribute to American soldiers at its famed Veterans Park. Sitting on six acres of land dedicated by the estate of a WII Veteran, Florence Veterans Park features awe-inspiring monuments and statues to American heroes.
At this special park, guests are awed by incredible monuments, including a six-sided obelisk honoring all branches of the military, the Home Safe statue depicting a family bidding farewell to a military father, and a wall listing the names of veterans who served in Desert Storm, among others.
The 19th Green Indoor Golf Center
Image: The 19th Green Google Business Listing
The only indoor golf center in Florence, The 19th Green Indoor Golf Center gives you a chance to perfect your golfing technique almost 365 days a year. Whether you’re a rookie or an amateur pro, this respected golfing venue has the courses you need to challenge yourself and take your golfing game to the next level. That’s because The 19th Green has both a free practice range and over 90 courses to choose from!
Offering both beer and wine, the site hosts special events such as bachelor parties and holiday celebrations, as well. Make sure to swing by if you’re in the area!
Darlington Raceway
Image: Darlington Raceway Website
In town during race week? Make sure you’re at Darlington Raceway! Site of the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series, Darlington is one of the most respected names in high-speed racing, and it’s not difficult to see why. The track, which is shaped like an egg, is considered one of the hardest in NASCAR and provides attendees with incredible food and entertainment, as well.
Take part in the iconic Southern 500 at Darlington before going out and visiting the rest of Florence!
Columns Plantation
Built in Antebellum Florence in 1857, the privately owned Columns Plantation is on the National Register of Historic Places and is available for arranged tours and special bookings. Today, this Mars Bluff property is regarded as one of the outstanding examples of pre-Civil War architecture in Florence and is also known for its cotton, tobacco, and corn crops, which make it the last working plantation in the region.
Get a taste of history by visiting the plantation and marvel at its incredible architecture, which includes twenty-two Doric brick columns that run along the exterior of the house.
Woods Bay State Natural Area
At almost 1,600 acres, Woods Bay State Natural Area is one of the largest and most diverse parks in the Florence region. The site is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain and boasts forest, marsh, sandhill, and shrub bog habitats. Take the trails through the park to see the amazing biodiversity at this one-of-a-kind natural reserve!
Don’t want to be on your feet? Take part in the incredible freshwater fishing onsite, go paddling, or even take a canoe through the waters before settling down for a picnic!
Florence National Cemetery
Take a moment of silence at Florence National Cemetery, the hallowed resting grounds of some of America’s bravest veterans. The location was designated a national cemetery in 1865 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
Fittingly, a number of notable individuals have been laid to rest at Florence National Cemetery, including Chief Boatswain’s Mate James Elliott Williams, a Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipient who is largely considered one of the most decorated soldiers in the history of the US Navy.
