Things to Do in Orangeburg
Orangeburg, South Carolina is a thriving city with an incredible history. Nicknamed ‘the Garden City’, there’s no shortage of things to do in Orangeburg if you happen to stop by. From gorgeous scenery to animals to athletics to county fairs, Orangeburg is a versatile city and it has something for everyone. Keep reading to discover the top 10 things to do in Orangeburg!
Edisto Memorial Gardens
Image: City of Orangeburg Website
The Edisto Memorial Gardens are a memorial to the Civil War and the Confederate Army right in the heart of Orangeburg. It designates the spot where 600 Confederate soldiers held off the Union Army in 1865. Today, the garden has around 4,800 rose plants in this man-made garden. To celebrate the blooming of the City’s roses in the Edisto Memorial Gardens, Orangeburg holds the Orangeburg Festival of Roses every may. If you’re looking for things to do in Orangeburg, this garden is a great place to see some beauty and reflect on our nation’s history.
Hillcrest Golf Club
Image: Hillcrest Golf Club Website
For golf lovers, Hillcrest Golf Club is currently ranked as one of the best courses in the Carolinas. The course is enjoyable for all skill levels as it’s both challenging and playable at the same time. You can head to Hillcrest Golf Club to play a round, go to the driving range, or hit some tennis balls. The course is municipal, so visitors are welcome. Incredibly close to the city center, make sure to stop by next time you’re looking for things to do!
Prince of Orange Mall
Image: Prince of Orange Mall Facebook
Head to the mall! If you love to shop, this is always a good option when you’re looking for things to do. In Orangeburg, the current anchor department stores are Belk and JCPenney. The Prince of Orange Mall offers a handful of other shopping and dining options as well as U.S. Army, Marines, and Navy Recruiting locations. Spend some time browsing and grab a bite to eat—an easy way to kill some time on any afternoon and have some fun doing it.
Orangeburg County YMCA Park
Image: YMCA of Columbia Website
Orangeburg County’s aquatic park is sponsored by the YMCA, and is perfect for the whole family. The park includes a two family fun slides, a bowl slide, a raindrop fall, spider spray, lazy river, zero depth pool, tot pool with slide, group pavilion, and a snack bar with snacks and drinks for everyone. If you’re already a member of the Columbia YMCA, you’ll get free admission! For visiting families, anyone over 4 feet tall will cost $8 to admit, anyone under 4 feet tall will cost $4 to admit. If you’re visiting Orangeburg during the summer months of June, July, or the first two weeks of August, put this on your list of things to do. It’s open 7 days of week and is sure to be an amazing time for everyone.
Frankie's Fun Park
Image: Frankie's Fun Park Website
Frankie’s Fun Park is the perfect spot for those looking for a variety of activities. Roughly 45 minutes outside of Orangeburg, the drive won’t be for nothing. Frankie’s includes mini golf, a road course, a fun house, laser tag, swings, an arcade, a drop zone, spinning teacups, a slick track, a hologate, a disk’o, bumper cars, a drifter, and more! If you’re not sure what all of those rides even mean, you’ll just have to go experience it for yourself. All you need to know is that whatever your preference, there’s sure to be something for you. Frankie’s also includes lots of food options, so you can eat right there at the park as soon as you start to feel your stomach grumble. Your year won’t be the same without a trip to Frankie’s.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Image: Riverbanks Zoo Facebook
Roughly 45 minutes from Orangeburg is Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens, which is home to over 2,000 animals. For the admission fee, you’ll gain access to both the zoo and the botanical garden which provides incredible habitat exhibits, scenic river views, spectacular valley overlooks, and significant historic landmarks. The zoo protects a number of historic landmarks in addition to animals. South Carolina’s significant role in the Civil War means that some bridges and trails are sites of historical significance from the war itself. You’ll get a three in one by heading to the Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens for the animals, botanical gardens, and history lesson!
Orangeburg County Fair
Image: Orangeburg County Fair Website
Who doesn’t love a county fair?! The Orangeburg County Fair dates back to 1911 when local citizens organized it for education, entertainment, and recreational purposes. The Fair brings in huge sponsors like Coca-Cola. If you happen to be in Orangeburg when the fair is up and running, be sure to check it out. There are rides, shows, events, and food all included in the price of the wristband. It’s a true Orangeburg experience and one that you can’t pass up if you get the opportunity. Visit their website to find out more about how you can get tickets if the County Fair is around while you’re in town.
Congaree National Park
Image: Congaree National Park Facebook
You may or may not have heard of Congaree National Park, but this 26,276-acre park is located just around an hour outside of Orangeburg and has numerous things to do. Not only is Congaree National Park a designated wilderness area but it’s also a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Head to Congaree to see a national natural landmark. You can also get your adventure on with a variety of activities. Whether you like to camp, hike, canoe, kayak, or bird watch, you can do this and more at the Congaree National Park. Make sure you do some research before you head over though, so you can full take advantage of all the park has to offer. For example, on some days, you can jump on a volunteer-led hike on some of the longer trails so you can see nature up close and personal.
Carolina Ice Palace
Image: Carolina Ice Palace Facebook
Carolina Ice Palace is a great way to get some fun and exercise in while you’re visiting Orangeburg. Carolina Ice Palace is roughly a fifty-minute drive from the heart of Orangeburg, but it is well worth the drive. Here you can ice skate your heart out during their public skate hours. Bonus, if you go on a Friday and Saturday evening in particular, Carolina Ice Palace has a Family Night Special. From 6 PM to 8 PM, a family of 4 will get 4 skating admissions, 4 skate rentals, 1 large 16-inch pizza, and 2 pitchers of drinks for only $50. If you’re looking for things to do in Orangeburg, this is no doubt that this is a fun and unique way to go!
South Carolina State Museum
Image: South Carolina State Museum Website
Roughly 45 minutes outside of the city and is the place to go if you live in Orangeburg or commonly visit. With four floors and exhibits that are constantly changing, you’ll always have things to do in Orangeburg when you go to visit. What are some of the awesome of features of the South Carolina State Museum?! Think digital dome planetarium, 4D interactive theater, and an observatory. This museum is the perfect spot for the whole family. There are permanent exhibits on history, art, natural history, science, and technology. Topics range from the dinosaurs to prehistoric fossils to the Revolutionary War to the Civil War to African-American history to historic telescopes and more! Changing exhibits include around 4-5 displays that vary throughout the year. That means that even if you’ve been to the SC State Museum before, there’s always a reason to go back.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Orangeburg, South Carolina whether you live there now, you’re relocating, you’re stopping over for a night or you’re staying for longer! It’s amazing what you can find in a spot like Orangeburg that may seem small but located in the perfect spot to have both its own attractions and borrow from its neighboring city of Columbia.
If you’re looking for additional things to do beyond this list, don’t forget to check out local sports. Both Claflin University and South Carolina State University are located in Orangeburg. Consider checking to see if their teams are playing during the time that you’re there and going out to support whatever sporting event you select. Additionally, if you’re willing to drive, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia can also provide a fun alternative. Remember, cities like Orangeburg are full of hidden treasures and things to do: you just have to find them.
