Things to Do in Florence

Tucked away in the northeastern corner of South Carolina, you’ll find a vibrant small city that entices visitors with its renowned contemporary art museum, scenic hiking trails and historic landmarks nestled in rolling green hills. Discover local experiences like browsing the booths at the downtown farmers market, or cheering on your favorite NASCAR driver at nearby Darlington Raceway! When you book a Florence hotel, there are so many places to explore.

Enjoy the outdoors at local parks and landmarks

Located in a historic neighborhood, Timrod Park is a perfect place for family fun. You’ll find a gazebo, picnic areas, interpretive nature trails, a fitness area, 14 lighted tennis courts, 6 pickleball courts and gardens galore. It also includes a 1917 steam locomotive by Vulcan Iron Works, and the one-room school building where schoolteacher Henry Timrod taught. For access to natural wetlands and wildlife viewing, head to the walking trails at Jeffries Creek Park.

Florence Veterans Park is home to award-winning monuments paying homage to those who are serving or have served in the wars of the 20th century. The beautifully landscaped park features an amphitheater, a water wall and reflecting pool, and a three-pillar, 30-foot tall central monument. A visit to this amazing memorial park is an experience you’re sure to remember.

Finally, take a short drive east to Mars Bluff and discover one big “oopsie” from the 1950’s. On March 11, 1958, a 26-kiloton atomic bomb was accidentally dropped into the backyard of local farmer Walter Greggs. Thankfully, the plutonium core wasn’t aboard, but the explosion nevertheless left a 40-foot wide hole in the ground that eventually became a popular landmark that’s still accessible today.

Take your pick of fresh, local produce

Savor the culinary and cultural options at the Pee Dee Farmers Market with food, live music, crafts and locally grown produce situated on 55-acres of former farmland at the “Old Tobacco Experiment Station” on Highway 52. Open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can wander through dozens of stands and buy the region’s most delightful goods. Gather up unique souvenirs like handmade soaps, local honey and cheese, the freshest local fruit and veggies to enjoy during your stay, and any of the expertly made crafts by local artisans.

Go on an art excursion downtown

Get to know this history of Florence and the surrounding cities at the Florence County Museum. It highlights the region’s rich heritage through art with a dynamic range of contemporary and historic exhibitions, including paintings by 20th century African American artist William H. Johnson, in its permanent collections. Also notable are the folksy works of art by Florence native Willie Johnson and Dutch immigrant Holcha Krake. This exhibit of rare, rediscovered works by the married couple explore the artistic influence they had on each other and reflect their different, yet intersecting lives and cultures. If you're more into ancient times, check out the reptile display from the Cretaceous period and the Bald Cypress trunk sub-fossil. It reaches 18 feet high, so it's hard to miss. Even if you’re not an art aficionado, the museum’s architecture is worth a trip with its airy, modern design sure to inspire. The best part? Admission is free!

Have your own personal treasure hunt

With a name like Thieves Market, it’s easy to wonder what kind of special treasures you’ll find here—from vintage décor and giant Exxon signs, to extravagant chandeliers, Oriental rugs, rare antiques and more. Spend a day hunting for weird, wacky and downright useful treasures, or opt for hard-to-find heirlooms that made their way to this one-of-a-kind flea market. The Thieves Market is located inside a 22,000-square foot warehouse that gets hot in summer and a little chilly in winter, so dress accordingly.

With a name like Thieves Market, it’s easy to wonder what kind of special treasures you’ll find here—from vintage décor and giant Exxon signs, to extravagant chandeliers, Oriental rugs, rare antiques and more. Spend a day hunting for weird, wacky and downright useful treasures, or opt for hard-to-find heirlooms that made their way to this one-of-a-kind flea market. The Thieves Market is located inside a 22,000-square foot warehouse that gets hot in summer and a little chilly in winter, so dress accordingly.

Take in the thrills of racing—with a little history, too

The world-famous Darlington Raceway is located just 15 minutes from Florence. Nicknamed the “Lady in Black,” the raceway is known far and wide as the track that’s "too tough to tame.” Focused on honoring its storied past while celebrating the future, Darlington combines the thrill of racing with numerous events to bring together the community. While it’s most notable for playing host to NASCAR races like the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500, you don't have to visit on race day to get in on the action. It also offers car shows and barbecue cook-offs. And history buffs won't want to miss the Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum and NMPA Hall of Fame, which offers an in-depth look at the history (and future) of NASCAR and the raceway. Museum admission is just $7.50 for adults, $5.00 for military, and free for kids under 12.