Things to Do in Aiken

The city was a retreat for many rich and famous people, including Fred Astaire, who used to come to Aiken for a bit of family vacation time. Start your visit here with a trolley tour of the city’s historic neighborhood to give the family a look at the village. Horse lovers and golfers will find it especially accommodating, as the city offers endless golf courses and the Aiken Training Track, which hosts numerous races throughout the year.

Gardens and Other Cool Spaces

Check out local flora and massive oak trees at Hopeland Gardens, a 14-acre public park located in the heart of the city. Outdoor performances are held on Monday nights from May through August. Or, during the summer months, cool off with the various water sprays and slides at the Citizens Park Sprayground.

Aiken's Two R's: Racing and Riding

Take a walk through the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum to learn all about past thoroughbred champions, or check out up-and-coming contenders at the Aiken Triple Crown—known as the Holy Grail of horse racing. Mount up on a rented horse and gallop along historic bridle trails leading through Hitchcock Woods.

Take a Swing

If your visit coincides with Masters Week in nearby Augusta—just 20 miles away—you’ll get a rare opportunity to play at the exclusive Palmetto Golf Course. One of the oldest courses in the southeast, Palmetto only allows non-members during Masters Week. You’ll find several other notable courses in Aiken as well, including Aiken Golf Club. For miniature golf, head to Hole-N-One Family Fun Center—they also have batting cages and an arcade.

Make Learning Fun

Discover Aiken’s original heritage as a railroad town at the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum, set in a rebuilt historic depot. The entire second floor is dedicated to the museum, and it displays dioramas of the original train stations from Charleston to Aiken. Explore the universe at the Dupont Planetarium complex at the University of South Carolina. Programs at the planetarium typically last about 45 minutes and include a live presentation and depictions of space projected on a 30-foot dome.

A Nosh and a Nibble

You won’t have to feel guilty indulging yourself at the Magnolia Café and Market. This farm-to-table restaurant offers a wide array of dishes—ranging from burgers and grilled paninis to wraps and soups—made from local, organic ingredients. Nosh on classic pub fare at the Aiken Brewing Company, or enjoy local favorites such as crab-stuffed mushrooms, fried chicken salad or ribs braised in the brewery’s own pale ale.

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