Jamestown South CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Jamestown, South Carolina.
1. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
HISTORIC SACRED SPACE
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church stands as one of the most highly-rated attractions in Jamestown with a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors. The historic church showcases beautiful architecture and serves as an important spiritual landmark in the community. Visitors appreciate the church's peaceful atmosphere and historical significance in the region.
2. Francis Marion National Forest
VAST NATURAL WILDERNESS
Francis Marion National Forest offers visitors over 250,000 acres of diverse ecosystems including pine stands, swamps, and coastal forests. The forest provides numerous recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing throughout the year. Named after the Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, this protected wilderness area represents an important natural habitat in South Carolina's lowcountry region.
3. St. James Santee Brick Church
COLONIAL RELIGIOUS HERITAGE
St. James Santee Brick Church is a perfectly-rated historic site with a 5.0 visitor rating, showcasing colonial religious architecture. The brick church stands as an important reminder of early settlement and religious life in the region. Visitors can explore the historic structure and surrounding grounds to appreciate its cultural significance.
4. Hampton Plantation State Historic Site
PRESERVED COLONIAL ESTATE
Hampton Plantation State Historic Site preserves an 18th-century rice plantation with a magnificent Georgian-style mansion open for tours. The plantation grounds include beautiful oak trees, including one reportedly saved by George Washington during his 1791 Southern tour. Visitors can explore the historic home, wander the grounds, and learn about plantation life, slavery, and the complex history of the South Carolina lowcountry.
5. Jamestown Cemetery
HISTORIC COMMUNITY LANDMARK
Jamestown Cemetery serves as the final resting place for many of the community's founding families and notable residents. The cemetery dates back to the formation of the settlement after former slave Ervin James purchased land in the area in 1870. Visitors interested in local history can observe gravestones that tell the story of the community's 70-year flourishing period.
6. Bowers Chapel United Methodist Church
COMMUNITY SPIRITUAL CENTER
Bowers Chapel United Methodist Church, formerly known as Summerville Methodist Church, has served the Jamestown community since approximately 1880. The church represents one of the original institutions established during the settlement's development period following land purchases by freed slaves after the Civil War. The church continues to be an important spiritual and cultural center for local residents and hosts community events throughout the year.
7. Cypress Gardens
SWAMP GARDEN PARADISE
Cypress Gardens offers visitors a chance to explore 170 acres of blackwater swamp gardens featuring boat rides through cypress and tupelo trees draped in Spanish moss. The attraction includes beautiful walking paths, a butterfly house, and an aquarium showcasing native reptiles and fish species. Cypress Gardens has served as a filming location for several movies including scenes from The Notebook and The Patriot.
8. Old Santee Canal Park
HISTORIC WATERWAY RECREATION
Old Santee Canal Park preserves the site of America's first summit canal system, which operated from 1800 to 1850 to connect the Santee and Cooper Rivers. The 195-acre park features hiking trails, a boardwalk through the swamp, and the Berkeley County Museum & Heritage Center. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, bird watching, picnicking, and learning about the area's transportation history through interpretive exhibits.
9. Biggin Church Ruins
COLONIAL RELIGIOUS REMAINS
Biggin Church Ruins preserves the brick remnants of a historic Anglican church originally built in 1711 and rebuilt in 1761 after a fire. The church was burned during the Revolutionary War and again in 1886, leaving behind the haunting ruins that stand today. Visitors can explore these atmospheric brick walls that stand as a testament to the religious history of the region and the tumultuous events that shaped it.
10. Lake Moultrie
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
Lake Moultrie spans approximately 60,000 acres as South Carolina's third largest lake and offers world-class fishing for catfish, bass, and crappie. The man-made reservoir was created in the 1940s as part of the Santee Cooper Hydroelectric and Navigation Project and provides numerous recreational opportunities. Visitors enjoy boating, swimming, camping, and wildlife viewing along its extensive shoreline and surrounding parks.
11. Howard's BBQ & Catering
AUTHENTIC LOCAL FLAVORS
Howard's BBQ & Catering serves up authentic South Carolina barbecue with pulled pork, ribs, and traditional sides that have made it a regional favorite. The restaurant's smoked meats follow time-honored recipes and cooking techniques that showcase the local barbecue tradition. Visitors and locals alike appreciate the casual atmosphere, generous portions, and genuine Southern hospitality.
12. The Rusty Rudder
WATERFRONT DINING EXPERIENCE
The Rusty Rudder offers waterfront dining with stunning views of the Wando River and an extensive menu featuring fresh seafood and Lowcountry specialties. The restaurant's large outdoor deck provides a perfect setting for enjoying sunset views while dining on locally-sourced dishes. Visitors appreciate the casual atmosphere, live music performances, and selection of local craft beers on tap.
13. Blackwater Market
LOCAL CRAFTS AND GOODS
Blackwater Market showcases handcrafted items, artisan foods, and unique gifts from local craftspeople and small-batch producers. The market serves as a community hub where visitors can find authentic South Carolina products and meet the people who make them. Shoppers enjoy browsing the selection of homemade preserves, woodworking, textiles, and regional specialty foods in this charming local establishment.
14. Middleton Place
HISTORIC PLANTATION GARDENS
Middleton Place features America's oldest landscaped gardens dating back to 1741 and offers visitors a glimpse into plantation life through its house museum and stable yards. The National Historic Landmark spans 65 acres with meticulously maintained formal gardens designed according to classical European principles. Visitors can tour the historic house, observe craftspeople demonstrating traditional skills, and explore the expansive grounds with their reflection pools, terraced lawns, and butterfly lakes.
15. Jamestown Family Reunion
ANNUAL CULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Jamestown Family Reunion takes place each July as a large gathering celebrating the heritage of this historic African American community founded by formerly enslaved people. The event features educational programs open to the public along with food, music, and cultural activities that honor the legacy of founder Ervin James and the families who built the settlement. Visitors can learn about local history, meet descendants of the original settlers, and participate in various community activities during this significant annual celebration.