Orangeburg South CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Orangeburg, South Carolina.
1. Edisto Memorial Gardens
FLORAL PARADISE
Edisto Memorial Gardens is a 175-acre floral paradise rated as one of the Top 20 visitor attractions in South Carolina. The gardens commemorate the site where 600 Confederate soldiers temporarily held off the Union Army in 1865. This beautiful attraction hosts the annual Orangeburg Festival of Roses and offers visitors a peaceful place to enjoy nature.
2. Cecil Williams South Carolina Civil Rights Museum
HISTORIC CIVIL RIGHTS
Cecil Williams South Carolina Civil Rights Museum highlights the story of South Carolina's civil rights movement from 1950-1970 through photographs. The museum is the first and only of its kind, showcasing important civil rights leaders and events. Visitors can enjoy free admission daily, though calling ahead to reserve is recommended.
3. I.P. Stanback Museum & Planetarium
ART AND ASTRONOMY
I.P. Stanback Museum & Planetarium is located in the quaint southern town of Orangeburg, known for friendly people and great southern cooking. The specialty museum offers a unique combination of art exhibitions and astronomy education. Visitors can explore cultural artifacts while also enjoying planetarium shows that bring the wonders of the universe to life.
4. Orangeburg County Aquatic Park
FAMILY WATER FUN
Orangeburg County Aquatic Park features a lazy river and various water attractions for all ages. The park has plenty of attentive lifeguards on-site ensuring safety for all visitors. Admission is affordable with $4 for children and adults 47" and under and $8 for those 48" and over.
5. Hillcrest Golf Course
QUALITY AFFORDABLE GOLF
Hillcrest Golf Course offers golfers a well-maintained course that is well worth the price. The course features nice fairways and pretty good greens without a lot of trouble to get into. Orangeburg County is known for its world-class golf resorts, with Hillcrest being a standout option for recreational golfers.
6. Nostalgic Nerd
RETRO GAMING PARADISE
Nostalgic Nerd is an old-school gaming arcade and fun center featuring over a dozen gaming stations. The entertainment venue offers consoles in all shapes and sizes, including Nintendo, Atari, Sega, Xbox, and PlayStation systems. Visitors can relive gaming memories or create new ones in this unique entertainment center.
7. Historic Downtown District
CHARMING HISTORIC CENTER
Historic Downtown District in Orangeburg offers visitors a chance to step into a time capsule where history and charm meet. The district is lined with beautifully preserved buildings, each with its own story to tell, mixing old Southern architecture with modern-day shops and cafes. Visitors are often struck by the sense of community as locals greet one another on sidewalks, adding to the authentic Southern charm.
8. Orangeburg County Courthouse
ARCHITECTURAL HISTORICAL LANDMARK
Orangeburg County Courthouse is one of the most striking historic sites in Orangeburg, featuring stately columns and a grand entrance. Built in the 1800s, the courthouse exemplifies Southern courthouse architecture, blending classical elements with local design influences. The site has witnessed significant moments in the town's history, from civil rights marches to important local political events.
9. Five Rivers Market
DIVERSE VENDOR MARKETPLACE
Five Rivers Market is a one-of-a-kind shopping destination featuring over 50 vendors with constantly changing merchandise. The marketplace offers a variety of products including antiques and gourmet food items. Shoppers can enjoy browsing unique items while experiencing the local flavor of Orangeburg.
10. Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center
LOCAL CREATIVE HUB
Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center showcases the artistic talents of the local community through various exhibitions and programs. The center serves as a cultural hub where visitors can appreciate paintings, sculptures, and other artistic media created by regional artists. Through its diverse offerings, the arts center helps explore and celebrate Orangeburg's vibrant cultural scene.
11. Orangeburg County Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
Orangeburg County Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich history of the region through various exhibits and collections. The history museum offers visitors insight into the development of Orangeburg County from its early days to present times. Through artifacts, documents, and photographs, the society tells the compelling stories of the people who shaped this South Carolina community.
12. Oliver C. Dawson Stadium
HISTORIC SPORTS VENUE
Oliver C. Dawson Stadium is an important sports venue that hosts various athletic events in Orangeburg. The stadium serves as the home field for the South Carolina State University football team and other sporting competitions. Visitors can experience the excitement of college sports while enjoying the passionate atmosphere created by local fans.
13. Firefly Distillery
LOCAL SPIRIT MAKERS
Firefly Distillery offers visitors a taste of locally produced spirits in a welcoming atmosphere. The distillery produces a variety of handcrafted spirits using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. Guests can tour the facility, learn about the distilling process, and sample the unique flavors that have made Firefly a popular destination.
14. Claflin University
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Claflin University is a historic institution of higher learning with beautiful campus grounds and architecture. Founded in 1869, it is the oldest historically black college or university in South Carolina. Visitors can explore the campus to appreciate its academic heritage and contribution to education in the region.
15. Thee Matriarch
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY DESTINATION
Thee Matriarch offers visitors an authentic taste of Southern hospitality and cuisine in Orangeburg. The establishment provides a welcoming environment where guests can enjoy traditional Southern dishes prepared with care and local ingredients. Visitors frequently praise the warm atmosphere and genuine service that embodies the spirit of South Carolina's culinary traditions.