St. Stephen South CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near St. Stephen, South Carolina.
1. Lake Moultrie - Amos Lee Gourdine Boat Ramp
SCENIC BOATING DESTINATION
Lake Moultrie with its Amos Lee Gourdine Boat Ramp offers visitors excellent access to one of South Carolina's largest lakes. The boat ramp provides ample parking and launching facilities for fishing enthusiasts and recreational boaters. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and taking in the natural beauty of the lake surroundings.
2. Cypress Gardens
ENCHANTING SWAMP GARDENS
Cypress Gardens is a stunning 170-acre preserve featuring blackwater swamp gardens and boat tours through cypress and tupelo trees. Visitors can paddle through the scenic swamp in small boats, explore walking trails, or visit the butterfly house and aquarium. The gardens have served as a filming location for several movies, including scenes from The Notebook and The Patriot.
3. Old Santee Canal Park
HISTORIC WATERWAY PARK
Old Santee Canal Park preserves the first true canal built in America, constructed between 1793 and 1800. The 195-acre park offers historical exhibits, nature trails, and interpretive center showcasing the area's rich cultural and natural history. Visitors can explore the blackwater swamp via boardwalks, observe wildlife, and learn about the engineering achievement that connected the Santee and Cooper Rivers.
4. Mepkin Abbey
TRAPPIST MONASTERY RETREAT
Mepkin Abbey is a Trappist monastery situated on former rice plantations along the Cooper River. The abbey offers guided tours of its beautiful grounds, gardens, and church where visitors can experience the peaceful atmosphere created by the resident monks. Visitors can purchase monastery-made items including mushrooms grown by the monks and explore the abbey's botanical gardens featuring magnificent live oaks draped with Spanish moss.
5. Palmetto Trail - Lake Moultrie Passage
SCENIC HIKING TRAILS
The Lake Moultrie Passage of the Palmetto Trail offers hikers a scenic experience along the shores of Lake Moultrie near St. Stephen. This trail section features beautiful lake views, diverse wildlife habitats, and connects to the larger statewide Palmetto Trail system. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy bird watching, photography, and experiencing the natural beauty of the South Carolina lowcountry.
6. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
CHARLESTON'S HISTORIC GARDENS
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, founded in 1676, is one of the oldest plantations in the South and Charleston's most visited plantation. The gardens are renowned for their romantic style, with azaleas, camellias, and numerous other flowering plants creating a stunning display throughout the year. Visitors can tour the historic house, take a boat tour through the rice fields, visit the petting zoo, or explore the extensive gardens and nature trails.
7. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
HISTORIC COLONIAL CHURCH
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, built between 1767 and 1769, stands as a remarkable example of colonial architecture in South Carolina. The church features unusual beauty for its age with distinctive design elements that have been preserved throughout the centuries. Visitors can appreciate the historical significance of this religious landmark that has been serving the community since before the American Revolution.
8. Blueway Adventures
GUIDED KAYAKING TOURS
Blueway Adventures offers guided kayaking tours through the scenic waterways around St. Stephen, providing visitors with a unique perspective of the area's natural beauty. Experienced guides lead paddlers through cypress swamps, blackwater creeks, and lake areas rich with wildlife viewing opportunities. The adventure company provides all necessary equipment for a memorable outdoor experience suitable for various skill levels.
9. Francis Marion Gravesite
REVOLUTIONARY WAR HERO
The Francis Marion gravesite honors the final resting place of the legendary Revolutionary War hero known as the "Swamp Fox." Marion earned fame for his guerrilla warfare tactics against British forces in the swamps and forests of South Carolina. The historic site offers visitors a chance to connect with an important figure in American history while enjoying the peaceful countryside setting.
10. Biggin Church Ruins
HISTORIC CHURCH REMAINS
Biggin Church Ruins preserve the remnants of a historic Anglican church that was built in the early 1700s and destroyed multiple times by fires. The brick ruins stand as a haunting reminder of the area's colonial past and religious heritage. Visitors can explore the site and imagine what the impressive structure looked like during its heyday as an important religious center in the region.
11. Canal Lakes Fish Camp
RUSTIC DINING EXPERIENCE
Canal Lakes Fish Camp offers casual dining with an emphasis on fresh, local seafood and Southern specialties in a rustic setting. The restaurant provides beautiful views of the nearby waterways while serving hearty portions of regional favorites. Visitors appreciate the authentic local atmosphere and the opportunity to dine where fishing enthusiasts and locals gather to share stories.
12. St. Stephen Country Market
LOCAL GOODS & PRODUCE
St. Stephen Country Market provides shoppers with locally-sourced produce, homemade goods, and regional specialties in a friendly small-town setting. The market features fresh fruits and vegetables from area farms, handcrafted items, and prepared foods that showcase local flavors. Visitors can experience authentic South Carolina culture through the diverse offerings and conversations with the local vendors who share stories about their products.
13. Old Santee General Store
HISTORIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Old Santee General Store offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its historic building and selection of traditional goods. The store features local crafts, regional food products, and souvenirs that reflect the cultural heritage of the area. Shoppers can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere while browsing unique items that can't be found in typical retail establishments.
14. Berkeley Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Berkeley Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits chronicling the rich history of Berkeley County from prehistoric times through the 20th century. Visitors can explore displays featuring Native American artifacts, colonial relics, Revolutionary and Civil War memorabilia, and items representing the area's agricultural and industrial development. The museum provides educational programs and guided tours that bring the region's diverse cultural heritage to life.
15. Tail Race Canal
POPULAR FISHING SPOT
Tail Race Canal is a premier fishing destination known for its abundant fish population and accessibility to anglers of all skill levels. The canal connects Lake Moultrie to the Santee River, creating ideal conditions for catching catfish, bass, and various other freshwater species. Visitors can enjoy peaceful surroundings while trying their luck at hooking the next big catch in these productive waters.