South Carolina’s Equestrian Capital Is Filled With Outdoor Adventures

The state of South Carolina has a wealth of historic cities and towns, but Aiken stands out from the rest for its devotion to all things horse-related. With the advent of the railroad in the late 19th century, Northerners seeking warm weather headed to Aiken, bringing with them a love of equestrian sports that remains in the town to this day.

That said, if riding horses (or watching professionals ride them) isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of reasons to head here for a long weekend. Although it's a small town, Aiken has a solid dining scene with casual and upscale options, a charming downtown full of locally-owned shops, and most of all, plenty of ways to spend time outdoors. Use these suggestions to plan your next trip. 

Where to Eat

Start Your Day (Or End It) At A Cute Cafe

Salty Tomatoes might sound like a spot for salads, but it’s actually an all-day cafe with a menu to suit any mood. From avocado toast and grit bowls for breakfast, to club sandwiches and burgers for lunch, to six types of macaroni and cheese at dinner, plus desserts, snack boards, and drinks, this place does it all in a space you’ll want to spend time in.

saltytomatoesofaiken.com; 148 Laurens St. SW, Aiken, SC 29801

Fill Up On Fresh Seafood

Open since 2019, Aiken Fish House & Oyster Bar is a family-run restaurant that focuses on seafood, with dishes like po’boys, shrimp and scallop baskets, and fish sandwiches. Burgers, fried pickles, and salads will satisfy the seafood averse.

aikenfishhouse.com; 1376 Whiskey Road Aiken, SC 29803

Enjoy A Modern Take On Comfort Food

A local favorite for brunch, lunch, and dinner, the Neon Fig (pictured above) gives familiar dishes a creative twist, like the shrimp and grits, which has citrus-tomato butter and house-made hot sauce. The Neon Burger, a towering sandwich, comes with a ground beef patty, sliced brisket, Cheddar, Carolina BBQ Butter, and Neon Sauce. 

neon-fig.com; 110 Park Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801

Treat Yourself At A Longtime Fine Dining Spot

Open for 30 years, Malia’s is a go-to place for dates or special occasions. The white tablecloth restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner, specializes in bistro-style dishes like Crispy Duck and Roasted Salmon and Grits, and prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients.

maliasrestaurant.com; 120 Laurens Street, Aiken, SC 29801

Have A Pint At A Local Brewery

The city’s only brewery is a recent addition to Aiken, but it’s already become a busy gathering spot for food, beer, and live music in a large outdoor space. Named in honor of a beloved dog that passed away, Good Girl Brewing Company has a menu of IPAs, pale ales, sours, and stouts, plus rotating flavors.

facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089926395253; 880 Banks Mill Rd. SE, Aiken, SC

What To Do

Walk The Arboretum Trail

For an experience in nature right in town, stroll along Aiken’s 4-mile Arboretum Trail. Located mainly in a scenic residential area, the self-guided tour includes about 100 types of trees, including native and rare species. 

Surround Yourself With Nature

For an even more peaceful experience in nature that’s also right in town, head to Hitchcock Woods, Aiken's 2,100-acre urban forest. The wooded area is beautiful in every season and has 65 miles of trails for walking, running, and even horseback riding.

hitchcockwoods.org; 444 South Boundary Avenue Southwest, Aiken, SC 29801, USA

Shop Locally At A Historic Farmers Market

Open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, this impressive market draws visitors and area shoppers year-round. You’ll find a large mix of vendors selling everything from produce to baked goods to crafts. Open since the 1920s, the market also has the distinction of being the oldest county market in the same location in the entire state. 

facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089926395253; 115 Williamsburg St. Aiken, SC 29801

Tour The Town On A Trolly

Learn about the town’s Civil War and equestrian history and other interesting stories on the Historic Aiken Trolly Tour. Rides include views of the town’s famous live oak canopy, and a guided walk through Hopelands Gardens and the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum. 

visitaikensc.com/do/aiken_tours; 406 Park Avenue SE, Aiken, SC 29801

Learn About African American History

Part of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor, the Center for African American History, Art & Culture exists to educate the Aiken community and visitors about how African Americans contributed to the town’s history, and to celebrate diversity in the present day. In addition to permanent exhibits, the Center hosts events throughout the year. The building itself is worth a visit, too. Formerly The Immanuel Institute, it was built in 1889 by Rev. W. R. Coles as a school.

caahac.org; 120 York St. NE, Aiken, SC 29801

Watch A Movie At An Old-School Drive-In

The Big Mo, a drive-in movie theater, is one of the area’s gems. Originally built in 1951, it has been renovated and rebuilt over the years, and now offers three double features each weekend in spring, summer, and fall. 

thebigmo.com; 5822 Columbia Highway North, Monetta, SC 29105

Explore Aiken’s Equestrian History

Located in South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country, Aiken’s equestrian culture is evident throughout the town, and there are many ways to experience it for yourself. Polo is big here (it arrived way back in 1882), and you can catch a game most Sundays at Whitney Field. The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum pays tribute to the best horses and their riders through exhibits showcasing trophies, photographs, and other ephemera. Depending on the time of your visit, you might even be able to watch the pros in action at a competition at Aiken Horse Park.

Go Horseback Riding

A visit here isn’t complete without a trail ride, and there are lots of options to choose from. The Trail Riding Company and Rebel Ranch Horse Tours guide riders through Hitchcock Woods and other scenic spots around town.

Spend An Afternoon Boutique-Hopping On Laurens Street

Downtown Aiken has plenty of shopping opportunities, especially independently owned boutiques and stores. Head to Laurens Street (between Park Avenue SW and Richland Avenue W) for a dense collection of shops including the Aiken Antique Mall, Equine Divine, Little Red Fox Shop, and Monkey’s Fine Gifts.

Where To Stay

Get Pampered At A Luxury Hotel

The Willcox is Aiken’s most high-end stay, and a room here comes with access to a salon, spa, gym, and pool. The hotel’s namesake restaurant, which has won local and national awards, serves dressed-up dishes like caviar service, ribeye steaks, and Berkshire pork chops.

thewillcox.com; 100 Colleton Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801

Relax At A Historic Inn

The 37-room Carriage House Inn dates back to 1872, but has been updated and renovated over the years to become a comfortable and elegant hotel. It’s centrally located downtown, so shops and restaurants are an easy walk. Plus, guests get a free continental breakfast and chocolate chip cookies.

aikencarriagehouse.com; 139 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801