Aiken, SC - Visitor's Rack Card by Destination by Design

Aiken, South Carolina

Come experience the southern hospitality and rich history of Aiken, SC. Our roots run deep—like the majestic oaks that line our streets—stretching back to Aiken’s founding in 1835 and its legacy as a winter haven for Northern families seeking a warm escape from cold weather. Now, the town still embodies warmth and welcome, offering small-town charm, artistic inspiration, and outdoor recreation.

Explore the vibrant downtown area, wander through galleries and museums, take your pick of gourmet restaurants, or enjoy a leisurely stroll through a charming historic neighborhood. For a truly authentic taste of Aiken, immerse yourself in our lively equestrian culture by taking in a polo match or simply strolling the streets of the historic Horse District. However you choose to experience Aiken, you’re sure to feel right at home. See what our guests are saying and get ideas for your next trip by searching #VisitAikenSC. You’re invited!

City of Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum

Begin your Aiken exploration at the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum, our hub of hospitality and information. As the central point for visitors, this rebuilt Railroad Depot houses the Aiken Visitors Center, offering a wealth of resources for your journey through the city. Additionally, discover Aiken’s rich heritage along the rail line at the Train Museum.

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

EXPLORE: WHAT TO DO IN AIKEN

The heart of Aiken is found in its tree-lined downtown streets, filled with charming stores, vibrant art galleries, and tempting cuisine. But stretching beyond the friendly city blocks are signature gardens, historic estates, equestrian stables, and nature trails. Our city is known throughout the world for its top class equestrian events such as Aiken’s Triple Crown and the Fall Steeplechase. Everyone longing to experience rest or recreation in the outdoors will find something in Aiken, from urban forests and serene gardens to disc golf and tennis.

ARTS & CULTURE

Aiken Center for the Arts

122 Laurens St. SW 803.641.9094

Aiken Mall Cinemas

300 Eastgate Dr. 803.648.2786

Amentum Center for the Performing Arts 126 Newberry St. SW 803.648.1438

Bisquecuts & Glazy 949 Pine Log Rd. 803.648.7772

DuPont Planetarium and RPSEC

Observatory Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at USC Aiken

471 University Pkwy. 803.641.3313

Etherredge Center 471 University Pkwy. 803.641.3305

Playland of Aiken 951 Dougherty Rd Unit B 803.226.0096

Radioactive Pinball Arcade 113 Laurens St SW, Ste 103 803.373.1717

U of SC Aiken Convocation Center 375 Robert Bell Pkwy. • 803.641.3715

Vizion VR 955 Dougherty Rd Unit B 803.680.6840

Woodchuckers Axe Throwing 208 The Alley 803.500.AXES (2937)

Aiken County Historical Museum (Banksia)

803.642.2015

803.642.7631

803.293.7846

803.293.7846 SRS

OUTDOOR

Aiken Arboretum Trail

314 Chesterfield St. S and Hopelands Gardens

803.295.5008

Aiken State Park 1145 State Park Rd. 803.649.2857

Boyd Pond Park 373 Boyd Pond Rd.

Carolina Bay Nature Reserve + Climbing Wall Price Ave.

803.642.7631

Citizens Park Complex 651 Old Airport Rd.

803.642.7761

Hitchcock Woods & Gateway Park

444 S Boundary Ave. SW

803.642.0528

Hopelands Gardens

135 Dupree Place

803.642.7631

Langley Pond Park

113 Langley Dam Rd.

803.642.7559

Library Park 355 York St. SE 803.642.7636

Virginia Acres Park 1700 Whiskey Rd. 803.642.7631

The Hunting Heritage Center 770 Augusta Rd. 803.637.3106

University of South Carolina Aiken Pacer Sports Spectating 471 University Pkwy. 803.641.3486

Silver Bluff Audubon Center + Sanctuary 4542 Silver Bluff Rd. 803.471.0291

Weeks Tennis Center 1745 Two Notch Rd. 803.642.7739

Aiken

803.716.8481

Bloom

Palmetto

Spago

Willcox

WHERE TO EAT IN AIKEN

Sample quintessential southern cuisine, indulge in fivestar fine dining, or simply enjoy a handmade burger and locally-crafted beer. You’ll find your favorites in Aiken, prepared by world-renowned chefs, surrounded by an unforgettable atmosphere. Start the day with brunch at a local spot, and end the night with a hand-crafted cocktail and live music downtown.

FINE DINING

Casa Bella

120 Chesterfield St. SW 803.641.3107

Macaluso’s

135 York St. SE 803.262.5334

Malia’s

120 Laurens St. SW 803.643.3086

Neon Fig

110 SW Park Ave.

803.226.0424

Prime Steakhouse

316 Richland Ave. NW

803.642.4488

The Feed Sack

1593 Whiskey Rd.

803.226.0459

The Restaurant at The Willcox

100 Colleton Ave. SW

803.643.3086

The Wildemount

200 Park Ave. SW

803.262.5269

CAFES + TREATS

Flanigan’s Ice Cream

221 Barnwell Ave. NW 803.262.5500

La Parisienne French Restaurant & Bakery

233 Chesterfield St. 803.226.0899

New Moon Café

116 Laurens St. NW 803.643.7088

Palmetto Bowls

126 Dominion Dr. palmettobowls@gmail.com

Polo Grounds Café

225 Barnwell Ave. NW www.pologroundscafe.com

Vampire Penguin

108 Laurens St. SW 803.226.0121

The Village Cafe

110 Coach Light Way 803.640.0247

Pizza

Red

Sakura

Sukiya

Salsa’s

Taj

SHOPPING

EXPERIENCE AIKEN’S RETAIL PARADISE

Aiken’s downtown flaunts delightful, one-of-a-kind boutiques and stores full of unique items. Whether you’re looking for something special, treasure hunting among rows of antiques, or browsing with coffee in hand, Aiken’s shopping scene offers something for everyone.