Aiken, South Carolina, is a delightful Southern town known for equestrian events, scenic walking trails, a welcoming downtown, and the historic Willcox Hotel.
Hidden gems are always a joy to discover, and Aiken fits that description perfectly. We stopped by while visiting our daughter in nearby Augusta, about a half-hour drive away.
Aiken’s downtown is full of charm and history. Chartered in 1835 during the railroad expansion, the town became a seasonal destination for affluent Northerners. By the late 19th century it had developed a strong equestrian tradition and remains an equestrian hub today.
The Aiken Steeplechase Association, established in 1930, stages the Imperial Cup in March and the Holiday Cup in October, events that attract more than 30,000 spectators. The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum preserves the area’s racing history and is well worth a visit.
We loved strolling through downtown, though a single visit can’t cover everything. Boutiques, antique shops, and cozy cafes line the streets—plan on at least a couple of days to explore the shops and local offerings.
The visitor brochure lists numerous attractions: multiple art galleries and framers, antique stores, museums and entertainment venues, dozens of restaurants and cafes, and nearly fifty retail and specialty shops. With so much to see and do, one day doesn’t do Aiken justice.
Beyond downtown, Aiken offers parks and walking trails such as Hopelands Gardens, a beautifully maintained public garden and green space.
On Saturdays, a two-hour guided trolley tour provides a thorough introduction to historic Aiken, including a guided walk through Hopelands Gardens and a stop at the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum.
The Center for African American History, Art and Culture offers a thoughtful and in-depth look at African American life in Aiken County. Housed in the historic Immanuel Institute Building, it traces a legacy that began in 1881 when Rev. W. R. Coles founded a school for African Americans, later expanding into the building constructed in 1889.
Railroad history enthusiasts should visit the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum, which showcases detailed dioramas of towns along the early South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company right of way. The exhibits recreate these communities as they appeared in 1916, offering a window into an important era of American railroading.
For stargazers, the DuPont Planetarium and RPSEC Observatory host regular public shows, including a popular Saturday program that highlights the night sky and astronomical topics.
Hitchcock Woods is another must-see: one of the largest urban forests in the United States, offering roughly 2,100 acres of trails and natural beauty ideal for walking and horseback riding.
In addition to the highlights already mentioned, Aiken offers spas, riding stables, car racing tracks, fishing ponds, shooting ranges, and numerous art galleries—so visitors with varied interests will find engaging activities.
Where to Stay in Aiken, South Carolina
Our stay in Aiken centered on a visit to The Willcox Hotel, a Colonial Revival landmark on the National Register of Historic Places that has welcomed guests since 1898. The hotel’s elegant white-pillared facade and relaxed porch culture make it easy to unwind. Its historic character encourages lingering afternoons of conversation, rocking on the porch, and enjoying a slower pace without television or constant phone use.
We didn’t make it to the spa on this trip, but it’s high on our list for next time. The Willcox’s spa rooms are designed for tranquility, with fireplaces and expert therapists. The spa has earned recognition among top hotel spas in national travel publications.
We did spend time at the hotel bar, enjoying well-crafted cocktails and an unforgettable dish: grilled mahón cheese with chorizo, summer peach jam, and grilled ciabatta. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Our suite included a sitting room with a fireplace and a desk, giving us extra space to relax. The bed felt exceptionally comfortable, and small touches like a bedside carafe of spa water and a sweet treat made the stay feel pampering and personal.
Many rooms and suites at The Willcox feature fireplaces and deep-soaking tubs. Its historic charm and high service standards have earned it recognition in Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler lists of notable hotels.
If you want a relaxing, family-friendly, or romantic getaway with historic ambiance and Southern hospitality, Aiken is an excellent choice. We’re already looking forward to our next visit.
Resources to help plan your trip:
The Willcox Hotel
Visit Aiken
Top 10 Things to Do in Aiken
Special thanks to The Willcox Hotel for providing a room for our stay. All opinions are my own.
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