15 Best Things to Do in Aiken, SC: Horses, Gardens, Estates

Aiken has a strange and wonderful past. In the late 1800s, wealthy families from the North began coming here in winter, bringing their horses, their polo ponies and their taste for enormous houses. They called it the Winter Colony. Their estates are still here, the streets downtown are still wide and lined with trees, and some of those roads are still left unpaved so they’re easier on the horses’ feet. It’s a very different South Carolina from the one you see at the beach.

The short answer: the best things to do in Aiken, South Carolina are walking the trails in Hitchcock Woods, visiting Hopelands Gardens, seeing the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame, watching horses at the Training Track, catching a polo match or the Aiken Triple Crown, and browsing downtown’s Laurens Street.

Spring is when this town really shows off, with races, gardens and music all at once. If that’s when you’re coming, book early.

1. Walk Hitchcock Woods

Hitchcock Woods is one of the largest urban forests in the country, with roughly 2,100 acres of longleaf pine and more than 70 miles of sandy trails for walkers and riders. No cars or bikes are allowed. Horses have the right of way, so step aside and stay quiet if one passes you. Go early and walk Cathedral Aisle while the mist is still in the pines.

2. Stroll Hopelands Gardens

This 14-acre public garden at 135 Dupree Place has shaded paths, huge oaks and reflecting pools. It was left to the city by Hope Iselin, Aiken’s “great lady of racing,” who died in 1970 at the age of 102. Admission is free, and an hour here is a gentle way to slow down.

Look for the little touches as you walk, including sculptures and carefully placed benches. There’s a spring concert series here as well, so check the calendar if you’re visiting between April and June.

3. Visit the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame

Set in a converted carriage house on the grounds of Hopelands, this museum honors champion racehorses that trained in Aiken, with racing silks and trophies on display. The museum is small, but it’s a real treat for horse lovers. Hours are limited and seasonal, so check before you go.

4. Watch the Morning Workouts

Aiken’s Training Track has been a winter training ground for Thoroughbreds for generations. Seeing horses breeze through the morning mist is the sort of quiet thrill you’ll remember. Winter and early spring are the best times. Ask at the visitor center about when and where you can watch, since access can vary.

5. Go to the Aiken Triple Crown

On Saturdays in March, the Aiken Triple Crown runs through the Aiken Trials at the Training Track, the Aiken Steeplechase, and Pacers and Polo at Whitney Field. It’s one of the biggest events on the town’s calendar, and tailgating is a big part of the fun. The 84th Trials are listed for March 13, 2027, so buy tickets early and book your hotel well ahead.

6. See a Polo Match

Polo has been played here since the Winter Colony days, and Aiken still takes it seriously. Whitney Field is the historic place to go, and a game on a sunny fall or spring day is a very easy way to spend an afternoon. Check the current schedule, as games are seasonal. Everyone’s welcome to watch.

7. Drive the Horse District

The dirt roads around the Training Track are one of Aiken’s most unusual sights, kept unpaved for the horses. You’ll pass old stables and big winter cottages. Go slowly, watch for riders, and keep your windows down. Stay on public roads, as many of the estates are private homes.

8. Explore Downtown on Laurens Street

Downtown Aiken has wide boulevards with shady planted medians, along with locally owned shops and restaurants. It’s easy on foot, and the old-fashioned parkways are a pleasure to walk along. Laurens Street is where to start. Take a break with coffee or a drink at the historic Willcox hotel, which dates to the Winter Colony era.

9. Learn the Town’s Story at the Aiken County Historical Museum

Set in a former Winter Colony estate, this museum covers the area’s history and gives you a sense of how these families lived. It’s a good stop for understanding why the town looks the way it does. Check the current hours before going, as they may be limited.

10. See the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum

Downtown’s visitor center is in a reproduction of the town’s old rail depot, with displays on the railroad that first brought Northern visitors here. It’s a small, enjoyable stop, and it’s where you can get maps and ask about the Training Track. Kids who like trains will be especially happy.

11. Visit the Aiken Center for the Arts

The Aiken Center for the Arts has rotating exhibits and work by regional artists. It’s a good place to find a piece to take home. Combine it with a walk downtown, and check what’s on while you’re in town. There’s a lot of local talent for a town of this size.

12. Catch Joye in Aiken

Every March, Joye in Aiken, the festival long known as Juilliard in Aiken, brings classical music and performers to venues around town. The 2026 edition ran from March 6 to 13, its 18th year. Look for the new dates as soon as you plan a spring trip, as popular concerts can sell out.

13. Paddle at Aiken State Park

About 25 minutes east of town near Windsor, this state park has a stretch of the South Edisto River known for its slow blackwater paddling, along with picnic areas and trails. It makes a nice change from the horse scene and a good way to cool off in warmer weather. Check the park’s site for fees and water levels.

14. See Redcliffe Plantation

In Beech Island, about 30 minutes away, this state historic site was the home of James Henry Hammond, a South Carolina governor and a fierce defender of slavery. The tours deal with the enslaved people who lived here as well as the family, and the remaining slave quarters are an important part of the site. Check on current tour hours before making the trip.

15. Take a Day Trip to Augusta

Aiken is only about 30 minutes from Augusta, Georgia, known for its Riverwalk, canal boat tours and, of course, the Masters. Hotels in both towns fill up during Masters week, so book well ahead if you’re visiting in early April. The rest of the year, it’s an easy and enjoyable side trip.

Best Free Things to Do in Aiken

Hopelands Gardens and Hitchcock Woods are free, and so is walking downtown, driving the horse district and looking at the old estates from the road. The local 101 things to do list in the Aiken Standard has more ideas if you’re staying a while.

When to Visit Aiken and How Long to Stay

Spring is the star, with blooming gardens, the Triple Crown and music all arriving in March and April. Fall is lovely and comfortable. Winter is mild, and it’s when the horses are most active, just as the Winter Colony families found. Summer is hot, so plan early morning walks. A full day shows you the highlights, but a long weekend suits the town’s relaxed pace much better.

Where to next? For a complete change of scene, head to the coast with our guide to Pawleys Island. You can also browse our South Carolina guides or all our travel guides on Decidel.

How we checked this guide: details were checked against published sources in November 2026. Hours, events and access can change, so confirm with the venue before you go.