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Drive on Over to These Top 4 Tourist Attractions Near Orangeburg, SC

Photo of a park bench underneath a tree near Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Orangeburg, SC, a beautiful town known as the "Garden City," boasts an array of astounding attractions. Not only does the scenic Edisto, the longest free-flowing blackwater river in the country, flow through the town, but the breathtaking Edisto Memorial Gardens and I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium are also must-see attractions. Drive around town in a Kia Sportage, Seltos, or Soul to visit the top tourist attractions below.

1. The Edisto Memorial Gardens

The spectacular Edisto Memorial Gardens at 218 Riverside Drive SW in the heart of Orangeburg is dedicated to brave soldiers and spreads out over cultivated gardens with 79 beds planted with 4,800 rose bushes, five acres of azaleas, butterfly, sensory, and serenity gardens, and cypress stands along the beautiful Edisto River.

The gardens include the natural Horne Wetland Park, with a 2,600-foot boardwalk that extends into the wetland. The best time to admire the gardens' beauty is spring when the azaleas, cherry trees, and dogwoods flower. The Orangeburg Festival of Roses, a top tourist event, is held in the gardens on the weekend before Mother's Day every May when the roses are in full bloom.

2. The I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium

The I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium on the South Carolina State University campus at 300 College Avenue in Orangeburg is an impressive facility that combines art and science. The planetarium offers fascinating public programs, and the museum exhibits various cultural artifacts and art, including collections from all over Africa.

Serigraphs by Andy Warhol, Jacob Lawrence, and Romare Bearden, Elton Fax portraits, Lois Maillou Jones paintings, contemporary African art block prints, and photograph collections are on display. The museum's programs include art appreciation, art collaborations, art workshops, historical information, and technological and scientific presentations.

3. Hillcrest Golf Club

The Hillcrest Golf Club's 18-hole championship golf course at 1280 State A M Road in Orangeburg is one of the top golf courses in South Carolina. The magnificent par 72 course, designed and constructed by Russell Breeden, measures 6,722 yards in length and offers a rewarding challenge to golfers of all skill levels.

The club has practice facilities with a driving range, a putting green, practice chipping green and bunker, a well-stocked pro shop, and a restaurant.  

4. The Orangeburg County Aquatic Park

During the summer months, between June and August, the Orangeburg County Aquatic Park at 2550 Matthews Road in Orangeburg is one of the most popular destinations in town.

Everyone, young and old, flocks to the park to take a splash in the zero-entry pool, enjoy eats and treats from the snack bar at the pavilion, and socialize. The park also has a bunch of thrilling water slides, water sprayers, a lazy river, a tot pool with a small slide for the little ones, and a kiddies' play area.

Drive around town in a Kia, admire the beautiful sights, and visit the best attractions. Swing by Burns Kia today to test drive one of the brand-new 2023 models on display.

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