The Midlands and Upstate
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Midlands and Upstate - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. BMW Performance Center
Scenic DriveIf you missed your true calling as a race-car driver, BMW lets you live out your dreams at this two-hour experience. A pro driver radios in...
If you missed your true calling as a race-car driver, BMW lets you live out your dreams at this two-hour experience. A pro driver radios in instructions while you put the pedal to the metal and slide around curves in each of the automaker's fastest cars, including the M8 Coupe. Afterward, cool down on the off-road course, where you'll drive an X5 through an artificial river and onto two wheels as you navigate rocky outcroppings.
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2. Columbia Museum of Art
Main Street Area | Museum/GalleryThis attractive, expansive gallery contains art from the Kress Foundation collection of Renaissance and baroque treasures, sculpture, and decorative...
This attractive, expansive gallery contains art from the Kress Foundation collection of Renaissance and baroque treasures, sculpture, and decorative arts. There are prominent paintings by European and American masters, including a Monet and a Botticelli, as well as temporary exhibitions featuring world-famous works by artists like Salvador Dalí and M. C. Escher.
1515 Main St., Columbia, South Carolina, 29201, USA803-799–2810Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10, free every first Thurs., Closed Mon. and Tues. -
3. Congaree National Park
Park (National/State/Provincial)South Carolina's only national park is unlike any other—the park is the floodplain of the Congaree River, meaning that throughout the year,...
South Carolina's only national park is unlike any other—the park is the floodplain of the Congaree River, meaning that throughout the year, the majority of this bottomland forest is a true swamp. The wettest, hardest-to-reach areas survived centuries of logging, leaving towering cypress trees—some of the oldest and largest trees east of the Mississippi River—in the heart of the 27,000-acre park. Access varies by your ambition and tolerance for mud. A 2.6-mile loop via elevated boardwalk is handicap accessible and meanders through perennial swamp, higher pine uplands, and past Weston Lake. Longer trails total 22 miles, allowing for loops and overnight treks into the park, but bring extra socks and boots suitable for wading, especially on the fantastic but especially soggy Oakridge Trail. A potentially drier method of exploring the interior is by kayak or canoe. Local outfitters, including River Runner Outdoor Center and Carolina Outdoor Adventures, run three-hour kayak tours from the Cedar Creek Canoe Access. Or, coordinate a shuttle and canoe rental and paddle Cedar Creek one way, putting in at Bannister Bridge Canoe Access. Bring binoculars and sharp ears—Congaree hosts a cacophony of birds and wildlife, including otters, wild boar, deer, and woodpeckers. The park also has two primitive campgrounds. Book in advance, especially during the two-week synchronized firefly season in May and June. Apart from packaged snacks at the visitor center, there are no concessions in the park, and nearby restaurants are limited.
100 National Park Rd., Hopkins, South Carolina, 29061, USA803-776–4396Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
4. Falls Park on the Reedy
Park (National/State/Provincial)In this urban outdoor oasis, sloping green hills, giant boulders, and winding walkways offer great views of the Reedy River, but the best views...
In this urban outdoor oasis, sloping green hills, giant boulders, and winding walkways offer great views of the Reedy River, but the best views of the waterfalls are along the architecturally ingenious Liberty Bridge. The Peace Center amphitheater hosts moonlight movies, Shakespeare plays, and open-air concerts during the year.
601 S. Main St., Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, USA864-467–4355Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
5. Greenville County Museum of Art
Heritage Green | Museum/GalleryThis Southern-focused gallery is home to American paintings dating from the colonial era, along with more-modern works by Andy Warhol, Georgia...
This Southern-focused gallery is home to American paintings dating from the colonial era, along with more-modern works by Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Jasper Johns. It hosts the world's largest public collection of Andrew Wyeth watercolors, and admission is free.
420 College St., Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, USA864-271–7570Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Mon. and Tues. -
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6. Historic Camden
Historic District/SiteThis 107-acre outdoor museum complex and Revolutionary War historic site emphasizes the period surrounding the British occupation of 1780. Several...
This 107-acre outdoor museum complex and Revolutionary War historic site emphasizes the period surrounding the British occupation of 1780. Several structures dot the site, including the 1789 Craven House, the Blacksmith Shed, and the Kershaw House, a reconstruction of the circa-1770 home of Camden's founder, Joseph Kershaw, which also served as Cornwallis's headquarters; it's furnished with period pieces. A nature trail, fortifications, powder magazine, picnic area, and crafts shop are also here. Guided tours are available.
222 Broad St., Camden, South Carolina, 29020, USA803-432–9841Sight Details
Rate Includes: $5 -
7. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Zoo/AquariumThis top-notch zoo contains more than 2,000 animals and birds in natural habitats, including a sea lion exhibit and western lowland gorillas...
This top-notch zoo contains more than 2,000 animals and birds in natural habitats, including a sea lion exhibit and western lowland gorillas. Walk through landscaped gardens to see elephants, Siberian tigers, koalas, and penguins. The South American primate collection has won international acclaim, and the park is noted for its success in breeding endangered species. The Aquarium Reptile Complex has regional, desert, tropical, and marine specimens. Ride the carousel, and take a tram over the Saluda River to the 70-acre botanical gardens. A forested section with walking trails has spectacular views of the river and passes Civil War ruins. Stop by the Saluda Factory Interpretive Center for more information about the site's history and its connection to the Civil War.
500 Wildlife Pkwy., West Columbia, South Carolina, 29210, USA803-779–8717Sight Details
Rate Includes: $22 -
8. Trinity Episcopal Church
Religious Building/Site/ShrineBuilt in 1860, this is the town's oldest standing church and an architectural landmark that anchors the town. Complete with a 125-foot spire...
Built in 1860, this is the town's oldest standing church and an architectural landmark that anchors the town. Complete with a 125-foot spire, the Gothic Revival structure has an original chancery window imported from England and a rare working 1860 John Baker tracker organ.
200 Church St., Abbeville, South Carolina, 29620, USA864-366–5186Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
9. Abbeville Opera House
Arts/Performance VenueBuilt in 1908 along the old town square, this auditorium has been renovated to reflect the grandeur of the days when lavish road shows and stellar...
Built in 1908 along the old town square, this auditorium has been renovated to reflect the grandeur of the days when lavish road shows and stellar entertainers took center stage. Current productions range from contemporary light comedies to local renderings of Broadway musicals. Self-guided tours are available.
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10. Aiken County Historical Museum
Museum VillageOne wing of this 1860 estate is devoted to early regional culture, including Native American artifacts, firearms, an authentically furnished...
One wing of this 1860 estate is devoted to early regional culture, including Native American artifacts, firearms, an authentically furnished 1808 log cabin, a schoolhouse, and a miniature circus display.
433 Newberry St. SW, Aiken, South Carolina, 29801, USA803-642–2015Sight Details
Rate Includes: Donations suggested, Closed Mon. and Tues. -
11. Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum
Museum/GalleryThe area's horse farms have produced many national champions. Exhibits include horse-related decorations, paintings, and sculptures, plus racing...
The area's horse farms have produced many national champions. Exhibits include horse-related decorations, paintings, and sculptures, plus racing silks and trophies. The Hall of Fame is on the grounds of the 14-acre Hopelands Gardens, where you can wind along paths past quiet terraces and reflecting pools. There's also a Touch and Scent Trail with Braille plaques.
135 Dupree Pl., Aiken, South Carolina, 29801, USA803-642–7631Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Mon. -
12. Bonds Conway House
Historic HomeThis circa-1812 house has the fine details of a skilled craftsman, including wonderful woodwork and heart-pine floors. It was built by the first...
This circa-1812 house has the fine details of a skilled craftsman, including wonderful woodwork and heart-pine floors. It was built by the first African American in Camden to buy his freedom and now serves as the home of the Kershaw County Historical Society.
811 Fair St., Camden, South Carolina, 29020, USA803-425–1123Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
13. Burt-Stark Mansion
Historic HomeIt was in this 1820 home that Jefferson Davis disbanded the Confederate armies, effectively ending the Civil War. Now a popular wedding venue...
It was in this 1820 home that Jefferson Davis disbanded the Confederate armies, effectively ending the Civil War. Now a popular wedding venue, the house was a private residence until 1971, when Mary Stark Davis died. She willed the house to the Abbeville County Historic Preservation Commission, with a provision that nothing be added or removed from it; thus it's filled with lovely antiques, carved-wood surfaces, and old family photos.
400 N. Main St., Abbeville, South Carolina, 29620, USA864-366–0166Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10, Closed Sun.–Thurs. -
14. Caesars Head State Park
Park (National/State/Provincial)Part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area and best known for the Raven Cliff Falls here, Caesars Head State Park is about 30 miles north of...
Part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area and best known for the Raven Cliff Falls here, Caesars Head State Park is about 30 miles north of Greenville. The trail leading to the 420-foot-tall falls can be reached a mile north of the park's main entrance; along the way there are spectacular views of river gorges and pine-covered mountains. Cross Matthews Creek on a suspension bridge; the view of the falls is worth the terror of knowing you're held in the air by nothing but wire.
8155 Geer Hwy., Cleveland, South Carolina, 29635, USA864-836–6115Sight Details
Rate Includes: Overlook free, hiking trails $3 -
15. Camden Archives and Museum
Museum/GalleryInside a commanding, columned brick building just north of town, this museum includes an impressive antique gun collection, Native American...
Inside a commanding, columned brick building just north of town, this museum includes an impressive antique gun collection, Native American artifacts, and horse-racing memorabilia.
1314 Broad St., Camden, South Carolina, 29020, USA803-425–6050Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. -
16. Children's Museum of the Upstate
Heritage Green | Museum/GalleryThis 80,000-square-foot facility is packed with hands-on exhibits that cover everything from science and music to construction and race cars...
This 80,000-square-foot facility is packed with hands-on exhibits that cover everything from science and music to construction and race cars. There are also special areas for kids five and younger.
300 College St., Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, USA864-233–7755Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10, Closed Mon. -
17. Devils Fork State Park
Park (National/State/Provincial)At this park on Lake Jocassee, known for its hiking, boating, and fishing, Lower Whitewater Falls plunges more than 200 feet over huge boulders...
At this park on Lake Jocassee, known for its hiking, boating, and fishing, Lower Whitewater Falls plunges more than 200 feet over huge boulders to splash into the lake waters. You can view the falls from an overlook or from a boat on the lake. The park has accommodations, including both luxurious villas and camping facilities.
161 Holcombe Cr., Salem, South Carolina, 29676, USA864-944–2639Sight Details
Rate Includes: $8 -
18. EdVenture Children's Museum
Vista | Museum/GalleryWith more than 90,000 square feet for climbing, exploring, painting, playing, building—oh, and learning, too—this museum is a full day of hands...
With more than 90,000 square feet for climbing, exploring, painting, playing, building—oh, and learning, too—this museum is a full day of hands-on fun. Eddie, a 40-foot-tall statue of a boy that can be climbed on (and in) by children and adults, is the centerpiece. Each of nine galleries has a theme, such as My Backyard, Wags & Whiskers, and Maker Works. Kids can shop in their own grocery store, act as firefighters in a full-size fire truck, and pretend to be newscasters.
211 Gervais St., Columbia, South Carolina, 29201, USA803-779–3100Sight Details
Rate Includes: $12, Closed Mon. -
19. Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens
Main Street Area | Historic HomeDating from 1818, this grand home is filled with lavish furnishings collected by three generations of two influential families. The mansion...
Dating from 1818, this grand home is filled with lavish furnishings collected by three generations of two influential families. The mansion was rehabilitated and outfitted with new interactive exhibits and expanded gardens to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2018. Buy tickets at the Robert Mills House.
1615 Blanding St., Columbia, South Carolina, 29201, USA803-252–7742Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10, Closed Mon. -
20. Hitchcock Woods
ForestAt 2,100 acres and three times the size of New York's Central Park, this is one of the largest urban forests in the country and is listed on...
At 2,100 acres and three times the size of New York's Central Park, this is one of the largest urban forests in the country and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's a popular horseback-riding destination, but the double-track trails are also pleasant for hiking and jogging. Make use of the maps available at the entrances because it's easy to get lost. Note that there are seven entrances to the woods; the ones with the best parking are at 2180 Dibble Road Southwest and 430 South Boundary Road.
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