Named after the president of the South Carolina Railroad, Aiken is a lively university city within the Central Savannah River Area. It was founded in 1834 as a planned town, with many of the street names in its historic core inspired by South Carolina counties.
Things to do in Aiken
Take a step back in time at the Aiken County Historical Museum, which occupies a whitewashed building known as “Banksia”. Its exhibits range from locally crafted ceramics to a display detailing the nuclear significance of the Savannah River Site. You can learn about the county’s abundance of golf courses or join a guided tour to hear about the life of former “Banksia” resident, Richard Flint Howe.
A short drive east of the city centre is Aiken State Park, which was established by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Today, it provides a peaceful haven for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. You can cast a line to see what’s biting in Fish Lake or follow the paddling trail down the South Edisto River. In addition to several nature trails, there’s also a children’s playground within the park.
If you’re a keen golfer, you can hit the fairways and greens of the Palmetto Golf Club, which was founded by Thomas Hitchcock in 1892. It is one of the oldest, continually operated golf courses in the United States, with 18 holes to enjoy. After your round, relax in the 1902-built clubhouse designed by the New York-based architect, Stanford White.
Getting around Aiken
Aiken is around 30 minutes’ drive from Augusta and Augusta Regional Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. The larger Columbia Metropolitan Airport is an hour away. Buses connect to Aiken, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.