Outdoor fun and small-town charm in Aiken County
Aiken County is made up of several charming small towns, offering a friendly welcome and lots of interesting historic sites to explore. Book an Aiken County vacation rental and you can enjoy the local attractions, from historic homes where the wealthy spent their winters, to small, family-friendly museums. The county has long been associated with horses, with mild winters that allow for year-round riding, and is considered the American capital of polo, with many world-class players training in the area. With vast urban woodlands and lakes and rivers nearby, there's also hiking, fishing, swimming and much more to enjoy.
Learn about Aiken County's history in charming local museums
If you want to learn more about Aiken and the surrounding towns, head for one of the small and friendly local museums. Aiken County Historical Museum is set in one of the town's grand homes where the wealthy used to spend their summers, and there are many exhibits about the area's days as a winter colony. If you're staying in Aiken County vacation rentals, then it's worth visiting Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum. There arewell- preserved trains and carriages, as well as detailed models that show how vintage trains used to work.
Woodland walks and stately gardens in Aiken County
Aiken County has plenty of places to enjoy the outdoors. Stay in Aiken County vacation rentals and you can explore the leafy Hitchcock Woods, a 2000-acre tract of lush greenery in spring and orange hues in the fall. Horse riding is a popular way to explore the shady trails, or you can hike or jog through some of the 70-miles of peaceful pathways. Another spot full of natural beauty is the historic Hopelands Gardens, which is full of tall oak trees over 100 years old, ponds full of lily pads, and neatly kept flowerbeds to spot along the way.
Hot summers and mild winters in Aiken County
Aiken County's mild winters have long made it an escape during the colder months, and the temperature doesn't usually dip below the low-30s. The lack of winter freeze has also made it a popular destination for horse riding and other outdoor fun. Summers can be hot and quite humid, which is why many visitors prefer to stay during the spring and fall months, when the temperatures are pleasantly warm but comfortable. With 218 sunny days a year, and only average rainfall, Aiken County is a popular destination throughout the year.
Exploring the natural features in Aiken County
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, Aiken County is a great place to get out in nature. Here are some of the area’s most enchanting features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Bruce's Field (1.5 mi / 2.4 km)
- Citizens Park (2.3 mi / 3.7 km)
- Augusta Riverwalk (14.9 mi / 24 km)
- Hitchcock Woods (0.4 mi / 0.7 km)
- Hopeland Gardens (0.8 mi / 1.3 km)
- Phinizy Swamp Nature Park (18 mi / 28.9 km)