10 Easy Road Trips From Aiken, SC: Fun Things To Do Just Beyond The County Line
If you live in
Aiken, South Carolina or you’re visiting friends and family there, you might be wondering:
What are some easy day trips outside Aiken County?
Good news — you have a bunch of options within about a 30–90 minute drive. From historic downtowns and lakeside parks to quirky museums and classic Southern food, there’s a lot to explore in the surrounding counties of:
- Burke County, GA
- Richmond County, GA
- Barnwell County, SC
- Edgefield County, SC
- Lexington County, SC
- Orangeburg County, SC
- Saluda County, SC
Let’s hit the road and look at 10 short
out-of-county road trips from Aiken that make perfect day or half‑day adventures.
1. Explore the Riverfront and Museums in Augusta, GA (Richmond County)
Just across the Savannah River,
Augusta, Georgia is one of the easiest and most popular road trips from Aiken.
Why go: You get a mix of river views, history, and a lively downtown — all in one spot.
Top things to do in Augusta:
- Augusta Riverwalk – Stroll along the Savannah River on this scenic brick walkway. There are benches, shade, and plenty of spots to just sit and watch the water roll by.
- Morris Museum of Art – A compact, easy-to-enjoy art museum focused on Southern artists. It’s right off the Riverwalk, so you can combine it with your walk.
- Downtown Broad Street – Grab coffee, lunch, or ice cream along this long main drag filled with restaurants, shops, and murals.
If you want to keep things simple, park near the Riverwalk, walk a lap, pop into the museum, and finish with a casual meal downtown. It’s an easy, low‑stress day.
2. Step Back in Time at the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area (Richmond County, GA)
Still in Richmond County but with a different vibe, the
Augusta Canal National Heritage Area is perfect if you like history and being near the water.
Highlights:
- Canal boat tours – Relax on a guided boat ride while you learn how the canal powered mills and transformed the city in the 1800s.
- Museum at Enterprise Mill – A small but interesting museum that explains the canal’s industrial past.
- Walking and biking trails – Flat, easy paths along the canal, great for a slow stroll or a casual bike ride.
It’s a nice contrast to noisy city streets. You’re close to downtown Augusta, but it feels quiet and peaceful, especially near sunset.
3. Discover Edgefield’s Pottery and History (Edgefield County, SC)
About 30–40 minutes from Aiken, the small town of
Edgefield has a big story to tell, especially if you’re into history and traditional crafts.
Don’t miss:
- Discovery Center / Edgefield County Museum – Learn about the area’s role in South Carolina history and see exhibits about local life over the years.
- Local pottery shops – Edgefield is known for its historic “jug” pottery. Some studios let you watch artists at work or browse shelves of handmade pieces.
- Historic downtown square – Walk around the old courthouse square, visit small shops, and grab a bite to eat.
This is a great half‑day trip from Aiken if you like places with character. It feels like stepping into an old Southern storybook town.
4. Relax Lakeside at Lake Murray Near Lexington, SC (Lexington County)
If you’re craving water, sun, and fresh air, head toward
Lake Murray in
Lexington County, about an hour to an hour and a half from Aiken, depending on where you go.
Lake Murray highlights:
- Lake Murray Dam area – There’s a long walkway across the dam that’s popular for evening walks and sunsets.
- Public parks and boat ramps – Bring a picnic, launch a kayak, or just dip your toes in the water.
- Marinas and lakeside restaurants – Enjoy lunch with a view or grab a cold drink and watch the boats.
On a hot South Carolina day, being by the water makes a huge difference. Pack a cooler, some folding chairs, and maybe a fishing rod if that’s your thing.
5. Stroll the Streets of Downtown Lexington, SC (Lexington County)
While you’re in Lexington County, you can also spend a relaxed day in
downtown Lexington itself.
Things to check out:
- Icehouse Amphitheater area – A nice outdoor space where events and concerts are often held. Even when nothing’s going on, it’s a pleasant place to walk around.
- Local restaurants and cafés – From Southern comfort food to burgers and tacos, there’s no shortage of casual places to eat.
- Shops and small businesses – Browse boutiques, antique stores, and gift shops for something unique.
If you like small-town main streets that still feel active and up‑and‑coming, Lexington is a good fit.
6. Visit Barnwell’s Park and Sundial (Barnwell County, SC)
Just south of Aiken County,
Barnwell offers a simple, laid‑back escape when you don’t want a long drive.
Places to go in Barnwell:
- Barnwell County Courthouse Square – The classic courthouse and surrounding buildings give the town that old‑school Southern feel.
- Veterans Memorial Park or local city park – Take a slow walk, let the kids play, or just enjoy some quiet time outdoors.
- The old sundial landmark – Barnwell is known for its historic sundial located near the courthouse area, a fun little photo stop.
This is the kind of trip where you can drive down, stretch your legs, enjoy some small‑town charm, and be back in Aiken before dinner.
7. Hit the Water at Lake Murray’s Western Side (Saluda County, SC)
On the other side of Lake Murray,
Saluda County gives you a slightly different, quieter look at the same big lake.
Why go to the Saluda side?
- Less crowded public landings – If you prefer calm, family‑friendly spots, this side often feels more low‑key.
- Fishing and boating – Bring your own boat or meet friends with one. Many folks come here to fish or just cruise the water.
- Simple country drives – Getting there takes you along rolling fields and back roads, which can be surprisingly relaxing.
If you like the idea of “lake day” but not the busy energy of popular spots, the Saluda County side of Lake Murray might be your sweet spot.
8. Experience Small-Town Life in Saluda, SC (Saluda County)
The town of
Saluda itself makes a nice, slow-paced outing from Aiken.
What to do in Saluda:
- Historic downtown – Walk around the square, check out old buildings, and peek into local shops.
- Local diners and cafés – Have lunch where everybody seems to know everybody. It’s a classic small-town experience.
- Seasonal festivals and events – From time to time, Saluda hosts fairs or community events worth planning around.
If you enjoy seeing the “real” South — away from big cities and commercial strips — Saluda gives you a window into that everyday life.
9. Find Fun and Food in Orangeburg, SC (Orangeburg County)
About an hour and a half from Aiken,
Orangeburg is a solid choice when you want a bit more variety: parks, history, and good eats.
Ideas for an Orangeburg day trip:
- Local parks – While details can change, Orangeburg typically has green spaces where you can walk, picnic, or let kids run around.
- Casual Southern restaurants – Try a plate of fried chicken, barbecue, or meat‑and‑three. Orangeburg has plenty of down‑home options.
- Scenic drives – The drive itself, passing through farms and small communities, can be part of the fun.
If you don’t mind a slightly longer drive, Orangeburg can easily fill a full day with food, wandering, and exploring.
10. Discover Rural Georgia in Burke County (Waynesboro Area)
A bit farther west,
Burke County, Georgia centers around the town of
Waynesboro, often called the “Bird Dog Capital of the World.”
What you can do in Burke County:
- Walk downtown Waynesboro – Check out old storefronts, small shops, and murals. It’s quiet, but that’s part of its charm.
- Country drives – The back roads here give you long views of fields, forests, and big Southern skies.
- Local diners – Stop for a simple, hearty meal at a mom‑and‑pop place.
This is a good road trip if you’re in the mood for something slower and more rural, where the journey really is part of the experience.
Tips for Planning Your Aiken-Area Road Trips
To make these short drives from Aiken even better, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check hours ahead of time – Small museums and shops sometimes have limited hours, especially on Sundays and holidays.
- Pack a “car kit” – Toss a small cooler with water, snacks, sunscreen, and maybe a light jacket in your trunk. You’ll use it more than you think.
- Start early – For places that get warm by mid‑day (and most of them do), a morning start makes walks and sightseeing much more comfortable.
- Mix and match – Combine nearby spots, like Augusta Riverwalk plus downtown, or Lake Murray plus Lexington, for a fuller day.
Ready to Hit the Road from Aiken?
Living in or visiting Aiken means you’re in a great position for
quick road trips into nearby parts of South Carolina and Georgia. Whether you want:
- a relaxed walk along the river in Augusta,
- a peaceful afternoon at Lake Murray,
- or a quiet small‑town stroll in Edgefield, Saluda, or Barnwell,
you don’t have to drive far to find something new.
Now it’s your turn:
Have you taken any fun out‑of‑county road trips from Aiken? Did I miss one of your favorite spots in Burke, Richmond, Barnwell, Edgefield, Lexington, Orangeburg, or Saluda Counties?
Share your favorite day trip ideas in the comments, and pass this post along to friends or family who are looking for things to do near Aiken, SC.
The more we share our local tips, the more great places we all get to discover.
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