Enjoy beautiful downtown Aiken and Southern hospitality at its finest. Aiken’s historic downtown is only minutes away from Aiken Aviation. It is lined with unique and sundry specialty and gift shops along with fine dining establishments where you can delight in dishes from among the local favorites as well as a variety of international fare.

Aiken’s charm and elegance are on full display as you stroll down the magnificent boulevards lined with vibrant flowers and majestic Magnolias or as you climb aboard the Aiken Trolley to visit historic homes, churches, gardens, and famous equestrian sites. Aiken is world-renowned for its equestrian events including the Triple Crown each spring, polo tournaments, and the winter Horse Trials which routinely features many past, present, and aspiring national and international Olympic competitors. You can also spend a day with a fishing guide on close-by, beautiful Lake Thurmond for some of the best striper/hybrid fishing in the southeast (Download a PDF brochure).

If you’re in the mood to hit the links, try one of the nation’s oldest golf courses, the Aiken Golf Club, which has tested the skills of many professional golfers and celebrities and is only minutes away. The Palmetto Club (photo: left), in downtown Aiken, is the fifth oldest golf course in America. The course was redesigned in 1934 by Alister Mackenzie after he completed the Augusta National and has seen greats like Ben Hogan, Sam Sneed and Gene Sarzon. This old-style classic golf course, while private, is open to the public during Masters Week. To arrange a Masters Week Tee Time, call the Pro Shop at 803-649-2951.

Aiken’s proximity to Charleston, Hilton Head, Savannah, and Ashville, lends itself to an easy day or overnight trip to any of these celebrated southern cities. For more information, please check the links below.

Please visit the Aiken Visitors Bureau website for a complete calendar of events as well as restaurant and hotel guide.

Other recommended sites include: