Florence is considered one of the crown jewels of the Pee Dee in South Carolina. It has a vibrant social scene, plenty of natural beauty, stunning hiking trails, historical landmarks, bustling art museums and galleries, and flavorful foods to enjoy. You can get a mix of small-town love and big-city living in one place. Let’s have a look at the unique things to do in Florence, SC:
If you are a resident or planning a short trip to the city, you will find plenty to explore in the city. Here is a list of some of the most enjoyable trips you can make around the city for a memorable experience!
Go Thrifting at Thieves Market
At the Thieves Market, you can spend the day exploring over 22,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles from over 60 dealers. You will be able to get your hands on countless fine antiquities and treasures such as books, furniture, tools, vintage bottles, and much more. You can get items at very cheap costs, and even if you don’t plan to buy anything, the market is well worth exploring.
Get Outside at Timrod Park
If you want to spend a nice day out in the sunshine, visit Timrod Park. It is one of the most famous parks in Florence SC. Timrod Park covers around 18 acres of lush green lawns and includes a playground, several walking trails, picnic tables, and benches. Picnic shelters onsite also come with outdoor grills you can enjoy with the family.
You can also spend your time playing a game of tennis on any one of their 14 lighted tennis courts. Apart from this, the park has two fitness centers, a gazebo, and an amphitheater. Admissions to the park are generally free, so you can head over with the whole family for a budget-friendly day out! It is simply one of the top recommended things to do in Florence SC.
Have a Southern Dinner at Tubb’s Shrimp & Fish Co.
If you want to enjoy scrumptious seafood in a welcoming, comfortable environment, visit Tubb’s Shrimp & Fish Co in Florence, SC. Initially founded in 2013, they are now one of the top-rated dining destinations in Florence South Carolina.
Here you will be served some of the finest and freshest Atlantic seafood available in a mix of soulful flavors and spices. Their menu is also remarkably diverse, including starters, salads, soups, sandwiches, platters, sides, and even a kids’ menu. You can check out the complete menu and pricing here.
See a Live Performance at Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center
The Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the-art performing arts center in downtown Florence where you can enjoy a live dance, musical or theatrical performance. This performing arts center covers around 61,000 square feet and can seat 850 individuals.
The most popular groups performing here include the three resident companies, the Florence Symphony Orchestra, the SC Dance Theatre, and the Masterworks Choir. You will also find academic, national, and local touring music, theater, and dance productions. General tickets are usually available at just $10 for any event.
Try Local Wine at Hyman Vineyards
Looking for the fun things to do near Florence SC? The Hyman Vineyards is the only family-owned winery near Florence in the Pee Dee State Farmers Market, SC. They have a rich vineyard that is open to the public for a visit, where you can spend the day sipping on fine wines. Their specialty wines include red and white wines and rose and blush wines.
Besides the flavorful wines, the Hyman Vineyards also produce fresh fruits and vegetables. They also have a store where you can purchase local honey, wines, juices, jams, and jellies, all made from their hand-grown produce!
Hit Balls at the 19th Green Indoor Golf Center.
If you wish to enjoy a nice game of golf, make your way to the 19th Green Indoor Golf Center, the only indoor golf center in Florence, South Carolina. The golf center includes over 80 golf courses from around the world, which will help you sharpen and enhance your golf skills while offering a delightful game experience.
If you are relatively new to the game, no worries! The center also has its own team of PGA-certified instructors who can provide you with one-on-one lessons on how to master golf.
In the Warm Months, Go Strawberry Picking at Cottle Farms
One of the most recommended things to do in Florence South Carolina is strawberry picking. Picking the strawberries yourself can be an exciting activity and one best performed with your loved ones. Cottle Farms is the perfect destination for your strawberry-picking extravaganza.
The Cottle Farms is a family-owned farm located in Florence, SC which has been growing, packing, and shipping fresh strawberries (and other fruits and vegetables) for over 59 years. They quickly expanded into the “U-pick” market, where visitors can come and harvest their own strawberries on-site. To see when strawberries are up for harvest, check out their harvest calendar here.
Make the Whole Family Happy at Red Bone Alley
For a nice dining experience with the entire family, go to Red Bone Alley. This isn’t like any other restaurant; the indoor space is dramatic, warm, and appealing. It features a two-story facade that overlooks the streets, also fixed with an open atrium (almost like a theatrical set).
You will also find a back porch with glowing lanterns, a children’s area, and an ice cream truck with patio seating. It also has an extensive sports bar, grill, and live entertainment for added enjoyment. Besides the aesthetically pleasing setting, the restaurant offers delectable foods and drinks for you to enjoy. It is one of the most recommended things to do in Florence SC.
Do a Whiskey Tasting at Straw Hat Distillery
The Straw Hat Distillery is one of the most popular whiskey distilleries in the area, where you can partake in a whiskey-tasting session. Many locals and tourists visit the distillery to get a taste of some of the best hand-crafted whiskey fermented and distilled on-premises. The distillery offers tours and tastings and sells its whiskeys and rum.
Their product lines include corn whiskey, lemon drop moonshine, blueberry moonshine, blackberry blast moonshine, coffee moonshine, apple pie moonshine, and more. Tours and tastings at the distillery are usually available on Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm.
Check out Dooley Planetarium at Francis Marion University
The Dooley Planetarium is on the second floor of the Cauthen Education Media Center at Francis Marion University in Florence. The planetarium is known for hosting a variety of events each year, many catering to promoting STEM education among students.
The planetarium seats around 75 individuals and shows various shows on a rotating schedule. You can book the planetarium for private groups and events or visit one of its free Sunday presentations.
Stroll through 38,000 Square Feet of Antique Heaven at Palmetto Peddlers Antiques Mall
The Palmetto Peddlers Antiques Mall is another hotspot for antique collectors and enthusiasts in the region. The mall covers over 38,000 square feet of floor space. Moreover, it is packed with all types of items you can purchase, including tables, beds, sideboards, chairs, old records, signs, VHS movies, china, lamps, chandeliers, silverware, bottles, and much more.
The sheer volume of items available will take you a good hour or two to explore and you will surely find some nice picks for your home!
Do a Beer Tasting at Seminar Brewing
If your choice of drink is beer, head to the Seminar Brewing for a beer-tasting session. Seminar Brewing is one of the few dedicated groups of craft beer brewers in Florence, SC. They also offer wine and have an in-house restaurant where you can dine. You can also request a tour of the brewery, where they make beer on-site.
Apart from offering beer tastings and delectable foods, they also have axe throwing lanes and live entertainment, making it the perfect spot to bring your friends or loved ones for a night out.
See Historical Heritage at Florence County Museum
If you want to learn more about the history of Florence and greater South Carolina, visit the Florence County Museum. This small museum honors the history of Florence County. It portrays how it grew from its status as a railroad hub. And also flaunts its role as a major producer of tobacco, the Civil War era, and many more historical developments over the years.
The museum also houses an extensive art collection. You can also find cretaceous fossils, and other historical artifacts totaling over 140 works. You will also be glad to know that admissions to the museum are absolutely free! It is one of the top things to do in Florence SC.
For Classic Home Cookin’, have a Meal at Julia Belle’s Restaurant
If you are craving classic low country-inspired home cooking, make sure you visit Julia Belle’s restaurant. This is a family-owned and family-run restaurant where you can have a home-cooked meal served with genuine southern hospitality. Their menu includes pot roasts, crab cake sandwiches, buttermilk biscuits, fried green tomatoes, house-made desserts, and plenty more. They are open to the public every Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm.
Final Thoughts
Florence SC has abundant activities and places to explore and enjoy your time in the city. There are breweries to visit, museums to wander through, parks to relax in, and thrift stores to explore. The best part is that all these activities are relatively budget-friendly and perfect for any day out with your friends and family!
