Best Things To Do In Walterboro South Carolina
Enjoy our guide to the best places to visit, dine and have an adventure in Walterboro, SC. We’ve listed out a full day of activities and more. So if you looking for the perfect day trip from Charleston or a unique Southern town to visit, Walterboro is the perfect destination!
Not enough time for a real vacation? Just want to take a short break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Try a Day Trip! All the fun of a getaway and you get to sleep in your own bed at night. The day trip is often dismissed as the poor relative to the vacation, but we think it has long been undervalued. A well-planned and ambitious day trip is an adventure unto itself.
Sometimes we all need a little break. We need some time to take a breather and to get out of the house, to get out of the routine we know all too well. That’s where the day trip comes in. In this article, we’re going to give you everything you need to know to spend an interesting and enjoyable day in Walterboro, South Carolina. In the future, we will post more guides for wonderful day trips in the Lowcountry.
Walterboro is a great place for a day trip. It’s a little more than 60 miles north of Hilton Head and less than 50 miles west of Charleston. With a population of just over 5,000 you will be surprised to find a bounty of arts, history, nature and other attractions.
There’s such a wealth of activities that if you are with family or friends you will never be at a loss for something to do or see. With so many sights and attractions it would be impossible to do everything that Walterboro has to offer in one day.
With that in mind, we will present you with a variety of choices that should pique your interest. Remember, this is a getaway for enjoyment…not another day with a tight schedule. Relax. Go at your own pace. You can always return. Walterboro will still be there, just as it has been since its founding in 1783.
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
Walterboro Welcome Center
If you want an overview of Walterboro this is the place to start. Make sure that you pick up a copy of the self-guided tour pamphlet. If you like a good walk, then the self-guided tour is an activity that you don’t want to miss. Walk the streets under a marquee of ancient oak trees. Learn about historic homes and government buildings. This walk is a treat for the mind, is a wonderful sensory experience and is visually captivating.
1273 Snider Highway
Walterboro, SC
(843) 548-4353
www.walterboro.org
Colleton Museum and Farmer’s Market
This museum is a treasure trove of artifacts preserving the history of Colleton County, of which Walterboro is the country seat. Its collections are representative of the history, culture and agriculture of the Lowcountry. The ACE Basin exhibit is intended to promote and preserve the landscape that can only be found in the Lowcountry.
Market days (Tuesday and Saturday) are highly anticipated with people flocking to buy fresh produce, fresh eggs, local honey, homemade baked goods, handmade crafts and plants. If you want a snack or a light meal make your way to the adjacent Marketplace Cafe open for lunch and featuring sandwiches, salads and baked goods.
506 Washington Street
Walterboro, SC
(843) 549-2303
www.colletonmuseum.org
SC Artisans Center
Housed in an eight room Victorian cottage, the center offers more than 350 artists from around South Carolina. The pottery, basketry and art found here preserves and sustains the folk art traditions of South Carolina.
334 Washington Street
Walterboro, SC
(843) 549-0011
http://scartisanscenter.com/
Bedon-Lucas House Museum
The Bedon-Lucas House was constructed in 1820 and is one of the five houses in Walterboro (so named for the structures high height off the ground) that have been preserved. The headquarters of the Colleton County Historical and Preservation Society, this house was originally the summer retreat of a rich plantation owner, Richard Beldon. The Little Library, which was the first library in Colleton County, stands in front of the house. Both buildings are beautifully preserved and offer some architectural delights.
205 Church Street
Walterboro, SC
(843) 549-9633
https://www.walterborosc.org/bedon-lucas-house-museum
Antiques & Collectibles of Walterboro
This is the promised land for antique collectors. A very large mall encompassing four historical buildings. A cornucopia of antiques – furniture, coins, kitchenware, knives, lamps, chandeliers, linens, jewelry, pottery and much more.
220 East Washington Street
Walterboro, SC
(843) 549-7219
www.antiquesandcollectiblesofwalterboro.com
Tuskegee Airmen Monument
The memorial honors the Tuskegee Airmen from Tuskegee, Alabama who completed their training at the Walterboro Army Airfield. WWII brought them to the skies over Germany, assigned to the 99th squadron. Their mission was to escort and protect U.S. bombers from Luftwaffe fighter planes. They were the only black squadron to fight in the frontlines as African Americans were usually given only minor roles. This monument celebrates the courage, bravery and dedication of this group of African American men overcoming discrimination and adversity.
537 Aviation Way
Walterboro, SC
NATURE
Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary
The memorial honors the Tuskegee Airmen from Tuskegee, Alabama who completed their training at the Walterboro Army Airfield. WWII brought them to the skies over Germany, assigned to the 99th squadron. Their mission was to escort and protect U.S. bombers from Luftwaffe fighter planes. They were the only black squadron to fight in the frontlines as African Americans were usually given only minor roles. This monument celebrates the courage, bravery and dedication of this group of African American men overcoming discrimination and adversity.
399 DeTreville Street
Walterboro, SC
(843) 538-4353
https://www.walterborosc.org/walterboro-wildlife-sanctuary
Bear Island Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the richest birding areas in South Carolina. Wide variety of birds, endangered species (such as the wood stork and bald eagle) make their home here. Diverse area attracts waterfowl, birds and shore birds. Two observation towers and miles of dikes for ideal wildlife viewing moments.
TiTi Road (off Highway 17)
Green Pond, SC
(843) 844-2957
https://www2.dnr.sc.gov/ManagedLands/ManagedLand/ManagedLand/56
Donnelley Wildlife Area
A wildlife management area encompassing rice fields, forested wetlands, tidal marshes and agricultural lands. Designated nature trails and miles of dirt roads for hikers and bicyclists to explore. Navigating the trails is best done with a map. Pick one up at the office (by the entrance) as it also shows locations of restrooms. Keep your eyes open for alligators, they usually can be found sunning on the banks or floating lazily in the river. If you decide to undertake the vehicle trail it is 11 miles.
585 Donnelly Drive (off route 17)
Green Pond, SC
(843) 844-8957
https://www2.dnr.sc.gov/ManagedLands/ManagedLand/ManagedLand/58
Colleton State Park
Colleton park offers a variety of activities, both on land and water. An ideal place for camping and picnicking, especially for families. Playgrounds for children and opportunities for paddling, canoeing, swimming. Fish for bream, redbreast and catfish on the Edisto River (must have a valid South Carolina fishing license). Rods and reels available for the day at the visitor office. Hiking, bird watching.
147 Wayside Lane
Walterboro, SC
(843) 538-8206
https://southcarolinaparks.com/colleton
OTHER THINGS
Carolina Heritage Outfitters
Carolina Heritage Outfitters will take care of all your paddling and canoeing needs. Helpful, knowledgeable and efficient. When you are ready for more than just a day trip, take a 23-mile two-day canoe ride and stop overnight at an amazing, rustic, treehouse. The peace and quiet will restore your soul.
1 Livery Lane (off Highway 15)
George, SC
(843) 563-5051
https://canoesc.com/
Mountain Biking
If you brought your mountain bike, there are two excellent trails in the Donnelley Wildlife Area. Maps are available at the office. The Boynton Nature Trail is a great ride and a wonderful experience. The Backwater Trail is more challenging for those of you who “have the legs” for it.
TIME TO EAT
This is a day trip, you are bound to get hungry. Don’t worry, we have you covered. When in Walterboro, these are our mainstays. We have been all around town and want to make sure your day trip is complete. These restaurants will not disappoint.
Carmine’s Trattoria
Greenwich Village meets Walterboro. Delicious, well-prepared Italian food in the Lowcountry. Attentive, friendly service. Affordable, yet deep, wine list. Full Bar.
Recommended dishes: Linguine with white clam sauce, rigatoni bolognese, veal shank, housemade tiramisu.
242 East Washington Street
Walterboro, SC
(843) 782-3248
https://www.restaurantji.com/sc/walterboro/carmines-trattoria-/
Pic from Carmine’s Facebook
Williams Seafood
A no frills (and we really mean that) restaurant with out of this world food (and we really men that too!). Porgy, whiting and shrimp are as good as they get, but it doesn’t stop with seafood. Try the oxtails, candied yams, mac’n‘cheese, collard greens….you’ll be grateful that you read this article!
100 Francis Street
Walterboro,SC
(843) 549-5847
Main Street Grille
Local, casual, friendly place. If you do stay late, you can still get a meal. Didn’t expect a hamburger in a puff pastry, but glad that I tried it. Nice ribeye with a perfectly baked potato (that’s more difficult than you think). She Crab soup can be a hit or miss, same with shrimp and grits, but when they were on, they were really on.
256 East Washington Street
Walterboro, SC
(843) 782-4774
En Market
Our Picnic Tip:
Every nature place on our list has a picnic area. There are also numerous places to picnic on the banks of the Edisto River. Relax on the shore with a picnic and enjoy the Lowcountry. Where to get all the fixings? At the En Market! They have grab-and-go, make your own, meat lovers delights, organic, vegan and on and on. Nothing better than a picnic in South Carolina.
3304 Robertson Boulevard
Walterboro, SC
(843) 549-7540
We love day trips because we get to learn about culture, history, nature…or all of the above! Whatever we feel like that day. Not to mention some mouthwatering food. Check out Walterboro; it has truly earned its moniker as “The Front Porch of the Lowcountry.”
See you soon with another adventurous day trip.
