The Carolinas are home to several well-known vacation destinations--Asheville, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach, just to name a few. But sometimes, going off the beaten path is worth it. Clemson is a hidden gem in South Carolina, and while it's a small city, this place makes the perfect weekend or week-long getaway.
Our partners at Clemson Vacation Rentals can help make your next trip unforgettable. With one of their properties as a home base, you'll be able to check out some of the top things to do near Clemson. Here are our picks:
Quick Overview of our Top Attractions
Address: 150 Discovery Lane, Clemson, SC 29634
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You're already surrounded by beautiful South Carolina nature out here, but the South Carolina Botanical Garden gives you a reason to slow down and really take it in. Spread across 295 acres on the Clemson University campus, this is the official state botanical garden of South Carolina, and it earns the title. You'll find miles of winding trails through a children's garden, a duck pond, longleaf pine savannas, carnivorous plant collections, and one of the largest collections of nature-based sculpture in the country.
Best of all, it's completely free and open every single day of the year from sunrise to sunset. You can join a guided tour or simply wander on your own; either way, plan to stay longer than you think you will.
Address: 207 Keowee Trail, Clemson, SC 29631
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Not every great walk requires a trail map and hiking boots. Larry W. Abernathy Waterfront Park is the kind of spot where you show up for a quick stroll and end up staying for the sunset. This 11-acre lakeside park sits right on the shores of Lake Hartwell, tucked behind downtown Clemson, with a well-maintained boardwalk stretching out over the water, covered lakeside swings, and plenty of shaded picnic areas. Walk along the well-maintained boardwalk or pack a picnic basket for lunch overlooking the water
The paths are flat, paved, and wheelchair-friendly, making it a great option for all ages. City parks do close occasionally for maintenance, so it's worth following the City of Clemson on social media before you head out.
Hoping to get a taste of Clemson's history? You'll find several museums and historic buildings in and around town. There's something for history buffs, as well as those who prefer science or social issues. Pencil these Clemson attractions into your itinerary:
Address: 140 Discovery Lane, Clemson, SC 29634
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Tucked inside the Botanical Garden, the Bob Campbell Geology Museum is a genuine surprise. The collection spans over 10,000 minerals, rocks, and fossils from South Carolina and around the world. The highlight is the UV room, a darkened space where fluorescent minerals glow, the largest display of its kind in the Southeast. There's also a life-size Smilodon skeleton replica that kids (and honestly most adults) absolutely love. Admission is free.
Address: 214 Butler Street, Clemson, SC 29631
Follow: Instagram: @clemsonaaam | Facebook
Just a short drive from campus, CAAAM is the only museum in Pickens County devoted entirely to local African American history. Housed in the former Calhoun Colored School, the museum holds rotating exhibits covering fine art, sports, civil rights, and oral histories passed down through generations of upstate South Carolina families. It's a meaningful stop, one that gives you real context for the community you're visiting.
Address: Memorial Stadium 1 Avenue of Champions, Clemson, SC 29634
Follow: Tickets: clemsontigers.com | Instagram: @clemsonfb | Facebook
If you're visiting during football season, a Tigers game at Memorial Stadium isn't optional; it's the whole experience. Known as "Death Valley," this stadium seats 81,500 fans and is considered one of the best atmospheres in college sports. Tailgating starts hours before kickoff, and the energy around campus builds all day long.
One of the most iconic traditions in college football happens right before the game: players rub Howard's Rock at the top of the hill, then charge down into the stadium as the crowd erupts. Even if you're not a die-hard football fan, it's a moment that'll stick with you. Afterward, head to The Esso Club, which has been open since 1933 and is always packed on game day.
Address: Lake Hartwell State Park 19138 South Carolina 11, Fair Play, SC 29643
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Lake Hartwell doesn't need much of an introduction around here; it's practically a way of life. Spanning 56,000 acres with over 900 miles of shoreline, this lake draws anglers, boaters, and anyone who just wants to sit by the water and exhale. The northern arm borders Clemson University, so it's never far.
But even if fishing isn't your thing, a morning on the lake in a rented kayak or pontoon boat is hard to beat. Clemson Marina offers boat rentals and has a great outdoor spot for grabbing lunch on the water.
Maybe you prefer to spend some time indoors between outdoor excursions. Fortunately, there are still things to do in Clemson for you. If you're visiting fo
You'll find clothing for everyone in the family, as well as several restaurants to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Address: 362 College Ave, Clemson, SC 29631
Follow: Instagram: @trueorangeboutique | Facebook
True Orange has been voted Clemson's best clothing store for multiple years in a row, and it's easy to see why. Two floors of on-trend women's apparel, jewelry, accessories, and home decor, all with that signature Clemson spirit woven through. Great for game day outfits and everyday wear alike.
Address: 382 College Ave, Clemson, SC 29631
Follow: Instagram: @shopthefizz | Facebook
Right next door, The Fizz Boutique is a locally owned one-stop shop for trendy clothing, gifts, and home decor. It's the kind of place that's equally good for treating yourself or finding a gift for someone back home. Students and alumni have been regulars here since it opened in 2019.
Address: 383 College Ave, Clemson, SC 29631
Follow: Instagram: @onwardreserve | Facebook
Rounding out the trio, Onward Reserve brings a more refined, outdoors-inspired aesthetic to the strip. Think premium Southern menswear with a laid-back confidence to it the kind of shop that alumni always stop into when they're back in town.
Address: Clemson Experimental Forest Clemson, SC 29634
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Clemson Experimental Forest is the kind of place that reminds you how much is right outside your door. Spanning 17,500 acres around the university, it's been a designated national ecological reserve since 1977 and is home to nearly 200 bird species and more than 90 tree species. It's free, vast, and most visitors have no idea it's there.
Bring your binoculars and explore one of three trail systems: Todds Creek, Issaqueena, or Fants Grove. Beyond birdwatching, the forest is great for mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and fishing. If you want a bonus adventure, Waldrop Stone Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall tucked a mile down an easy trail off Madden Bridge Road, one of those finds that makes the whole trip.
Address: 454 Damascus Church Road, Long Creek, SC 29658
Follow: Instagram: @chattooga_belle_farm | Facebook
About 50 minutes from Clemson, Chattooga Belle Farm is one of those day trips that earns its own section in the memory bank. This 200-acre working farm sits in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Long Creek, SC, with rolling vineyard views that somehow keep getting better the longer you sit with them.
Have lunch at Belle's Bistro the menu leans into farm-fresh ingredients, artisan sandwiches, and apple cider doughnuts that are genuinely hard to forget. After eating, take a tour of the distillery (the first legal one in Oconee County) and book a tasting of their award-winning brandies, whiskeys, and moonshine. Everything from growing the fruit to bottling the spirits happens right on the property.
Address: 201 Sunset Ave, Clemson, SC 29631
Follow: City of Clemson Facebook
Ask any local what their favorite spot in Clemson is, and there's a good chance they'll say The Dikes. This scenic path along Lake Hartwell has been voted the city's best outdoor spot multiple years running, and once you've been, you'll understand why. It's the kind of place where a quick walk turns into an hour without you noticing.
Come for a morning run, a sunset bike ride, or just a slow walk with no agenda. When Clemson gets one of its rare snowfalls, The Dikes transform into an impromptu sledding hill, locals show up with anything that slides, and it's exactly as fun as it sounds. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and admission is always free.
Clemson is more than just your average small city! With numerous outdoor recreation opportunities and plenty to do indoors, everyone can find something to love about this destination.
The first step to seeing all the top things to do near Clemson is to book your accommodation. Explore the luxury listings from our partners at Clemson Vacation Rentals today.
