Things to Do Near Clemson, SC
Planning to visit Clemson, South Carolina for a college football game this season? You’re in good company! Thousands upon thousands of fans pour into Lake Hartwell Country each fall, whether they’re Clemson alumni who have spent years in Tigertown or opposing teams’ diehards who may be making their very first visit. Take a look at some of the best Clemson-area attractions to go beyond the tailgate and make the most of your next trip!
South Carolina Botanical Garden
Offering free admission and open 365 days a year, the South Carolina Botanical Garden is a stunning natural wonder just off campus on Perimeter Road. The 230-acre garden features both native and exotic plant life: beautiful scenery for a walk, a date, or an educational trip with little ones. The Bob Campbell Geology Museum is located within the garden, so you can also learn more about local geology and the scientific history of Lake Hartwell Country.
Bart Garrison Agricultural Museum of South Carolina
Another free attraction, the Bart Garrison Agricultural Museum of South Carolina is located just minutes up the road, nestled between Clemson and Pendleton. The museum is open Thursdays through Saturdays, so it’s an ideal family-friendly activity when you first arrive in town or if you’re looking for a midday outing before a night game. Indoor and outdoor exhibits, live workshops and classes, and adorable animals (keep an eye out for the rescue hogs, Meadow and Lilly!) make the museum memorable yet informative.
Patrick Square
Patrick Square is a mixed-use development made up of hundreds of homes, plus local businesses and restaurants. But don’t worry – access to the town center is not limited to residents! Wet your whistle with a locally brewed craft beer at Kite Hill Brewing Company or a carefully curated wine selection at the Clemson Wine Bar. Find an accessory or gift at The Little Curiosities Shoppe, pamper yourself at a spa or nail salon, or even book a room at The Inn at Patrick Square. It’s a cute and convenient hub!
Lake Hartwell
Lake Hartwell has multiple access points in and around Clemson, and you’ll likely see students enjoying the sunny South Carolina weather on its shores if you leave town on a Sunday. Larry W. Abernathy Waterfront Park offers lovely lake views and boardwalks, while Twelve Mile Recreation Area is a great place to play and picnic if you’re traveling with kids. Both parks are ideal for watching the sun set over the water! If you’re more in the mood to get your toes wet, Clemson Marina offers boat rentals, so you can get out on the lake to fish, tube, or simply bask in the breeze.
Clemson Waterfalls
Clemson fans and alumni know the first line of the alma mater well: “Where the Blue Ridge yawns its greatness.” From within “Death Valley,” you can indeed see the rolling peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. You can also explore them and hike out to some of the scenic waterfalls located around Clemson in both Pickens and Oconee counties. Millennia of erosion have carved jaw-dropping cascades into Lake Hartwell Country’s mountains, and there are waterfall hikes perfect for all ages and abilities. Todd Creek Falls and Waldrop Stone Falls are two of the closest waterfalls to Clemson, but we suggest downloading our waterfall brochure and checking out a new set of falls each time you visit.
A High-End Dinner
Cap off your weekend of adventure (and tailgate snacks) with a fine dining experience. Sister restaurants Pixie & Bill’s and Calhoun Corners, both located off Tiger Boulevard, are excellent high-end steakhouses. Solé on the Green, located on Clemson University’s golf course, is another tasty option, or you can head back to Patrick Square for Rick Erwin’s. Locally sourced, expertly cooked food: what more can you ask for after a high-energy football weekend?
No matter if you’re a local returning for your weekly tailgate or an out-of-towner taking your first trip to Clemson, there is so much to see and do! When you’re finished exploring downtown or campus and the final score is in the books, make sure you take the time to explore this charming college city right here in Lake Hartwell Country, South Carolina.
