Top 24 Things To Do In Seneca, South Carolina

1. Rent a boat and go fishing at the Lake Keowee Marina

Lake Keowee Marina is the place to be if you opt for some fishing or take a leisurely tour of the lake on a boat. The marina has a wide range of boats to rent, including boat slips, canoes, kayaks, regular boats and even pontoon boats that can easily fit up to 12 guests. Tourists and locals alike flock to this marina to enjoy the tranquility of the place and the lovely aquatic environment. If you fall in love with this place, you may as well purchase a boat. The lake is also suitable for swimming, although no lifeguards are present.

Lake Keowee Marina

Address: 150 Keowee Marina Dr, Seneca, SC 29672

Website: Lake Keowee Marina

2. Explore the world of energy at Oconee Nuclear Station

Not everyone’s cup of tea, exploring the world of energy at Oconee Nuclear Station will probably be a one-time thing and most probably you won’t regret it. It’s one of Seneca’s top attractions and it’s designed to enrich your knowledge regarding nuclear energy and how it is harnessed. There is an educational museum with energy exhibits that will help you understand the different types of energy, while kid-friendly activities, including a video game area, will keep your children focused too.

Oconee Nuclear Station

Address: 7812 Rochester Hwy, Seneca, SC 29672

Website: Oconee Nuclear Station

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat - Sun)

3. Step into the Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum

This museum explores the history of the African-American community that lives and has lived in the area with a unique vision to honor and preserve their culture and precious heritage. Through fascinating exhibits, they aim to educate the visitors about the struggles of African Americans and keep the authenticity of their stories intact. Technology and tradition are carefully mixed to provide visitors of all ages the most enriching experience.

Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum

Address: 208 W South 2nd St, Seneca, SC 29678

Website: Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: Free entry

4. Solve the puzzles at the Seneca Escape Zones

For those who have a little extra spare time in Seneca and are looking to fill their days, try the Seneca Escape Zones. Of course, you must love mystery and solving puzzles, because once you get into the escape room, you need to find the clues to get yourself out of it, within a specific time frame. There are differently themed rooms that, however, all require teamwork (up to six) to escape the room. Choose a low-level difficulty room if you are a first-timer, or else go for The Cabin and try to save your friend after a timber rattler bite.

Seneca Escape Zones

Address: 115-C Eagles Nest Dr, Seneca, SC 29678

Website: Seneca Escape Zones

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6pm - 8pm; Sat: 11am - 8pm; Sun: 12.30pm - 5pm

Price: 24.99 USD

5. Indulge in a little culture at the Blue Ridge Art Council

‘Bringing art to the people and people to the art’ seems to be the motto of the voluntary team that runs the Blue Ridge Art Council, and they do their best to comply with this commitment. The team successfully runs a number of events and shows annually and aims to promote artists by offering the space to exhibit their creations. Moreover, they also provide a classroom studio for the community to participate in art/painting classes, meetings, and artist demonstrations, so don’t miss that if you are into the beauty of art.

Blue Ridge Art Council

Address: 111 E South 2nd St, Seneca, SC 29678

Website: Blue Ridge Art Council

Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 1pm - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 1pm (during active shows)

6. Test your inner artist at the Paint-Play Studio

Release your inner artistic side at Seneca’s Paint-Play Studio with no shame at all! Besides, most visitors who opt for this fun activity, have none or little idea about painting. This is the ideal place to paint ‘n sip while socializing since you can bring along not only your friends but also snacks and drinks. All materials and equipment are provided, you just need to provide your smile and good energy. If you want to organize your private party there, it’s absolutely feasible, while more elaborate specialty classes are also available.

Paint-Play Studio

Address: 113 E North 1st St, Seneca, SC 29678

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6pm - 10pm; Sat: 11am - 1pm, 6pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)

7. Play a round of disc golf at Shaver Recreation Center

For some outdoor fun with your family or your best buddies, head to Shaver Recreation Center, a disc golf course in Seneca. The field has 18 holes with a course length of about 1562 m (5125 ft). The terrain is considered moderately hilly and heavily wooded, with tree cover varying from brush to large hardwoods.

Shaver Recreation Center

Address: 698 W South 4th St, Seneca, SC 29678

Website: Shaver Recreation Center

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 5.30pm (closed on Sat - Sun)

8. Walk through the historic Ram Cat Alley

You will find this fabulous historic district just downtown Seneca, and you will know immediately that you are here since you will be surrounded by art galleries, lovely garden stores, antique shops, and numerous boutiques too. But the charm of this unique district doesn’t lie only on all those stores, but also on the multiple events that take place here, like street performances and live music (jazz bands on Thursdays for instance), as well as plenty of adorable eateries.

Ram Cat Alley

Address: Seneca, SC 29678, USA

Website: Ram Cat Alley

9. Immerse yourself in culture at Lunney Museum

Adjacent to the Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum, thus convenient to visit one after the other, the Lunney Museum is a Queen Anne-style bungalow dating back to 1909, that has a pretty interesting story behind it. It showcases the history of the Lunney family and the rural southern culture and also the lifestyle of Seneca residents in the early 20th century. Among the exhibits, are art glass windows, authentic chandeliers, and English fireplace tiles. Community events and meetings with educational purpose are often organized here.

Lunney Museum

Address: 211 W South 1st St, Seneca, SC 29678

Website: Lunney Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

10. Plan a picnic in the beautiful South Cove County Park

Perhaps the most accessible of all the parks that lie along the shores of Lake Keowee is the South Cove County Park. This place is literally a natural waterpark and once here you’ll understand why. The 48-acre (19.4 hectares) park contains 86 campsites, 46 of which are lakefront and there is plenty of room for all visitors. Facilities here include three tennis courts, four pickleball courts, picnic areas, basketball, and playgrounds while cooling off in the lake is possible in several spots. No need for fancy water slides, your kids (or yourself) will have the time of their life in the most natural way.

South Cove County Park

Address: 1099 S Cove Rd, Seneca, SC 29672

Website: South Cove County Park

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

11. Try 20 rotating craft beers at The Beer Station

Do you think you can handle 20 different craft beers in one evening? Well, even if you can’t, you can still try some of the different flavors offered at the Beer Station. This place feels like home and to make yourself feel even more comfortable, they allow you to bring your own food while enjoying a pint of your favorite brew. And in case you have a party at home and you want to offer your guests the finest craft beer, come here and take it home straight from the tap. Pick among the quirky names, like Just Too Blanc And Nerdy or Gravity Rides.

The Beer Station

Address: 115 Bountyland Rd, Seneca, SC 29672

Website: The Beer Station

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 1pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm (closed on Sun)

12. Unwind after a hectic day at High Falls County Park

Just minutes away from Seneca, tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains you will find this 46-acre (18.6 hectares) lakefront park. As with most parks in the area, the park is equipped with a tennis and basketball court, miniature golf, two boat ramps, picnic tables, playgrounds, and volleyball, to name a few. If you wish to spend the night here, there are 91 campsites, restroom facilities, and one recreational building. And on top of that, there is a well-hidden beach at the very end of the park for those who prefer a less crowded swimming experience.

High Falls County Park

Address: 671 High Falls Rd, Seneca, SC 29672

Website: High Falls County Park

13. Stay amidst nature at the Twin Lakes park

For a deeper connection with nature, visit Twin Lakes Park, to have a relaxing stroll amidst pines and mixed hardwoods of high density. The park is a 152-acre (61.5) recreation area with separate facilities for camping and day use. If you are visiting only for a day trip, you will find here numerous picnic sites, a playground, two designated swimming beaches, a boat ramp, and a courtesy dock as well. Keep in mind that the area becomes pretty popular during spring and summer and can get crowded.

Twin Lakes Recreation Park

Address: 140 Winnebago TRL Pendleton, SC 29670

Website: Twin Lakes Recreation Park

14. Pay your respects at the Old Pickens Presbyterian Church

The story of the Presbyterian Church starts in 1828, the year that a town named Pickens Court House was established in South Carolina. The historic church, that was built in 1850, is the only original building left from ‘the town that disappeared’. The premises and the adjacent cemetery are open to the public daily, while visits in the church are possible only on Sundays. At the cemetery, you will see the earliest grave that dates to 1790. Weddings are also held here.

Old Pickens Presbyterian Church

Address: 149 SC-183, Seneca, SC 29672

Website: Old Pickens Presbyterian Church

Opening hours: Sun: 2.30pm - 5pm (from Apr - Oct)

15. Enjoy tennis at Spindle Tree Racquet Club

Another fun way to enjoy your time in Seneca is to practice your skills at tennis with your partner or buddy. Spindle Tree Racquet Club is located close to Seneca and it is a great place to visit with family. Facilities of the area include eight courts in total, shower rooms, ice machine, and a shop with tennis-related equipment, along with drinks and snacks. Children aged five to nine are welcome to enjoy the mini tennis program, while there are several programs that are aimed at adults.

Spindle Tree Racquet Club

Address: 11087 Watson Dr, Seneca, SC 29672

Website: Spindle Tree Racquet Club

16. Go kayaking with Hartwell-Keowee Paddleboard & Kayak Co.

If strolling on the shores or just boating around is not enough for you, then Hartwell-Keowee Paddleboard & Kayak Co. might be exactly what you are looking for. The company offers fabulous kayaking and paddleboarding experiences in Lake Keowee and elsewhere, and moreover, they deliver the kayaks and paddleboards to you, when you stay at Lake Keowee. Of course, pontoon boat rentals for a fun day are also available. That’s going to be a good workout, so come prepared.

Hartwell-Keowee Paddleboard & Kayak Co.

Address: 1099 S Cove Rd, Seneca, SC 29672

Website: Hartwell-Keowee Paddleboard & Kayak Co.

Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 12pm - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 7pm

17. Relish American cuisine at Copper River Grill

Copper River Grill restaurant is a chain of restaurants spread across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Kentucky, and it has received several awards over the past few years. Its first location was in Seneca, so it’s an extra reason to visit the restaurant. The menu is pretty attractive and includes among others, delicious burgers and sandwiches, stone fired pizza, fried seafood, and of course, ribs and steaks. There are also kids’ menu and gluten sensitive one as well.

Copper River Grill restaurant

Address: 514 US-123, Seneca, SC 29678

Website: Copper River Grill

Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)

18. Play games at The Spot on the Alley

The Spot on the Alley is a lot more than a simple neighborhood restaurant that serves quality food. This is one of Seneca’s finest sports bar and restaurant and it guarantees top-notch food. If you are in the mood to play or socialize, they provide the equipment and space, you bring your attitude. Choose among a number of activities, like BINGO, video games, trivia or pool table, or simply come on a night of karaoke or live music. There is also a wide variety of beers, wines, and cocktails.

The Spot on the Alley

Address: 122 Ram Cat Alley, Seneca, SC 29678

Website: The Spot on the Alley

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 10am - 12am

19. Get a makeover done at Moda Vita Salon and Spa

Visit Moda Vita Salon and Spa and let yourself unwind and get fully treated by top professionals in the beauty and wellness industry. Have your hair done in a stylish and chic way, or choose among the numerous spa services, including body or facial waxing, massage, nail services, and customized spray tanning. The beauty center is a teaching salon where the staff is trained towards achieving higher goals and also a place where clients are offered more options.

Moda Vita Salon and Spa

Address: 10239 Clemson Blvd # 310, Seneca, SC 29678

Website: Moda Vita Salon and Spa

Opening hours: Mon & Sat: 9am - 4pm; Tue & Thu: 9am - 8pm; Wed & Fri: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

20. Catch a hit blockbuster at Seneca PREMIERE 8

Are you a movie fan and you love visiting movie theaters in every place you travel? Then choose Seneca Premiere 8 for Seneca city. Premiere Cinemas is a movie theater company that also has a location in Seneca. Here, they play all the latest movies, along with blockbusters, so have your evening spent in your cozy seat enjoying the big screen.

Seneca PREMIERE 8

Address: 675 By-Pass, US-123, Seneca, SC 29678

Website: Seneca PREMIERE 8

Price: 9.19 USD onwards

21. Shop at Applewood Shopping Center

So, you’ve done pretty much everything in this city, but you realize you haven’t been shopping yet? Worry not, the Applewood Shopping Center is just the right place for that. This retail center contains several stores, among them art and crafts stores as well.

Applewood Shopping Center

Address: 285 Applewood Center Pl, Seneca, SC 29678

Website: Applewood Shopping Center

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 7pm

22. Go bowling with friends at Oconee Lanes Inc

Have a playful evening at Oconee Lanes Inc, the best bowling alley in the city. Even if you never tried it before, maybe this is your chance to do so. 24 authentic wood lanes are ready to welcome its visitors, together with pool tables and arcade games. There is a bar where you can get beers, but you can also celebrate your birthday here. On Fridays and Saturdays, put your bowling shoes on, rent a lane and enjoy your time.

Oconee Lanes Inc

Address: 318 By Pass 123, Seneca, SC 29678

Website: Oconee Lanes Inc

Opening hours: Mon & Thu: 11am - 11pm; Tue - Wed: 9am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 1pm - 9pm

Price: 2.50 USD onwards

23. Practice shooting at Deep South Defense

Certainly not a sport for everyone. However, if you wonder how it feels to shoot or you would like to practice shooting for self-defense reasons, try Deep South Defense, located not far from the city center.

Deep South Defense

Address: 509 By Pass 123, Seneca, SC 29678

Website: Deep South Defense

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun)

24. Visit the historical landmark of Newry Mill

Last but not least in our list of things to do in Seneca, is to pay a visit to Newry Mill, a historical landmark that perfectly illustrates the southern textile mill. The building started operating as a cotton mill back in 1893 and shut its doors in 1975 after years of ups and downs in its history. At the very beginning, workers were brought here and placed in cottages that soon became a town named Newry. Nowadays, it’s totally abandoned, but still standing there, reminding us of its glorious past.

Newry Mill

Address: 710 State Rd S-37-203, Seneca, SC 29672

Website: Newry Mill

Opening hours: 24/7

A little place with many beauties

Seneca is certainly not a top world destination, but with all those great things to do listed above, don’t you think it’s a place worth visiting and exploring? If you think yes, tell us which are the things that you would go for if you were visiting Seneca!