12 Best Things To Do In Walterboro, South Carolina - Updated 2024

things to do in walterboro south carolina
Leonora
Leonora 
Updated
| 4 min read

Walterboro, South Carolina, is located in Colleton County. It used to be hilly and rich plantation owners built their retreat houses in the area. Walterboro is known for its old houses and was even considered the best destination for antique collectors and even today, it is known for its old structures that can be found everywhere. Several of these are within reach of any of the coziest hotels around the area.

It is home to a wildlife sanctuary and a museum, displaying relics made by the slaves during the colonial period. Walterboro is about 32 miles (51.50 kilometers) from Summerville, where its beach resorts along the coast are not too far away. If you’re heading to this quaint Southern town on holiday, take along this list of the best things to do in Walterboro, South Carolina.

1. Walterboro Wildlife Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The city of Walterboro is best known for its vast, protected area of wildlife that makes up South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary treats its guests to an excellent showcase of local flora and fauna. A wide array of attractions await within the 600-acre (242.81-hectare) park.

Among those is the Walterboro Wildlife Center, a recently developed exhibition complex. Here, you’ll get a closer glimpse of cool reptiles and mammals, young and old. Visitors can participate in the several activities organized by either the sanctuary or the city’s people, both indoors and outside in its small, open-air theater.

Walterboro Wildlife Center

Address: 100 S Jefferies Blvd, Walterboro, SC 29488, United States

Website: Walterboro Wildlife Center

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: Free

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2. Fat Jack's

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Fat Jack's on Thursday, August 11, 2022

If you’re seeking some good places to eat while in Walterboro, Fat Jack’s can supply you with the tastiest treats it has to ever offer. Since moving to its current location in 1999, Fat Jack’s prides itself on its well-cooked steaks, choice-cut ribs, fresh-catch seafood meals, and delectable chicken wings.

The Sterling Silver Steaks are a hit amongst many of its customers, making this restaurant an important part of the city’s culture. Not only is Fat Jack’s a go-to dining spot for locals, but with its proximity to the Interstate 95 highway, traveling guests get a taste of Walterboro’s finest, as well.

Fat Jack's

Address: 2122 Bells Hwy, Walterboro, SC 29488, United States

Website: Fat Jack’s

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 11am - 9:30pm; Thu - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 10am - 8pm

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3. South Carolina Artisan Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Intricate wood basketry by James Waterbury and Dale Fort #discoversouthcarolinaartisanscenter #walterborosc #scartisanscenter #handmadesc# #scartists #walterborosc

Posted by South Carolina Artisans Center on Monday, July 20, 2020

A visit to Walterboro won’t be complete without a visit to the South Carolina Artisan Center. An eight-room renovated cottage houses the priceless works of around 300 artists from all over South Carolina. The majority of the exhibits are folk art and contemporary crafts that reveal the indigenous and traditional culture of South Carolina.

South Carolina Artisans Center

Address: 318 Wichman St, Walterboro, SC 29488, USA

Website: South Carolina Artisans Center

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4. Forde Doll and Doll House Collection

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by The Forde Doll & Doll House Collection on Thursday, 25 September 2014

The Forde Doll and Doll House Collection displayed at the Hampton House Bread and Breakfast in Walterboro, South Carolina, is one of a kind. Doll collectors and miniaturists visit this place just to see the collection of more than 50 doll houses, paper dolls, and antique dolls. There are also room boxes and toy kitchens that must have delighted the original owner. The dolls also reveal the passing of time and history itself, as they depict the manner of dressing during a certain era.

Forde Doll and Doll House Collection

Address: 500 Hampton St. Walterboro, SC 29488

Website: Forde Doll and Doll House Collection

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5. Colleton Museum and Farmers Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Happy #InternationalMuseumDay! What is your favorite memory at The Colleton Museum?

Posted by Colleton Museum & Farmers Market on Tuesday, May 18, 2021

The Colleton Museum and Farmers Market has been the leader in preserving the history of the County of Colleton, where Walterboro belongs. Its collections represent the history, culture, and agriculture of Lowcountry. Its AceBasin exhibit is intended to promote and preserve the landscapes that can only be found in Colleton County.

Market days are highly anticipated, with people flocking to the area to buy fresh farm produce. The covered area is also ideal for concerts and other events. A visit to Colleton Museum and Farmers Market will fill your eyes with lovely exhibits and your stomach with the farmers’ fresh produce.

Colleton Museum and Farmers Market

Address: 506 E Washington St, Walterboro, SC 29488, USA

Website: Colleton Museum and Farmers Market

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6. Colleton State Park

Colleton State Park - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user jofwooster used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Colleton State Park offers varied activities, both on land and water. It is an ideal place for camping and picnicking, for families spending their holidays in Walterboro. In fact, there are playgrounds where children can play and people who love paddling and sailing can indulge in these activities, as there are places that rent out boats, kayak, and canoes. In addition, one can spend hours fishing and birdwatching here.

Colleton State Park

Address: 147 Wayside Ln, Walterboro, SC 29488, USA

Website: Colleton State Park

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7. The Great Swamp Sanctuary

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Good Morning from the Great Swamp Sanctuary!

Posted by City of Walterboro Government on Thursday, 12 July 2012

The Great Swamp Sanctuary is a 600-acre (242.8 hectare) refuge for hundreds of species of plants and animals. Located in the Ace Basin, its braided creek is one of a kind and perhaps the only one that is open to the public. It boasts hiking and cycling trails, canoeing, and wheelchair trails.

One of the trails is considered historic, as it was part of the route of the stagecoach from Charleston to Savannah, during the colonial period.

Great Swamp Sanctuary

Address: 1273 Sniders Hwy; Walterboro, South Carolina 29488

Website: Great Swamp Sanctuary

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8. Mayfield Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Mayfield Park is a small park in a residential area of Walterboro, located just outside the Great Sanctuary Swamp. This is an ideal place for a family outing, as there is a playground that children will love and the picnic area has barbecue grills for those who want to have their lunch or dinner in the park.

Mayfield Park

Address: Dowling Avenue and De Treville Road, Walterboro, SC 29488

Website: Mayfield Park

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9. Tuskegee Airmen Memorial

Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Lowcountry SC
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user J. S. Bond used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Tuskegee Airmen Memorial honors the Tuskegee Airmen from Tuskegee, Alabama, who completed their training at the Walterboro Army Airfield. World War II brought them to the skies over Germany, assigned to the 99th squadron, whose mission was to escort and protect US bombers from Luftwaffe fighter planes.

They were the only all-black squadron who fought on the frontlines, as African Americans were usually given minor roles. The airmen of the 99th squadron proved that determination can make a man overcome discrimination and adversity.

Mayfield Park

Address: 537 Aviation Way, Walterboro, SC 29488

Website: Tuskegee Airmen Memorial

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10. Bedon-Lucas House

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Bedon-Lucas house was constructed in 1820 and is one of the five high houses in Walterboro that has been preserved. Now the headquarters of the Colleton County Historical and Preservation Society, this house used to be the summer retreat of a rich plantation owner, named Richard Bedon. The Little Library, which is the first library in Colleton, stands in front of the house.

Bendon-Lucas House

Address: 205 Church ST. Walterboro, SC 29488

Website: Bendon-Lucas House

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11. Antiques and Collectibles of Walterboro

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Great finds in booth NYMA!

Posted by Antiques & Collectibles of Walterboro on Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Antiques and Collectibles of Walterboro is a paradise for antique collectors. This is considered the biggest antique mall, with four historical buildings. The store overflows with antiques of all kinds. There is furniture, kitchenware, coins, knives, lamps, chandeliers, linens, jewelry, potteries, and much more.

Find a rocking chair that is already a century old or lights that made the colonial houses bright, more than 100 years ago. A visit to Walterboro won’t be complete without taking home an antique as a memento.

Antiques and Collectibles of Walterboro

Address: 220 E Washington St. Walterboro, SC 29488

Website: Antiques and Collectibles of Walterboro

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12. Vintage Vault

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Sale starts at 11am. Followed by livestock. Come join us. Call Lynn for more information

Posted by Claxton Auction Co. on Saturday, March 30, 2019

Vintage Vault specializes in mid-century antiques, such as furniture, lighting, paintings, home decor, linens, poa lot more. If you are looking for a gift to bring home to your loved ones, you can find something that they will love to have in this antique shop. Vintage Vault is another stop for antique enthusiasts.

Vintage Vault

Address: 200 E Washington St, Walterboro, SC 29488

Website: Vintage Vault

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Experience history, nature, and adventure in Walterboro

Walterboro, South Carolina, has something for every tourist. Nature lovers can spend a day watching the wildlife at the Great Swamp Sanctuary, sail on boats, kayaks, canoes, and shop for antiques. There are organizations with members that are committed to the preservation, protection, and promotion of Colleton County and of Walterboro. Book a hotel stay now and check out the vast beauty this small but tight-knit Lowcountry town has to offer.

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Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Walterboro, South Carolina


  • Which activities in Walterboro are ideal for families?

    For families going on a nature-based sightseeing trip, the Walterboro Wildlife Center and Great Swamp Sanctuary are among the most popular options. Colleton State Park makes for a great picnic spot for families, especially those with younger children. Such is the case for Mayfield Park, as well.

  • Which places in Walterboro are a must-visit for tourists?

    The Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary is a sought-after point of interest for tourists visiting the beautiful city in South Carolina. Other popular tourist spots include South Carolina Artisans Center, Colleton County Museum, Colleton Museum Farmer’s Market Commercial Kitchen, and Tuskegee Airmen Memorial .

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Leonora Puno, a passionate writer and traveler, is drawn to destinations abundant in natural beauty. Having explored numerous parts of the Philippines that showcase the wonders of nature, she...Read more

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