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
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
2. Fat Jack's
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
3. South Carolina Artisan Center
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
4. Forde Doll and Doll House Collection
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
5. Colleton Museum and Farmers Market
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
6. Colleton State Park
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
7. The Great Swamp Sanctuary
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
8. Mayfield Park
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
9. Tuskegee Airmen Memorial
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
10. Bedon-Lucas House
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
11. Antiques and Collectibles of Walterboro
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
12. Vintage Vault
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
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.