15 Best Things To Do In Sumter (SC)

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Sumter houses a lot of excellent sites that attract visitors. It has many historical places on the long list of areas in the National Register of Historic Places. We’ve listed the best things to do in Sumter, SC.

Several sites in Sumter give visitors a reason to visit; beautiful gardens and parks are best for family outdoor activities. There are arcades, theatres, and many fun places to go. Tall trees and woodlands are just picturesque and perfect for nature photography.

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Here is a guide to the 15 Best Things to do in Sumter, South Carolina

1. Go Birding at the Swan Lake Iris Gardens

First, on our list of things to do In Sumter, SC, is bird watching. Well, bird watching and other activities for nature lovers. Swan lake Iris Garden offers an environment where birds and flowers can grow peacefully and still fill your curiosity.

The 150-acre garden has all eight Swan species; Bewicks, Black Australians, Black Necks, Coscorobas, Royal white mutes, Trumpeters, Whistlers, and Whoopers. There are also 120 varieties of Iris flowers.

These flowers beautify the garden with their different colors and amazing smell. Swan lake Iris Garden is a nice place for a walk to clear your head and a friendly site for bird watching.

Address: 822 W Liberty St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA

2. Escape from Reality in the Lock, Clock, and Peril Escape Rooms

Adventuring here is one of the best things to do in Sumter, SC. Suppose you love discovering mysteries or have a family of wanna-be detectives. In that case, you should bring them down to have a blast at the Lock, Clock, and Peril Escape Rooms.

The Lock, Clock, and Peril Escape Rooms will require wisdom and logic to find your way around them. An excellent example of such is a room that needs a Paranormal investigation. If you love horror movies, this is your chance to be in one of those situations.

If you aren’t a horror fan, you can try the tomb raiders room. Here, you are given an amount of time to find clues to escape. Lock, Clock, and Peril Escape Rooms are open Sundays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 12 pm – 6 pm and Fridays & Saturdays from 12 pm – 10 pm.

Address: 5535 Broad St, Sumter, SC 29154, USA

3. Get Your Art On at Millennium Studios

If you are trying something unique in Sumter, this place is calling you to visit! Enjoying an art party here is one of the best things to do in Sumter, SC.

Millenium Studios is a great place to have fun and bond with family members or friends. It is open to all age groups, so you do not have to worry about the children being restricted.

It is an open space where you can be a novice or expert; there’s something for you. Millennium Studios brings out your artistic side and allows you to explore colors.

In case you get hungry, they have good meals made by their great chef; you can get tacos, fries, wings, and many more.

Address:1155 N Guignard Dr Suite 6, Sumter, SC 29150, United States

4. Be Entertained at Beacon Cinemas

One of the best things to do in Sumter, SC, is spending time with family and the town does a great job at providing venues that allow bonding. One of the best ways to end the day in Sumter is watching a movie at the Beacon Cinemas. It has terrific, trendy films for both adults and kids.

You have a variety of films to make your choice. Whether for a date night, family night out, or group hangout, you can all have a good time at the theater, with shows with different genres, from horror, drama, action, comedy, etc. So, grab some snacks and enjoy!

Address: 1121 Broad St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA

5. Be a part of the Audience at the Sumter Opera House

Sumter Opera House has held many histories since the 1890s, making it a good spot for visitors and citizens. So, suppose you are planning a trip to Sumter with family or a history lover. In that case, visiting the Sumter Opera House should be one of the things you will do in Sumter, SC.

This building has a 100 feet Gothic tower, which makes it the tallest in Sumter. The building has a vintage aesthetic and a decorated proscenium in art decor gold leaf. Despite its housing history, it is now a live entertainment center that holds 515 comfortable seats used to watch comedy and music, etc.

So, make this your next stop at Sumter, SC, to learn about History and enjoy outstanding performances. It’s one of the best things to do in Sumter, SC.

Address: 21 N Main St, Sumter, SC 29150, USA

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6. Enjoy Skating at the Skate Station of Sumter

If you love skating or have always wanted to learn how to skate, this is one of the things to do in Sumter, SC. This facility aims at making you feel comfortable with skating, so whether this is your first time skating, you will have fun and be safe.

In the Skate Station of Sumter, you get to choose the gadgets that suit you best, so you don’t take anything too extreme or something below your level. If you still need convincing, you can move to the game room and have fun with the arcade games.

And that’s not all; they have exciting prices! So why not have fun and win? There’s no more incredible feeling.

Address: 45 Old Manning Rd, Sumter, SC 29150, USA

7. Discover Treasures at Sumter County Museum

Our list of things to do in Sumter, SC, has something for everyone, including history lovers. Sumter County Museum has impressive discoveries, such as artifacts, documents, and manuscripts that tell the story of Southern California and Sumter.

If you love history and education, this museum holds and has all you desire. The museum is a nonprofit organization that aims to promote the history of ancient Sumter by preserving and exhibiting its objects, manuscripts, and documents.

The center features the nation’s oldest reform congregations, Temple Sinai, A moving Holocaust exhibition, Ackerman hall, and many more.

Address: 122 N Washington St Suite A, Sumter, SC 29150, United States

8. Take a Dive in the Water at Sumter City Aquatics Center

If you like swimming or diving to clear your head, you should stop by Sumter City Aquatics Center. The center offers a memorable experience to its visitors. It is used to host many swimming competitions, but you and your family still have a blast day.

The great thing about this center is that it is open to all ages, so no one is left out. They are also classes that can upgrade your skills and make you a better swimmer.

Address: 1115 S Lafayette Dr, Sumter, SC 29150, United States

9. Have a Shopping Spree at Sumter Mall

You must stop at Sumter Mall if you love souvenirs or shopping. The Sumter Mall houses at least 35 stores, making shopping for you a paradise. It’s a 43-acre destination with a range of products from food to personal body items, jewelry, and much more. Shopping here should be on your list of things to do in Sumter, SC.

It also has food courts for food lovers or in case you get hungry while shopping. Their delicacies are delectable and will make you crave more.

Address: 1057 Broad St, Sumter, SC 29150, United States.

10. Eat, Sip and Unwind at the Porches of Sumter

Sumter cares for its people, so it houses many places that promote their talent, lifestyle, and work. Locals invite tourists into their homes and entertain them with snacks and tea. Porches of Sumter is not far from this.

It is an annual event that holds in October; you can get different kinds of food and drink for yourself. It’s a cozy and friendly environment.

Address: Sumter, SC 29150, United States

11. Experience Art at the Sumter County Gallery of Art

If you are an art lover, you should add this to your list of things to do in Sumter, SC. As an art lover, you must have noticed that Sumter, SC has a lot of places you can visit. The art gallery has three different galleries displaying permanent and temporary art pieces.

This gallery holds art that shows or lets you feel Sumter’s culture. The Sumter County Gallery of Art displays beautiful artworks made by local artists from clay, fabric, watercolor, etc.

The gallery doesn’t only show artworks; they also have seven classrooms used for educational and innovative programs. If you have any questions, you can ask the curators, who are always ready to answer questions.

Address: 200 Hasel St, Sumter, SC 29150, United States

12. Learn about History at the Battle of Dingle’s Mill Historical site

Being a history lover is one thing and being interested in the civil war is a whole other level. If you are both or just interested in civil war history, visiting here should make your list of things to do in Sumter, SC. Sumter houses a lot of historic homes.

Battle of Dingle’s Mill Historical Site markers serve as a memorial to the fallen warriors and a tribute to the significance of this place. It holds a lot of essential details, for example, the scene of one of the last war engagements, giving the area important historical recognition with unmarked graves, monuments, and stories of the Battle of Dingle Mill.

Address: 1400 US-521, Sumter, SC 29150, USA

13. Go Fishing at Second Millpond

Fishing is always a great bonding activity for families, and if you want to have the best of this, you should stop by Second Millpond.

The 82-acre land houses several fishes like bream, bluegill, bowfin, crappie, etc. It’s a perfect place to fish and bond with family. You can also have some quiet time since it’s a serene environment.

So, it’s a nice place to stop whenever you’re in Sumter. You should include this in your list of things to do in Sumter, SC.

Address: Liberty Street, Sumter, SC 29154.

14. Have Fun In Palmetto Park

Palmetto Park has the finest public tennis facilities in the southeast. They also have a playground, softball, and baseball fields. Parks are great places; they are multipurpose, and it is always a blast, especially when you are with family or the park has the best facilities.

If you also want some alone time, the park has walking rails surrounded by water to fulfill that desire. Its playground also allows you to bond with your kids or family.

The park also has a splash pad area for people who want to watch, rest or read books while others play.

Address: 416 S Wise Dr, Sumter, SC 29150, United States

15. Play In the Links At Lakewood Golf Course

As a golf lover, we have got you covered, and that’s why golfing at the Links At Lakewood Golf Course is on the list of things to do in Sumter, SC. The Links at Lakewood Golf Course were designed by Porter Gibson and are one of the most famous golf courses in Sumter.

The golf course has a challenging yet playable design with four different tees. Players of any level can play it.

The 6,875-yard golf course is fun and can be a place for a hangout with the guys. You guys can let loose while playing golf and testing your abilities.

Address: 3600 Green View Pkwy, Sumter, SC 29150, USA

Plan Your Next Trip to Sumter, South Carolina.

Sumter, SC, is a fantastic place to visit. It has a lot of beautiful sites and areas that can educate you and help you bond with your relatives.

If you love history and fun, this should be on your list of places to visit. Good luck and have a blast! Don’t forget to drop a comment about your experience and let us know how we can update this article.