In search of the best and fun things to do in Clemson, SC?
Clemson is a city located in Pickens and Anderson counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina; it is a beautiful city where you can find amazing parks, fun entertainment, interesting and educational activities, and even unique dining experiences.
Clemson is an excellent destination for anyone looking to get a bit of adventure and history in their lives.
During your trip take to visiting Bob Campbell Geology Museum, Clemson Memorial Stadium, Hanover House, Lee Gallery, Stump House Axe Throwing and other fun Clemson, SC, attractions on this guide.
Let’s explore the top places to visit in Clemson, SC.
Things to Do in Clemson
1. Bob Campbell Geology Museum
A visit to Bob Campbell Geology Museum is one of the top things to do in Clemson, which serves as an eye-opener to things you probably didn’t know.
Bob Campbell Geology Museum is an educational museum located within the South Carolina Botanical Garden.
The museum aims to enlighten the public about the geology and history behind their planet, thereby developing respect and curiosity towards their natural resources.
Bob Campbell Geology Museum houses permanent exhibits, including a wide selection of faceted gemstones and a saber tooth tiger skeleton with a life-sized invention of what the animal would have looked like when wandering the South Carolina hills several years ago.
The museum also displays the largest topaz crystal in the United States, a cast of the small brain tyrannosaurus rex and his complete skull.
Bob Campbell Geology Museum contains a mineral room that glows and shows glow-in-the-dark rocks through the reflection of UV light.
Address:140 Discovery Lane, Clemson, SC 29634, United States
2. Stump House Axe Throwing
A visit to Stump House Axe Throwing will be one of the best highlights of your vacation in Clemson; it offers you an incredibly fun experience.
Stump House Axe Throwing is a perfect place for families, friends, and couples to have a wonderful bonding moment.
Axe throwing is a fun game that can be played individually or in groups, but it is better when you play at Stump House Axe Throwing.
You get a whole lane for sixty minutes regardless of your group size, but if you book for a private group event, you get up to 2.5 hours.
Stump House Axe Throwing offers an impressive menu of locally crafted wines, beers, and several beverages.
Some of the drinks served are palmetto brewing, hibiscus mead, wicked weed brewery, Catabawa brewery, Black Current mead, Cabernet, and more.
The center also serves delicious appetizers like Palmetto Cheese Board, Bryce’s Bruschetta, Bullseye Guacamole, Dr. Ricky’s Pico, and Best Darn Kettlecorn Popcorn.
Stump House Axe Throwing ensures you’re safe while playing by providing you with safety instructions and trained coaches.
Address:105 Sloan St A, Clemson, SC 29631, United States
3. Doug Kingsmore Stadium
Doug Kingsmore Stadium is a well-equipped stadium which is the home of the Clemson University Tigers’ NCAA Division I baseball team.The stadium was opened in 1970 and was initially named Beautiful Tiger Field; in 2003, it was later named after a former Clemson baseball player Dough Kingsmore.
Dough Kingsmore donated greatly towards the stadium’s redevelopment. it is one among the few stadiums that remove water from the pitch using the Super-Sopper.
A plaza was added to the museum where events are held and used for receptions. Ticket stands, dugouts, clean bathrooms, a brick facade, and chair-backed seats.
Address:114 Baseball Dr, Clemson, SC 29634, United States
4. Lee Gallery
Lee Gallery, located in Clemson, is an educational and interesting place to visit, especially if you’re a lover of art.
The gallery stands as the middle man between the university and the surrounding community, providing both parties access to international, regional, and national artists and artworks.
Lee Gallery showcases BFA Senior exhibitions, curated exhibitions, MFA Thesis, artist presentations, thereby showcasing the talents of their artists.
They also promote innovators, artists, and researchers from various fields, disciplines, and diverse demographics.
The exhibitions displayed send a vital message to the Department of Art, the university, and the surrounding community. The exhibits are based on issues and real-life matters happening within the area.
Address:323 Fernow St, Clemson, SC 29634, United States
5. South Carolina Botanical Garden
One of the top things to do in Clemson is visiting the South Carolina Botanical Garden for an amazing experience.
South Carolina Botanical Garden is a place where you commune with nature; it is a two hundred and ninety-five acres garden located on the Clemson University campus.
In 1958, the garden started next to the 19th century Fort Hill estate of John C Calhoun as a small plot of land.
It was later chosen as the state’s botanical garden in 1992; the garden is easily accessible by visitors due to the many walking and hiking trails.
South Carolina Botanical Garden consists of natural and man-made landscapes, which serve as hosts of wildlife and plants originating from the South Carolina Piedmont ecosystem.
The garden also contains historical buildings such as the 1826 Hunt Family Cabin and 1716 Hanover House; it houses a geology museum and an art gallery.
South Carolina Botanical Garden hosts classes on wildlife habitat gardens, heritage gardens xeriscaping, and much more.
Address:150 Discovery Lane Clemson, SC 29634, United States
6. Hanover House
Hanover House is a beautiful historical house built in 1716 with a gambrel roof in South Carolina but was later moved to the Clemson University Campus in 1940.The house was registered as one of the National Historic places in 1970; there are two chimneys on both ends of the house, which serve as fireplaces for the first and second floors.
Hanover House Is decorated with timeless items donated by Paul De St. Julien, a descendant of the main owner.
The house contains historical items that have existed for over three hundred years. Hence, there are many artifacts to look out for.
Make sure you visit Hanover House; knowledgeable and friendly tour guides are ready to lead you through as you check out the beautiful items.
Address:150 Garden Trail OR, 530 Garden Trail, Clemson, SC 29634, United States
7. Fike Recreation Center
Fike Recreation Center is a recreational center in Clemson that is well equipped with lots of recreational facilities and activities to carry out.The recreational center was established in 1930 as the major fitness building on Clemson’s campus.
Fike Recreation Center features a fitness center that contains about 15,000sq ft. of fitness equipment, including stair climbers, treadmills, barbells, dumbbells, and many other cardio and strength equipment.
This recreational center also contains six basketball courts, two group fitness studios, and five racquetball courts.
There is a 1/10 mile indoor track, 1/3 mile outdoor track, wellness zone, steam/sauna room, McHugh Natatorium, climbing wall & freedom climber.
Fike Recreation Center is open to the public, but restrictions depend on age. The center is open from Monday to Thursday from 5:30an-12am, Friday from 5:30am-10pm, Saturday from 10am-8pm, and Sunday from 12pm-8pm.
Address:110 Heisman St, Clemson, SC 29634, United States
8. Calhoun Corners Restaurant
Calhoun Corners Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Clemson, a perfect place to enjoy a meal with your family and friends.
The restaurant is a family-owned and operated business, consistently serving the public right from 1893.
For over forty years, Calhoun Corners Restaurant has served people delicious meals such as Tall Cheesecake Brûlée, Sautéed Shrimp Scampi, Seared, and Roasted Duck Breast Ribeye and Shrimp, Filet Mignon, Asparagus, She Crab Soup and more.
The meals are prepared with fresh and high-quality ingredients for visitors’ satisfaction; there are fantastic drinks to go with the meals, including coffee, Margarita, Apple Martini, and other beverages.
Calhoun Corners Restaurant features five fireplaces fully used during the winter season, a private dining apartment, and two dining room levels.
Address:103 Clemson Street, Clemson, SC 29631, United States
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9. Nettles Park
One of the fun things to do in Clemson is a visit to Nettles Park for an incredibly fun experience with your loved ones.
Nettles Park consists of several fun facilities, and it’s known as the largest park in Clemson, also consisting of the administrative offices for the parks and recreation department.
The Park features a fully equipped playground with two small slides and two taller slides for the children to explore and a dog park, picnic areas with shelter & picnic table for resting and relaxation.
Nettles Park contains a water fountain, two lighted youth baseball fields, seven regulation-lighted tennis courts, one lighted girl’s softball field, two lighted regulation soccer fields, and two lighted adult softball fields.
There are several trails perfect for walking while enjoying the scenic environment and calm atmosphere, the bathrooms are well kept and conducive.
Make sure you add Nettles Park to your bucket list and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
Address:102 Nettles Park Rd, Clemson, SC 29631 (864) 624-1120 United States
10. Pixie & Bills
One of the top things to do in Clemson is visiting Pixie & Bills for a wonderful experience with your travel companions.
Pixie & Bills has been in business for over forty years after its opening in 1971, serving the public with classic meals.
The restaurant is a family-owned and operated restaurant decorated with unique and beautiful antique furniture and local artists’ artwork.
Pixie & Bills is owned by the Corontez Family, who have gained lots of experience working in the South Carolina restaurant for decades.
They offer a comprehensive menu including meals like lobster & shrimp thermidor, prime rib, filet mignon, lobster bisque, crepe desserts, Kentucky Derby pie, Filete de Cerdo Con Papas, and many more.
Pixie & Bills also serve cocktails, wines, and beers based on originality and unique taste with quality.
The restaurant contains a bar dining room, the main dining room, two patio dining areas, and a private dining room available for events.
Address:1058 Tiger Boulevard, Clemson, SC 29631, United States
11. Clemson Memorial Stadium
Visiting Clemson Memorial Stadium is one of the best things to do in Clemson; it is the biggest stadium in the Atlantic Coast Conference after being expanded.
Clemson Memorial Stadium was established in 1942, it is also referred to as Death Valley, and have a seating capacity of eighty-one thousand, five hundred.
The nickname was given to it in the 1950s by a rivalry football coach according to what he said in quote ” taking my team to Death Valley” knowing they’d lose to Clemson.”
Clemson Memorial Stadium was a home to NFL’s Carolina Panthers in 1995, during their inaugural season before they relocated to their stadium in Charlotte.
The stadium is home to Clemson Tigers’ NCAA Division 1 football team; Clemson has an outstanding record of 74% winning percentage.
Address:1 Avenue of Champions, Clemson, SC 29634, United States
12. Loose Change
A local pub serves as a meeting location for many locals and tourists, where they get to sit, relax, and gist over a delicious meal.
Loose Change is a small restaurant with few tv screens that show the latest sports games. It is not exactly flashy or fancy, but the meals will be the best you have ever had.
The restaurant is uniquely decorated with large windows for people to look through.
Loose Change serves meals like Zucchini Fries, Chicken Philly with Fries, barbecue, tacos, and their signature sandwich & Double Cheeseburger fries.
The staff never disappoints; they ensure the meals are served fresh and delicious with their fantastic customer service.
Address:349 College Ave, Clemson, SC 29631, United States
13. Old Stone Church
One of the top things to do in Clemson is a visit to Old Stone Church, which serves as a historical site filled with history.
Old Stone Church was built to replace the original wooden 445, which was consumed by fire. The church was known as the worship place for the rich citizens.
The church contains a cemetery with the oldest graves dating back to 1765; after many church members moved to Pendleton, the cemetery was maintained by the Pendleton Presbyterian Church Commission.
Its cemetery contains impressive tombstones with unique markers; most of the graves are that of Civil War soldiers.
Old Stone Church is an excellent venue for several events, including weddings, and burial plots are still available for purchase.
Address:101 Stone Cir At the intersection of Old Stone Church Road and Anderson Highway, Clemson, SC 29631-1832 United States
14. Fort Hill Plantation
One of the best things to do in Clemson is visiting the Fort Hill Plantation, where you get to find out more about the history of the state
Fort Hill Plantation was the home of John C. Calhoun, the former Vice President of the United States, from 1825-1850.
The Fort Hill estate consists of fourteen rooms built in a Greek revival style in 1803, which an agricultural college used in 1888.
It is now opened as a museum to the public after completing a two-year refurbishment project in 2003. Although the home, rooms, furniture, and other items were not changed or altered.
The home is a historical site filled with many historical facts, antiques, artworks, and more. There are tour guides who are pretty knowledgeable and highly informed.
Address:520 Fort Hill St, Clemson, SC 29634, United States.
15.The Esso Club
If you’re in search of a cool place where you can chill and enjoy drinks with your buddies, the Esso Club is the perfect place for you.In 1958, Esso Club was the first and only place to sit and drink a bottle of beer in Clemson; it was formerly a small gas station in 1933.
By 1952, the station was expanded, and a bar was added. Later on, a tenant formed a BBQ site at the property’s backyard in 1972.
Due to the increase in the number of people visiting the bar, the owners stopped serving gas and expanded the place. This saw here going through series of transformations in the 1980s.
Up till now, Esso Club has remained one of the best places to go for drinks and live football games or music shows.
The Esso Club walls are decorated with Clemson football artifacts and photographs; it was nominated as one of the top college sports bars in the United States.
Address:129 Old Greenville Hwy #1, Clemson, SC 29631, United States
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16. Larry W. Abernathy Waterfront Park
Are you in for great fun with your family and friends? Visit Larry W. Abernathy Waterfront Park in Clemson.
Larry W. Abernathy Waterfront Park Is a beautiful park with lots of fun activities to offer, making it a popular location for many families.
The park has designated areas excellent for picnics or outdoor lunch with your friends and family.
Larry W. Abernathy Waterfront Park has a fantastic boardwalk with a Hartwell inlet featuring many shades.
The charming Lake in the park is a perfect place for fishing, kayaking, boating, and more. The park also contains a lovely playground for kids to explore and have fun.
Larry W. Abernathy Waterfront Park is the best place to relax, go for long walks, watch the sunset, or watch the birds, and many more.
Address:207 Keowee Trl, Clemson, SC 29631-1456 United States
17. Backstreets Pub & Grill
An excellent place to make you feel electric and eclectic, Backstreets Pub & Grill will make sure you have a great time.
Backstreets Pub & Grill was established in 1992; since then, it has been a popular hang-out location for the people of Clemson.
Over the years, the pub had undergone tons of renovation starting from 1999 when a private sports bar was opened downstairs.
Also, in 2015, Backstreets Pub & Grill created and revealed a modern outdoor seating area. The pub is usually crowded with many Clemson fans who come to watch games.
Backstreets Pub & Grill features an upper deck that allows you to watch the Sunset in Clemson.
They serve dishes like buffalo chicken salad, sweet potato waffle fry baskets, fried pickle chips, early street nachos, wings, and many more.
Backstreets Pub & Grill is open from Monday to Thursday from 4pm-2am, Friday to Saturday from 11:30am-2am.
Address:102 Earle St, Clemson, SC 29631, United States
18. Littlejohn Coliseum
Littlejohn Coliseum was established in 1968 and is a home for the men’s and women’s NCAA Division I basketball teams.
It was named after the school’s first business manager James Littlejohn, and it is a venue for more than one hundred and fifty events, including Clemson University and public events.
Littlejohn Coliseum passed through tons of renovations in 2003, almost doubling the facilities.
Most of the facilities were expanded, such as concessions areas, training rooms, public washrooms, and weight rooms.
Littlejohn Coliseum was again faced with renovation in 2011, with an additional thirteen thousand square foot practice gym and a contemporary upgrade of the building’s exterior with many others.
Address:219 Perimeter Rd, Clemson, SC 29634, United States
19. ‘All In’ Coffee Shop
The best way to start your day is with a unique and tasty cup of coffee, not just any coffee but a cup of coffee from ‘All In’ Coffee Shop in Clemson.
‘All In’ Coffee Shop is one of the best coffee cafes in Clemson, making it a popular destination for many coffee lovers.
They serve different flavors of beverages starting from White Chocolate Coconut Latte, Iced Chai Latte, Caffe Mocha, Caramel Latte, scones, Vanilla Lavender, Espresso Macchiato, cappuccino coffee, and more.
Aside from coffee, they also serve delicious snacks to blend with your hot beverages such as cinnamon rolls, croissants, firehouse chili, muffins, Pecan Sticky Rolls, cheesecake, sandwiches, White Chocolate Amaretto Cheesecake and more.
There are numerous rooms available for meetings, studying, sharing good fellowship, socializing and more.
‘All In’ Coffee Shop staff is friendly and welcoming, creating a relaxing atmosphere for you to relax and enjoy a cup of your favorite beverages.
‘All In’ Coffee Shop is open from Monday to Thursday from 7am-6pm, Friday and Saturday from 7am-8pm (closed on Sunday).
Address:106 Earle St, Clemson, SC 29631, United States
20. Brooks Center for the Performing Arts
A visit to Brooks Center for the Performing Arts is one of the best things to do in Clemson for a splendid experience.Brooks Center for the Performing Arts is an eighty-seven thousand square foot theater established in 1994.
The theater is the venue for dance, drama, and live music performances by students from the Department of Performing Arts and Visiting artists.
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts features a small recital hall, a 100-seat black box theater, and an auditorium with a seating capacity of nine hundred and seventy-nine.
The center contains an active department of fifty faculty, more than one hundred performing arts majors, and about five thousand students from Clemon’s College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities are offering programming in performing arts and production studies.
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts also features interesting and interactive morning performances for kids from ages 3-18
Address:141 Jersey Lane, Clemson, SC 29634, United States
21. Clemson Wine Bar
For a dining experience with your loved ones in Clemson, visit the Clemson Wine Bar.
Clemson Wine Bar is a classic restaurant owned by locals from Clemson; they offer an impressive collection of wines from different parts of the world.
At the bar, wines are purchased in three different ways, by the bottle, by the glass, or as a flight. If you opt for flights, you get to taste three of their complementary wines, including Shiraz versus Syrah, oaked, and unoaked Chardonnay.
Clemson Wine Bar also serves delicious cheeses and meats to complement the wines and mustard along with olives, Charcuterie Board, Bavarian Pretzels, Seared Ahi Tuna Salad Pan-Fried South Carolina Quail and much more.
The staff and owners are fantastic, ensuring everyone is relaxed and comfortable while creating a cozy atmosphere.
Address:149 Thomas Green Blvd, Clemson, SC 29631, United States
22. Sloan Street Tap Room
A visit to Sloan Street Tap Room is one of the best bars in Clemson, where you get to enjoy unique and tasty drinks.
Sloan Street Tap Room was built in 1979, 26th of October, by Jimmy Howard and his partner Malcolm Smith.
The taproom provides a relaxed atmosphere and serves the coldest beer in Clemson; Jimmy renovated the interior, removing the drop-ceiling and leaving the space open in 2005.
Sloan Street Tap Room had a dartboard and a pinball machine; in the course of the renovation, the video poker machines were taken out in 2006 and replaced with a silver strike bowling game.
They offer an impressive collection of beers in different brands and are usually cheap, such as Bud Light, PBR, Busch light, and more.
Sloan Street Tap Room has cool staff who are friendly and helpful; they are open all day of the week from 2pm-7pm
Address:109 Sloan St # 1, Clemson, SC 29631, United States
23. Elkmont Tap & Cellar
Visiting Elkmont Tap & Cellar is one of the fun things to do in Clemson; you get to enjoy services you can’t get elsewhere.
Elkmont Tap & Cellar is a unique beer and wine bar; they serve locally crafted beers and wines. The wines are locally selected, while the tap beers are rotated weekly.
The bar is well known for its signature beer tap tower with railroad spikes as tap handles from an antique tap tower.
Elkmont Tap & Cellar also serves delicious meals like sandwiches, salads, pizzas, small plates, appetizers, and desserts.
The staff is friendly and attentive when taking orders, coupled with the lively and friendly atmosphere.
Address:100 Liberty Drive, Clemson, SC 29631, United States
24. Ashley Dearing Park
In Clemson, Ashley Dearing Park is located on Berkeley Drive. The Park was dedicated to Ashley Dearing, a young man from Clemson who worked on it as part of his Eagle Scout project.
Sadly, Ashley passed away from leukemia in 1982 at 13. On the picnic shelter’s street side is a plaque dedicated to Ashley.
The Park is the ideal choice for locals in Clemson for family outings and birthday celebrations beneath the picnic shelter. Children can play on the playground and swing set. Baseball games are enjoyed at the field, which now has new lights as a result of a recent City improvement!
Ashley Dearing Park has a walking path parallel to a lovely creek. Restrooms are also available in the Park.
Address: 1020 Berkeley Dr, Clemson, SC 29631, USA
25. Clemson Area African American Museum
The Museum, located in the Calhoun Bridge Center, gathers and exhibits the historical accomplishments of the area’s African Americans to stimulate community discussion of the past.The City of Clemson is in charge of running the Clemson Area African American Museum, which is the only African American Museum in Pickens County.
A particular focus is placed on gathering books, artifacts, documents, and other cultural objects, keeping them safe, and interpreting them for the general public through public events, educational programs, museum exhibitions, lectures, and publications.
They also aim to inspire others to gather and preserve the history of African Americans in Upstate, SC and do whatever is necessary to fulfill their mission.
The Museum also hosts events, including expos, classes, and cultural activities you can participate in.
Address: 214 Butler St, Clemson, SC 29631, United States
26. Clemson Dikes
The Clemson Dikes is located just across Highway 93 from Death Valley. It offers an uninterrupted trail with expansive views of Lake Hartwell that runs parallel to the lake.
Clemson Dikes has been a popular location for walkers, runners, and cyclists for years in Clemson.
Additionally, Clemson Dikes has been a site for many marriage proposals at sunset and sincere conversations about the future.
Students take turns sliding down the hill where the neighborhood EMS truck usually sits whenever the slightest dusting of snow falls from the winter skies. They haul anything from lunch trays to surfboards to worn-out couches.
The dikes are sure to entice you back whether you visit during the day for a relaxing stroll in the sunshine or at dusk for a breathtaking view of the Clemson sunset over the lake.
Address: 1105 Tiger Blvd. Clemson, SC 29631, USA
27. Earle’s Anderson Park
The picturesque Earle Anderson Park is located close to the swimming pool, Country Walk Neighbourhood Pool, and the pitch Country Walk neighborhood Courts.
The Earle Anderson Park provides a playground with various kid-friendly activities like swings, slides, a grassy area for picnics and running around while playing catch, and walking paths where you can jog, stroll and walk your dogs.
Pay a visit to this park if you are in Clemson and enjoy all its great activities.
Address: 330 Lancelot Dr, Clemson, SC 29631, USA
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Plan a Trip to Clemson
Clemson is a city you should visit with your friends and family, for an unforgettable experience. There are lots of places to explore and new things to try out.
Plan a trip to Clemson, and this will be one of the best decisions for a vacation time. Create a bucket list of places to visit in Clemson, and go on to have that fun vacation in Clemson