What to do and see in Lexington, United States: The Best Places and Tips

November 19, 2017 Leida Jutras

Lexington is the largest town in and the county seat of Lexington County, South Carolina, United States. Lexington is a suburb of the state's capital and second-largest city, Columbia. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 2016 population is 24,905, and it is the second-largest municipality in the Columbia, South Carolina metropolitan area.
Restaurants in Lexington

1. Dreher Shoals Dam Walk

1832 N Lake Dr, Lexington, SC 29072-9350
Excellent
57%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 112 reviews

Dreher Shoals Dam Walk

Reviewed By mjb1213 - West Columbia, South Carolina, United States

The walk along Lake Murray, be it at dawn or dusk, is lovely. If you look to the East between the hills, you can see downtown -- which is really cool.

2. Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden

500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210-8014 +1 803-779-8717
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to nearly 2,000 animals that represent more than 350 species from around the world. A visit to the Zoo will play host to an array of wild adventures from a diving expedition on a Pacific coral reef to a safari through the plains of Africa to an interactive Outback encounter with a flock of sociable lorikeets. The Botanical Garden boasts 70-acres of unparalleled beauty and is considered one of the America's best public gardens. Dramatic and themed gardens showcase more than 4,300 species of native and exotic plants, providing a living classroom for gardeners and non-gardeners alike. The Garden also is the gateway to natural river views and spectacular valley overlooks. In addition, guests can view structural remains dating back to the early 1800s with South Carolina's textile industry and the Civil War.

Reviewed By Linda5355 - Charlotte, North Carolina

This is a fabulous zoo. Wonderful exhibits and they seem to really care for the animals. Their zoo map was confusing so it was a bit tough to find our way but we got to most things we wanted to see. We spent 5 hours there but could have used an extra day. There’s SO much to do! Get there early because parking is free but fills up quickly.

3. West Columbia Riverwalk

Congaree River, West Columbia, SC
Excellent
66%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 107 reviews

West Columbia Riverwalk

Reviewed By Scott A - Nashville, Tennessee

The West Columbia Riverwalk is just that--a walkway adjacent to the Congaree River, which separates the city of Columbia with the cities of West Columbia and Cayce. Finding parking to access the Riverwalk is difficult, and after major rains, the ampitheatre where most people access the Riverwalk can be flooded and inaccessible. Once you are successful in finding parking, the walk is delightful. Only downside is seeing the excessive trash in the river and on the river bank. Clearly, the walkway is the star and the river is a sewer and trash dump. Sad that the citizens of this area don't have more pride in their natural resources. For a nice way to pass the time on a weekend or early evening this is a nice option.

4. Lexington County Museum

231 Fox St, Lexington, SC 29072-2654 +1 803-359-8369
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 69 reviews

Lexington County Museum

The Lexington County Museum, located in downtown Lexington, offers a rare and unforgettable experience – the chance to see and touch a way of life gone forever. The Museum interprets and exhibits historic structures and artifacts that tell the story of everyday life for Lexington County citizens in the colonial and antebellum period and contains many everyday items people used in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Museum features over 30 historic structures on seven acres. Some of these include the Leaphart/Harman house, built around 1790; the Corley Cabin, the oldest documented building in Lexington; the Ernest Hazelius House, where the traditional song "Give Me That Old Time Religion" was composed, and the two story-John Fox House, built in 1832. Originally built by Jesse Bates, John Fox, a wealthy planter and politician, bought the house in 1843. Currently, it is furnished with period pieces from Lexington County that show how an upper class home would have been decorated around the mid-nineteenth century. The Museum serves as an invaluable educational tool by promoting the county's history and attracting school groups. The Museum offers thirteen hands-on tours to school groups for free.

Reviewed By Kelli M - Cinnaminson, New Jersey

What a great place to kill a few hours near Ft. Jackson. We stopped here after graduation day ceremonies to kill some time. Tour takes about 2 hours. The guides are excellent and very knowledgeable. You will enter several of the buildings on site while learning about the history of each of them. They have all been moved here from other locations except for the main white house. To drive up and park it is deceiving in size. There is a lot to see. They have one of the largest quilt collections in the south. Be sure to pay a visit. Entry was $5 pp.

5. Irmo Town Park

1249 Lexington St, Irmo, SC 29063-2811 +1 803-772-5300
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 43 reviews

Irmo Town Park

Reviewed By LoveLakeMurraySC - Columbia, South Carolina

In the middle of Irmo is a small yet beautiful park to enjoy a break from the busy pace of life. Take lunch on a pretty day - you will be refreshed when you return to work. Also looks like a beautiful wedding location.

6. Virginia Hylton Park

111 Maiden Ln, Lexington, SC 29072-3450 +1 803-359-1027
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21 reviews

Virginia Hylton Park

Reviewed By darlenenray - Lexington, South Carolina

We love Virginia Hylton Park because it is large enough to not feel like you are right there with someone breathing down your neck. When my granddaughter lived here, it was her favorite park. It has a children's playground and a special handicapped playground which I think is so thoughtful. It has beautiful trees for shade and streams and really nice covered cabanas that are great for groups and even parties as they are not bunched together.

7. Irmo Community Park

Eastview Drive, Irmo, SC 29063
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 34 reviews

Irmo Community Park

Reviewed By Amber S - Bluffton, South Carolina

I was visiting the area and needed a place to get a run in. I visited 4 times within 5 days and enjoyed the paved paths that run around the park. Nice, shady trail that runs around a well equipped playground. Also has a shelter house with picnic tables, bathrooms and an amphitheater. Easy to find and seemed like a very safe area. I'll be back next time!

8. AquaFun Paddle

220 Jakes Landing Rd, Lexington, SC 29072-9689
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 12 reviews

AquaFun Paddle

AquaFun Paddle is the Lake Murray authority for SUP / Paddle Board and kayak rentals and tours. Leaving from the heart of the Lake just off the dam at Jake's Landing, Aquafun Paddle offers a great fleet for all ages and skill level. We offer single rentals, guided tours, and group events. AFP also offers SCUBA tours around the lake. AquaFun Paddle is a family run, First Responder and Veteran owned business on Lake Murray in Lexington, South Carolina. Paddle renters can walk on water just after parking, with both locations located 25 feet from the edge of Lake Murray. After checking in, guests will be given a safety briefing and sent out for a day of aqua adventure. SAVE 10% with paid ADVANCED booking -- Online or phone call

Reviewed By Ryan B

From the very beginning, Tyler represented the epitome of customer service. I booked a kayak for myself for the day of the eclipse and without me having to ask a thing, Tyler gave me the easiest route to the lake and recommended easy parking due to the eclipse chaos. A couple of days after I had already booked my kayak, I found out that my boyfriend was able to get the day off of work to join me and despite the last minute request, Tyler was able to accommodate the request for the extra kayak without any problems! The lake was gorgeous and the staff was extremely friendly as well as knowledgeable. Almost forgot to mention, kayaks were in great condition and had the cushioned seat for comfort. Keep up the great job guys!

9. Saluda Shoals Park

5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212-2611 +1 803-731-5208
Excellent
65%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 195 reviews

Saluda Shoals Park

Reviewed By RA_Travel_5 - Germany

This is a nice park near the Lake Murray Dam. You can spend a day with family or friends outdoors on walking trails, riding bikes, inline skating or on the water with a kayak or canoe. There ware various picnic areas and children playgrounds. Plenty of opportunities to spend a wonderful day. Having lots of trees provides shade during hot days..

10. Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve

Lexington, SC
Excellent
27%
Good
57%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 18 reviews

Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve

Reviewed By JanetO85 - Columbia, South Carolina

Interesting and diverse terrain. Unfortunately the rock has tumbled over but you can still appreciate it's uniqueness. There is a smaller peach tree formation you see there but I do t remember which trail it was on. I think the trails should be better marked.

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