Rainy Day Things to Do in South Carolina

Bob Campbell Geology Museum

FreeIndoors

Geology museum at the South Carolina Botanical Garden. source In Clemson.

Cost

Free (Visit Greenville)

Brooks Center for The Performing Arts

Indoors

Hosts shows from classical plays to a cappella groups; tickets sold through an external link. source In Clemson.

Fort Hill

Indoors

National Historic Landmark in the middle of campus offering tours; home of John C. Calhoun from 1836, and where Thomas Green Clemson required the house be open to visitors. source In Clemson.

Hanover House Tours

Indoors

Historic house tours; individual and group tours offered. source In Clemson.

Hours

Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m.; Sun 2-4:30 p.m.; closed home football game days and university holidays

Cost

Suggested donation $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children

Greenville County Museum of Art

FreeIndoors

Art museum at Heritage Green, known for a large collection of Andrew Wyeth watercolors. source In Greenville.

Hours

Wed-Sat 10 am-5 pm; Sun 1-5 pm; Mon-Tue closed. 2026 closures: Nov 26-27, Dec 24-25

Cost

Free

Kids

Children must stay with a guardian; strollers permitted

Peace Center

Indoors

Theatrical venue on Visit Greenville's downtown attractions list. source In Greenville.

BMW Zentrum Museum and Plant Tours

Indoors

BMW's Spartanburg-area attractions listed by Experience Spartanburg: plant, Zentrum museum and Performance Driving School. source In Spartanburg.

Children's Museum of The Upstate (Spartanburg)

Indoors

Children's museum downtown; Experience Spartanburg describes hands-on exhibits for children six and under and notes ticket prices vary by residency, age and financial need. source In Spartanburg.

Hours

Museum page: Tuesday-Sunday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM (Monday not listed); check calendar

Kids

Field trips for 3K through 1st grade

Spartanburg Art Museum

FreeIndoors

Contemporary art exhibitions on the Chapman Cultural Center campus. source In Spartanburg.

Hours

Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM-5 PM; closed for installation until Oct 15, 2026; closed Nov 26 and 27, 2026

Cost

Free general admission

Spartanburg Science Center

Indoors

About 40 species and over 100 exotic animals including reptiles, amphibians, fish and a young alligator, hands-on exhibits and a Fossil Room. source In Spartanburg.

Hours

Site lists conflicting hours (Thu-Sat 10-2 and Mon-Fri 9-5); call (864) 583-2777

Cost

$5.00 per person, ages 5 and up; free Family Day third Saturday of each month

Kids

Hands-on exhibits, Fossil Room with touchable items

TJC Gallery (The Johnson Collection)

Indoors

Downtown art focused on the history and cultures of the American South; includes the Artists Collective with 32 studios. source In Spartanburg.

Freehouse Brewery

Indoors

Open Tuesday through Sunday, wood-fired pizza and outdoor deck seating (Visit Oconee SC). source In Walhalla.

Walhalla Performing Arts Center

Indoors

Hosts evening shows; parking at the center when no shows. source In Walhalla.

Aiken County Historical Museum (Banksia)

Indoors

A museum in one of Aiken's Winter Colony cottages (32 rooms, 15 bathrooms and a full-size ballroom) with frequently changing exhibits. source In Aiken.

Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum

FreeIndoors

Hall of Fame for Aiken-trained national champions, with trophies and photographs of riders, polo players and steeplechase riders and a large collection of Englehard trophies. source In Aiken.

Hours

Tuesdays-Fridays 2-5 pm, Saturdays 10 am-5 pm, Sundays 2-5 pm

Cost

Admission is free

Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum

Indoors

Visitors Center downstairs; upstairs a train museum with nine HO-scale dioramas of towns along the original South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company route as they were in 1916. source In Aiken.

Clifford S. Gerde Carriage Museum

Indoors

Horse-drawn carriages of the 19th and 20th centuries, including a three-seated surrey (1900), in a restored garage/stable. source In Aiken.

Hours

Sundays 2:00-5:00 PM, March-November

DuPont Planetarium and RPSEC Observatory

Indoors

A 30-foot dome planetarium with 45 seats; programs usually last an hour; observatory open for telescope viewing after shows, weather permitting. source In Aiken.

Hours

See website for schedule

Cost

See website for ticket prices

African American Cultural Center

FreeIndoors

Exhibits on Camden's African American community including Baseball Hall of Famer Larry Doby, Campbell Street history and African Americans in World War we; opened by the city in February 2018. source In Camden.

Hours

Page lists Saturdays 10:00 am-4:00 pm (introduction also says Fridays 1:00-4:00 pm); by appointment; closed major holidays; confirm before visiting

Cost

Free

Camden Archives and Museum

FreeIndoors

History of Camden and Kershaw County with permanent and rotating exhibits, including Native American items, china from Camden's historic hotels and Ruffian's halter; archives are described as one of the finest genealogical research facilities in SC. source In Camden.

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm; Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm; closed Sundays and major holidays

Cost

Free

National Steeplechase Museum

Indoors

Museum at Springdale Race Course tied to the Carolina Cup and Colonial Cup; lists Colonial Cup weekend events including a happy hour on Friday, Nov 20, 2026, 5:00 P.M. source In Camden.

Revolutionary War Visitor Center

Indoors

Visitor center covering South Carolina's role in the Southern Campaign; houses the Kershaw & Co. Gift Shop and the Camden & Kershaw County Visitor Center. source In Camden.

Robert Mills Courthouse

Indoors

Courthouse designed in 1825 by Robert Mills and fully restored, with a copper roof, brick floors, a vaulted central hallway and a second-floor courtroom restored to its 1845 renovation. source In Camden.

South Carolina State House

FreeIndoors

Free guided tours of the State House, preceded by a 15-minute DVD on its history and architecture; visitors can also tour on their own with brochures on Saturdays. source In Columbia.

Hours

Jan-May: tours every half hour 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., none at 12 or 12:30 p.m. June-Dec: hourly on the half hour 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., none at 12:30 p.m. Saturdays (except after Thanksgiving and Christmas): tours 10:30, 11:30, 1:30 and 2:30; building open 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (page carries a 2014 Saturday start date; call to confirm)

Cost

Guided tours free of charge

South Carolina State Museum

Indoors

Four floors of exhibitions on South Carolina history, art, natural history, and science and technology, plus a 55-foot digital dome planetarium, a 4D theater and the Boeing Observatory with a 1926 Alvan Clark refracting telescope. source In Columbia.

Hours

Tue-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun 12-5 p.m.; closed Monday. Observatory Tue-Sat 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun 1-5 p.m.

Cost

General admission: adult $13; senior (62+) $11; children (3-12) $10. One planetarium or 4D show: adult $18, senior $16, child $15. Two shows: adult $21, senior $19, child $18.

Kids

Child pricing for ages 3-12; hands-on 4D theater

Main Street Children's Museum

Indoors

Life-size nursery-rhyme play spaces (Little Home, Sailboat, Garden) inspired by artist Vernon Grant, for children from birth to six. source In Rock Hill.

Hours

Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m.; Monday closed; walk-up ticket cutoff 4:30 p.m.

Cost

Children and adults $10; children 12 months and under free; members free

Kids

For ages birth to six

Museum of York County

Indoors

Natural history and regional museum with a Naturalist Center (2,000+ specimens), Ice Age Carolinas exhibit, Settlemyre Planetarium, Tot Town, gardens, a nature trail and a picnic area. source In Rock Hill.

Hours

Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m.; Monday closed. Closed New Year's Day, Easter, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Online ticket cutoff 3 p.m.; walk-up cutoff 4:30 p.m.

Cost

Adults (18-59) $12; seniors (60+) $10; youth (4-17) $8; members and children 3 and younger free. Prices subject to change.

Kids

Tot Town play space for the youngest visitors

Dogs

Pets not allowed; service animals welcome; emotional support, comfort and therapy animals are not allowed

Rock Hill Sports & Event Center

Indoors

Indoor venue with a Championship Court (1,200 stadium seats), a main court area with 8 basketball and 16 volleyball courts and 700 courtside seats, and an 8,000 sq ft event space; hosts tournaments, concerts and conventions. source In Rock Hill.

Hours

Monday-Thursday 7:00 AM-9:00 PM; Friday-Sunday listed as closed for Tourism Events

Beaufort History Museum

Indoors

Museum in the Arsenal in downtown Beaufort with permanent and changing exhibits. source In Beaufort.

Hours

Tues-Fri 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, Sat 10:00 AM-3:00 PM (site asks you to call beforehand to confirm staff availability)

Parris Island Museum

Indoors

Marine Corps museum on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. source In Beaufort.

Hours

Not read from an official page

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park – Old Firehouse Visitor Center

Indoors

National park headquarters and visitor center in downtown Beaufort about the Reconstruction era (1861-1900) in Beaufort County. source In Beaufort.

Hours

Park grounds sunrise to sunset every day; visitor center hours not read (see unverified)

Cost

No entrance pass required; no park fees (partner sites may charge)

Heyward House Museum

Indoors

House museum built in 1841 by enslaved West Africans; also the starting point for visitors to pick up maps and brochures. source In Bluffton.

Hours

Not listed on the page

Gibbes Museum of Art

Indoors

Collection of over 10,000 American works. source In Charleston.

Hours

Not read (site did not load for us)

Cost

omit

Hunley (Friends of The Hunley)

Indoors

Viewing of the Hunley, the first combat submarine. source In Charleston.

Hours

Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM; Sunday 10 AM to 3 PM (weekday hours not listed)

Cost

Not on page; tickets sold via etix.com link

International African American Museum

Indoors

Exhibits on African American history and its impact. source In Charleston.

Hours

Not read (site did not load for us)

Cost

omit

Nathaniel Russell House

FreeIndoors

Restored c.1808 National Historic Landmark house with a free-flying staircase; staff-led tours start on the hour and a free self-guided audio tour (about 45 minutes) runs through the HCF app. source In Charleston.

Hours

Monday 1-5 pm; Tuesday-Sunday 10 am-5 pm (last admission 4 pm; the FAQ lists different closing times, so confirm); closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Cost

Exact price not on page; a combo ticket with Aiken-Rhett House costs less than two single tickets. Audio tour free.

South Carolina Aquarium

Indoors

Aquarium with thousands of animals and a sea turtle rehabilitation center on the harbor. source In Charleston.

Hours

Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., last entry 3:30 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving Day and Dec 25; Dec 24 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Tuesday Oct 27, 2026 for exhibit installation

Cost

Prices not on the page read; tickets and hours are on scaquarium.org/tickets

Kids

Page lists kids programs such as Halloween at the A-Scary-um (Oct 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Music School for ages two to five (Nov 17, 8:30-9 a.m.)

The Charleston Museum

Indoors

Museum at 360 Meeting Street; the visitor bureau says its newest exhibit displays findings from the H.L. Hunley submarine. source In Charleston.

Hours

Per an unofficial summary summary of the museum's page: Monday-Saturday 9:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday 12:00-5:00 pm (page itself did not load for us to fetch)

Cost

omit

Environmental Learning Center (State Park)

Indoors

Exhibits on Edisto Island and the ACE Basin, with fossils and live animals including an alligator. source In Edisto Beach.

Hours

State park hours; hours for the center not stated

Cost

Park admission applies

Freshfields Village

Indoors

About 50 shops, dining, events, a spa and a boutique hotel. source In Kiawah Island.

Cost

omit

Kiawah Island Visitor Center

Indoors

Visitor information for the island. source In Kiawah Island.

Hours

Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm

Cost

omit

Adele's Pottery

Indoors

By-appointment studio where visitors can book a hand-thrown pottery experience or buy pieces. source In Sullivan's Island.

Hours

By appointment

Cost

omit

Battery Gadsden Cultural Center

Indoors

Non-profit founded in 1992 with a museum of the civilian life of Sullivan's Island, an art gallery and community events; named for a 1903 artillery battery. source In Sullivan's Island.

Hours

Not listed; see batterygadsden.com

Cost

omit

Middle Street Shops and Restaurants

Indoors

Casual dining and beach shopping along the main commercial strip; visitor bureau lists MEX 1 Coastal Cantina, Home Team BBQ, The Longboard and Sullivan's Fish Camp. source In Sullivan's Island.

Cost

omit

Florence Center

Indoors

A 10,000-seat arena and convention center; upcoming events include Haunted Hotel Oct 29, 2026, Partzilla Arenacross Nov 6-7, Jingle Bell Market Nov 20-22, and Pee Dee IceCats games Nov 26-28 at 7:15 PM. source In Florence.

Hours

Event-based

Cost

Tickets through Ticketmaster; prices not on the page

Kids

Be Like Blippi Tour listed March 14

Florence County Museum

FreeIndoors

Galleries named Southern Visions, Lasting Presence, The Community Gallery and The Pee Dee History Gallery; family days listed on its site. source In Florence.

Hours

Sunday 2:00pm-5:00pm; Monday closed; Tuesday-Wednesday 10:00am-5:00pm; Thursday 10:00am-7:00pm; Friday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm. Page says the museum reopens Tuesday, October 27, 2026 after a closure.

Cost

Free

Kids

Family Day events: Fall Leaf Fun November 14, 1:00-3:00pm; Artful Ornaments December 12, 1:00-3:00pm

Florence Little Theatre

Indoors

A community theatre downtown; its home page lists the show 'Rejoicing Always' under upcoming events with no dates. source In Florence.

Hours

Box office hours not listed

Cost

Ticket prices not on the page

Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center

Indoors

A Mainstage venue; upcoming shows listed include Diamond Rio on October 29, 2026 at 7:30 pm, plus FMU Theatre, Florence Symphony and Gaelic Storm (dates not listed). source In Florence.

Hours

Ticket office M-Th 12pm-5pm and 90 minutes before shows; office M-F 8:30am-5:00pm

Cost

Prices not listed

Georgetown County Museum

FreeIndoors

About 300 years of county history from the 1729 founding: the indigo and rice eras, the lumber and paper industries, and the Francis Marion Interpretive Center. source In Georgetown.

Hours

Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 3 PM

Cost

Free; donations welcome

Gullah Museum of Georgetown

Indoors

Displays on Gullah Geechee culture and history: language, rice culture, foodways, arts and crafts, music and quilts. source In Georgetown.

Hours

Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday and on several holidays

Cost

No fee listed; donations accepted

Kaminski House Museum

Indoors

A Georgian manor built around 1769 on a bluff above the Sampit River, with 18th and 19th century American and English antiques; tours of 45-60 minutes. source In Georgetown.

Hours

Museum Monday-Saturday 10:00am-4:30pm; tours at 11:00am, 1:00pm or 3:00pm

Cost

Adult $12; senior $10; child (6-17) $6; under 5 free; members free

Kids

Child tickets 6-17

Rice Museum (Old Market Building / Town Clock)

Indoors

The museum covers the rice culture of Georgetown County and holds the Browns Ferry Vessel, which it calls the oldest vessel of colonial manufacture in the U.S., in a third-floor gallery. The 1857 Town Clock sits on the building. source In Georgetown.

Hours

Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30 AM-4:30 PM; guided 45-minute tours Tuesday-Saturday on the hour 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM

Cost

Adults $12; seniors (60+) $9; students (6-21) $6; groups over 10 $8 per person; children under six free with an adult

Kids

Under six free with an adult

South Carolina Maritime Museum

FreeIndoors

Exhibits on South Carolina maritime history with a focus on Georgetown, including the Fresnel lens from the old North Island lighthouse and a wall of bricks from the Brown's Ferry Vessel (c. 1730). source In Georgetown.

Hours

11 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Saturday

Cost

Free admission; donations appreciated

Kids

Summer sailing camps for ages 8-18 listed

Strand Theater & Cinema and Winyah Auditorium

Indoors

Listed by Discover Georgetown among the city's attractions; no details on the page. source In Georgetown.

Georgetown (Front Street, Rice Museum) Day Trip

Indoors

See the Georgetown file; the historic Front Street district and museums are a short drive north on Route 17. source In Pawleys Island.

Gay Dolphin Gift Cove

Indoors

A multi-story gift shop on the Boardwalk that Visit Myrtle Beach says dates to the 1940s. source In Myrtle Beach.

Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

Indoors

An aquarium; visitors walk through tunnels under sharks and see sawfish, reef fish and rays (per the attraction's page). source In Myrtle Beach.

Hours

9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the day read (other days not shown)

Cost

Prices not on the page read; ticket link ripleys.com/tickets/myrtle-beach

Kids

Page mentions hands-on exhibits for kids and a play area

North Myrtle Beach Aquatic and Fitness Center

Indoors

City-run aquatic and fitness facility; the city says it hosts free weekly swim clinics February through May. source In North Myrtle Beach.

North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum

FreeIndoors

Exhibits on local history, local wildlife with a sea turtle life cycle exhibit, a shag dance exhibit with a jukebox, a seashell display with a scavenger hunt, and Vanna White memorabilia. source In North Myrtle Beach.

Hours

Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost

Free; donations appreciated

Kids

Seashell scavenger hunt and interactive activities listed

Surfside Bowling Center

Indoors

Indoor bowling, listed by the visitor site for rainy beach days. source In Surfside Beach.