Walterboro Sights to See

The front porch of the Lowcountry

The Bedon Lucas House porch is a great place to visit.
Photo credit: Christan Spires

The beautiful historic city of Walterboro sits right on I-95 at exits 53 and 57. If you’re traveling, this is the perfect spot to get out and stretch your legs. There are many interesting attractions for you to chose from. You just might decide to make this historic city a part of your itinerary.

walterboro, sc — The C. G. Padgett House. Photo Credit: City of Walterboro Facebook Page

Walterboro was founded in 1783 as a summer retreat for local planters. Plantations were sources of malaria during the summer months so towns like Walterboro were started on higher elevations away from bodies of water. The original settlement was started on a hilly area covered with pine and hickory trees. It was named Hickory Valley.

Nature comes indoors at the Walterboro Wildlife Center.

The Walterboro Wildlife Center is in the heart of downtown Walterboro. It is an interpretive exhibit hall showcasing the plant and animal life that is present in the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary and throughout the Lowcountry.

Specimens of native Colleton County wildlife are on display in aquariums throughout the center. The Wildlife Center features snakes, turtles, frogs, fish and alligators!

Just three minutes from I-95, the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary combines history, culture, recreation, and education into a southern lowland setting. The 600 plus acre sanctuary features what may be the only “braided creek” swamp accessible to the public.

A completed network of boardwalks, hiking, biking and canoe trails provide a perfect vantage point to observe the diversity of wildlife inhabiting the black water bottomland. Native populations of wild turkey, deer, raccoons, beaver, otter, mink, opossum, squirrels, fox and wildcats have been spotted along the trail. The sanctuary’s Washington Street entrance is located only steps from Walterboro’s main historic district.

walterboro museum — The Colleton County Museum and Farmers Market are conveniently located together. Photo Credit: City of Walterboro Facebook Page.

The Colleton County Museum & Farmers Market is located just down the road at the end of historic Washington Street. This museum features exhibits represent the county’s history, culture, natural resources, plantations, as well as Revolutionary and Civil War. There’s also a children’s play area.

walterboro farmers market — Baked goods are popular at the Marketplace Cafe.
Photo credit: Barry McRoy.

The farmers market offers local produce on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The site also has a Marketplace Café and a gift shop that sells local produce, crafts and home goods.

Located in Walterboro’s first settlement of Hickory Valley, the Bedon Lucas House is the location of the Colleton County Historic & Preservation Society. The house was constructed in 1820. For tours please visit the Colleton County Historical & Preservation Society website.

The streets of the Hickory Valley District are laden with beautiful homes. A walk is the best way to appreciate these lovely homes. Take a nice, leisure stroll to photograph your favorites. Hampton Street is a favorite walking destination. Start here and let your feet guide you through the neighborhood.

sc artisans center walterboro — The SC Artisans Center is loaded with locally made works of art. Photo Credit: Borys Kusyk.

The South Carolina Artisans Center is another must-see destination in Walterboro. The center is housed in a restored eight-room Victorian cottage downtown, which showcases over 300 local artists. Artwork ranges from traditional and indigenous folk art to contemporary. There are educational exhibits, craft demonstrations and live performances as well. Each piece is truly unique. Pieces range from glass work, jewelry, paintings and sweet grass baskets.

walterboro tuskegee airmen monument — The Lowcountry Regional Airport is the home of the Tuskegee Airmen Monument. Photo credit: Mike O.

A visit to the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial is a great way to honor these brave men who fought for our country. Located on the grounds of the Lowcountry Regional Airport, the monument commemorates the heroism of the valiant young men who enlisted during WWII to become America’s first African American military airmen. These men spent the final three months of combat training at this airport, which was then called the Walterboro Army Airfield. Here airmen learned to fly the Air Cobra, Thunderbolt and Kitty Hawk airplanes.

walterboro, sc shopping — Washington Street is the destination for antique shopping.

The city of Walterboro is known for its antique shopping. Washington Street has a vast assortment of antiques stores loaded with interesting finds.

walterboro landmarks hiotts pharmacy — Hiott’s Pharmacy has been serving sodas and shakes since 1969. Photo Credit: City of Walterboro Facebook Page.

While antiquing, head to the end of Washington Street and right into a Walterboro landmark. Hiott’s Pharmacy Soda Fountain. This icon is a great spot to wet your whistle and step back in time. The pharmacy fountain has been operational since 1969.