Blake Walsh

22 Best Things to Do in York, SC

  • Published 2023/02/23

When you think of South Carolina, the first city that comes to mind is probably Charleston.

But, while it’s definitely worth a visit, you shouldn’t overlook York, South Carolina.

This charming small town has plenty to offer tourists, including excellent restaurants and tourist attractions.

York is a charming city located in the northwestern part of the state.

The town is best known for its antebellum homes, gardens, and plenty of other activities.

This article will look at some of the best tourist attractions in York.

Whether you are looking for outdoor activities or something to do indoors, York has something for everyone!

With that said, here are 22 of the best things to do in York, SC:

Ride a Horse at Whitt’s End Farm

This family-run, gated facility specializes in natural horsemanship in York, SC.

They offer various services, including horseback riding lessons, trail rides, etc.

Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, you’ll enjoy your experience at Whitt’s End Farm.

They have a wide variety of horses to choose from, so you can find the perfect one.

And their experienced staff will make sure you have a great time!

Whitt’s End Farm offers beautiful acres featuring trails, a lighted arena, and picturesque landscapes.

It’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely horseback ride with friends or family.

Support Local Artists at Downtown Live York

York is home to many talented artists, and Downtown Live York is the perfect venue to appreciate their work.

This monthly event features live music, art demonstrations, and more.

It’s a great way to spend an evening or two exploring the local arts scene.

And it’s also the perfect opportunity to shop for unique gifts and souvenirs made by local artists.

The event also offers food and refreshments at reasonable prices so that you can make a night of it.

You can even bring your pet with you — make sure you leash your pets, though.

If you’re looking for a fun-filled weekend getaway, add York to your list.

With so many great things to do, you’re sure to have a blast!

Pick Apples at the Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery

Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery is the perfect place to go apple picking in York, SC!

Located along the Black Highway, this family-friendly apple farm and orchard features a variety of apples and a cider mill and country store.

After picking your apples, try some of their delicious cider.

You can even buy and take home a bottle with you.

Currently, the Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery is only open on Wednesdays, so plan your visit.

The best time to visit the place is during apple season.

If you’re looking for a unique gift, they offer gift baskets filled with apples, cider, and other goodies.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors at the Three Oaks Equestrian Center

You’ll love the Three Oaks Equestrian Center if you love horses and Mother Nature.

This 250-acre facility offers a variety of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and more.

They also have an on-site campground so that you can make a weekend of it.

The Three Oaks Equestrian Center is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors with friends or family.

Discover Various Animals at the James Ross Wildlife Reservation

Located near York and Sharon, the James Ross Wildlife Reservation is a wildlife management area open to the public.

The reservation is home to various animals, including deer, turkey, quail, etc.

And it’s a great place to go hiking, bird watching, hunting, or enjoying the beauty of nature.

The James Ross Wildlife Reservation features acres and acres of pine trees and various other vegetation.

It’s the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the peace of the great outdoors.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring your binoculars, so you don’t miss anything.

Experience York’s Performing Arts Scene at the McCelvey Center

York is home to different performing arts theaters.

However, none are as historical, iconic, and breathtaking as the grand McCelvey Center.

Located in downtown York, this 550-seat auditorium features a stage, balcony, and grand staircase that will take your breath away.

The McCelvey Center is home to the York Symphony Orchestra and the York County Choral Society.

It also hosts various other events throughout the year, including concerts, plays, etc.

If you’re a fan of the performing arts, add the McCelvey Center to your things to do in York, SC.

You won’t be disappointed.

Pick Fruits at the Bush-N-Vine Farm

You can’t enjoy nature without tasting its fruits.

Visit the family-owned Bush-N-Vine Farm and pick fruits.

They offer various fruits like blueberries, blackberries, and peaches.

They have a country store that sells fresh produce, honey, jam, etc.

The farm also offers other products such as ice cream, pies, and cobblers.

The Bush-N-Vine Farm is open from May to November, so plan your visit during fruit season.

And if you’re looking for a unique gift, they offer gift baskets filled with fresh fruit and other goodies.

Shop Till You Drop at the Liberty Central

York’s Liberty Central is the perfect place to find unique gifts, souvenirs, etc.

This historic downtown shopping district features a variety of shops, including antiques, clothing boutiques, art galleries, and more.

You’ll also find various restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops.

So stop for a bite to eat between all your shopping.

Liberty Central is open year-round, so you can enjoy it no matter when you visit York.

Buy Souvenirs at the Yorkville Marketplace

No trip is complete without souvenirs.

The Yorkville Marketplace is the perfect place to find gifts for friends and family.

This open-air market features a variety of vendors, selling everything from clothes to jewelry to art.

If you want to do more shopping while in York, check out The Divine Horse.

Located in the Yorkville Marketplace, this local boutique offers a variety of items, including clothes, jewelry, and home decor.

You can also buy gifts, souvenirs, and other items here.

The Divine Horse is open from Wednesday to Sunday, so add it to your itinerary when you’re in the Yorkville Marketplace area.

You’ll also find a variety of food vendors, so grab a bite to eat while you shop.

The Yorkville Marketplace is open from Thursday to Sunday, so add it to your itinerary!

Get Some Ice Cream at the Peach Tree Orchard

The Peach Tree Orchard is a local favorite for ice cream.

This family-friendly farm offers a variety of flavors and the option to make your sundae.

They also have a playground and picnic area so that you can make a day of it!

The place is also a fantastic photo opportunity, so bring your camera.

The Peach Tree Orchard is open all week long, so you can visit the place any time you want.

Go Hiking at Nanny’s Mountain Historic Site

Nanny’s Mountain is a historical site that offers beautiful hiking trails.

The best time to go is when the leaves change color in the spring or fall.

The hike is moderately challenging, but it’s worth it for the stunning views of York.

So make sure you have your camera ready to take memorable pictures.

Nanny’s Mountain is open all year round, so you can visit any time you want.

Buy Antique Items at Farm Chicks Vintage

Farm Chicks Vintage is the perfect place to find unique and antique items.

This closed store features a variety of antique items from all over the world.

This family-owned business has a helpful staff that will assist you in finding the perfect item.

Prices are also very reasonable compared to other antique stores within York, SC.

You’ll find everything from furniture to jewelry to clothes.

You’ll also find handcrafted items from local artisans.

Farm Chicks Vintage is open from Monday to Friday, so check this place out during the weekdays.

Work Your Mind at the Ole York Xscapes

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting weekend with your friends or family, check out the Ole York Xscapes.

This family-owned escape room offers a fun, challenging, and immersive timed-based experience.

You’ll have to work together as a team to find clues found in decorated, themed rooms.

Then, solve challenging yet fun puzzles to escape the room before time runs out.

The room gives hints along the way to help you if you get stuck.

You can also formulate exciting strategies to help you solve the puzzles and beat the game.

The Ole York Xscapes is open every day except Mondays and Tuesdays, so make sure to book an adventure visit at their website.

Witness the Magnificent American Bison at the Tatanka Bison Ranch

Have you seen an actual bison in the flesh?

If not, you’re in for a treat when you visit the Tatanka Bison Ranch.

This beautiful 2015-acre ranch is home to one of the largest animals in North America: the bison.

At the Tatanka Bison Ranch, you will observe bison in their natural habitat.

You can watch them roam, graze, and play in the pasture.

You will also learn about these amazing animals’ history, biology, and ecology.

The Tatanka Bison Ranch is open all week except Saturday, so add it to your itinerary when you visit York.

Go on a Picnic at the Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is the perfect place to go on a picnic.

Located in the heart of York, SC, this park offers beautiful views of the York River and the skyline of downtown York.

You can also find a playground here and a basketball court and tennis courts.

There’s also a walking trail around the park, so you can exercise while enjoying the scenery.

Lincoln Park is open all week long, so visit any time you want.

Sweat It Out at the York Recreation Center

Finally, if you’re looking to get some exercise while in York, check out the York Recreation Center.

This 25-acre recreation center offers a variety of fitness classes and an indoor track, basketball courts, and a weight room.

You can also join one of their sports leagues, such as flag football or soccer.

In addition, the York Recreation Center is open all week long, so you can visit any time you want.

Grab a Delicious Meal at Hoof & Barrel

Don’t explore York with an empty stomach and get stuffed at Hoof & Barrel.

The restaurant is popular in the city for its American comfort food, including burgers, flank steak, pork chop, ribeye, wings, and more.

It’s the best place in the city to get your meat fixed with its American Classics.

There’s also an outdoor patio where you can settle down with your food to enjoy natural sunlight in warmer months.

It’s also popular for its handcrafted cocktails and cold beer.

Hoof & Barrel is located at North Congress Street and is ready to serve your mouthwatering lunch and dinner with a classic southern vibe!

Take Scenic Strolls at York Recreation Complex

Nature walks are always a great activity to do and York Recreation Complex doesn’t disappoint.

The park features walking and biking trails that are lined with oak trees, perfect for spending some time on a fine morning or afternoon.

There are also lighted baseball diamonds, a play area for the kids, and covered picnic tables with grills if you’d want to share a delicious lunch with your family or friends.

It’s also pet-friendly, so you can take your furbaby with you to enjoy the calming atmosphere of the park.

You can find York Recreation Complex on 4th Street.

Get Pampered at Peneé Holistic Spa

After a long day of getting yourself busy with beautiful York, it’s time to get pampered at Peneé Holistic Spa on North Congress Street.

The spa offers therapeutic massage services, facials, brows

and lash enhancements, waxing, and more.

If your muscles ache following your outdoor excursions in the city, schedule a massage and take advantage of the spa’s relaxing and homey atmosphere.

Peneé Holistic Spa also offers Candle Making Classes, as well as skincare and lifestyle products like lotions, creams, oils, and more.

Get Your Coffee Fix at York Coffee Roastery

Whether you’re about to start your day or you’re simply getting your coffee routine, York Coffee Roastery is your best spot in the city.

The coffeehouse serves hot and cold coffee, tea, decaff and regular coffee, and locally made pastries to pair with your favorite cup.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you can also opt for plant milk such as oat and almond milk to use for your coffee.

You can also purchase ground and whole coffee beans.

But what makes York Coffee Roastery stand out is its mission to provide and support people with special needs.

York Coffee Roastery is located off Blackburn Street.

Take the Kids to the Splash Pad at the City Park

During warmer months, the City Park makes its splash pad available to everyone visiting.

Your little ones can enjoy the water sprays to cool down while playing and interacting with other children in the park.

The park also has two picnic areas to use if you’re bringing lunch or snacks, as well as a few benches to sit on and relax.

It’s a park with a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those who want to spend a quiet afternoon in York.

The City Park is located at Raile Street.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it — 17 of the best things to do in York, South Carolina.

Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled weekend getaway or a leisurely day trip, York is the perfect destination.

There are plenty of great things to do in York.

These are just a few of our favorites.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or something to do indoors, York, SC, has something for everyone.

So what are you waiting for?

Start planning your trip today.

© All rights reserved.