Abbeville, South Carolina travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Abbeville is a town in the Old 96 District that has the distinction of being where the Civil War was both instigated and terminated in a way, as it was here that a delegation of South Carolinians came together at "Secession Hill" on November 22, 1860 to decide to secede from the Union, and moreover where, at the Burt-Stark Mansion, a perhaps crestfallen Jefferson Davis moved to dissolve the Confederacy on May 2, 1865.

2 sights · 1 things to do · 1 places to eat · 1 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Abbeville

Calhoun Falls State Park

Burt-Stark Mansion

During the last cabinet meeting to be held by the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis dissolved the Confederacy's government here on May 2, 1865, allowing for the sequelae of events that mark the end of the Civil War to follow.…

Abbeville Opera House

Here is something else to look at for its aesthetic architectural value from the turn of the century since you drove all the way here.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 32°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Aug. (climate data from nearby Greenville)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
GSP Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, Greenville/Greer/Spartanburg — 50 mi away. Directions
AGS Augusta Regional At Bush Field, Augusta — 61 mi away. Directions
CLT Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Charlotte — 109 mi away (major hub). Directions

Located in a rather isolated part of South Carolina, you'll likely need a car to get to Abbeville. It is about 17 miles west of Greenwood and 30 miles southeast of Anderson.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Burt-Stark Mansion, Abbeville Opera House
Lunch Village Grill
Afternoon Calhoun Falls State Park

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Photos

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Get in

Located in a rather isolated part of South Carolina, you'll likely need a car to get to Abbeville. It is about 17 miles west of Greenwood and 30 miles southeast of Anderson.

See

See Burt-Stark Mansion

📍 400 N Main St🕒 Fri-Sat 1:30pm-4:30pm☎ +1 864 366-0166⚠ Last checked Aug 2021 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

See Abbeville Opera House

Here is something else to look at for its aesthetic architectural value from the turn of the century since you drove all the way here.

📍 100 Court Square #102⚠ Last checked Aug 2021 — confirm before you go

Maps

Do

Do Calhoun Falls State Park

Natural setting along rural Lake Russell, aka the impounded Savannah River, where swimming, fishing, camping, sunset-watching, and even hiking along Cedar Bluff Trail are available. The name Calhoun Falls is a bit obscure, as there doesn't seem to be a waterfall. Interestingly though, the original Georgia–Carolina Memorial Bridge next to the current Hwy 72 bridge is submerged beneath the lake if you happen to be a scuba diver or have an underwater camera.

📍 46 Maintenance Shop Rd, Calhoun Falls🕒 Daily 6AM-6PM, or 6AM-9PM during Daylight Savings Time💲 $3 per person, only like $1.50 for kids and seniors☎ +1 864 447-8267Checked Oct 2021

Maps Website