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

Overview

Orangeburg is a city in South Carolina. This town that started as a trading post between settlers and Native Americans in 1704 became a hotbed of tension and activism during the Civil Rights movement, culminating in the infamous Orangeburg Massacre on February 8, 1968 when local police opened fire and killed three students and injured many others. On a positive note, today the town boasts two historically black colleges, one of which (Claflin College) holds a designation as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the state and premier historic black colleges in the country. Orangeburg has a little bit of a crime problem, so do not be too lax about reckless decisions in your affairs.

2 sights · 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 Orangeburg

Edisto Memorial Gardens

Ornamental rose gardens, plus azaleas, boat rides, a butterfly garden, etc.

I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium

This is a small museum/planetarium on the South Carolina State University campus.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Feb–May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 93°F; winter lows dip to about 37°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Santee Cooper Country)

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.
CAE Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Columbia — 34 mi away. Directions
CHS Charleston International Airport, Charleston — 63 mi away (major hub). Directions

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 Edisto Memorial Gardens
Lunch Duke's Bar-B-Q
Afternoon I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium

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

Food for you

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