Things to Do in Berkeley County - Santee Cooper Country

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Berkeley County

movie-worthy natural beauty

Travel to Berkeley County, South Carolina, and discover the pristine and historic Cypress Gardens. This 170-acre preserve and gardens is located in Moncks Corner and attracts visitors from across the country.

Guests come to admire the botanical gardens and 80-acre blackwater swamp filled with towering cypress and tupelo trees. The gardens are also a popular spot for Hollywood filmmakers. You may recognize Cypress Gardens from movies such as The Notebook or Patriot. The gardens have hosted over 16 major movies and television series throughout its years. Cypress Gardens was originally part of the 1750 Dean Hall rice plantation and officially opened to the public in 1923. Its history has been nothing short of interesting since then. Start planning your next trip and learn all about it during your visit.

Come to experience this remarkable preserve, but stay to enjoy everything Berkeley County has to offer. Book a stay at one of our great hotels or campgrounds, enjoy one-of-a-kind shopping and dining, experience our distinctive nature, or maybe even catch a show while you’re here!

Berkeley County is perfect for a weekend trip, but there’s plenty to do to extend your stay. Arrive in the evening on a Friday and check into one of our name-brand hotels. Some choices include Hilton Garden Inn or Homewood Suites in Summerville, SC. These lodging options are only a short drive from Cypress Gardens.
If you’d rather stay closer to nature, there are several campgrounds and RV parks in Santee Cooper Country. Some great options include Hill’s Landing, Angel’s Landing, and Black’s Camp. Wherever you stay, get some rest in preparation for the adventures awaiting you the next day!

A Day Exploring Cypress Gardens.

Wake up early on Saturday and enjoy a nice breakfast before you get ready for the day. Then, it’s time to hit the road and head to Cypress Gardens. The gardens are open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Day. Purchase your tickets and decide what to do first. Before you arrive, you may want to look at their website to see what flowers are in bloom and what animals you might see during the particular month of your visit.

Perhaps the most unique experience is the swamp boat ride offered at the preserve. This is the perfect way to view the vast garden landscape surrounding the famous swamp.

Guided boat tours are only $5, and self-guided boat rides are free with entry to the park. Hop in your boat and paddle along a marked trail. Be sure to keep an eye out for lily pads, turtles, and other swamp life. After you’ve seen the real thing, visit the indoor swamparium. This exhibit houses 24,000 gallons of water featuring native and exotic fish, reptile and amphibian species from local swamp habitats. Next, head to the butterfly house, a 2,500-square-foot indoor exhibit housing not only butterflies, but also birds, koi, goldfish and turtles.
Make sure to pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the park’s picnic tables after you’ve done some exploring. End your trip to Cypress Gardens with a hike along the 4.5 miles of walking paths and nature trails, teeming with native flora and fauna. Depending on what time of year you visit, you may be able to enjoy a sunset before you depart.

Continue Exploring: Dining & Attractions.

Once you leave the preserve, why not grab a bite to eat? Halls Chophouse in Summerville’s Nexton community is a great choice if you’re looking for a fine dining experience. Blue Creek Tacos & Grill in Goose Creek is a fun choice for families. Or, if you’re looking for an adults’ night out with great drinks and live music, check out New Realm Brewing Company in Daniel Island. After you’ve enjoyed a good meal, head back to your hotel or campsite and get to bed for a relaxing night’s sleep.

Discover More Berkeley County Attractions

Your visit isn’t over yet! Spend the rest of your trip discovering other Lowcountry gems, whether you have one more day left of your stay or a few. Take a trip to the Collectors Antique Mall in Moncks Corner, or one of the other various shopping destinations in the nearby cities of Berkeley County. After lunch, stop for some ice cream at Ever Creamery in Nexton.

There’s no wrong time to visit South Carolina with its mild climate and unique scenery, but perhaps you can plan your trip around a show at the Credit One Stadium in Charleston or the Hanahan Amphitheater. The Hanahan Amphitheater is a family-friendly venue hosting festivals, smaller shows, and sometimes concerts with more popular artists. Meanwhile, Charleston’s stadium has many major entertainers playing throughout the year. Take a look at their events schedules to plan your trip accordingly.

Discovering the Lowcountry

While you’re in the Lowcountry, experience the nature that makes the area famous. Kayak through the Berkeley Blueways, over 235 miles comprising 25 kayak trails throughout the creeks and canals of Berkeley County. Fish on Lake Moultrie or Lake Marion, the two large lakes that together form what is known across the country as the Santee Cooper Lakes. These beautiful lakes span nearly 200,000 acres. If you’re staying at one of the lakefront campgrounds, you’re in for perfect views and countless activities.

Experience the rich history of the area through public parks that couple education with nature. Hike through lands that were once battlegrounds during the Revolutionary War. Not only will you learn about Berkeley County’s part in the war, but you may spot some interesting wildlife while you’re there. Make sure to take note of your favorite sites and activities during your trip to remember for next time! We hope your visit to Berkeley County and Cypress Gardens is one you will always remember!