50 Fun Things To Do In Rock Hill, SC That You Don’t Want To Miss

Explore The Carhartt Mansion Ruins

You’ve probably heard of the Carhartt clothing brand, and you might even be wearing some right now. We want to let you in on a secret that most Rock Hillians don’t even know. Hidden in the woods just off the Riverwalk Trail are the ruins of the Carhartt Mansion.

These ruins are from the 1930s, so they may not be the easiest to spot if you don’t know where to look. Walk the Riverwalk trail until you pass the 1.25 mile marker sign, then take a right up the slope.

Play Cornhole At The American Cornhole League’s Headquarters

The American Cornhole League Headquarters is located just outside of Downtown Rock Hill in the Historic Lowenstein Building. The building was renovated to support the game and gives off a bowling alley feel, but for cornhole.

Plus, the ACL World Championships take place in Rock Hill, so you never know if you’ll be rubbing elbows with a competitive pro.

Check hours and prices on the website.

Stroll Through Sunflower Fields

When the sunflowers are in full bloom, these fields make for the perfect Instagram-worthy photoshoot backdrop. Sunflowers bloom from July to October, but from late August to early September, you’ll get the best experience.

Draper Wildlife Management Area has a sunflower field that you can visit for free. It’s well worth it during the late summer season.

Old Town Farmer’s Market

The Old Town Farmer’s Market, hosted right in the heart of Rock Hill, has everything you’d ever want from a farmer’s market — from fresh produce to handmade jewelry, each booth feels like you’re stepping into someplace new while supporting local businesses and mixing with the local community. We’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend a Saturday.

Check Facebook to see which vendors you’ll find each week!

Drink Your Way Through The YoCo Brew Trail

The YoCo Brew Trail is made up of 10 local, handcrafted breweries, each with their own flavor and unique charm, that’ve established the passport of brews. Grab a drink at each of the breweries, and you’ll complete the YoCo Brew Trail!

Most of the breweries serve food, and Slow Play Brewing has partnered with the Cibi Cibi Food Truck, which you can learn more about in our Insider’s Guide to Rock Hill’s Food Trucks. While Amor Artis Brewing does not serve food, you’re allowed to bring food in.

If you don’t know where to start, check out our Insider’s Guide to Breweries in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Try A Seasonal Coffee Flight

If coffee is your beverage of choice, then you’ll want to get a taste for the season by trying a seasonal coffee flight at Knowledge Perk. This small-batch roastery has great vibes and offers a host of rotating seasonal flavors.

Coffee Lovers Tip: Check out our Insider’s Guide to Rock Hill’s Best Coffee Shops.

Go Swimming At Ebenezer Park’s Swimming Beach

Ebenezer Park is a great hangout spot to bring the kids, have a picnic, play volleyball, fish, or go for a swim. You can even bring your pups out for a walk!

There’s a small entry fee, but they offer some discounts and overall it’s great value.

Check Out The Freedom Walkway

The Freedom Walkway is a mural-lined path painted by local artists to honor the Friendship Nine and acknowledge Rock Hill’s history in the fight for civil rights and the struggle for freedom. The walkway is accessible art, centrally located and open to everyone.

See What Trucks Will Be At Food Truck Friday

Rock Hill hosts Food Truck Friday, a lively time full of food, music, and activities at Fountain Park. It takes place throughout the summer and early fall. Entry is free.

Check out our guide to Rock Hill Food Trucks to catch the food trucks at other Rock Hill locales.

Picnic At Glencairn Garden

With blooming plants all year long, Glencairn Garden sets a picturesque scene for taking photos or going for a relaxing stroll.

There are multiple seating areas at the park, as well as grassy fields for picnics, and restrooms.

Relax At Cambria’s 354 SkyBar With Its Rooftop Bar

The Cambria Hotel offers a rooftop bar experience at its 354 SkyBar.

It’s the perfect spot to share a cocktail or beer with friends or have a romantic date night with a view. There are two seating areas so you can choose indoor/outdoor or fancy/casual vibes.

It specializes in American cuisine, with soups, salads, small plates and dessert. Here’s the menu.

See The Comporium Telephone Museum

For a free, interactive experience for yourself or your kids, check out the Comporium Telephone Museum. It’s like stepping into an alternate dimension a la Ripley’s Believe it or Not.

It’s strange, it’s weird, and it houses the first telephone in Rock Hill, with old wooden phones and a switchboard.

Take A Free Yoga Class At The Green By Fountain Park

Led by local teachers every Saturday from May through September, you can participate in a free yoga class. The classes welcome every skill level, run about an hour long, and start at 8 a.m.

Find more info on the free yoga classes in Rock Hill on the Old Town Facebook Page.

Play A Round Of Disc Golf At Winthrop

Just off Cherry Road and across from Miracle Park, you can play a scenic game of disc golf around the Winthrop Gold Disc Golf Course. The route is open to the public and circles a lake. If you need a disk, Innova Disc has you covered and is made for the pros right here in Rock Hill.

Fair Warning: People find this course difficult. This would be a good place to test yourself against the USDGC professionals. You may grow some extra appreciation for the Disc Golf Champions, or you may surprise yourself with some crazy skills!

Take A Distillery Tour At Sleeping Giant Distillery

Tour the county’s first legal distillery since Prohibition with a tour of the Sleeping Giant Distillery. It’s a tour and tasting all in one, and the distillery participates in the YoCo Brew Trail.

Sleeping Giant is locally owned by two brothers, making it an excellent family business to support. Check out the menu, and keep an eye on their Facebook page where they frequently post deals.

Take A Stroll At The Riverwalk Trail

Starting at the kayak and canoe launch point, Riverwalk Trail makes for an easy, scenic walk along the Catawba river. It’s about 2.5 miles each way, and the paved pathway are great for biking.

You’ve also got quite a few restaurants and bars near the trail: The Pump House, The Brass Tap, Grapevine Riverwalk, and Luigi’s Pizzeria.

Don’t forget about the Carhartt Mansion Ruins, which are located right off the path!

Hang Out At Rock Hill’s Barcade: Player 1UP

Arcade lovers and gamers love Player 1UP, the only arcade bar in Rock Hill. There are designated family and adult-only times, so check ahead and plan accordingly. It also hosts special events and bring in live music.

Relive History At Historic Brattonsville

Did you know that a scene from The Patriot was filmed right here in Rock Hill? Historic Brattonsville is a fully immersive experience. You get to see buildings from the colonial and antebellum eras. You also interact with actors playing characters from the time period.

They frequently host special events and prices are fair.

Join A Tennis League At The Rock Hill Tennis Center

The Rock Hill Tennis Center offers social and competitive tennis games and lessons for people of all ages. The Center is all inclusive, with wheelchair tennis games and a dedication to supporting local charities.

If you want the flexibility of competing on your own schedule, the Rock Hill Tennis Center is now part of USTA Flex.

Find A Good Book At The Liberty Book Company

This is an independent bookstore with options for everyone. Antique decorations give the store a cozy, homey feel, and the staff are always friendly and welcoming.

Prices are super affordable, and you can exchange used books for store credit. The more you bring, the bigger the discount. You can also choose a mystery package if you want to take a chance on a new book or just to branch out for your next read.

The Liberty Book Company also hosts monthly book clubs. There’s more info on its Facebook page.

Stretch Your Legs With A Walk Around Manchester Meadows Park

Take a peaceful stroll around Manchester Meadows Park, with trails circling a pond and venturing briefly into the woods.

If you’re looking for a relaxing time, you’ll want to avoid game days. The park hosts soccer tournaments and baseball games, and the parking lot can be hectic on these days. Find game days on the 2023 event list.

Check Out The Power House Food Hall

Power House feels like the melting pot of Rock Hill. People gather for food, drinks, and entertainment all in one place.

There’s a wide selection of food and shops where you can grab burgers, tacos, coffee, beer, noodles, and even get your hair cut. They also host events and offer daily deals.

Learn About The Catawba At The Catawba Cultural Center

The Catawba Indian Nation is the only federally recognized tribe located in South Carolina, making it important for Rock Hill locals to learn about. At the Catawba Cultural Center, you can take classes in subjects like basket weaving and pottery, shop Catawba art, walk trails, and even learn the Catawba language. We have all of this Native American history right in our backyard.

Sample Lots Of Beers At Hoppin’s Rock Hill Location

Hoppin’ Rock Hill has earned its place as a local favorite for self-serve beer and cocktails. You can relax and listen to live music or play a game of cornhole with people of all ages.

Visit Fountain Park In Rock Hill

Fountain Park is like the quiet oasis of Downtown. It’s a great place to pull out a book and chill during the day, and it’s an amazing photoshoot location at night.

They also hold events throughout the year like free yoga on Saturdays, Food Truck Friday, and Movies in the Park.

Watch Extreme Sports At The Rock Hill BMX Park Or Velodrome

Rock Hill’s BMX park is open to the public for practicing and racing. Visit the BMX park Facebook page for info on the Friday Night Races and track hours.

Side note: The playground at the BMX park is like a smaller version of Miracle Park.

Rock Hill Velodrome is a great place to watch live racing. The seating is concrete, so we suggest bringing a pillow or blanket to sit on. You can also make an appointment for a free session to try out track bike racing.

Mark your calendars for May 2024 because Rock Hill will be hosting the UCI BMX World Championships!

Grab A Local Beer And Burger At Slow Play Brewing

Slow Play Brewing is great for a day when you want to kick back and relax with a brew. It specializes in craft beer and has a wide range of choices. It also has music and games, and its parking lot is home to the Cibi Cibi Food Truck, which you can read more about in our guide to Rock Hill Food Trucks.

If you aren’t sure what to try, you can’t go wrong with the Light American Pale Ale.

Go Ziplining At Canaan Zipline Canopy Tours

If you have a few hours to spare, a zipline tour is a great way to learn more about Rock Hill. You’ll fly above the Catawba River and see Rock Hill from another point of view. If ziplining seems like a scary prospect, the staff do an excellent job of presenting safety tutorials and answering questions.

Find A Deal At The Pallet Place

Get the best discounts at the Pallet Place! It seriously has everything for sale — holiday decorations, clothing, furniture, and more. Be the first to see new inventory on its Instagram.

Take A Historical Tour Of The White Home

The White Home is the headquarters for Historic Rock Hill. It has a rich history dating all the way back to the early 1800s. Ann White is considered the “Mother of Rock Hill,” making this historical site all the more important.

To take a historic tour of the property, you must email Historic Rock Hill’s Executive Director, Jennifer Sandler.

Jump High At Adventure Air Sports

Adventure Air Sports has all the best high-flying, adrenaline-inducing adventures — trampolines, climbing walls, foam pits, and even a ninja course. It’s a great place for kids to burn off some energy or adults to take a swing at becoming the next American Ninja Warrior. It has an arcade too, so, when you get tired of jumping, you’ll still be entertained.

Walk Around Winthrop Lake

Alongside the Disc Golf Course and just under a mile long, there’s a dog-friendly walking trail. It’s a relatively easy walk with only one notable hill.

Play Pickleball At The Boyd Hill Recreation Center

The Boyd Hill Recreation Center holds weekly pick-up pickleball every Monday and Thursday. Beginners play from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the pros play from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

They also have over 20 acres of park space where you can play disc golf, swim in the outdoor pool, shoot hoops, or play horseshoe.

Go Wakeboarding At The SouthTown Wake Park

Show off your skills or learn how to wakeboard at the SouthTown Wake Park. It has courses for first-time wakeboarders and regularly host events. See what’s upcoming!

For those that will hit this spot often, the park also offers membership options, from day passes to yearly memberships.

Check Out The Rock Hill Civil Rights Memorial And Legacy Of The Friendship 9

South Carolina’s first sit-in took place right here in Rock Hill at McCrory’s Five and Dime. Outside of the restaurant, you can read a plaque explaining the historical significance and how the sit-in improved Rock Hill. This is a good activity to pair with the Freedom Walkway.

Take Your Kids To Main Street Children’s Museum

Dress up as pirates and set sail on a life-size boat or snuggle up for story time in the Pumpkin House. With activities designed for kids ages six and under, Main Street Children’s Museum is perfect for a day of exploration and play.

The museum frequently hosts special events, such as sensory-friendly sessions. Some events do require pre-registration, and information regarding ticket sales can be found on the website.

Check Out Rock Hill Fire Department Headquarters & Museum

Visiting the Rock Hill Fire Department Museum is one way to ensure that the little ones in your family understand fire safety while also having buckets of fun with firetrucks and photos.

Reservations are required, and you can book online here.

Do Some Target Practice At Sportsman

Whether you’re a seasoned marksman and want to hit the range or a complete newbie, you’re can test your skills at target practice. At the very least, you’ll make some memories. Remember, we’re in South Carolina! You can take part in classes, courses and defense training.

Find information on prices and operation hours here.

Test Yourself At Puckerbutt’s Hot Sauce Shop

The founder of the world’s hottest pepper is only 20 minutes away from Rock Hill! Test your hot sauce limits at Puckerbutt’s, home of the Carolina Reaper. You can shop their creatively named sauces, all locally and organically made, by heat level.

Whatever you do, don’t make the mistake of picking your sauce based on the label art. Unless, that is, you need a reminder that looks can be deceiving. Never again, Angry Goat Primo Rockpotamus Hot Sauce, never again.

Get Ice Cream, Sweets, And Local Produce At The Peach Stand

About 20 minutes northeast of Rock Hill is The Peach Stand, where local food and products are sold. It’s a produce market, deli, butcher shop, bakery, and ice cream parlor. Seriously, it’s a one-stop shop for locally produced goods.

Fulfill Your Fall Bucket List At Windy Hill With Cider Tasting And Donuts

Windy Hill Orchard in York, South Carolina, is the perfect place to celebrate the fall season. They have apple picking, cider tasting, hay rides, and cider slush.

Check out their hours and availability on the Windy Hill Facebook page.

You Pick Fruit And Produce At Bush-N-Vine’s Farm

Bush-N-Vine is the place to go for strawberry picking and sunflower walks. If you aren’t up for getting out in the fields yourself, you can still support this local business and buy fresh produce.

Enjoy Nature At Anne Close Springs Greenway

Hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, horse riding, goat yoga — there are tons of things to do at Anne Close Springs Greenway. Plus, it’s an absolute steal at $6 a month or $10 for the family.

Check out their upcoming community events.

Go Hiking At Landsford Canal, Andrew Jackson State Park, Or Chester State Park

Landsford Canal is breathtakingly beautiful at the beginning of the summer when the spider lilies are in full bloom. You can also see some cool structures from the 1800s.

Andrew Jackson State Park

Andrew Jackson State Park is a must-visit during the fall, when you’ll see a rare and endangered species of sunflower. They also have a park museum, where you can find all sorts of cool artifacts from the Revolutionary War and mementos from Andrew Jackson’s life.

Chester State Park

Chester State Park is great for birdwatching in the spring. That’s when you may catch a glimpse of the bald eagles. This park also has a spillway that creates the appearance of a waterfall.

See A Free Synchronized Water-Skiing Show At Windjammer Park

Stop by Windjammer Park to see the Carolina Show Ski Team perform. Get there early for the best seats. Great news though: There’s no need to stop for food beforehand. The park has a food truck at each of the water ski shows.

Go To Carowinds

Carowinds has amusement park rides and rollercoasters for people of all ages, including the Intimidator and the Fury 325.

The park stays open year-round, but the water slides and wave pools are a highlight in summer, and fall has the Scarowinds haunted rollercoaster.

Word for the wise: Budget! Amusement parks get expensive fast, and Carowinds is no exception. It may be best to eat before entering the park.

Learn At The Museum of York County

There’s a planetarium at the Museum of York County that’s a must see. Be on the lookout for any of their dinosaur showings to learn about natural history and see fossils from the Ice Age. Or why not wander through the educational gardens and nature trail.