Top 8 Things to Do in Summerville, SC

August 28, 2025

Only about 25 miles from Charleston sits Summerville, SC, a town that was first settled in the 1700s.

Even as far back as the town’s inception, South Carolinians and tourists have both flocked to Summerville to escape the frantic pace of the nearby bustling city of Charleston.

Because it’s less than an hour’s drive from Charleston, Summerville is the perfect day trip.

Discover the top eight things to do in Summerville, including shopping, historical sites, and nature.

What Is Summerville Known For?

Summerville’s nickname is “The Flower Town in the Pines.” This is thanks to the azaleas that blossom here each spring, and, of course, the pines you’ll see all over town.

In fact, azaleas have made Summerville a tourist destination since the early 1900s.

These days, you can visit Summerville to see the flowers bloom, or you can enjoy one of the year-round activities, including historic sites, antique shops, and outdoor activities.

How Far Is Summerville From Charleston?

Summerville is about 25 miles from Charleston, or up to a one-hour drive. This makes it a perfect day trip from Charleston.

Drive up in the morning, visit a few historical sites, do some shopping, and enjoy lunch. You can be back in Charleston by dinner time.

Top 8 Things to Do in Summerville, SC

Summerville is where Charlestonians head to get away from it all. Although Charleston itself is by far not the busiest city in the South, Summerville is still a quiet town to visit if you want to escape the heat in the summer or the crowds during the holidays.

Here are our top eight favorite things to do in Summerville.

1. Explore the Sweet Tea Trail

Summerville is where sweet tea was invented! What better way to celebrate the inception of such a classic Lowcountry beverage than with a trip to the Sweet Tea Trail?

Just some of the features include the world’s largest mason jar of sweet tea (which also happens to be in the Guinness Book of World Records), the sweet tea mural at the visitor’s center, and The Sweet Tea Festival, which is held in September.

Of course, you can also enjoy some sweet tea in any of Summerville’s restaurants.

Pick up your Sweet Tea Trail map at the Summerville visitor’s center.

2. Visit Colonial Dorchester

Colonial Dorchester is a historical site that sits on the banks of the Ashley River. It was once a town, though all that remains are archaeological sites.

As you walk along the path, you can learn about the history of Dorchester and the buildings that once stood here.

Download the Colonial Dorchester walking tour map before you take the drive to Summerville.

The cost of admission is $3 for adults, $1.50 for seniors, and $1 for children ages 6 to 15. The fee can be paid in cash on the honor system in a box at the entrance.

3. Take a Plantation Tour

Although these Charleston plantation tours are not located in Summerville, they are nearby and can be combined with a trip to the Flower Town in the Pines.

We recommend choosing one plantation to visit if you want to save time to explore Downtown Summerville and fit in a few other attractions, too.

Plantations near Summerville:

Drayton Hall
Magnolia Plantation
Middleton Place

If you’re visiting Summerville to enjoy the flowers, you may want to make Magnolia Plantation a priority; this plantation also features one of the most stunning gardens near Charleston.

Admission fees vary by plantation; check online for ticket sales and visiting hours.

4. Shop for Lowcountry Antiques & Vintage

Summerville is an antiquing haven. With eight antique stores in Downtown Summerville, you could spend an entire afternoon searching for treasures.

We recommend starting at the Summerville Antique Gallery before moving on to the Antiques & Artisans Village.

Then, make your way to some of the smaller boutiques, including The French Mercantile, Cotton Down South, and Katie Mae’s.

5. Hike the Ashley River Blue Trail

Before your antiquing adventure, enjoy some nature on the Ashley River Blue Trail. This nature preserve features 30 miles of water to paddle down. It’s the perfect outdoor activity near Charleston.

As you make your way down the river, you’ll pass by wildlife, including herons and wood ducks, as well as shipwrecks, towers, bridges, and landings. You’ll also pass by some stunning nature.

Paddle along part of the river or for the full 30 miles.

6. Explore Downtown Summerville

Downtown Summerville is a haven of shops, restaurants, and historic sites. You could easily spend an afternoon exploring this neighborhood.

You can visit several historic sites, including Old Town Hall, Timrod Library, and The Icehouse, which is now a restaurant.

Want to learn more about Downtown Summerville? Book a private tour with one of our experienced tour guides.

We can create an itinerary of all your must-dos in Summerville.

7. Watch the Azaleas Bloom

Each spring, nearly a quarter of a million people visit Summerville for the Flowertown Festival.

In fact, this festival was named one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society.

The festival happens around the beginning of April each year and proceeds support the YMCA.

Spend three days enjoying the flowers as they bloom and perusing arts and crafts tables. Admission is free, so you just need to bring yourself (and any allergy medication).