One of our most delightful small towns is located way out on the perimeter of the Charleston metro area. If you’ve never been to Moncks Corner, South Carolina, you’ve been missing out. This charming small town of just over 7,000 residents has much to do, especially if you love the outdoors! Boasting a monastery, a serene botanical garden, great restaurants, and more, this delightful town is perfect for a day trip. Read on to discover more things to do in Moncks Corner, one of our favorite small towns in South Carolina. 

Moncks Corner was incorporated in 1909, with a population of around 200 residents.
Wikipedia/public doman (Unknown author - Yale University Manuscripts & Archives Digital Images Database)
This photo from 1904 was taken on one of the town's main streets. Modest homes and buildings line the scruffy dirt road.
Today, Moncks Corner has grown leaps and bounds, but still retains the sleepy little town feel of yesteryear.
things to do in Moncks Corner
Wikipedia/Brian Stansberry
Some 30 years ago, this small town had a car dealer whose motto was "Cars are like eggs... they're cheaper in the country." Most things are better in the country, aren't they? Let's take a look at some of the best things to do in Moncks Corner:

1. Old Santee Canal Park

things to do in Moncks Corner
TripAdvisor/Angeles
Old Santee Canal Park, 900 Stoney Landing Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, USA
Google Maps/Tracy Seiders
Four miles of boardwalk meander through this 195-acre site along the Santee Canal. An interpretive center is at the heart of the property, and it details 4,000 years of history in Moncks Corner. Learn more by visiting the Old Santee Canal Park website. You'll find information about admission and discounts.

2. Cypress Gardens

TripAdvisor/IndianaWilliams
Cypress Gardens, 3030 Cypress Gardens Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, USA
Google Maps/Irinia Loginova
A visit to this 170-acre preserve and gardens is something that could consume an entire day, if you'd like. With miles of walking trails, a Swamparium, and the largest butterfly house in the state, there certainly is a lot to do here. Learn more about Cypress Gardens from our previous article. Admission varies by age, and there are discounts available to active military and first responders.

3. Mepkin Abbey

things to do in Moncks Corner
Google Maps/An Artist & A Kitchen

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Reception Center / Gift Shop at Mepkin Abbey, 1098 Mepkin Abbey Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, USA
TripAdvisor/Jill M
A Trappist monk monastery that opened on the old Mepkin Plantation in 1949, Mepkin Abbey is one of a handful of monasteries located in South Carolina. Visit and stroll the beautiful gardens. The gardens are open every day from sunup to sundown. The gift shop, however, is only open Tuesday through Saturdays, and for a few hours on Sundays, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly. While open, you can tour the monastery and the church, but we recommend that you call ahead at 843-761-8509 for more information. The gardens are worthy of a visit and admission is free, but some fees may apply if you choose to do certain tours. Learn more about Mepkin Abbey from our previous article.

4. Biggin Church Ruins

things to do in Moncks Corner
Google Maps/Hank Myers
Biggin church was originally built in 1711, but it has burned three times since then. The rendition that stands now in ruins was built in 1761 and subsequently reconstructed in 1781. At nearly 250 years old, it's a moving relic of times gone by in the area. On its' perimeter, you'll find a cemetery with headstones dating back as far as the inception of this chapel. Admission here is free. Read our previous article to learn more about this historical resting place.
Biggin Church, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, USA
Google Maps/Bethany Robinson
Regardless of which of these outdoor activities draws you to the small town of Moncks Corner, you'll surely need to eat. The town has a few options; here are two very good choices:

5. Barony House

Google Maps/Suzanne Mathieu
The Barony House, 401 Altman St, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, USA
Google Maps/Suzanne Mathieu
The number-one-ranked restaurant in town (according to TripAdvisor.com users), Barony House is a casual spot with delicious American fare. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, plus it has beer and wine. It's open for lunch on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and for lunch and dinner on Thursday and Friday. Learn more about this local gem by visiting the Barony House Facebook page.

6. Howard's Restaurant

Facebook/Howard's Restaurant
Google Maps/Rob Lawhorn
If you arrive early in the day to Moncks Corner, we recommend having a hearty breakfast at Howard's Restaurant.
Howard's Restaurant, 336 E Main St, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, USA
Google Maps/Devetta Britton
This homey joint will make you feel at home and fill your belly with hearty food that lasts much of the day. Howard's is located right on Main Street as you get into town. It's open for breakfast and lunch every day except Sunday. Visit the Howard's Restaurant Facebook page to learn more about this breakfast joint.

Moncks Corner may be a sleepy little town, but it sure has a lot to do! Have you explored any of the places listed above already? Join the discussion in our comments!

With so much to do and see in town, we recommend that you stay overnight so that you can fully take advantage of all that the town has to offer. We even found some top hotels near Moncks Corner that are a great place to rest after a day of exploration. Enjoy your stay!

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More to Explore

Things To Do In South Carolina

Melanie J. | April 23, 2024

Aside from Moncks Corner, what are some more of the best small towns in South Carolina?

After you’ve explored Moncks Corner, here are some more small towns in South Carolina that belong on your list. 

  • McClellanville, Charleston County
  • Pawley's Island, Georgetown County
  • Sullivan's Island, Charleston County
  • Beaufort, Beaufort County
  • Bluffton, Beaufort County
  • Rockville - Wadmalaw Island, Charleston County
  • Chesterfield, Chesterfield County
  • Edisto Beach, Colleton County
  • Edgefield, Edgefield County
  • Clemson, Pickens/Anderson County
  • Georgetown, Georgetown County

We recommend that you read our article telling you more about these small towns in South Carolina.  

What are the best attractions in South Carolina?

If you’re searching for the best attractions in South Carolina, then we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favorites that you must visit.  

  • Middleton Place, Charleston
  • Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach
  • Tatanka Bison Ranch, York
  • Hilton Head Island Bike Trails, Hilton Head
  • Joe Riley Waterfront Park - Charleston
  • Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head Island
  • Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, Charleston
  • Falls Park on the Reedy - Greenville
  • Seakart Adventure SC, Murrells Inlet
  • Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens, Columbia
  • Cherry Grove Beach - North Myrtle Beach
  • Lake Murray, Lexington

Take a look at this article telling you more about these incredible attractions in South Carolina.

What are the best hiking trails in South Carolina?

There are a lot of hiking trails in South Carolina that are worth exploring, but these are the ones that we recommend:

  • Table Rock Mountain Trail, Pickens
  • Raven Cliff Falls Trail, Cleveland
  • Rainbow Falls Trail, Marietta,
  • Boardwalk Loop Trail, Hopkins
  • Mountain Lake via Sulphur Springs Trail, Greenville
  • Station Cove Falls Trailhead, Walhalla
  • Sassafras Mountain Trail, Sunset
  • Pinnacle Pass Trail, Cleveland
  • Raven Rock Loop Trail, Sunset
  • Weston Lake Loop Trail, Gadsden
  • Mountain Creek Trail, Taylors
  • Winding Stairs Trail, Mountain Rest
  • Sewee Shell Ring Interpretive Trail, Awendaw

Be sure to read our previous article telling you more about the best hiking trails in South Carolina.

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Moncks Corner, SC 29461, USA