The Florence center point is around the area of Florence Museum and 1 mile southwest of Francis Marion Performing Arts Center.
The best time to visit Florence is between June and August, when the weather is warm and the events are plentiful. It's the perfect time to go paddling through Lynches River Park, catch a drag race at Darlington Speedway, or travel an hour away to coastal beaches. This is high season for the area, so you will face large crowds and lots of families. Just be sure to book your hotel in advance and prepare to share the sand with other excited visitors.
March through May is a mostly pleasant time to visit. Average temperatures will reach highs of the upper 60s to the mid 80s, but may also drop to lows of around 40, so pack a light jacket and brace for cool nights. Because this is shoulder season, hotel rates will be affordable and crowds won't be nearly as large – although if you spend time on the beaches you will run into spring breakers. But don't worry. You'll also be in town for many of the city's best events, like Taste of Symphony and Flo-Town 5k.
By early fall, much of the summer crowd will clear out and temperatures will begin dipping slightly. This seasonal change means lower hotel rates and more hotel room availability. It also signifies a great time to view local produce at the Downtown Florence Farmers Market, bird watch at Woods Bay State Park, and take an afternoon drive through Florence and surrounding areas.
Between November and February, the weather is too chilly to enjoy the beach, and many beachside attractions have closed for the season. Though it is the perfect time to enjoy indoor attractions within the city like Florence Museum, Francis Marion Planetarium, and Hartsville Museum. Plus, hotel rates will be low and crowds will be few, making your trip even better.
There are many hotels that offer great discounts in Florence. Comfort Suites provides AAA, AARP, Military, and Government discounts on its many suites. Conveniently located near downtown Florence, the hotel is a short distance away from the Florence Symphony Orchestra, Darlington Raceway, and Magnolia Mall. It provides a mix of spacious accommodations that feature flat-screen TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, sofa sleepers, and more.
Hotel amenities include a 101-person meeting center, indoor heated pool, exercise room, nightclub, sundry shop, and popcorn machine. Save even more money by taking advantage of free hot breakfast, served daily in the hotel's dining area.
Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Florence offers AAA, Military, and Government discounts on many of its King and Queen guest rooms, and is situated near top attractions like Darlington Raceway, Florence Civic Center, and Magnolia Mall. Its 80 guest rooms feature Serta Elite pillowtop mattresses, microwaves, refrigerators, sleeper sofas, and work desks. If you're in town for a romantic getaway, opt for a Whirlpool suite, which features a King bed and whirlpool tub.
Hotel extras include an outdoor pool, fitness center, business center, guest laundry facility, and free cookies in the lobby.
There are many great value hotels in Florence. TownePlace Suites Florence is located a short distance away from downtown Florence, and is perfect for short- or long-term stays. Its comfortable and functional guest rooms feature separate sleeping and living areas, fully equipped kitchens, Serta pillowtop mattresses, and flat-screen TVs.
Outside of your room, you can enjoy an outdoor pool, fitness center, 24-hour convenience store, and business center. You can also take advantage of free hot breakfast, served buffet-style every morning.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Florence is located east of downtown, near commercial shopping, excellent restaurants, and beautiful parks. It's a modern property, offering flexible studio and one-bedroom suites that feature kitchenettes with dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, and hotplates, along with 42-inch LCD TVs, cable programming, and free internet access.
The hotel boasts an indoor saline pool, contemporary game room, and cozy lounge space. If you need to stock your kitchenette, you can visit the convenience store, or request items via the hotel's free grocery service. You can even do your laundry while working out in the hotel's combined laundry/fitness facility, Spin2Cycle.
No matter which hotel you choose in Florence, you'll be close to many of the city's top attractions. Darlington Dragway is a legendary NASCAR-sanctioned race track in northwest Florence that's been hosting major drag events since 1976. It's nicknamed the “Lady in Black” and “The Track Too Tough to Tame” by racing fans, who have grown to love its egg-shaped design and unique structure. If you visit the dragway, be sure to check out its famous raceway museum and legends walk.
Lynches River State Park is a Florence-area gem. This river swamp is located south of downtown, and features 676 acres of towering cypress trees, sand hills, and lush vegetation. You can become one with nature while fishing, hiking, kayaking, or simply eating lunch under a picnic shelter. The park also hosts fun events like River Jamboree and Wild Weekends, which give guests an opportunity to view live stage performances, meet their favorite animals, and venture out on park excursions.
For a step backward in time visit the Florence Stockade, which served as a prison for Union soldiers during the Civil War. Located within the downtown historic district, the site has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980. It is now one of Florence's most popular attractions and an absolute must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Whether you're searching for an affordable hotel in the center of Florence or a luxury one a short distance away, you'll find just what you're looking for – and more in Florence.
Below are reviews of the city of Florence, SC from an actual visitor's perspective.
Shopping!
Location is convenient to other venues.
Great restaurants!!
The quaintness and close proximity to restaurants.
Okay!
The quaintness and close proximity to restaurants.
Location to and from our Maine destination, make it an essential spot to spend the night for a refresh.
I liked the options of eateries. The hotel was great!
I liked the options of eateries. The hotel was great!
Lots of areas to choose from to eat.
Hotel is lovely.
The Flea Market.
I was glad to be able to get a handicap room for my cousin and me.
I went to McLeod Regional Hospital.
The room was clean, comfortable. The staff was friendly. Very nice.
The central area where the hotel is located is quaint and lovely. Good restaurants and walking.
A couple of great places to eat nearby.
Plenty of eating places nearby!
Great restaurant across the street.
Perfect for a motor trip to Florida. We plan to stay on our return.
Nice place to visit!
Many places to grab something to eat in the area.
The city of Florence is very nice.
Victor's Restaurant is very good.
Convenient location off I95 with access to plenty of restaurants.
Horse show.
Horse Show
The food and Southern hospitality!
There are a lot of restaurants in the area.
Friendly folks!
Sports facility at high school was very nice.
Only stayed overnight but the area near the hotel seemed to have a wide variety of restaurants, stores, etc.
The Veterans Park.
The restaurant recommended by the staff, 1776 Burgers, was delicious!
Very exciting and accommodating for the visitors.
The staff were very efficient and friendly and the room was clean, quiet and comfortable. Nothing everything is good
Close to I-95.
Lot's of restaurants to choose from. Close to I-20 and I-95.
Great choice of restaurants. Convention Center was super convenient to access.
We were visiting Florence for State Tennis Tournament. Courts reasonably close to the hotel.
The convenience of the hotel location and its surroundings.
It was clean and close to 95 with a free breakfast!
The hotel is near Veterans Park and close restaurants.
Nice hotel and everything was easy accessible.
Nice!
Florence is a gem of a small city!
Room was clean with clean sheets and bathroom. Everything was pretty quiet here.
Many restaurant options and the quaint "The Peddler" all within minutes of the hotel.
Hotel is in a great location. Many choices of restaurants and gas stations, close to I-95.
Plenty of places to eat!
Didn't visit anywhere but hotel but the area the hotel is in has a lot of restaurants and a mall across the street.
Near a Buc-ee's.
Great restaurants! Stopped over on my way to Charleston.
Traveling, did not have time to enjoy the city but Christmas decorations were gorgeous!
I come at lease twice a year and the convenience is great. Everything is on Lucas Street!!
We were only there overnight. The hotel was right off of I-95 so very convenient.
Everything was close together, nice.
The hotel is in the midst of all the shopping stores.
Beautiful
Varied restaurant choices convenient to hotel and accessible to entrance to I-95.
Large variety of restaurants. Hotel was staffed with pleasant personal.
Restaurant selection!
Restaurants in one area.
Didn't stay long enough!
Easy on and off 95. I didn't see or drive around.
Easy on and off I-95.
Hospital
Beautiful architecture in downtown area.
I always enjoy visiting Florence to spend time with my family & friends!
Didn't see it. On our way to PA to see our grandchildren.
Good location to I-95 and good dining.
Hotel is in a good location with lots of choices for eating.
Great location on/off main highway and near all shopping and restaurants.
Great location on/off main highway and near all shopping and restaurants.
Good stop for the night for travelers.
Florence is a convenient city to visit.
Great downtown and restaurants!
Great downtown and restaurants!
We were travelling north from Florida so we found Florence to be a convenient stop over. We did not see the surrounding area.
The history and welcoming feeling is beautiful.
I stop in Florence every time I pass through, I like the city.
The best place to relax!
Ease and proximity to I-95. Plenty of restaurants nearby.
It's a nice place.
Convenient location off I-95 with an extreme amount of options for food and gas.
My children live there, and over the last 3 years it has been great to see the downtown area blossom.
Liked the small restaurant next to the fresh market just down the street.
Perfect midway point from Florida to DC. Great staff and clean hotel.
Everything!
Less Traffic in the downtown area of Florence than Charleston; many of the Resturants near the Hotels.
Because we were there for a conference, there wasn't a lot of free time to explore but the surrounding area was in the center of many eateries and shops. I would stay in that area again and I'm sure shopping would be a priority on my list.
I really like the Venus restaurant in the pharmacy right there was pretty cool Sexton Dental Clinic was excellent
Not much.....Went to Percy Willie (or something like that)...it was expensive, extremely slow service and not good food. Went to Buffalo Wild Wings the next night and it was a complete disaster. The service was horrible and the food was unbelievably bad. Restaurants and ball fields surrounded by bad neighborhoods. Not planning on returning to Florence anytime soon.
Restaurants are close in this area. Could eat somewhere new every day without traveling far.
The people were nice, the food was good, and the town was clean. 50,000 of us were there for five days for an event.
Everything was right in the area such as restaurants, stores, gas, etc.
Plenty of options for food and shopping. The revitalization of the downtown area is a sight to see as well!