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.
Was only passing through but traffic was good and drivers were considerate of each other which is, unfortunately, unusual these days. It made for a good experience traveling through the city.
Suit World - excellent staff and inventory with affordable prices.
We were just passing through Florence, have been there in the past and always thought it was a lovely city
Was there for a convention. Did some shopping and dining.
CCFM Conference Experience was awesome at the Florence Civic Center.
My hometown! Grew up here. Have many family members here to visit.
It was like going back home for me. I used to stay in Florence 6 years ago.
Walkable. Wonderful St. Ann's church—so welcoming!
We liked that there were many restaurants in a close proximity to the hotel.
Clean city, drivers respectful.
I was there for the Food and Wine Festival and the downtown historic district was beautiful....
Had great meal at Margaritas.. Unfortunately just a one night visit..
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Victor's in downtown Florence.
Florence is a great place to visit. A good selection of hotels & restaurants with east access to I-95
It is my home. I had a class reunion.
The soccer field and restaurant choices.
Florence is a great city with all businesses in close proximity.
Florence was a very nice place to visit. Julia Belle resturant has awesome shrimp and grits...very affordable
A very clean room, lots of towels and AC working great
The restaurants and shopping options!
Seemed like a nice town, lots to offer.
Stores and restaurants are close and easy to get to
Loved it
Only stayed one night. Was a great hotel experience!
The great restaurants that's close in proximity.
Good choice of restaurants
Everything is all within a nice distance.
Great place to stop for snowbirds. Lots of places to eat, get gas, etc.
Florence is very nice. They have a lot of shops in walking distance of the hotel.
Area is beautiful!
NASCAR racetrack!
Restaurants are near the hotel and near the highway.
I did enjoy the restaurants in that particular area!
Near Darlington racetrack and civic center.
Well I'm planning on relocating to Florence in the near future!
Nice place to visit.
Nice city.
The people were very nice.
Convenient for traveling the I95 corridor.
The staff is always friendly. Rooms are always clean and comfortable. Definitely the restaurants near hotel and target
The workers were very friendly.
Plenty of local restaurants!
Florence is my wife's birthplace and we LOVE the BBQ pulled pork!
Quiet town
convenient
Close to 95 and good restaurants and parks to walk our dog.
A get away from the world— the people that I had been introduced to had been so friendly and kind to me, Thank you 🙏 very helpful people everywhere.
I visit my brother in the hospital.
Convention Center was very accessible.
Buc-ee's!
Here for a soccer tournament.
The cleanest hotel. Staff was excellent, I appreciated it!
We chose Florence as our overnight city on our way to Florida because of the local Buc-cee's. We brought our food back to our comfy room and ate while watching Paging Mr. Morrow on tv.
Nice place to relax!
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!