Discover Darlington

Darlington combines historic architecture and local history with NASCAR tradition. During your stay, you can focus on different themes: business and residential architecture, the history of motorsports, or a walk in Williamson Park. The city has five nationally recognized historic districts.

Historic Districts and Buildings

The Darlington Downtown Historic District includes 21 contributing, intact commercial buildings associated with the city’s growth between 1870 and 1935. The Darlington Industrial Historic District contains 13 contributing industrial buildings, structures and facilities dating from 1890 to 1935. The types of buildings and time periods give these two historic areas distinct profiles: one focuses on commercial buildings, the other on industrial architectural history.

The West Broad Street Historic District features intact homes built between 1890 and 1928, including buildings in the Victorian and Queen Anne styles. The Julius Dargan House is a Greek Revival-style home built around 1856. The Darlington Library was built around 1921 with funds donated by the Carnegie Foundation. Those interested in comparing architectural styles can view late-19th- and early-20th-century homes, an older Greek Revival-style house, and the Carnegie-funded library as distinct milestones in the city’s history.

Darlington and NASCAR History

Darlington Raceway has hosted NASCAR series races since 1950, including the well-known NASCAR CUP SERIES Southern 500. The first Southern 500 at the track took place on September 4, 1950. Seventy-five cars took part, and around 25,000 spectators watched the race. These details anchor Darlington’s motorsports history in a specific event and time.

At Darlington Raceway, participants can drive an actual NASCAR race car on the historic track or ride as a passenger on a high-speed drive. Dates and reservations may change; check the details before making firm plans for a ride.

Museums and Local History

The National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame focuses on NASCAR and the people involved in the sport. Its offerings include photographs, memorabilia and interactive exhibits. The Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum, by contrast, provides an in-depth look at the origins of stock car racing. The two institutions therefore offer different perspectives: the Hall of Fame highlights exhibits and sports figures, while the Stock Car Museum focuses on the beginnings of racing.

The Darlington County Historical Commission & Museum explores more than 14,000 years of local history—from the region’s earliest inhabitants through the 20th century. Its monthly programs include activities for children, a lecture series, hands-on learning opportunities and local tours. If you’d like to plan around a specific program, check the dates in advance, as schedules may change.

Walks and Getting to Downtown

Williamson Park has a 1.5-mile trail rated easy, with dirt and boardwalk sections for walking and hiking. Trail conditions may change, so it’s a good idea to check them before your visit. This walk can be included in your trip planning as a distinct focus alongside architecture, museums and motorsports.

For directions to downtown: From I-95, take Exit 164 to U.S. 52 toward Darlington; downtown is about ten minutes away. Check road conditions before you drive.

Discover more destinations: Lamar, Hartsville.

For the main travel overview: Darlington.