ABOUT DARLINGTON & FLORENCE

Darlington, South Carolina, is a small Southern town with a population of around 6,000 and serves as the administrative centre of Darlington County. Established in the mid-19th century, it remains quiet for much of the year, but transforms during NASCAR race weekends. 

At that time, the town fills with fans, creating a lively atmosphere around the historic Darlington Raceway. Visitors can explore a modest but charming downtown area, enjoy a few local eateries, and visit the Darlington Raceway Museum, which highlights the circuit’s long-standing role in motorsport. Accommodation in Darlington itself is very limited, so most visitors look beyond the town for places to stay.

Around 10 to 12 miles to the southeast, Florence acts as the main base for the region. With roughly 39,000 residents and a wider metropolitan population nearing 200,000, it offers far more options for accommodation, dining, and general services. Florence features a developed commercial area with well-known hotel chains, shopping centres such as Magnolia Mall, and a wide choice of casual restaurants, including local barbecue and seafood spots. The city is also easy to reach, with a regional airport offering connections via Charlotte and Atlanta, and direct access to major highways including Interstate 95 and Interstate 20.

For race weekend visitors, the two locations complement each other well. Darlington delivers the traditional, historic NASCAR setting at the track, while Florence provides the comfort, facilities, and convenience of a larger city. Most fans choose to stay in Florence and commute to the circuit, with the journey typically taking around 15 to 20 minutes by car.