Columbia, SC

Travel Guide

South Carolina State House
Robert Mills Historic House and Park
Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens
Columbia
Columbia

Wander the wide boulevards of this graceful city to discover stately homes, galleries, museums, entertainment venues, recreational parks and a zoo with a botanical garden.

Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, sits at the confluence of three rivers. An orderly city made up of tree-lined streets and broad boulevards, the city’s attractions include antebellum homes, art galleries and museums with exhibits to suit all ages. Relax at riverside parks and explore one of the nation’s most renowned zoos as you make your way around the city. Founded in 1786 and all but flattened during the Civil War, today Columbia combines the elegance of a state capital with the youthfulness of a university town.

Start your visit with a tour of the South Carolina State House, which marks the heart of the city. Outside is the African-American History Monument, a commemoration of African-American contributions to South Carolina. From this point in the center of Columbia, streets lead in all directions to major attractions and historic landmarks. Peek inside the rooms of the Governor’s Mansion, one of the few buildings to survivor Civil War destruction.

Browse a comprehensive display of art, natural history, science and technology exhibits at South Carolina State Museum. See work by American and European artists at the Columbia Museum of Art and take the family to enjoy the hands-on and educational exhibits at the EdVenture Children’s Museum. Learn about South Carolina’s military history at the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum.

Take advantage of the city’s extensive collection of green spaces. Spot colorful wildlife and plant species at Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden. Stroll along the banks of three rivers at the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park. Find picnic sites, sports fields and walking trails at Earlewood Park. Mingle with students on the lawns of Gibbes Green, at the University of South Carolina.

Columbia is a city that loves its sports. Experience some of this passion while watching basketball at the Colonial Life Arena, baseball at Founders Park or football at Williams-Brice Stadium. For a change of pace, take in some of the city’s cultural offerings at venues such as the Columbia Marionette Theatre or the Workshop Theatre. Spend an evening bar hopping in the neighborhoods of Congaree Vista and Five Points.

Reach the Columbia from other major U.S. cities via the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Amtrak train arrive from all corners of the state. With mild winters, hot summers and downtown attractions confined to a small area, Columbia is an ideal city to traverse on foot.

Where to stay in Columbia

Columbia

Downtown Columbia

Travelers come to Downtown Columbia for its lively bars, and you can see top attractions like South Carolina State House and Columbia Museum of Art while you're in town.

Downtown Columbia
Columbia

The Vista

The Vista is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Colonial Life Arena or Koger Center for the Arts.

The Vista
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Rosewood

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Rosewood and surrounding area, you can visit South Carolina Military Museum and South Carolina State Fairgrounds.

Rosewood
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Shandon

While Shandon might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Township Auditorium and South Carolina State Fairgrounds.

Shandon
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University Hill

4.5/5(129 area reviews)

University Hill is well-liked for its restaurants. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like South Carolina State House and Township Auditorium.

University Hill
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Lake Carolina

While Lake Carolina isn't home to many top sights, Lake Carolina and Village at Sandhill Mall are some notable places to visit nearby.

Lake Carolina
Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown
Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown
2.5 out of 5
400 Gervais Street, Building 2, Columbia, SC
$101 nightly
The price is $113 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$113 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and Williams Brice ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (167 reviews)
"Scrims for windows with no functioning light-blocking shades or curtains is pretty miserable for east-facing room where you get full sun at dawn."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
3 out of 5
434 Columbiana Dr, Columbia, SC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$84 nightly
The price is $94 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$94 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,623 reviews)
"This was a very attractive and clean facility and with a lovely staff."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbia SE / Fort Jackson
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbia SE / Fort Jackson
3 out of 5
7333 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC
$84 nightly
The price is $94 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$94 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Williams Brice Stadium and Millwood ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,015 reviews)
"Awesome experience all around. Billy was extremely helpful and went above and beyond"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbia SE / Fort Jackson
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bennet at Bullstreet
Bennet at Bullstreet
2 out of 5
2180 Pickens St, Columbia, SC
Stay at this apartment in Columbia. Enjoy free WiFi, a fireplace in the lobby, and concierge services. Popular attractions Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and Williams ...
"So close to the ball park"

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

Bennet at Bullstreet
InTown Suites Extended Stay Columbia SC - Broad River
InTown Suites Extended Stay Columbia SC - Broad River
3 out of 5
1633 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Columbia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and Williams ...
5.8/10 (31 reviews)
"I was pleasantly surprised with a nice studio room that was clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2024

InTown Suites Extended Stay Columbia SC - Broad River
2 Bdrm Condo w/in 10 min from USC, Downtown Columbia, Ft Jackson, VA hospital
2 Bdrm Condo w/in 10 min from USC, Downtown Columbia, Ft Jackson, VA hospital
Columbia
Stay at this condo in Columbia. Enjoy laundry facilities, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Williams Brice Stadium and Riverbanks Zoo ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (34 reviews)
Great location
"It was cozy apartment great for a weekend getaway. My daughter loved the rooms and said the beds were super comfy."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

2 Bdrm Condo w/in 10 min from USC, Downtown Columbia, Ft Jackson, VA hospital
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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