South Carolina State Museum Tours



South Carolina State Museum is an interesting place to begin your discovery of Downtown Columbia. This collection of historical artifacts is recommended by fellow travelers, but it's not the only spot to see here. Allow some time for other attractions like University of South Carolina, South Carolina State House, and Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to really experience what's on offer in the area.

Plan a trip to see South Carolina State Museum

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Sleep Inn Columbia
Hilton Columbia Center
Executive Inn Ridgeway I-77

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near South Carolina State Museum

Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown

Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown

2.5 out of 5
400 Gervais Street, Building 2, Columbia, SC
Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown
Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista

Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista

3.5 out of 5
1000 Lady Street, Columbia, SC
Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista
Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC

Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC

3 out of 5
630 Assembly St, Columbia, SC
Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC
Marriott Columbia

Marriott Columbia

3.5 out of 5
1200 Hampton St, Columbia, SC
Marriott Columbia
Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista

Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista

3 out of 5
819 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC
Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbia Downtown/The Vista

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbia Downtown/The Vista

3 out of 5
511 Lady Street, Columbia, SC
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbia Downtown/The Vista
Homewood Suites By Hilton Columbia Downtown

Homewood Suites By Hilton Columbia Downtown

3 out of 5
400 Gervais Street, Building 1, Columbia, SC
Homewood Suites By Hilton Columbia Downtown
Moxy Columbia Downtown

Moxy Columbia Downtown

2 out of 5
1200 Main Street, Columbia, SC
Moxy Columbia Downtown
Aloft Columbia Downtown

Aloft Columbia Downtown

3 out of 5
823 Lady St, Columbia, SC
Aloft Columbia Downtown
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.

Things to do near South Carolina State Museum

The South Carolina State Museum offers a variety of activities for visitors, including art exhibitions, engaging themed nights, and live music events. Art lovers will find a treasure trove of exhibits, while the museum also serves as a venue for special events. Nearby, you can enjoy sports and soccer, making it an ideal destination for a well-rounded experience in Columbia, South Carolina.

Shopping

The closest shopping option is Soda City Market, located 0.9 miles away, offering a vibrant public market atmosphere. For more variety, the South Carolina State Farmers Market is 6 miles away, and Columbia Place Mall, 7 miles away, features family-friendly entertainment and shopping options. If you're up for a drive, explore even more local boutiques and shops nearby.

Recreation

Colonial Life Arena, 0.7 miles from the museum, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere perfect for energizing activities. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, only 0.6 miles away, provides a tranquil setting for relaxation and scenic walks. Founders Park, located 0.8 miles from the museum, features sports facilities and open spaces for recreation.

Adventure

Explore the West Columbia Riverwalk, a scenic hiking trail 0.4 miles from the museum, offering beautiful views and outdoor vibes. For water fun, head to Palmetto Falls Water Park, located 7 miles away, perfect for family entertainment and adventure. Don't miss the Three Rivers Greenway, also 7 miles from the museum, great for outdoor exploration.

Nightlife

At night, Columbia comes alive near the South Carolina State Museum with vibrant theaters like Trustus Theatre, Columbia Marionette Theater, and Town Theatre, each offering a blend of culture and entertainment. Enjoy engaging performances that create a romantic and family-friendly atmosphere just a short walk away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near South Carolina State Museum

When visiting the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia, explore nearby historic colleges and universities, event venues, and historic houses. This vibrant area offers cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and outdoor adventures. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the museum experience, highlighting the rich history and heritage of South Carolina. With its diverse attractions, there's something for everyone to enjoy while in the heart of Columbia.

  • University of South Carolina: This historic college offers a rich cultural experience with beautiful architecture and lush gardens. Explore its vibrant campus, home to art galleries and museums that reflect the state's heritage.
  • Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center: A hub for events and conferences, this venue boasts modern facilities and a dynamic atmosphere. It’s perfect for networking or attending various expos and conventions throughout the year.
  • South Carolina State Fairgrounds: Enjoy the outdoor family-friendly vibe at this fairground, which hosts events ranging from the annual state fair to concerts and festivals, making it a lively spot for all ages.

Best time to go to South Carolina State Museum

The best time to visit South Carolina State Museum is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May71.8°F (22.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June79.2°F (26.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
August80.4°F (26.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September75.6°F (24.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for South Carolina State Museum

To save money during your visit to the South Carolina State Museum, consider traveling in July or between December and January, when accommodation prices are lower. Aim to book your stay on a Monday for the best rates. Use Expedia to compare hotel options, filter by price, and take advantage of package deals that combine flights and activities. Joining Expedia’s One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and cash rewards for future bookings. Additionally, explore free activities around Columbia to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around South Carolina State Museum are July and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around South Carolina State Museum is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around South Carolina State Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the South Carolina State Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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