Columbia

Travel Guide
Robert Mills Historic House and Park featuring a house, heritage elements and a garden
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

Downtown Columbia is known for its lively bars, and you can plan a trip to South Carolina State House and Columbia Museum of Art while you're in town.

Downtown Columbia
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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 State Fairgrounds and Williams Brice Stadium.

Rosewood
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University Hill

5/5(1 area review)

Visitors to University Hill appreciate its restaurants. A visit to South Carolina State House and Township Auditorium might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

University Hill
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Shandon

While Shandon may 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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Lake Carolina

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

Lake Carolina
Finley Park

Arsenal Hill

Unique features of Arsenal Hill include the restaurants and live music. Make a stop by Governor's Mansion or Richard Samuel Roberts House while you're exploring the area.

Arsenal Hill
 La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbia NE/Fort Jackson
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbia NE/Fort Jackson
2.5 out of 5
1538 Horseshoe Drive, Columbia, SC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM358 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
RM358
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Fort Jackson and Columbia Place Mall ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (306 reviews)
"This is our second stay at this hotel. Our room was spotless. The staff were so courteous and the breakfast was great! Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbia NE/Fort Jackson
Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
3 out of 5
434 Columbiana Dr, Columbia, SC
The price is RM479 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
RM479
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,013 reviews)
Work trip
"I’m a traveling surgical technologist and I was on call for the MUSC in Columbia NE Campus."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
Wyndham Garden Columbia/Ft. Jackson
Wyndham Garden Columbia/Ft. Jackson
2.5 out of 5
1539 Horseshoe Dr, Columbia, SC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM401 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
RM401
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (379 reviews)
"Danny at the front desk was amazing getting us checked into a specific room since we had my 15 month old with us. You can tell they are really trying to get the place fixed up and nice . I will definitely stay again if we are in the area."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Wyndham Garden Columbia/Ft. 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.
The Hangar Lofts Hotel
The Hangar Lofts Hotel
2.5 out of 5
724 S Edisto Ave, Columbia, SC
Stay at this aparthotel in Columbia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Fort Jackson and South Carolina State Fairgrounds ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (44 reviews)
Fun Unique Stay
"PARKING. UNIQUENESS. QUIET. I loved my stay at Hanger Lofts. Great for business. Check in was flawless. The bed had the most comfortable mattress and linens I had ever used. It’s unfortunate to see negativity in reviews. I am a rental property owner and it’s hard to please everyone. It’s even harder ..."

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2024

The Hangar Lofts Hotel
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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