Downtown Columbia Travel Guide
Columbia
Visit Downtown Columbia
Popular places to visit
University of South Carolina
Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of South Carolina during your travels in Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
South Carolina State House
Inspect the many monuments and political symbols that decorate the grounds and majestic mansion of the state’s most important structure.
Columbia Museum of Art
Bring kids to this fun gallery with a focus on medieval, Renaissance and Baroque art and fascinating traveling exhibits.
Finlay Park
Play sports with your kids in this scenic park, wander along the woodland paths and see the extraordinary fountain and cascades.
Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens
Tour the premises and learn about the aristocratic residents who lived in this impressive mansion with a restored landscape garden.
Fort Jackson
After visiting Fort Jackson, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Columbia. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.
Things to do
Congaree National Park Self Guided Audio Walking Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Columbia
Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown
"Everyone was so welcoming upon entering the hotel , very clean, great breakfast! Thank you , if I am in Columbia ,SC again will definitely stay here again. Love the pillows."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC
"Great location for the colonial arena ! Clean and accommodating!"
Reviewed on 27 May 2026
Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista
"Wasn’t told that parking is $20/day until I checked in. Rooms was not clean. However staff were friendly"
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC
"Beautiful boutique hotel near USC great spot, very cool vibe ."
Reviewed on 24 May 2026
Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista
"It’s cool i enjoyed my Stay here"
Reviewed on 27 May 2026
The Lantern Columbia
"Great service….clean rooms!!"
Reviewed on 24 May 2026
Check Downtown Columbia hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Columbia
The Vista
The Vista is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Colonial Life Arena and Koger Center for the Arts while in the area.
Arsenal Hill
Unique features of Arsenal Hill include the restaurants and live music. Make a stop by Governor's Mansion or Matthew J. Perry, Jr. U.S. Courthouse while you're exploring the area.
University Hill
Visitors to University Hill appreciate its restaurants. A visit to Columbia Urban League and South Carolina State House might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.
Five Points
The bars and live music are a few reasons travellers visit Five Points. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Columbia Urban League and Township Auditorium are a few top sights nearby.
Waverly
Though Waverly may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Columbia Urban League and Township Auditorium.
Lyon Street
While Lyon Street isn't home to many top sights, Charlie W. Johnson Stadium and Columbia Urban League are some notable places to visit nearby.
