Downtown Columbia Travel Guide
Tourist Guide





Visit Downtown Columbia
Popular places to visit

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.

Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
Explore the great outdoors at Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, a lovely green space in Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.

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.

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
Marvel at the stunning architecture and stained glass and examine the Civil War graves in this remarkable sanctuary in Columbia.
Activities

Bucharest Small Group Beers, Bites & Markets Walking Tour
Our pick of the best Downtown Columbia Hotel Deals

Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista
Great, clean room and so walkable to so much.
Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025

Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC
Everything was wonderful! Staff, parking, location, bar, and pillows !
Reviewed on 4 Dec 2025

Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown
Staff were nice & professional. Facility was very clean and every area smelled fresh and inviting. I didn't eat breakfast but it smelled amazing. Just know there are extra per day parking fees.
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025

Marriott Columbia
Stayed for a quick night of a concert. Everything was clean and easily accessible. Overall great experience.
Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC
The room was outstanding, the staf were nice and they had a shuttle to go see Stevie Nicks concert. All in all 10 out of 10. Only complaint i can make is parking should come with the room.
Reviewed on 4 Dec 2025

Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista
Staff were very friendly. Rooms clean and well maintained. Food was good. Great location
Reviewed on 4 Dec 2025
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 South Carolina State House and Township Auditorium 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? Township Auditorium and South Carolina State House 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 Township Auditorium and Robert Mills Historic House and Park.

Lyon Street
While Lyon Street isn't home to many top sights, Township Auditorium and Charlie W. Johnson Stadium are some notable places to visit nearby.
