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 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.
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.
Activities
Our pick of the best Downtown Columbia Hotel Deals
Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC
The hotel was unique from lobby to room. Exceptionally clean and a fun place to stay.
Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026
Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista
Room was spotless and very nice. I couldn’t hear anyone in the rooms around us. Staff was excellent, very friendly and helpful! There was no parking but valet took care of us!
Reviewed on 14 Feb 2026
Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown
Front desk personnel were very friendly
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026
Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista
Clean, quiet
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026
Moxy Columbia Downtown
Room was great! Wish there was better sound barriers from the street sounds of sirens etc. Moxy overall was awesome! Staff was great!
Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026
Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC
The room was clean. The bed was comfy. Everyone was super nice!!
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
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 Wilson House.
Lyon Street
While Lyon Street isn't home to many top sights, Charlie W. Johnson Stadium and Township Auditorium are some notable places to visit nearby.
