Downtown Columbia Travel Guide
Columbia
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.
Things to do
Top hotels in Downtown Columbia
Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC
Courteous staff. Convient location.
Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026
Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC
The toom was spotless! The entire staff was awesome! The location was great! The amenities were amazing! We loved everything about this hitel.
Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026
Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista
Easy, front desk staff was friendly and very welcoming.
Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026
Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista
The staff was very friendly. Loved the bar and food. Great location for Gamecocks basketball games
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026
Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown
Front desk staff to maintenance were awesome!! Even though we didn’t get to use the amenities (one night stay), we were very pleased with all the options! I hope they continue with this amazing service!
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026
Hilton Columbia Center
Reception and service and location were great
Reviewed on 20 Jan 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 Robert Mills Historic House and Park.
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.
