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.
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.
Finlay Park
Play sports with your kids in this scenic park, wander along the woodland paths and see the extraordinary fountain and cascades.
Things to do
Top hotels in Downtown Columbia
Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC
Staff were friendly, rooms were clean, pretty easy to get by and lots of stores around. Wished the shower pressure was stronger in the bathroom. Would visit again
Reviewed on 3 Feb 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
Rooms were clean, staff was great & friendly, breakfast options were plentiful!
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026
Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown
The amenities in the hotel
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026
Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC
Spotless room, excellent staff, convenient location, quite rooms, amazing breakfast.
Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026
Hotel Trundle
Yes
Reviewed on 6 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 Charlie W. Johnson Stadium.
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.
