The Columbia center is about the area of State House and the area of Columbia Museum of Art.
Like much of South Carolina, Columbia has four distinct seasons, with hot summers and mild winters. Summers can get especially humid in Columbia, with temperatures climbing into the 90s and producing several inches of rain each month. Despite the sometimes-challenging weather, however, summer is a great time to visit Columbia, especially with numerous hot weather festivals on the calendar.
Spring and fall tend to be the driest and most moderate seasons in Columbia, as well as some of the most popular times to visit. Hotel prices often rise in the spring, but if you want to see the city's beautiful flowering trees or plan an event during one of the most stunning seasons, visit in the spring.
No matter your reason for visiting Columbia, you'll find numerous discounts on hotel rooms. Military members and government employees save about 10 percent on rooms at the Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Columbia Airport and the Super 8 Columbia/Ft. Jackson, SC.
As an AAA member, you'll save 10 percent or more at the Sleep Inn at Bush River Road and the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites. Senior travelers and AARP members save 10 percent on rooms at the Springhill Suites by Marriott Columbia Downtown/The Vista, the Home Towne Suites Columbia, and other area hotels.
If you're looking for a clean, comfortable room that won't dent your travel budget, stay at one of these high-value hotels in Columbia.
Just a few miles northwest of Columbia, the Sleep Inn at Bush River Road is a solid hotel with reasonable rates, helpful staff, and a convenient location. Use the hotel's free Wi-Fi to stay in touch with family and friends at home, and use the nearby fitness center to stay fit. If you're planning an event in the area, the hotel has nearly 3,000 square feet of event space.
A great value for military members, the Wingate by Wyndham - Columbia/Ft. Jackson is less than five miles from Fort Jackson and the U.S. Air Force Reserve Recruiting Center. All of the hotel's 83 guestrooms include comfortable beds and convenient amenities like microwaves, refrigerators, and coffeemakers. In the morning, don't forget to take advantage of the free continental breakfast, and in the summer, don't miss the outdoor pool.
For a clean and comfortable stay near the airport, the Hampton Inn Columbia-I-26 Airport is a great choice. Splash around in the outdoor pool, catch up on work in the 24-hour business center, and hop on the convenient shuttle to head home at the end of your stay.
Located just a mile and a half from the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, the Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Columbia Airport is much more than an airport hotel. With large rooms and friendly staff members, this hotel is ideal for families. Start your day with a complimentary continental breakfast, and work out at the on-site fitness center or indoor pool. Relax by the lobby fireplace and use the free Wi-Fi to plan your trip, or use the 24-hour business center to stay connected. Catch a quick ride to the airport on the hotel's complimentary shuttle.
From history to nature to sports, you'll find plenty to love in Columbia. Learn about the state's history at the South Carolina Museum and the South Carolina State House, which both offer family-friendly tours.
Pack a picnic and go for a long walk in the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park or the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden, or take the kids for a day of fun at the EdVenture Children's Museum. Catch a game at the Williams-Brice Stadium or the Colonial Life Arena or go out for a bite to eat in the charming Five Points neighborhood.
No matter what time of year you visit, Columbia welcomes you with a range of hotels, beautiful scenery, and centuries of history. Whether you're planning a casual get-together, a formal party, or a corporate event, Columbia's many event-ready hotels offer the ideal location.
Columbia is the capital city of the state of South Carolina, and this beautiful place is full of attractions any tourists would want to see. Along it's wide and scenic avenues are situated the variety of historic sites, ranging from the Antebellum mansion to the home of a former slave who purchased his freedom, along with musical venues, shops, theatres, museums and a vibrant backdrop for it all. You can check out the large number of bars for a great night out in a foreign city, and find great hotels in Columbia for your stay.
The city also has rivers, lakes, parks, canals, and many Columbia hotels with quaint restaurants to simply kick back, relax, and enjoy your vacation. The city also houses the largest children's museum in all of Southern America, which is always fun and recreational if you are traveling with kids. Most people aren't aware of this little fact, but the name ˜Columbia' came from a poetic term used to identify the United States, which was originally derived from the name of the great explorer “ Christopher Columbus.
In metropolitan cities like Columbia, there are often a great number of cheap hotels catering to tourists who would rather spend on experiences than luxurious lodging. If you are on a budget trip, it's always a good idea to look for cheap hotels online, where you can even find good hotels offering amazing seasonal discounts sometimes. If not, you can choose among names like the Super 8, The Inn at Claussen's, Hyatt Place Columbia, or the Comfort Inn Ft. Jackson.
If you want to experience the finest of the city, a large number of Columbia hotels can offer you all that can make your holiday absolutely perfect. Hotels in Columbia are usually highly hospitable and accommodate your every need. Choose from the famous names like the Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Hilton Garden Inn, Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel, or the Hampton Inn, which are all very classy places to stay.
In places like Columbia, you can also find many boutiques and independent hotels catering to tourists from every corner of the world. You will have an even better time if you choose a great boutique to spend your days in Columbia, like the Springhill Suites, The Comfort Inn, the 1425 Inn, or the Congaree Vista. You will be able to enjoy staying in a very nice facility with exceptional services and a welcoming air. When you plan to pay a visit to this city, make sure you do your research so that you don't have to run all over the place to find you were looking for.
Below are the GSA reimbursement limits for hotel spending in Columbia, SC excluding taxes per night. See gsa.gov for more details.
Applies to Richland / Lexington
| Season Begin | Season End | Lodging Rate | Meals & Incidentals |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2027 | December 31, 2026 | $115.00 | $74.00 |
Below are reviews of the city of Columbia, SC from an actual visitor's perspective.
THE RUTH CHRIS.
Have good friends here, the museum is marvelous, good cafes and coffee shops and restaurants, some beautiful architecture and history.
Wholesome variety of places for dining, shopping,entertainment, etc.
Terrific city—walkable, safe and pleasant. We really enjoyed our family visit to the zoo and botanical gardens.
We did not explore much of Columbia. We look forward to doing that on a future trip!
Fun place to meet up for girls trips. Lots to do in town and lots of happenings all around. I live an hour away, in Augusta, but go to Columbia many times a year conveniently located between Charlotte and Augusta.
We came for my nephew's army graduation ( FORT JACKSON)
Great
Visiting with family during the holiday! The hotel is in a good location.
Dinner at Hickory Grill had a good menu and beer selection.
My cousin Tony's home for Thanksgiving
My great grand daughter whom I will visit and stay at Hampton inn again.
Visiting my son
The Hampton Inn hotel that we ended up staying at! They were very nice and gave us an upgrade because we had such a awful experience at the Country Inn & Suites hotel. They were so nice and the Hotel was wonderful!
Nice weather, plenty of good restaurants, lots to do.
Beautiful canal park, lovely weather.
Walkable town great vibe and food.
Convenient and really good restaurants. Friendly people.
Beautiful city with a lot to do. Coming back for sure!
Easy to get around. Seems like a very safe, modern city.
The scenery
Gamecocks football!
Very comfortable
Been to Columbia numerous times but downtown is incredible has a great vibe to it. I was in the city for business and driving downtown round 6AM is an amazing time of the day
Located in University complex. Nearby green spaces and parks with walking trails.
Location in University complex. Nearby green spaces and parks with walking trials.
The area was very nice and everything seemed new in the area. The airport was close. The Capital building was very nice.
The restaurants!
I made an appointment at the Caroliniana Library and requested certain materials. They were helpful and very nice.
Lots to do
Close to convention center.
Safe, peaceful and ancient
Military Base
The city is very nice.
Downtown was really nice and clean.
After driving 12 hours there's nothing really close. A good night sleep after a hot shower is a god send.
I liked the various choices of restaurants and stores to shop at.
We met friends and had dinner at the Blue Marlin Restaurant.
Omg there was a place not far away called the “Spice Wings” and let me tell you, their food is amazing! The best fried chicken sandwiches and the chicken wings barbecue is to die for. Loved the city and the service at all stops we made.
The breakfast and service was very good.
Beatiful city
Very nice and clean and very easy to find where you were going
I decided to move to Columbia from Florence. So far I like Columbia better than Florence. My fiance lives and works here, and that's my main reason for moving.
Location Was Close To Events I Attended
Columbia has a fantastic zoo and a large museum filled with historical artifacts.
Columbia is always great. Lots of nice restaurants, lots to do!
Helpful location for our route.
Great restaurants within blocks of hotel.
Beautiful place!!
Clean and loaded with restauranrs
I enjoyed the restaurants!
What I really enjoyed about the city of Columbia was the vibrant energy and charm of The Vista district it's the perfect blend of history and modern flair. I loved being able to walk to unique restaurants, rooftop bars, and boutique shops all within a few blocks. The Columbia Museum of Art was a highlight beautiful exhibits and a peaceful atmosphere. I also appreciated how close everything was Riverfront Park was a short drive and offered a peaceful escape with scenic walking trails along the water. Columbia truly has a little something for everyone, and the Southern hospitality made the experience even better.
We love Columbiana Mall!
Right on Main Street! Great location!
A good city. I enjoy visiting for games and other events.
Stores, shopping and arena.
Near stores, shopping and the arena.
I was there for a graduation at Fort Jackson so I didn't see the sights.
I loved the city of Columbia. Visited the University of South Carolina and it was fantastic. Can't wait to go back.
I loved the shopping center and restaurant!
Saluda River Walk
Outstanding customers services
Cheaper gas! Love the scenery! Cheap buffet for $12 per head at Golden Corral!
Fun city with lots of activities, attractions, and great restaurants.
I went to see my friend's boot camp graduation.
Fun city with lots of activities, attractions and great restaurants.
Vibrant Five Points area, especially The Gourmet Shop!
Nice town
Nice town to visit, and great stay.
It's greenery and no overcrowding.
Columbia is very nice and Ft. Jackson is nice.
The Riverbank Zoo is the best!
The room was clean and comfortable. The staff was extremely friendly. Customer service was outstanding
It was clean and quiet.
The staff is always friendly. Rooms are always clean and comfortable. Hotel was very close to the interstate and easy to get to.
Friendly
Great restaurants!
Everything you need is nearby.
Basketball and the college.
Fun people, lots to do and good culture without going to a huge city.
Fun people, lots to do and good culture without going to a huge city.