South Carolina Midlands

Travel Guide

South Carolina State House
South Carolina State House
Columbia
Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens
South Carolina State House
With Revolutionary War sites, a charming capital city and lots of kayaking opportunities, this southern region is sure to delight.

The South Carolina Midlands is a region full of southern charm and hospitality. Discover the area’s history dating back to Native American tribes, spend the day relaxing next to a man-made lake and stroll around downtown streets where the tempting smell of American comfort foods, such as macaroni and cheese and barbecue, wafts through the air.

The biggest city in the South Carolina Midlands is South Carolina’s capital city, Columbia, and there is lots to see and do here. Walk up the grand steps of the South Carolina State House and cheer on the University of South Carolina’s football team, the Gamecocks, at Williams-Brice Stadium. Relax at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and go fly fishing in the Congaree River.

Enjoy sunny days and fresh air in Aiken. This city with a mild climate once served as a health resort. Aiken is also known as “horse country” due to the number of stables dotted throughout the city. Watch a traditional game of polo and admire the lovely country cottages owned by local equestrians.

Revolutionary War enthusiasts flock to General Thomas Sumter Memorial Park in Sumter, while art lovers are drawn to the downtown Sumter Gallery of Art. Head to Orangeburg for lush green golf courses and buy crafts and pottery from the Catawba Cultural Center in the tiny town of Catawba, named for the Catawba Indian Nation that settled the area.

In Camden, go shopping at Camden Antiques Market and study peculiarly shaped topiaries at the Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden. Other popular attractions include Hanging Rock, a Revolutionary War site, and Lee State Park where deer, raccoons and red foxes can be seen in their natural habitats.

Summer is festival season in central South Carolina. Plan your trip for June, July or August and you may even get to attend a barbecue festival. Spring is a beautiful time to visit due to the blossoming azaleas and jasmine, while fall means football season and changing leaves. To reach the region, fly into Columbia Metropolitan Airport or ride an Amtrak train to the state’s capital city.

Explore the South Carolina Midlands to discover a place where big cities meet small-town America.

Where to stay in South Carolina Midlands

Columbia

Downtown Columbia

Travelers come to Downtown Columbia for its lively bars, and you can see top attractions like South Carolina State House and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral while you're in town.

Downtown Columbia
Columbia

The Vista

The Vista is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Colonial Life Arena or South Carolina State House.

The Vista
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Tega Cay

Discover a picturesque peninsula with a 27-hole golf course, croquet court, lighted tennis and pickleball courts, walking trails, and 13 city-owned parks. Enjoy the hilly, densely forested terrain and abundant wildlife.

Tega Cay
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Rosewood

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Rosewood and surrounding area, you can visit South Carolina State Fairgrounds and Williams Brice Stadium.

Rosewood
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Shandon

While Shandon might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Charlie W. Johnson Stadium and Township Auditorium.

Shandon
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University Hill

5/5(2 area reviews)

University Hill is well-liked for its restaurants. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and South Carolina State House.

University Hill
Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
3 out of 5
434 Columbiana Dr, Columbia, SC
The price is CA $117 per night from May 18 to May 19
CA $117
CA $131 total
includes taxes & fees
May 18 - May 19
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,440 reviews)
"Served a purpose for a few evenings"

Reviewed on Apr. 21, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
Quality Inn & Suites Florence Civic Center
Quality Inn & Suites Florence Civic Center
2.5 out of 5
150 Dunbarton Dr, Florence, SC
The price is CA $120 per night from May 25 to May 26
CA $120
CA $135 total
includes taxes & fees
May 25 - May 26
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Florence. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,198 reviews)
"Clean, quiet Excellent location"

Reviewed on Apr. 21, 2025

Quality Inn & Suites Florence Civic Center
Wyndham Garden Columbia/Ft. Jackson
Wyndham Garden Columbia/Ft. Jackson
2.5 out of 5
1539 Horseshoe Dr, Columbia, SC
The price is CA $111 per night from May 5 to May 6
CA $111
CA $124 total
includes taxes & fees
May 5 - May 6
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,012 reviews)
"Great no issues"

Reviewed on Apr. 21, 2025

Wyndham Garden Columbia/Ft. Jackson
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
stayAPT Suites Rock Hill
stayAPT Suites Rock Hill
2.5 out of 5
840 Patriot Pkwy, Rock Hill, SC
Stay at this aparthotel in Rock Hill. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Rock Hill Sports & Event Center and Giordana ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (166 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on Oct. 6, 2024

stayAPT Suites Rock Hill
stayAPT Suites Columbia-Irmo Harbison
stayAPT Suites Columbia-Irmo Harbison
2.5 out of 5
851 Columbiana Dr, Irmo, SC
Stay at this aparthotel in Irmo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (282 reviews)
"It felt safe and easy access off the freeway. The shower had lots of hot water, BUT...BEWARE when you step out, it's a long way to the bathroom floor!!!! NOTHING (amenities), and I mean nothing worked. Not the fire pit, not the grill. My room was NOT stocked with kitchen ware. It only had 2 forks ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 1, 2025

stayAPT Suites Columbia-Irmo Harbison
Bennet at Bullstreet
Bennet at Bullstreet
2 out of 5
2180 Pickens St, Columbia, SC
Stay at this apartment in Columbia. Enjoy free WiFi, a fireplace in the lobby, and concierge services. Popular attractions Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and Williams ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"So close to the ball park"

Reviewed on Apr. 16, 2025

Bennet at Bullstreet
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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