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

Downtown Columbia is known for its lively bars, and you can plan a trip to South Carolina State House and Columbia Museum of Art while you're in town.

Downtown Columbia
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.

The Vista
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Tega Cay

You'll enjoy the theme parks and golf courses in Tega Cay. You might want to make time for a stop at Tega Cay Golf Club or Lake Wylie.

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 Military Museum and South Carolina State Fairgrounds.

Rosewood
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Old Town Rock Hill

If you're spending some time in Old Town Rock Hill, The White Home and Rock Hill Sports & Event Center are top sights worth seeing.

Old Town Rock Hill
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Shandon

While Shandon may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Township Auditorium and South Carolina State Fairgrounds.

Shandon
Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown
Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown
2.5 out of 5
400 Gervais Street, Building 2, Columbia, SC
The price is S$145 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$145
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and Williams Brice ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (153 reviews)
"Very clean, well kept. Staff was very helpful, will definitely stay here again when we are back in town"

Reviewed on 9 Jul, 2025

Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
3 out of 5
434 Columbiana Dr, Columbia, SC
The price is S$121 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$121
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,615 reviews)
"They staff was nice and friendly.. The rooms were nice and comfortable, & clean.."

Reviewed on 9 Jul, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbia SE / Fort Jackson
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbia SE / Fort Jackson
3 out of 5
7333 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC
The price is S$121 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$121
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Williams Brice Stadium and Millwood ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Clean, very friendly"

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbia SE / Fort 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 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! (296 reviews)
"The location was very convenient, clean, and comfy however the cabinets could use some touching up due to cosmetic damage."

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

stayAPT Suites Columbia-Irmo Harbison
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 Giordana Velodrome and Slot Car Cave are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (179 reviews)
"The stay was great felt like I never left home"

Reviewed on 25 Apr, 2025

stayAPT Suites Rock Hill
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 ...
"So close to the ball park"

Reviewed on 16 Apr, 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.

Popular places to visit