Sumter

Travel Guide
Photo by ann fitzgerald
A year-round temperate climate, a remarkable blend of attractions and a thriving arts and music scene make Sumter one of South Carolina’s most attractive destinations.

Originally known for its industry, Sumter now bursts with culture and colour. The town is particularly famous for art and music festivals which take place throughout the year. Plan your trip around these to enjoy this lively town at its best. 

Visit the Swan Lake Iris Gardens, home to a range of floral attractions from across the globe. The irises are best viewed during the summer months, but you can enjoy the abundant wildlife in the park any time of year. Try to spot all eight species of swan that live in the area.

Summers in Sumter are warm, so cool off at the four different Spray Parks around the city. Stand beneath the refreshing water and use the excellent picnic facilities and play areas for children. When the temperature cools, enjoy tennis at the Palmetto Tennis Centre. This stays open into the evening equipment is available for rent.

The sub-tropical climate means that rain can occur throughout the year. When it does, head to one of Sumter’s many indoor attractions. The Sumter County Gallery of Art is one of the best. Here, view traditional and contemporary work from local and nationally recognised artists in one of the state’s best exhibition spaces. Join a group tour and be sure to visit whatever temporary exhibition happens to be present at the time. 

For your evening’s entertainment, visit the Sumter Opera House. A year-round programme of events makes this one of the town’s most popular attractions. Even if you don’t see a show, the Opera House, which was built in 1895, is well worth a visit for its interesting architecture.

Plan your visit around one of Sumter’s many festivals to see the town at its best. The Fantasy of Lights around Christmas time, the Iris Festival in May and the monthly Fourth Fridays throughout the summer are some of the most popular.

Baymont By Wyndham Sumter
Baymont By Wyndham Sumter
2.5 out of 5
2491 Broad St, Sumter, SC
The price is S$113 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
S$113
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this hotel in Sumter. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Sumter ...
5.6/10 (228 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 28 Oct,2024

Baymont By Wyndham Sumter
Hyatt Place Sumter / Downtown
Hyatt Place Sumter / Downtown
3 out of 5
18 N Main St, Sumter, SC
The price is S$163 per night from 21 Nov to 22 Nov
S$163
includes taxes & fees
21 Nov - 22 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Sumter. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (712 reviews)
"The room was very nice and spacious. The bed was comfortable. My only complaint is the HVAC system which was noisy. It took a while to tune out the sound so we could sleep. I would advise the hotel to fix it in Room 201 since that's the room we stayed in. Otherwise, it's a great hotel."

Reviewed on 28 Oct,2024

Hyatt Place Sumter / Downtown
Mount Vernon Inn
Mount Vernon Inn
2 out of 5
2 Broad Street, Sumter, SC
The price is S$60 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
S$60
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Stay at this motel in Sumter. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Sumter County Gallery of Art and O'Donnell House are located ...
6.2/10 (147 reviews)
"While there are signs posted all over the property saying no loud music, no screaming, no hanging out outside your door, no drinking all of that occurred every night there. The location offers no towels or washcloths to use the shower. The shower was in disrepair. There were roaches in the room. ..."

Reviewed on 14 Sep,2024

Mount Vernon Inn
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.
Bells Marina & Resort
Bells Marina & Resort
4.5 out of 5
12907 Old Number Six Hwy, Eutawville, SC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Eutawville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews.
8.8/10 Excellent! (47 reviews)
"Had a great stay. Beds were extremely comfortable. Having þhe shop on site was helpful. Good security, good staff. Only complaint was the on site restaurants breakfast buffet was subpar. Cold eggs, hard stail biscuits. We had a great stay overall."

Reviewed on 23 Sep,2024

Bells Marina & Resort
Wyndham Vacation Resorts Lake Marion
Wyndham Vacation Resorts Lake Marion
4 out of 5
401 Bass Drive, Santee, SC
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Santee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Santee Cooper Country Club and Santee ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
"Beautiful environment; professional and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 13 Oct,2024

Wyndham Vacation Resorts Lake Marion
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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