South Carolina Midlands Travel Guide

Tourist 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 South Carolina State House 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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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 Charlie W. Johnson Stadium and Township Auditorium.

Shandon
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University Hill

5/5(1 area review)

Visitors to University Hill appreciate its restaurants. A visit to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and South Carolina State House might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

University Hill
Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
3 out of 5
434 Columbiana Dr, Columbia, SC
The price is ฿2,822 per night from 4 May to 5 May
฿2,822
฿3,161 total
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,447 reviews)
"All"

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
Wyndham Garden Columbia/Ft. Jackson
Wyndham Garden Columbia/Ft. Jackson
2.5 out of 5
1539 Horseshoe Dr, Columbia, SC
The price is ฿2,680 per night from 4 May to 5 May
฿2,680
฿3,002 total
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
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 staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,022 reviews)
"I really enjoy everything wasn't to please on price but it was worthwhile"

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2025

Wyndham Garden Columbia/Ft. Jackson
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 ฿2,829 per night from 28 May to 29 May
฿2,829
฿3,169 total
includes taxes & fees
28 May - 29 May
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Florence. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,197 reviews)
"Very comfortable bed"

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2025

Quality Inn & Suites Florence Civic Center
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Rock Hill Sports & Event Center and Giordana ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (170 reviews)
"The stay was great felt like I never left home"

Reviewed on 25 Apr 2025

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their 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 1 Mar 2025

stayAPT Suites Columbia-Irmo Harbison
The Hangar Lofts Hotel
The Hangar Lofts Hotel
2.5 out of 5
724 S Edisto Ave, Columbia, SC
Stay at this aparthotel in Columbia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Williams Brice Stadium and Riverbanks Zoo and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (60 reviews)
"In town for work, was great!"

Reviewed on 17 Apr 2025

The Hangar Lofts Hotel
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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