South Carolina Midlands, SC

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 Columbia Museum of Art 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 Koger Center for the Arts.

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 Military Museum and South Carolina State Fairgrounds.

Rosewood
One of the best track of Bmx in the world

Old Town Rock Hill

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

Old Town Rock Hill
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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 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 ¥14,939 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥14,939
¥16,732 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (202 reviews)
"We had to make a pitstop out of town and"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 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 ¥13,683 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
¥13,683
¥15,326 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,660 reviews)
"Great stay, would stay again. Very clean."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 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 ¥12,679 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
¥12,679
¥14,201 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,023 reviews)
"Was on my way to Asheville and got tired, stopped in Columbia. This is perfect for a night stop over, dog was $25, fair price and clean room. Check-in was smooth and would happily stay again if needed."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 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! (297 reviews)
"The location was very convenient, clean, and comfy however the cabinets could use some touching up due to cosmetic damage."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 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! (180 reviews)
"This was such an amazing stay ! Very peaceful atmosphere and great employees!"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (4 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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