Pedestrian-friendly streets, markets and boundless nature are all wrapped up in Southern charm.
Nicknamed Soda City, South Carolina’s capital is effervescent, indeed. Civil Rights sites, pedestrian-friendly streets, Benedict College’s youthful energy, lively markets and intriguing museums (more than you can see in a single trip) come together in Columbia, a town with beaucoup Southern charm and a refreshingly mild climate. Step into the past by exploring historic buildings or dive in to one of the many green spaces, like the West Columbia Riverwalk.
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Explore Columbia

  • The Vista
  • Five Points
  • Main Street
  • West Columbia
  • North Columbia and Bull Street

The Vista

Overview

This former warehouse area offers a microcosm of what makes Columbia so special — in a 48-block hub. If it’s the visual arts you crave, there are plenty of museums and galleries, plus street art from local artists around every corner. Strolling among the circa-1900s homes and buildings is a delight, and at night, the music venues and bars come alive.

Known For

Art, Dining, Entertainment

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Five Points

Overview

Columbia’s oldest neighborhood has the highest density of locally owned businesses that you can visit via pedestrian-friendly streets. The area is worth a wander for its boutiques, murals, sculptural fountains and an iconic monument dedicated to a big-time band that calls Columbia home: Hootie & the Blowfish.

Known For

Dining, Shopping, Art

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Main Street

Overview

More than just a business district, Main Street is a place to mingle with state legislators, business professionals and residents alike. Families come to shop the weekend markets, catch movies at independent theaters and check out rotating art exhibits, as well as a family-friendly retro arcade.

Known For

Dining, Shopping, Entertainment

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West Columbia

Overview

Located along the Congaree River, West Columbia is popular for both lounging around with a cocktail in hand and escaping to the eight-mile Cayce Riverwalk, a jogging and bicycle path that also accommodates strollers, wheelchairs and walkers of all abilities. The neighborhood is peppered with rooftop bars — perfect for taking in skyline views and sunsets — and green spaces you’ll dream about long after you leave.

Known For

Parks, Bars, Restaurants

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North Columbia and Bull Street

Overview

From restaurants housed inside former auto-repair garages to the stadium of a beloved Minor League Baseball team, this entertainment district is a good place to live like a local — and balance all the activity with a pint or two at an outstanding brewery or a scrumptious pastry at Main Street Bakery.

Known For

Dining , Baseball Stadium

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Nearby Hotels and Resorts

Stay in the Center of it All

Immerse yourself in your destination at these centrally located hotels.

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Soul Food, History and Baseball: A Weekend in Columbia, South Carolina

South Carolina State House

A Dose of History, Soul Food and Brews

Learn about Columbia’s role in the Civil Rights Movement and about African-American revolutionaries by visiting mansions, churches, colleges and cemeteries along the Reconstruction Era Trail.

Columbia skyline

Check Out Main Street’s Vibrant Culture

Get a taste of the local vibe at an eclectic weekend market where you can shop for arts and crafts, as well as sample foods from around the world.

Congaree National Park

Explore One of the Coolest National Parks

Get outside and hike, kayak or go tubing in Congaree National Park.

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