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
Default Image

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
Default Image

Rosewood

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Rosewood and surrounding area, you can visit South Carolina State Fairgrounds and Williams Brice Stadium.

Rosewood
Default Image

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
Default Image

University Hill

5/5(1 area review)

Visitors to University Hill appreciate its restaurants. A visit to South Carolina State House and Township Auditorium 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 €89 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€89
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (1,662 reviews)
"I left"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €78 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€78
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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 Colonial ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Clean"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbia SE / Fort Jackson
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 €97 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€97
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Colonial Life Arena and Riverbanks Zoo and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (223 reviews)
"Wonderful stay! Busy due to Little World Series but over a wonderful stay"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown
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! (300 reviews)
Extended stay option
"Very clean and convenient place to stay. We liked the idea of a kitchenette, but the dishes and cookware were very sparse. Our trash filled up and there were no instructions nor service. The front desk was helpful when available. Overall, I would recommend this for extended stays."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 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! (183 reviews)
"This was such an amazing stay ! Very peaceful atmosphere and great employees!"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

stayAPT Suites Rock Hill
Beautiful & Spacious with Hot Tub, Game Room & More. Large Yard Near the Dam!

Beautiful & Spacious with Hot Tub, Game Room & More. Large Yard Near the Dam!

Lexington
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Lexington. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and a pool table. Popular attractions Lake Murray and Lake Murray ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (130 reviews)
"I obviously didn’t read the details. After seeing all the commercials about rent your own house, I never thought anyone would be staying in the house with us. A family emergency came up and I need a place in Lexington asap and did not take my time saw the location and jumped. My fault there.On top ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Beautiful & Spacious with Hot Tub, Game Room & More. Large Yard Near the Dam!
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