Sumter

Travel Guide

Photo by ann fitzgerald
Photo by Ucanquoteme

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 color. 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 Center. 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 recognized 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 program 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.

Woodspring Suites Sumter Near Shaw Afb

Woodspring Suites Sumter Near Shaw Afb

2.5 out of 5
2715 Broad Street, Sumter, SC
The price is €106 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€106
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Sumter. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Sumter Mall and Palmetto Park are located nearby.
8.2/10 Very Good! (50 reviews)
"The only yuck that is here in my room right here in my house I can’t"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Woodspring Suites Sumter Near Shaw Afb
Hyatt Place Sumter / Downtown

Hyatt Place Sumter / Downtown

3 out of 5
18 N Main St, Sumter, SC
The price is €103 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€103
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Sumter. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (840 reviews)
"The hotel room had a musty odor. The staff was all amazing from check in to check out."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Hyatt Place Sumter / Downtown
Comfort Suites Sumter

Comfort Suites Sumter

2.5 out of 5
2500 Broad St, Sumter, SC
The price is €103 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
€103
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sumter. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Sumter Mall and Palmetto Park are ...
7.2/10 Good! (568 reviews)
"Very convenient"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Comfort Suites Sumter
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.
Charming 3-bedroom house in wonderful Sumter

Charming 3-bedroom house in wonderful Sumter

2 out of 5
Sumter
Stay at this vacation home in Sumter. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Sumter Mall and Palmetto Park are located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (13 reviews)
"Place was very clean and well kept will rent again"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Charming 3-bedroom house in wonderful Sumter
Cozy comfortable home near lakes, parks and downtown Sumter

Cozy comfortable home near lakes, parks and downtown Sumter

Sumter
Stay at this vacation home in Sumter. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Jenkins Center and Birnie Center ...
10/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
Great Stay at Patricia's
"Our stay was great. There were 4 of us and our dogs. Patricia put a lot of thought into the things that make a stay at a VRBO like being at home. The kitchen and bathrooms were nicely renovated. There was a nice, screened in porch out back with a separate laundry room easily accessible from the back ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Cozy comfortable home near lakes, parks and downtown Sumter
New, Oasis Haven near downtown & Shaw AFB

New, Oasis Haven near downtown & Shaw AFB

sumter
Stay at this vacation home in Sumter. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Jenkins Center and O'Donnell House are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Family reunion
"Beautiful. The home is beautifully decorated, clean and spacious. Just what we needed to rest and change between events."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

New, Oasis Haven near downtown & Shaw AFB
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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