South Carolina Midlands

Travel Guide
South Carolina State House featuring a sunset, heritage architecture and a park
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
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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 Lake Wylie or Tega Cay Golf Club.

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 State Fairgrounds and Williams Brice Stadium.

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 Township Auditorium and South Carolina State Fairgrounds.

Shandon
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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
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Lake Carolina

While visiting Lake Carolina, you might make a stop by sights like Harborside Circle Park and Harborside Village Green.

Lake Carolina
 La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbia NE/Fort Jackson
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbia NE/Fort Jackson
2.5 out of 5
1538 Horseshoe Drive, Columbia, SC
The price is RM361 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
RM361
RM404 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (921 reviews)
Not bad
"Room was clean, beds and linens clean. Thought it was over priced considering the TV didn’t connect to internet. Had all the options of a smart Tv but only local channels and had bad reception on it. Breakfast was awesome. Staff ignored you at the counter though unless you rang the bell. Also, thought ..."

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2024

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbia NE/Fort Jackson
Quality Inn And Suites Civic
Quality Inn And Suites Civic
2.5 out of 5
150 Dunbarton Dr, Florence, SC
The price is RM317 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
RM317
RM355 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Florence. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Liked that there was much shopping available close by. Did not like 2 out of order ice machines and one set of stairs being rebuilt. Inconvenient."

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2024

Quality Inn And Suites Civic
Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
3 out of 5
434 Columbiana Dr, Columbia, SC
The price is RM368 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
RM368
RM412 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
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! (1,277 reviews)
"Love the location and the beds were very comfortable. The room had no usb sport hookups. Breakfast not included. Otherwise, a great stay"

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (260 reviews)
"Over all was ok for the stay. The first room had to move everything to a new room because if a leak"

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2024

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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (160 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2024

stayAPT Suites Rock Hill
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 WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Williams Brice Stadium and Riverbanks Zoo and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (57 reviews)
"Excellent property. Very unique"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2024

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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