South Carolina Midlands

Travel Guide
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
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Lake Wylie

Though Lake Wylie might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Lake Wylie and McDowell Nature Center and Preserve.

Lake Wylie
Yummy fried egg!

Ballantyne

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Explore Ballantyne Village's diverse restaurants and outdoor spaces, or marvel at the 30-foot monuments symbolizing Charlotte's spirit at Johnston Road and Ballantyne Commons intersection. Enjoy rooftop dining in the Panorama Tower.

Ballantyne
Augusta which includes a lake or waterhole

Downtown Augusta

While visiting Downtown Augusta, you might make a stop by sights like Bell Auditorium and Miller Theater.

Downtown Augusta
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Steele Creek

While visiting Steele Creek, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Wylie and McDowell Nature Center and Preserve.

Steele Creek
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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
 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 CA $102 per night from Apr. 14 to Apr. 15
CA $102
CA $115 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Fort Jackson and Columbia Place Mall ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (307 reviews)
"This is our second stay at this hotel. Our room was spotless. The staff were so courteous and the breakfast was great! Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Mar. 27, 2024

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbia NE/Fort Jackson
Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
3 out of 5
434 Columbiana Dr, Columbia, SC
The price is CA $137 per night from Apr. 4 to Apr. 5
CA $137
CA $153 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,013 reviews)
Work trip
"I’m a traveling surgical technologist and I was on call for the MUSC in Columbia NE Campus."

Reviewed on Mar. 24, 2024

Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Florence
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Florence
2 out of 5
2038 W Lucas Street, I-95 Exit 164, Florence, SC
The price is CA $83 per night from Apr. 16 to Apr. 17
CA $83
CA $93 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 16 - Apr 17
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Florence. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,840 reviews)
"Convenient for dinning out and close to the interstate. Properly old but well maintained . Not good breakfast options as compared to other hotels."

Reviewed on Mar. 26, 2024

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Florence
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 and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (177 reviews)
"Had a great short stay for a tournament weekend, checked in and out over the phone, very convenient"

Reviewed on Mar. 10, 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. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (121 reviews)
Broken TV my whole stay
"This is my second time staying here. Overall i like it but, i have had minor issues each time. This time the TV in the sitting area didn’t work. I called the front desk and they came to look at it and i was told it would be working in a couple of hours. It didn't work the entire time I was there ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 25, 2024

stayAPT Suites Rock Hill
Dog-friendly, lakefront home w/ a private dock, furnished deck, & free WiFi
Dog-friendly, lakefront home w/ a private dock, furnished deck, & free WiFi
Leesville
Stay at this vacation home in Leesville. Enjoy onsite parking, a garden, and an in-room DVD player. Popular attraction Dreher Island State Park is located nearby. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (38 reviews)
Beautiful Lakefront
"We wish we could have stayed longer. The location is beautiful and quiet. Great dock for easy water access and boat parking. The house and everything in it is completely functional and in great shape. Very pleasant."

Reviewed on Oct. 2, 2023

Dog-friendly, lakefront home w/ a private dock, furnished deck, & free WiFi
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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