Title: South Carolina State House in Downtown Columbia - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

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# South Carolina State House Tours and Activities

![South Carolina State House](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6082681/4efca34f-5130-4307-8d64-c467e4ac2eea.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![South Carolina State House](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6082681/fb2a9306-1b76-420e-8491-3f8c919ea23d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![South Carolina State House which includes a statue or sculpture, heritage architecture and an administrative buidling](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6082681/fcc3b751-47a3-4d46-869c-bc33b7be7a38.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![South Carolina State House](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6082681/78454669-6210-4fd3-90f8-215e6b251b3d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![South Carolina State House](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6082681/30214895-fa70-4b0a-92f2-a21ffd405770.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit South Carolina State House

Activities

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#### Inspect the many monuments and political symbols that decorate the grounds and majestic mansion of the state’s most important structure.

South Carolina State House is the iconic nucleus around which the city of Columbia spreads. A maze of bending paths carves through a pleasant area of trees and grassy patches around the large structure, which contains the government of South Carolina. Peruse the works of art and portraits of important people in the majestic halls of the complex.

Arrive in the pleasant plaza outside the mansion and admire the imposing Corinthian columns, layers of steps and large pediment that mark its frontage. The structure, which has a Greek-revival design, dates back to the 1850s, but was not fully completed until 1907\. See the impact marks of cannon fire from Union forces.

Take a self-guided tour of the house using a brochure from the Columbia Regional Visitors Center. Docents provide guided tours with information about the comprehensive context behind the chambers and furnishings. Watch a video presentation about the state’s rich history. Peruse the souvenirs, historical relics and other items available at the gift shop.

Learn about the troubled and controversial history of South Carolina and the Confederacy through the many sculptures and tributes around the grounds. Look at the large African-American Monument in the gardens on the eastern side of the house. The Confederate Monument hoisted the Confederate battle flag until 2015, when it was removed by state bill. Inspect the other statues that pay tribute to George Washington, Confederate women, war generals and other historical figures.

Find out about the importance of the building to the state’s politics. It is the seat of the government and holds the House and Senate chambers and the governor’s office.

Visit the building Monday through Friday from morning until late afternoon. Free guided tours are available during opening hours.

Take a bus to one of the stops surrounding South Carolina State House, which marks the central point of the city. Many intriguing sights are in this district, including the Koger Center for the Arts, the University of South Carolina and the Supreme Court of South Carolina. Park your car across the street for a small hourly fee.

## Plan a trip to see South Carolina State House

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![Holiday Inn & Suites Columbia NE - Ft Jackson Area by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/21900/21885/d4a33083_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Holiday Inn & Suites Columbia NE - Ft Jackson Area by IHG

CA $1,146

per person

May 20 - May 26

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Calgary (YYC) to Columbia (CAE)

8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)

I’m very happy with everything and everyone thanks

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2026

![Residence Inn by Marriott Columbia Northeast/Fort Jackson Area](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1240000/1236800/1236733/82d497f2_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Residence Inn by Marriott Columbia Northeast/Fort Jackson Area

CA $1,270

per person

May 20 - May 26

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Calgary (YYC) to Columbia (CAE)

9/10 Wonderful! (796 reviews)

the property was in immaculate shape. The dark colors in the building were a little depressing but the kindness and good will by everyone associated with the property made for a great stay

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2026

![SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbia Downtown/The Vista](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2570000/2564900/2564892/b690d36a_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbia Downtown/The Vista

Downtown Columbia

CA $1,270

per person

May 20 - May 26

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Calgary (YYC) to Columbia (CAE)

8.8/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)

Overall a decent experience. The bathroom setup in our room was a bit funky providing little privacy with the sliding doors that don’t shut all the way or lock. Also, there is only one outlet available behind the nightstand in the middle of our beds so only one of us could charge our phone by the bed and the other had to use the outlet in the office area. The highway noise was a little loud for my liking also as it was right outside my window. The pool was ok except there was a chunk of somebody’s hair and a pink headband on the floor when we got to the pool at 3 PM. When we went back to the pool around 10:30 that was still there. Gross! I know somebody had been in there because the towels had been restocked.

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2026

### Popular places to visit

![Columbia](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532657318/47d78b36-9f3b-4c49-b561-cada6e658c1c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Trinity Episcopal Cathedral

Marvel at the stunning architecture and stained glass and examine the Civil War graves in this remarkable sanctuary in Columbia.

[](https://expedia.ca/Trinity-Episcopal-Cathedral-Downtown-Columbia.d553248621532657318.Vacation-Attraction)

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#### Columbia Museum of Art

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Bring kids to this fun gallery with a focus on medieval, Renaissance and Baroque art and fascinating traveling exhibits.

[](https://expedia.ca/Columbia-Museum-Of-Art-Downtown-Columbia.d6082677.Vacation-Attraction)

#### African American History Monument

You can find out about the history of Columbia when you stop by African American History Monument. While in this walkable area, you can savor the lively bars. 

[](https://expedia.ca/African-American-History-Monument-Downtown-Columbia.d658957236796809216.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Town Theatre

Enjoy a show at Town Theatre, a theater with a story to tell in Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Town-Theatre-Downtown-Columbia.d553248621532657317.Vacation-Attraction)

#### North Carolina Mutual Building

Learn about the local history of Columbia when you spend time at North Carolina Mutual Building. While in this walkable area, you can savor the lively bars. 

[](https://expedia.ca/North-Carolina-Mutual-Building-Downtown-Columbia.d658954869777334272.Vacation-Attraction)

#### First Baptist Church

Find out about the history of Columbia with a stop at First Baptist Church. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event. 

[](https://expedia.ca/First-Baptist-Church-Downtown-Columbia.d553248621532657320.Vacation-Attraction)

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## Best Lodging Options Near South Carolina State House

## Check availability on hotels close to South Carolina State House

[Tonight

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[Tomorrow night

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[Next weekend

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### 

Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista

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Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC

1619 Pendleton Street Columbia SC

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819 Gervais Street Columbia SC

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Marriott Columbia

1200 Hampton St Columbia SC

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The Lantern Columbia

1001 Senate St Columbia SC

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Moxy Columbia Downtown

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Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC

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Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel

1400 Main St Columbia SC

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Hilton Columbia Center

924 Senate St Columbia SC

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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.