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 CA $152 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $152
CA $170 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (47 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay. Will return.."

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 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 CA $148 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $148
CA $165 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Sumter. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (835 reviews)
"Everything was great and walking around with the family members was great as well."

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 2025

Hyatt Place Sumter / Downtown
Comfort Suites Sumter

Comfort Suites Sumter

2.5 out of 5
2500 Broad St, Sumter, SC
The price is CA $167 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $167
CA $188 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (564 reviews)
"Front desk was very helpful"

Reviewed on Jul. 13, 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)
Javier and the Painters
"Thanks for let us stay in your property for several days place was clean and super beautiful we cooked good meals and somehow we feel like a home been away hipe in the future we can stay again thanks"

Reviewed on May 17, 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 Jun. 16, 2025

Cozy comfortable home near lakes, parks and downtown Sumter
Charming home away from home 2-bed 2-bath house with WiFi, AC in lovely Sumter

Charming home away from home 2-bed 2-bath house with WiFi, AC in lovely Sumter

Sumter
Stay at this vacation home in Sumter. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Riley Field and Riley Park are located nearby.
2/10 (1 review)
"Property owner non responsive and property not available for stay after we drove 5 hrs to visit son on deployment with army. After repeated calls host finally answered and did notify Travelocity of non availability so was able to get money refunded but was pretty inconvenient"

Reviewed on Jul. 11, 2025

Charming home away from home 2-bed 2-bath house with WiFi, AC in lovely 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.

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