Where to stay

Many of the cultural sites in Columbia grew out of the city's role as state capital. Stay in Downtown Columbia to view the Greek Revival architecture of the South Carolina Statehouse, as well as stately Federal-style buildings nearby. Not far away, Arsenal Hill is the place to stay to visit the Columbia Museum of Art, while hotels in The Vista are convenient for outings to the South Carolina State Mu-seum and EdVenture Children's Museum. To experience one of the best examples of Southern col-lege atmosphere, stay in University Hill and enjoy sporting and performing arts events at the Univer-sity of South Carolina.

Although Columbia is in central South Carolina, quite far from the Atlantic Ocean, the region has plenty of appealing spots to enjoy activities on and near the water. Hotels in Irmo are near several parks, as well as boating on Lake Murray and playing on and off the water at Saluda Shoals Park. Nearby Harbison is a great place to stay for walking, jogging, hiking, and bicycling in Harbison State Forest, and canoeing or kayaking on the Broad River. Stay in any of the downtown Columbia neighborhoods to walk along the banks of Congaree Creek, or book accommodations in Cayce for a heritage reserve and river walk on a more rural part of the creek.

Very close to Columbia's government buildings are leafy green spaces perfect for walks, picnics, sunbathing, and relaxation. Stay in Columbia or West Columbia to appreciate the peaceful ambiance of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Not far away, hotels in The Vista or Arsenal Hill are great for visiting Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park. Arsenal Hill is also close to Finlay Park, which frequently hosts outdoor concerts and festivals. Book accommodations northeast of town in Royal Pines Estates or Dentsville to enjoy the nature trails and fishing opportunities of Sesquicentennial State Park.