About Columbia
Columbia is the capital of the U.S. state of South Carolina. It is the second-most populous city in the state, with a population of 136,632 at the 2020 census and estimated at 147,035 in 2025. It is the principal city of the Columbia metropolitan area, the second-largest metropolitan area in South Carolina, with an estimated population of 879,918 in 2025. Columbia serves as the county seat of Richland County, while portions of the city extend into neighboring Lexington and Kershaw counties. The city's name derives from "Columbia", a historic poetic personification of the United States, and is commonly shortened to "Cola", inspiring the nickname "Soda City".
Places to visit in Columbia
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Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Zoo · 2 mi from centreA well-regarded zoo along the Saluda River paired with a botanical garden across the water. Highlights include the aquarium and reptile complex, gorillas, and walled gardens with seasonal displays.
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Congaree National Park
Nature · 21 mi from centreSoutheast of the city, this park protects old-growth bottomland hardwood forest with towering trees. An elevated boardwalk loop makes it easy to explore, and paddling trails follow Cedar Creek.
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South Carolina State House
LandmarkThe domed capitol building offers free tours, and its grounds hold numerous monuments. Look for bronze stars on the west wall marking where Union cannon fire struck during the Civil War.
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South Carolina State Museum
MuseumHoused in a former textile mill on the Congaree River, the museum covers state history, natural history, science and art, and includes a planetarium and observatory for stargazing programs.
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Columbia Museum of Art
MuseumA downtown art museum on Main Street with European and American collections, decorative arts and rotating exhibitions, located close to the State House and a good selection of local cafes.
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The Vista
NeighborhoodColumbia's former warehouse district between downtown and the river is now filled with restaurants, bars and galleries, and leads down to the Congaree riverfront walking paths for an easy evening stroll.
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Lake Murray
Nature · 17 mi from centreA large reservoir west of the city popular for boating, fishing and swimming. Dreher Island State Park on the lake offers camping, picnic areas and shoreline access for a relaxed day out.
Where to stay in Columbia
Popular hotels in Columbia, out of 155 properties you can book.
Holiday Inn Columbia NE-Ft Jackson Area, an IHG Ht
From $112 per night
Comfort Inn Blythewood - North Columbia
From $113 per night
Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Columbia/At Fort
From $102 per night
Graduate By Hilton Columbia, S.C.
From $226 per night
Clarion Inn Airport West Columbia
From $79 per night
Tru By Hilton Columbia Greystone
From $132 per night
Best Western Executive Inn & Suites
From $122 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Northeast, SC
From $142 per night
Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbia
From $144 per night
Hampton Inn And Suites Hilton Lexington Columbia
From $147 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Columbia Airport
From $184 per night
Hampton Inn Columbia-Downtown Historic Distric
From $266 per night
Best time to visit Columbia
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Columbia is October to November, when average daytime highs are around 68–74°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Columbia weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 74° 46° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 77° 54° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 73° 54° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 71° 53° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 73° 51° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 76° 53° 1%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Columbia
These are the airports closest to central Columbia. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- CUB Jim Hamilton – L.B. Owens Airport3 mi (6 km) from the city centre
- CAE Columbia Metropolitan Airport6 mi (10 km) from the city centre
- MMT McEntire Joint National Guard Base15 mi (24 km) from the city centre
Getting around Columbia
Most people use a car to get around Columbia, but more pedestrian-friendly areas of the city include downtown, The Vista, the University Hill/USC area, and Five Points. There is a bus service around town and nearby provided by provided by the COMET. The free Soda Cap Connector, provides bus transit between downtown hotspots. Taxi service is also available 24/7 if you call in advance, and can usually be hailed on the street in Five Points and The Vista at night. Columbia also has an active Uber and Lyft population.
Columbia travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Columbia?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Columbia is October to November, when average daytime highs are around 68–74°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in Columbia?
July is usually the warmest month in Columbia, with average highs of 93°F (34°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 35°F (1°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 174 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Columbia?
Jim Hamilton – L.B. Owens Airport (CUB) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (6 km) from the centre of Columbia. Other nearby airports include Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE, 6 mi) and McEntire Joint National Guard Base (MMT, 15 mi).
What time zone is Columbia in?
Columbia uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Columbia?
Most people use a car to get around Columbia, but more pedestrian-friendly areas of the city include downtown, The Vista, the University Hill/USC area, and Five Points. There is a bus service around town and nearby provided by provided by the COMET.
What are the best places to visit in Columbia?
Top sights in Columbia include Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Congaree National Park, South Carolina State House and South Carolina State Museum. A well-regarded zoo along the Saluda River paired with a botanical garden across the water. Highlights include the aquarium and reptile complex, gorillas, and walled gardens with seasonal displays.
Where should I stay in Columbia?
Popular areas for hotels in Columbia include Downtown. Well-reviewed options include Holiday Inn Columbia NE-Ft Jackson Area, an IHG Ht and Comfort Inn Blythewood - North Columbia.
How many hotels can I book in Columbia?
Destina Holidays currently lists 155 properties in and around Columbia, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
