Nestled between the banks of the Congaree River and the downtown scene, you’ll find one of Columbia SC’s most electric districts. From museums full of wonder, public art around every corner, and a mouth-watering culinary scene, The Vista makes for a whirlwind weekend escape.
Saturday Morning
Check in and get settled into your home away from home, Cambria Hotel. With their knowledgeable staff and plenty of attractions and restaurants waiting for you right outside the hotel, you’ll quickly feel like a local, ready to explore it all.
Looking for a boutique hotel? The Lantern Hotel places you steps from the State House and USC campus while also providing boutique charm, contemporary style and elevated service. You'd be remiss not to stop at the in-house restaurant, Ladder 13, where the Mediterranean cuisine will have you wanting to stay a little longer.
A hot drink and artisan pastries are a must to fuel you up for your adventure ahead. Take a quick walk over to smallSUGAR and take delight in a Mocha Latte or Charleston Fog to awaken your senses. For a light bite, grab a pan au chocolate or croissant, or for the more hungry traveler, try the overnight oats, a ricotta tartine, or one of their hearty bowls.
Saturday Afternoon
Kick off your weekend with one of Columbia’s most noteworthy attractions – the South Carolina State Museum. The state’s largest and most comprehensive museum boasts four museums in one. You’ll find exhibits on art, natural history, technology & science, and cultural history all under one roof. If you have time, check out the Boeing Observatory or see a show in the 4D theater.
Traveling with kids? Be sure to pop over to EdVenture for a full-throttle art and science experience. This hands-on, rollicking good time will surely incite curiosity, and the kids won’t be the only ones buzzing with excitement.
Saturday Evening
After freshening up, make your way to Art Bar for pre-dinner drinks at this vibrant spot where local art and robots grace the walls. While you relax with your bevy, you may just catch a performance from a local or regional act.
Once you’ve had your fix, it’s time for dinner at Motor Supply. As you stroll your way to this farm-to-table local favorite, keep an eye out for the murals and public art scattered around The Vista. At Motor Supply, you can expect to be served nothing but the freshest, locally sourced ingredients (even the cocktails are farm-to-drink). With a daily changing menu, you can always expect to be surprised and delighted here.
If you’re not ready for the night to end, cheers with a nightcap at Steel Hands Distilling and Brewing or savor dessert at Kaminsky’s Dessert Café right down the street. May we recommend the Drunken Cookie (an adult-friendly milkshake) or a slice of New York-style cheesecake?
Sunday Morning
Start your Sunday on a sweet note with coffee and almond croissant at Dulce Bakery. Take the coffee to go and spend the rest of your morning wandering The Vista and discovering the shops that line the streets. From clothing, home goods, art and local merch at the Columbia SC Visitors Center, there’s plenty of spots to find souvenirs to bring home to family and friends (or to keep for yourself. We won’t tell).
Since you're only one block away, take a stop at the newly installed Dawn Staley statue that located at the corner of Lincoln and Senate Streets.
Wrap up your 24-hour getaway with one last delicious meal at 929 Kitchen & Bar. Inspired by Korean traditions and flavors, this cozy hideaway will not disappoint.
We’ve just scratched the surface of everything there is to explore and discover in The Vista. There’s plenty more to see here and in the surrounding areas of our Southern city. Check out our trip itineraries and blogs to start planning your next escape