Inside Columbia

Welcome to the heart of SC, where you’ll find a vibrant Southern city along the banks of three beautiful rivers. The Columbia, South Carolina region encompasses a variety of areas, heritages, historical segments and more. We are home to the state capital, Fort Jackson, the largest and most active Initial Entry Training Center in the United States Army, and several colleges and universities including the University of South Carolina and two HBCUs. But that’s not all that our region has to offer. 

We’ve found that once folks get an inside look at Columbia SC, they fall in love with our award-winning restaurants, accessible outdoor adventures, and Insta-worthy arts scene. So, we’re giving you a peek at some of what Columbia SC has to offer whether you’re just starting to plan your visit or you’re a local who wants to get to know their hometown a bit better. Explore these pages to learn about everything from pimento cheese to Congaree National Park, gamedays and our rich history.  

If you’re not sure where to start, look to our ambassadors. These are a group of locals with niche interests that can help you uncover those unexpected gems. Fashionistas, follow Ashley Wood and Ashley Elsey. For Gamecock fans, we’ll have to recommend CJ Lake. Morihiko Nakahara, Preach Jacobs, and Mark Rapp cover just about everyone’s taste in music here in Columbia SC. You can also stay up to date on all the happenings with our online events calendar and read through the Insider’s Blog for tips and tricks from the folks at Experience Columbia SC.

With these tools in hand, and an abundance of friendly locals, we’re sure you’ll feel like an insider in no time.

Neighborhoods

From cozy enclaves of coffee shops and cocktail bars, to bustling downtown streets or quiet havens of incredible natural beauty, Columbia's neighborhoods are diverse and distinct, each offering its own unique delights to discover.

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Our History

Our roots run deep here in Columbia SC. From the destruction brought upon the city during the Civil War to the fight for equality through the powerful Civil Rights Movement, the Capital City has a story to tell. In the heart of the Historic…

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