Explore Columbia

Discover new things to do and nice places to stay, and see why our famously hot hometown is cool enough to be named the #3 "Best College Town" in the nation!

Places to Stay

The Inn at USC lets you stay right on campus just a block from the Visitor Center, and there are a number of Columbia hotels convenient to downtown and our campus that have demonstrated a high level of service. For a comprehensive list of hotels in the greater Columbia area, check out a listing at the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau website. For locations closest to campus, set location to "Columbia City Center." Be sure to mention USC when making your reservation to see if the hotel offers a special rate.

Things to Do

Explore Columbia’s natural beauty at the Congaree National Park, or stroll along one of the city’s three rivers. Learn about our wild neighbors at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden or soak up some history at the State Museum. Check out a full listing of attractions with directions at the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau website. You can choose your activity by type (outdoors, shopping, etc.) or check out the districts listing to choose by location. 

Places to Eat

Columbia cuisine ranges from raw vegetarian fare to good old Southern comfort food — sometimes at the same restaurant. Check out the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau listing of the best eating in town. You can choose by type of food or by location and narrow your search based on cost and what meal you are looking for (breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert).