Columbia offers more than attractions; it provides spaces to rest, recharge, and immerse yourself in the city’s culture. Boutique hotels downtown blend historic charm with contemporary style. Family-friendly suites give comfort and convenience for all ages, while historic inns and bed-and-breakfasts offer quiet retreats with local flavor. Neighborhoods vary from the bustling Main Street District to the artsy Vista and the lively Five Points, each with its own rhythm. Exploring is simple, whether walking, cycling, or using public transit. Charter buses make group trips seamless. With thoughtful planning, visitors can experience Columbia fully, from streets lined with history to neighborhoods alive with energy.
Where to Stay for a Weekend Getaway
You need a great place to rest after learning about Columbia’s attractions. The capital city has places to stay that fit every taste and budget. These range from stylish downtown hotels to charming historic bed and breakfasts.
Downtown Boutique Hotels
Hotel Trundle is evidence of Columbia’s creative spirit right in the Main Street District’s heart. This locally-owned boutique hotel opened in 2018 and combines three historic buildings beautifully. The buildings include the Powell Furniture Building and Western Auto. Local artisans showcase their work here, and guests receive welcome drinks and gourmet popcorn when they arrive.
Graduate Columbia adds a playful academic style to downtown right on the University of South Carolina campus. The hotel’s rooms feature Gamecock-inspired headboards with bright colors. Cheery florals contrast nicely with dark wood paneling. The hotel ranks #1 in Columbia with a 9.3/10 guest rating from over 1,500 reviews.
Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel welcomes guests in a historic setting with a rooftop bar that shows off city views. This property keeps its historic character while giving modern amenities that travelers love.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Columbia has several options that cater to families:
- Staybridge Suites Columbia has one and two-bedroom suites with their own bathrooms. The suites come with full kitchens and outdoor pools—perfect when families need extra space
- Embassy Suites Columbia Greystone serves free hot breakfast and has an indoor pool. Their rooms fit up to 8 guests with sofa sleepers
- TownePlace Suites gives families plenty of room with kitchenettes that make longer stays comfortable
Historic Inns and B&Bs
Chesnut Cottage Bed & Breakfast is a special place in Columbia’s downtown historic district. General James and Mary Boykin Chesnut’s former home now welcomes guests with history and charm. It’s Columbia’s last locally owned and operated B&B of its kind after serving guests for nearly 40 years.
The 1425 Inn blends modern comforts with historic charm just blocks from the University of South Carolina campus. The inn displays more than 100 original artworks from the Trenholm Artists Guild. Guests enjoy a quiet atmosphere while staying close to downtown attractions.
Both places serve fresh, home-cooked breakfasts using seasonal ingredients that showcase local flavors. These cozy settings help guests connect with other travelers.
Popular Neighborhoods to Stay in
The Main Street District is Columbia’s central business district where you’ll find the State House. You can walk to many Columbia SC tourist attractions from here. The weekly Soda City Market happens on Saturdays. Hotels in this area put you close to government buildings, museums, and restaurants.
The Vista has trendy loft-style homes that appeal to everyone—even empty nesters who want city life. You’ll find over 50 places to eat plus the South Carolina State Museum and EdVenture Children’s Museum nearby.
University Hill puts you close to sporting events and shows at the University of South Carolina. Five Points brings local shops, coffee houses, and bars together in a young, energetic atmosphere.
Groups traveling together might want to look into a charter bus Columbia SC service. This way, everyone stays connected whatever neighborhood they choose.
Getting Around Columbia SC
Getting around Columbia is a breeze thanks to light traffic, plenty of parking spots, and lots of ways to get from A to B. The capital city has something for everyone, whether you like to walk or need to move a bigger group.
Walking and Biking Downtown
You’ll find easy access to entertainment districts with walkable neighborhoods. Downtown Columbia, The Vista, and Five Points make great spots for walking. Bike riders will love Columbia’s grid-style streets that run parallel to busy roads.
The Sprocket app by Cola Town Bike Collective helps you find your way around. This handy tool shows newcomers the safest routes between attractions and points out bike racks and fix-it stations. Nature lovers can enjoy 12 miles of paved paths along the Saluda, Broad, and Congaree Rivers on the Three Rivers Greenway.
Using Public Transportation
Look for the bright neon busses of The COMET, Columbia’s public transit system. This network runs 34 fixed routes, five ReFlex services, and DART ADA paratransit service throughout Richland and western Lexington Counties. The COMET moves more than 2.8 million people yearly with its fleet of over 80 busses, vans, and trolleys.
The Soda Cap Connector is perfect if you’re watching your budget. It costs just $1.00 and takes you to major spots like the South Carolina State Museum, State House, and Segra Park. Busses run every 30 minutes on three routes – Sunday through Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to midnight. New visitors should grab apps like Transit, MOOVIT, or Token Transit. These let you plan trips, see where busses are, and buy tickets right from your phone.
Charter Bus Columbia SC options
Charter buses give groups the most flexibility and comfort. GOGO Charters provides modern buses with AC, comfy seats, entertainment, and WiFi. CharterUP lets you quickly compare prices, check on-time records, and read reviews for thousands of vehicles.
Metropolitan Shuttle charter buses make sense here since Columbia doesn’t have many walkable areas beyond downtown, The Vista, and Five Points. You’ll get fixed prices, professional drivers, and easy trips to nearby cities like Charlotte (93 miles), Greenville (104 miles), or Atlanta (215 miles).
Parking Tips for Visitors
Parking in Columbia couldn’t be easier. Downtown districts have many parking garages where the first hour is free in city-owned decks. Street parking runs $1.50 per hour, with meters running from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Make life easier by downloading the Passport Parking app for street parking payments. Each meter color tells you how long you can park: red (30 minutes), silver (1 hour), green (2 hours), and blue (5-10 hours). The Pavillion Street Surface Lot (812 Pavillion St.) offers free parking every day, making it a favorite spot for budget-smart visitors.
Conclusion
Finding a place to stay in Columbia shapes the weekend experience. Accommodations range from boutique hotels with personality to family suites and historic inns steeped in local heritage. Each choice offers access to attractions, dining, and entertainment with ease. Efficient transit, walking paths, and bike routes help visitors move freely, while charter buses simplify group travel. Parking options and app-based payments make logistics smooth. Thoughtful selection of lodging enhances comfort and convenience, allowing guests to focus on exploring Columbia’s culture, history, and cuisine. Every stay becomes part of the city’s story, creating a foundation for memorable weekend adventures.
