Lake Carolina Travel Guide
Columbia
Visit Lake Carolina
Popular places to visit
Fort Jackson
After visiting Fort Jackson, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Columbia. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.
University of South Carolina
Explore the campus of University of South Carolina, a top university in Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Why not meet the animals who call Riverbanks Zoo and Garden home during your holiday in Columbia? You can attend a sporting event while in the area.
South Carolina State House
Inspect the many monuments and political symbols that decorate the grounds and majestic mansion of the state’s most important structure.
Lake Carolina
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake Carolina during your travels in Columbia.
Harborside Circle Park
After visiting Harborside Circle Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Columbia.
Top hotels in Lake Carolina
Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Harbison
"Nice hotel comfy beds great location. We will be back."
Reviewed on 5 Jun 2026
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbia SE / Fort Jackson
"Friendly clean reasonable price"
Reviewed on 5 Jun 2026
Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC
"Hotel is clean and well maintained. I liked it"
Reviewed on 6 Jun 2026
Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown
"The hotel was very very clean and the staff were extremely helpful. The free breakfast was also probably one of the better free breakfasts I’ve seen. That being said - it is a minimalist hotel. So in the room, you don’t really have any comforts. No closet very small desk and no coffee maker. Beds ..."
Reviewed on 4 Jun 2026
Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista
"Very clean"
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Sleep Inn Columbia
"The hotel wasn’t clean like the pictures on the website. The bathrooms and showers were in port condition. There was trash in the parking lot. Only one ice machine and it was in the breakfast area. The elevator was one of the slowest I’ve ever been on. The pillows were flat and the beds were ..."
Reviewed on 6 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Lake Carolina
Downtown Columbia
Downtown Columbia is known for its lively bars, and you can plan a trip to South Carolina State House and Columbia Museum of Art while you're in town.
The Vista
The Vista is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Colonial Life Arena and Koger Center for the Arts while in the area.
Rosewood
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Rosewood and surrounding area, you can visit South Carolina Military Museum and South Carolina State Fairgrounds.
Seven Oaks
Seven Oaks is noteworthy for its coffee shops, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Saluda Shoals Park and Three Rivers Greenway.
Shandon
While Shandon may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Columbia Urban League and Charlie W. Johnson Stadium.
