Support Us Button Widget
Sponsored Content

Road trip: Columbia, SC for the solo traveler

Looking to see more of SC this year? Columbia offers all you need for a solo vacation.

Sponsored by
Sideshow of sights around Columbia, SC.

From open air, artisan markets to elevated, Southern fare and cozy cocktail lounges, there are more things to do in Columbia, SC than there are hours to do them.

Photos provided by Experience Columbia

Table of Contents

A new year calls for new experiences. Maybe you’ve resolved to travel more, exert more independence/confidence, or you’re just feeling ready for an adventure. Here’s an idea: Take yourself on a trip to Columbia, SC, a ~1.5-hour drive from GVL.

From outdoor adventure to a buzzing culinary scene and vibrant public art, there’s plenty for the solo traveler to explore and enjoy.

Here are four itineraries we’ve bookmarked to treat ourselves to this year:

For the outdoor adventurer

Explore outdoor attractions from high-energy activities to parks and gardens.

Looking for a few self-care options to wind down? Get ready to relax at your pick of nail salons + spas.

For the craft beer connoisseur

From lagers and IPAs to sours and seasonal pours, Columbia is a hub for all things hoppy and delicious (thanks to its breweries + brewpubs aplenty). There’s no shortage of restaurants and bars, either. Pro tip: Bookmark these new + noteworthy spots for your next visit.

Need a cool spot to crash after your adventures? Take your pick of local hotels or bed and breakfasts or pack your bags for one of these unique places to stay.

For the arts + music lover

From diverse public art and local galleries to nationally renowned exhibitions, the capital city has something for the art enthusiast and novice alike. Be sure to catch a show at Trustus Theatre and the Koger Center, the SC Philharmonic + more, make time to stroll through the Columbia Museum of Art, and bookmark these live music venues to see who’s playing during your stay.

For the history buff

As the center of state government, Columbia is central to South Carolina’s history, and you’ll find evidence of that everywhere you turn. Take a free, self-guided tour of the South Carolina State House or a full tour via Historic Columbia — however you stack your itinerary, you won’t be disappointed.

Pack your bags for Soda City

More from GVLtoday
New SC license plates feature the Moultrie Flag and the phrase “Where the Revolutionary War Was Won.”
Submit your Halloween photos for a chance to be featured in GVLtoday.
Exercise your right to vote for city leadership + bookmark our guide to help you prepare to head to the polls for the Municipal Election in Greenville on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Show some love to your fave businesses in Greenville.
At the Greenville Chamber’s Greenville Greats panel, Artisphere, euphoria, and the City of Greenville talked about the “secret sauce” that makes these major events happen.
Chefs and restaurants will find out if they’ve received a MICHELIN distinction next month, and while you may not be able to secure a ticket to the exclusive event, there is a way to celebrate.
The Mill Village Ministries building in the Village of West Greenville will support the efforts of the organization’s four nonprofits.
Our series highlights local nonprofits, what support they may need (think: donations, volunteers, board members) and the organizations they collaborate with and admire.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
We asked you to share your reflections one year after Helene hit the Upstate.