scenes from Columbia, SC
![Gervais Street bridge crossing the Congaree River leading into the Columbia Skyline](/https/www.sc.edu/imgs/banners/video_loops/banner_cola_mobile.jpg)
Explore Columbia
In Columbia, energy and innovation collide in ways that make it top-rated place to learn, work, live and play. Come visit the heart of South Carolina and see why there's no place we'd rather be!
Some college towns just shine brighter.
Columbia is nestled in the heart of South Carolina. The state's capital city, Columbia was founded in 1786. Not only is it home to the state's flagship university, it's the place to find the state's government, Fortune 500 companies, a thriving arts scene and more than 800,000 residents.
Whether you come for a day or weekend, there's always something to enjoy. Plan your trip around one of the area's popular events and festivals, explore a host of things to do any time of year or check our our Columbia business partners while you're in town. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, savor the Columbia food scene from slow-smoked barbecue joints to nationally lauded fine dining in every district of town. If your time allows, take a free tour of the South Carolina State House or explore Columbia's lively downtown areas using the easy, affordable Soda Cap Connector.
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Check out Tripadvisor's Best of Columbia for user-reviewed tips about can't miss things to do, see and, of course, eat.
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Plan a weekend with suggestions from Columbia SC's College Aficionados tour or check out more tailored trip ideas.
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Drop by One Columbia for arts-related events and search their public art directory for the Instagrammiest places in town.
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See what's happening on the ground in popular spots like the Main Street District, the Vista and Five Points.
![Car taillights streaming down the highway leading into the Columbia downtown skyline light up at night with glowing windows in the buildings.](/https/www.sc.edu/imgs/test/full_width_photo/background_110609_macstskyline_081_warm.jpg)
Y'all! In 2019, SmartAsset ranked Columbia, South Carolina, as the 4th most popular City Where Millennials are Moving. Not only that, Columbia's been named a top college town in the U.S. by livability.com.
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When we say you can pursue your passions here, we mean it. Whatever you’re into — from intellectual pursuits to physical fitness, community service to your favorite hobby — Columbia's got you covered.
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Nearest Airports to Campus
The closest airport to the University of South Carolina is the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), which is approximately 15-20 minutes (by car) from our campus. The Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is in Charlotte, NC and is approximately 1.5 hours (by car) from our campus.