COLUMBIA, SC

Columbia is South Carolina’s capitol city and cultural hub.  Greater Columbia has over 583,000 people, over 600 restaurants, 8 major hospitals, and 5 huge shopping malls.  Columbia’s weather is great.  Average annual snowfall is less than 2-inches and rarely lasts a day.  Recreational opportunities, festivals, and other entertainment possibilities abound!

Columbia is located in the geographical center of South Carolina at the intersection of three major interstate highways: I-26, I-20 and I-77.  Columbia is 3 hours by car from the Grand Strand at Myrtle Beach, 2 hours from historic Charleston, and 3 hours from the scenic Smoky Mountains.

Informational Links for Columbia, South Carolina  [links open in new window]

• MidNet includes information from over 200 local nonprofit organizations and community groups.
• Columbia Action Council plans concerts, parades and other events. 
• Columbia Visitor & Convention Bureau is the official website of the City of Columbia, South Carolina.
• www.sc.gov, the official website of South Carolina, and includes information on Government, Education, Business, Health, Public Safety, Environment and Tourism.
• Yahoo! Columbia has a city guide and other info.  Over 130 other Yahoo links for Columbia are available.
• Columbia A to Z…enough said.
• Columbia Metropolitan Airport is serviced by six airlines.
• The State and Free Times are just two of Columbia’s newspapers.
• Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Columbia Museum of Art, the Criminal Justice Hall of Fame, and the South Carolina State Museum are a few of our attractions.
• South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra, the Columbia City Ballet, the Town Theatre, and a number of other venues provide local entertainment. The 3 Rivers Music Festival is awesome.
• Five Points is within walking distance of campus.  Five Points also is home to several restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
• Lake Murray, Sesquicentennial &  Dreher Island State Parks, and the Congaree Swamp National Monument are enjoyed by outdoors enthusiasts.
• Gamecocks and the Inferno are a couple of our local sports teams.
• Golf is popular and the links are great.

Free parking passes for the University of South Carolina campus are available at the USC Visitor’s Center.  Information for Prospective USC Students is also available.