Fort Jackson basic training graduation graduation: family guide to Columbia, South Carolina

Every Thursday, all yearColumbia, South Carolina, United States

Every week, families fly to Columbia, South Carolina for Fort Jackson basic training graduation, often with two days and no plan. This guide covers base access basics, where to stay, what to do after the ceremony and the area if your recruit has to stay close.

Tours in Columbia, South Carolina Hotels

Know before you go

Family Day is usually on Wednesday and graduation on Thursday.
Bring a REAL ID-compliant photo ID and check the base visitor rules: everyone in the car is screened.
Hotels near the base fill on graduation weeks. Book as soon as your recruit's graduation date is confirmed.

Airport to Hilton Field, Fort Jackson

Columbia Metropolitan (CAE) is 15 minutes away; Charlotte (CLT) is 1.5 hours.

Gate 2 off I-77 is the usual visitor entrance.

Public transport directions to Hilton Field, Fort Jackson

Where to stay by budget

Budget	Where	Why
Budget	Fort Jackson Boulevard chains	Closest to the post.
Mid-range	The Vista	Restaurants and bars.
Splurge	Downtown boutique hotels	Near the State House.

Three hotels we would book

Budget: Hampton Inn Columbia I-20 Fort Jackson
Mid-range: Graduate Columbia
Splurge: Hotel Trundle

Event weekends sell out early and prices rise as the date gets closer: book a cancellable room as soon as you know you are going.

Day plans for the free hours

Built around the usual graduation weekend schedule. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.

Family Day (the day before graduation)

Wednesday

Most branches hold a family event the day before: a short ceremony, then time with your recruit on base. Check your unit's schedule.

FreeSouth Carolina State House.
EatMain Street Columbia Restaurants

Graduation day

Thursday

The ceremony is in the morning. Many graduates leave the base with family right after.

Easy outingCongaree National Park Half day · Family
Boardwalk through old-growth forest.
EatSoda City Market Saturday market

The day after

Friday

If your graduate has leave, take a full day out. If not, see the area on your own.

Half-dayRiverbanks Zoo Half day · Family
One of the best zoos in the Southeast.
Family pickLake Murray boat rental Half day · Family
Swimming and boating.

Arriving early

Flights and hotels near bases fill up. Arriving a day early gives you a free day.

Full dayCharleston day trip Full day · Food
2 hours away.
Rain or heat backupUS Army Basic Combat Training Museum (on post).

Family-friendly picks

Half day · Family

Congaree National Park

Boardwalk through old-growth forest.

See times and prices

Half day · Family

Riverbanks Zoo

One of the best zoos in the Southeast.

See times and prices

Half day · Family

Lake Murray boat rental

Swimming and boating.

See times and prices

EdVenture children's museum.

Evening and day-trip tours

Full day · Food

Charleston day trip

2 hours away.

See times and prices

After dark

Five Points.

4 tours worth booking for Fort Jackson

Tour	Length	Good for
Congaree National Park	Half day	Families
Riverbanks Zoo	Half day	Families
Lake Murray boat rental	Half day	Families
Charleston day trip	Full day	Food lovers

Event weeks sell out. Book tours with free cancellation as soon as the session times are published.

Where to eat

Main Street Columbia Restaurants
Soda City Market Saturday market

Reserve dinner for the nights around the event: restaurants near the venue fill up days ahead.

Rainy-day backups

US Army Basic Combat Training Museum (on post).
South Carolina State Museum.

Getting around on event days

You need a car; post access needs ID and a vehicle check.

Day trips from Columbia, South Carolina

Charleston: 2 hours
Lake Murray: 30 minutes

Bringing a group?

Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Fort Jackson.

Plan a group trip

Questions people ask

When is Fort Jackson basic training graduation?

Fort Jackson basic training graduation takes place every thursday throughout the year.

How do I get from the airport to Hilton Field, Fort Jackson?

Columbia Metropolitan (CAE) is 15 minutes away; Charlotte (CLT) is 1.5 hours. Gate 2 off I-77 is the usual visitor entrance.

Where should I stay for Fort Jackson basic training graduation?

For most visitors the best base is The Vista: Restaurants and bars.

What else can we do around Fort Jackson basic training graduation?

Good short outings in Columbia, South Carolina include Congaree National Park, Riverbanks Zoo, Lake Murray boat rental. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

What is there for kids and families near Fort Jackson basic training graduation?

Family-friendly picks: Congaree National Park, Riverbanks Zoo, Lake Murray boat rental. EdVenture children's museum.

How far is Hilton Field, Fort Jackson from Columbia, South Carolina centre?

About 13 km in a straight line. Gate 2 off I-77 is the usual visitor entrance.

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Everything we cover in Columbia, South Carolina