Columbia, South Carolina event weekends: what to do between sessions
South Carolina's capital and university town, next to Fort Jackson, the Army's largest basic training post.
Events we cover in Columbia, South Carolina
Every ThuFort Jackson basic training graduation
Columbia, South Carolina, United StatesBoot camp14 May 2027*University of South Carolina Commencement
Columbia, South Carolina, United StatesGraduation
Columbia, South Carolina, United StatesBoot camp14 May 2027*University of South Carolina Commencement
Columbia, South Carolina, United StatesGraduation
Arriving
Columbia Metropolitan (CAE) is 15 minutes away; Charlotte (CLT) is 1.5 hours.
Where to stay
| 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
Tours
Where to eat
With kids
- EdVenture children's museum.
Rainy-day backups
- US Army Basic Combat Training Museum (on post).
- South Carolina State Museum.
Free things to do
- South Carolina State House.
- Three Rivers Greenway.
Getting around
- You need a car; post access needs ID and a vehicle check.