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Columbia SC / Fort Jackson - Travel tips needed.
Posted on 6/11/26 at 7:14 pm
Posted on 6/11/26 at 7:14 pm
Hopefully going to see someone graduate US Army boot camp in July. Planning on spending an extra few days and was wondering where the best area to rent an Airbnb would be. Will be flying in and have a rental.
Is there a safe downtown area or is the Lake too far from the base etc.
We are already planning on going to Congaree NP. Are there any other sites to visit or things to do that should be missed while in that area.
Any restaurant or food suggestions would also be appreciated
Is there a safe downtown area or is the Lake too far from the base etc.
We are already planning on going to Congaree NP. Are there any other sites to visit or things to do that should be missed while in that area.
Any restaurant or food suggestions would also be appreciated
Posted on 6/11/26 at 7:38 pm to Crow Pie
When I spend a few days in that area I spend them in Charleston. That is what we do when LSU plays South Carolina. We stay in Charleston and commute.
Nothing against Columbia but Charleston is a much better vacation destination with things to do and plenty of good restaurants.
Nothing against Columbia but Charleston is a much better vacation destination with things to do and plenty of good restaurants.
Posted on 6/12/26 at 4:55 pm to geauxpurple
quote:Yes Charleston is a nice spot but we want to be close to the base because we do not know the visitation schedule other than Family Day and Graduation are on Wed/Thu.
Nothing against Columbia but Charleston is a much better vacation destination with things to do and plenty of good restaurants.
I just dont want to rent an AirBnb in a bad area.
Posted on 6/12/26 at 7:43 pm to Crow Pie
The Vista in Columbia is what you seek. Lots of good restaurants and several hotels.
Posted on 6/12/26 at 7:50 pm to weagle1999
quote:Thank you. That is exactly what I was looking for.
The Vista in Columbia is what you seek. Lots of good restaurants and several hotels.
Posted on 6/12/26 at 8:30 pm to Crow Pie
If you pass by Alpha 1-34 tell them to suck my balls.
Posted on 6/12/26 at 10:12 pm to Crow Pie
quote:
Congaree NP
In July? Be prepared to sweat off 10 pounds or more.
Posted on 6/13/26 at 9:26 am to PJinAtl
quote:
In July?
My thoughts exactly. It’s a swamp, which is beautiful, but there’s no breeze in there.
Definitely try the state museum to cool off during the day, and Riverbanks Zoo is really nice.
Posted on 6/13/26 at 9:41 am to Crow Pie
quote:
AirBnb in a bad area.
Stay at a Marriott.
Assuming it's not your kid, tell the parents to rent an inexpensive hotel room for the graduate, so they don't have to stay on base and can "have a few friends over" after graduation.
Posted on 6/13/26 at 3:12 pm to Crow Pie
Downtown Columbia has a fair amount of vagrants. I’ve never felt unsafe but I’ve had to tell multiple people to bug off.
The hotel situation in Columbia sucks. Happy to be proven wrong but I’ve yet to find a good place. I’ve stayed at the Graduate once. It is fine. I’ve stayed at the Marriott multiple times. Probably the worst actual Marriott I’ve ever stayed at. Have ended up staying at the Sheraton as of late. It’s okay.
I like Bourbon a lot. I’ve had good meals at Saluda and Tupelo Honey. Halls is a solid steakhouse. Avoid Market on Main.
The hotel situation in Columbia sucks. Happy to be proven wrong but I’ve yet to find a good place. I’ve stayed at the Graduate once. It is fine. I’ve stayed at the Marriott multiple times. Probably the worst actual Marriott I’ve ever stayed at. Have ended up staying at the Sheraton as of late. It’s okay.
I like Bourbon a lot. I’ve had good meals at Saluda and Tupelo Honey. Halls is a solid steakhouse. Avoid Market on Main.
Posted on 6/16/26 at 2:49 pm to dirtsandwich
I live in Columbia and near Ft Jackson in the Forest Acres area. It's a great place to live, but hotel situation near the fort isn't great. I would recommend staying in the Vista - there's a Hyatt on Gervais that's nice and a Hilton (along with several others). I can make some food recommendations if you'd like.
It's oppreisvely hot in July, but if you are looking for an activity - floating the congaree is great (water is cold as it comes from the bottom of Lake Murray).
I have lived in Charleston and Columbia, Columbia is a better place to live (considering COL) but Charleston is definitely a better visit.
It's oppreisvely hot in July, but if you are looking for an activity - floating the congaree is great (water is cold as it comes from the bottom of Lake Murray).
I have lived in Charleston and Columbia, Columbia is a better place to live (considering COL) but Charleston is definitely a better visit.
This post was edited on 6/16/26 at 2:51 pm
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