Page 1
Page 1
Started By
Message

Columbia SC / Fort Jackson - Travel tips needed.

Posted on 6/11/26 at 7:14 pm
Posted by Crow Pie
Neuro ICU - Tulane Med Center
Member since Feb 2010
27862 posts
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
Posted by geauxpurple
New Orleans
Member since Jul 2014
17478 posts
Posted on 6/11/26 at 7:38 pm to
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.
Posted by Crow Pie
Neuro ICU - Tulane Med Center
Member since Feb 2010
27862 posts
Posted on 6/12/26 at 4:55 pm to
quote:

Nothing against Columbia but Charleston is a much better vacation destination with things to do and plenty of good restaurants.
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.

I just dont want to rent an AirBnb in a bad area.
Posted by weagle1999
Member since May 2025
3197 posts
Posted on 6/12/26 at 7:43 pm to
The Vista in Columbia is what you seek. Lots of good restaurants and several hotels.
Posted by Crow Pie
Neuro ICU - Tulane Med Center
Member since Feb 2010
27862 posts
Posted on 6/12/26 at 7:50 pm to
quote:

The Vista in Columbia is what you seek. Lots of good restaurants and several hotels.
Thank you. That is exactly what I was looking for.
Posted by OliverTwist225
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2021
782 posts
Posted on 6/12/26 at 8:30 pm to
If you pass by Alpha 1-34 tell them to suck my balls.
Posted by PJinAtl
Atlanta
Member since Nov 2007
14551 posts
Posted on 6/12/26 at 10:12 pm to
quote:

Congaree NP

In July? Be prepared to sweat off 10 pounds or more.
Posted by onthebay
SC Lowcountry
Member since Aug 2020
208 posts
Posted on 6/13/26 at 9:26 am to
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 by LemmyLives
Texas
Member since Mar 2019
16633 posts
Posted on 6/13/26 at 9:41 am to
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 by dirtsandwich
AL
Member since May 2016
7241 posts
Posted on 6/13/26 at 3:12 pm to
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.
Posted by CidCock
Member since Sep 2007
Member since Feb 2011
8694 posts
Posted on 6/16/26 at 2:49 pm to
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.
This post was edited on 6/16/26 at 2:51 pm
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 1Next pagelast page
refresh

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookXInstagram