If you’re considering a trip to South Carolina, you’re in for an epic adventure. The state has many attractions, dining experiences, and shopping opportunities. To help prepare you for this journey, we’ve created a two-day South Carolina itinerary that starts in Columbia.
Consider renting an RV when visiting South Carolina. An RV provides a place to stay and transportation for your trip. In the evenings, you can bond with your group around your campfire rather than staying in a stagnant hotel room. You will have the option to prepare meals in your RV’s kitchen when you don’t feel like going out to dine. This is also important in saving money on accommodations, and it frees you up to come and go as you please.
Search RV rentals in the Columbia area.
Preparing for Your South Carolina RV Trip
Your first task is to reserve your RV rental. On RVshare, you’ll find Class A and C motorhomes with plenty of room for families and groups. Class B campervans offer a more maneuverable option and are a solid choice for couples planning a romantic experience. For those with an SUV or truck, travel trailers provide accommodations you can leave behind when you head out to explore the state.
Reserve the best RV for your trip using RVshare’s these helpful guides.
• Select the Best RV Size
• Mistakes to Avoid When Renting an RV
• RV Delivery and Setup
Once you’ve confirmed your RV, the next step is to reserve a camping spot. Top campgrounds near Columbia include Carolina Adventure World, Broad River Campground and RV Park, and River Bottom Farms Family Campground. When choosing, consider amenities important to your group, such as access to watersports and whether the campground has activities for kids.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Columbia.
Day 1: A Day in Columbia
Morning: Majestic Wildlife and Pristine Gardens
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden boasts diverse animal exhibits, from majestic lions to playful penguins. You can also wander through the botanical garden or take a scenic train ride.
Lunch: Blue Marlin
Located in the vibrant downtown area of Columbia, Blue Marlin is renowned for its traditional Southern seafood with a twist. Highlights on the menu include grilled catfish with grits and the low-country shrimp Creole.
Afternoon: See Contemporary Art
The Columbia Museum of Art features modern art exhibits and displays, and guests can participate in a guided tour of the museum. It also offers events like the Baker and Baker Series, Jazz at the CMA, and More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series.
Setting Up Camp
After the museum, it is time to go to your campground. Check-in with the host, who will give you a parking permit and direct you to your site. Next, you will have to level and hook up your RV. Alternatively, if you opt for delivery and setup service, your accommodations will be ready to use upon arrival.
Dinner: Dine-In or Enjoy a Meal at Smoked
You can relax at your campsite and use your RV’s kitchen to prepare a meal. However, if you get a second wind, consider heading to Smoked in Columbia’s Historic Main Street District. Their main courses include wet-aged ribeye, pistachio-crusted halibut, prime filet mignon, and Australian wagyu.
Day 2: Exploring What Florence Has to Offer
Morning: Florence County Museum
For a cultural morning activity, visit the Florence County Museum. Open Tuesday through Saturday, this venue offers a range of exhibits showcasing local history, art, and science. Your group can explore collections featuring Native American artifacts, Civil War memorabilia, and works by regional artists.
Lunch: Lunch at Victors
Located inside Hotel Florence, Victors is run by a husband and wife team who opened the establishment in 2003. Their exceptional menu selections include grilled salmon, Angus tenderloin kabob, vegetarian orzo, and seared tuna.
Afternoon: City of Florence Trail System
Exploring the City of Florence Trail System is a fantastic outdoor activity. The paths have charming pedestrian bridges over streams, and the Dargan Street Trail takes you through historic downtown Florence.
Evening: The Florence Center
The Florence Center offers a dynamic schedule that ensures something exciting happens nearly every night of the year. The 10,000-seat arena hosts concerts, sporting events, and comedy shows.
Day 3 and Beyond in South Carolina
South Carolina has so many wondrous attractions, views, and entertainment opportunities that you may need more than two days. If you decide to extend your trip, here are a few recommendations from the locals:
• Sequicentennial State Park is about 13 miles from Columbia and offers a plentiful selection of outdoor activities, including hiking, and is pet-friendly.
• Huntington Beach State Park requires a drive to the coast, but locals say it offers the best surf fishing in the state. You can also spend the day relaxing on the beach or explore trails that wind through a coastal forest and salt marshes.
Summer Activities
Summer festivals are abundant in South Carolina. The Columbia Food and Wine Festival, held annually in late April, is a five-day culinary extravaganza showcasing the Midlands’ vibrant food scene at various sites in the city. Alternatively, the Rosewood Crawfish Festival kicks off at the State Fairgrounds in May and features live music, arts and crafts, and 10,000 pounds of crawfish.
Indoor Activities
When the weather does not cooperate with your outdoor plans, the South Carolina State Museum is an excellent alternative. You can explore exhibits about natural history, and there is also a planetarium. If you are looking for something more active, The Final Door features escape rooms like Down The Rabbit Hole and The Vampyr.
The Palmetto State awaits, and with an RV rental, you’ll have a cozy home base and the freedom to explore. Spend two days in South Carolina to dive into extraordinary experiences and make unforgettable memories.
