Sumter, South Carolina
Sumter is a welcoming Southern city with a rich history, a strong military community, and plenty to keep you busy during downtime. Here are some of our favorites.
Sumter Original Brewery
A local craft brewery serving up creative beers in a relaxed, social setting. A great spot to unwind after a long week.
Willy Sue's
Southern comfort food done right — made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients. Don't miss the daily specials.
Palmetto Oyster House
Fresh seafood including oysters, shrimp, and crab. A Sumter staple for good reason.
The Hamptons
Fine dining featuring seasonal ingredients and thoughtfully crafted dishes — ideal for a special occasion or a night out.
Patriot Park
A family-friendly recreational park with playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas — a good spot to decompress on a free afternoon.
Swan Lake Iris Gardens
A stunning 150-acre park featuring the only public park in the U.S. to be home to all eight species of swans. The Japanese iris blooms in spring make it especially worth a visit.
Columbia, South Carolina
About 45 minutes from Shaw AFB, Columbia is the state capital and offers a much wider range of dining, entertainment, and culture. Worth the drive on a day off.
The South Carolina State House
A stunning neoclassical building open for guided tours. A great way to get a feel for South Carolina's history and politics.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Home to over 2,000 animals and a world-class botanical garden. One of the best zoos in the Southeast — genuinely worth a full day.
The Columbia Museum of Art
An impressive collection of American, European, and Asian art in a beautiful downtown space. Free on Sundays.
Congaree National Park
Old-growth bottomland hardwood forest with hiking trails and paddling routes. One of the most underrated national parks in the country.
The Vista
Columbia's historic warehouse district turned dining and entertainment hub. Great selection of restaurants, bars, and shops along the Congaree River.
Five Points
A lively neighborhood near the University of South Carolina with nightlife, bars, restaurants, and boutique shopping.
Lake Murray
A large reservoir just west of Columbia offering boating, fishing, swimming, and waterfront dining. A favorite local escape.