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BEST RATED COLUMBIA, SC LANDMARKS

3 Best Landmarks in Columbia, SC

Expert-recommended Top 3 Landmarks in Columbia, South Carolina. All of our landmarks actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

South Carolina State House - Columbia, SC Landmarks - Outdoor Experience Image
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Best Landmarks in Columbia SC - South Carolina State House video
10+ YEARS IN TBR
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SOUTH CAROLINA STATE HOUSE

(5.0 Score)
1100 Gervais Street,
Columbia, SC 29208 Directions

Since 1855

Specialty:

✓Guided Tours ✓Self-guided Tours ✓Educational Tours ✓Historical Tours ✓Architecture Tours ✓State Government ✓Legislative Chambers ✓Visitor Information

“ South Carolina State House is often called the "People's House" as it stands as a part of government. The house is the seat of South Carolina state government and houses the Senate and House of Representatives chambers, the Governor's Office, and the Lieutenant Governor's Office. The historic building offers Guided tours. Each tour is preceded by the viewing of a 15-minute DVD on the history and architecture of the State House, and for group tours, reservations are required. They also welcome Walk-in tours. ”

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License #70000598

Price:

Admission Free

Contact:

(803) 734-2430 (803) 734-5049

Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat: 10am - 4pm
Sun: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

Robert Mills House and Gardens - Columbia, SC Landmarks - Outdoor Experience Image
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9+ YEARS IN TBR
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ROBERT MILLS HOUSE AND GARDENS

(4.9 Score)
1616 Blanding Street,
Columbia, SC 29201 Directions

Since 1823

Specialty:

✓Historic House Tours ✓Guided Tours ✓Garden Tours ✓Educational Tours ✓Historical Interpretation ✓Gift Shop ✓Garden Visits ✓Private Group Tours ✓Venue Rentals ✓House Museums ✓Revival Mansion ✓Galleries ✓Period Rooms ✓Canopy Trees ✓Tour Tickets ✓Prominent Buildings ✓Membership Programs ✓Historic Columbia Rental ✓Gift Membership ✓Networking Opportunities

" Robert Mills House and Gardens was built in the 1820s in Columbia, South Carolina, and features period rooms and focused galleries highlighting the late 18th through mid-19th centuries. The museum showcases naval aviation and World War II history exhibits, aiming to establish and maintain a museum of national and international significance. The museum seeks to gain national and international recognition while educating individuals of all ages. During World War II, the museum served as one of the 257 air stations that trained specialists in TBM and TBF Avenger aircraft. Robert Mills House and Gardens grounds include a self-sufficient butterfly garden and a Flight 19 memorial. Here, the gardens are free for the public.

2026 Highlights: Robert Mills House and Gardens was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973. The museum offers guided tours that last approximately 60 minutes. "

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License #70000595

Price:

Membership
Individual $50
Household $75
Friend $125
Advocate $250
Steward $500
Benefactor $1,000
Sustaining $2,500

Discount:

30% Off on books from USC Press for members

Contact:

(803) 252-1770 (803) 252-7742

Mon-Sat: 10am - 4pm
Sun: 1pm - 4pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens - Columbia, SC Landmarks - Outdoor Experience Image
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9+ YEARS IN TBR
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HAMPTON-PRESTON MANSION AND GARDENS

(4.9 Score)
1615 Blanding Street,
Columbia, SC 29201 Directions

Since 1818

Specialty:

✓Arboretum ✓Guided Tours ✓Gazebo Space ✓Native and Exotic Plantings ✓Historic House Tours ✓Fountain Garden ✓Private Lounge ✓Educational Tours ✓Horticultural Center ✓Group Tours ✓Water Fountains ✓Event Venue Rentals ✓School Tours ✓Renovated Basement Area ✓Garden Visits ✓Wedding Venue ✓Paved Walking Paths ✓Historical Interpretation ✓Photography Sessions

" Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens offers insight into the lives of enslaved workers and their affluent planter-class owners. The mansion was constructed by a wealthy Columbia merchant named Ainsley Hall and his wife, Sarah, who briefly lived there until Ainsley sold it to Wade Hampton, one of the wealthiest planters in the South, in 1823. Over the next half-century, the estate expanded to become the grandest residence of the Hampton and Preston families, who owned and enslaved numerous individuals. The mansion operates as a historic house museum where visitors learn about the experiences of all the people who lived and worked at the site during its 200-year history. In the century following the Civil War, the mansion and its famous gardens served many different owners, including colleges and a tourist home. The four-acre grounds surrounding the Mansion were designed to signal the extensive wealth and influence of the Hampton and Preston families.

2026 Highlights: Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens offers venue rentals for various events. "

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License #69000172

Price:

House Museum or Walking Tour per Person $15
Bus Tour (Flat Rate) $225
For Groups Smaller than 10
Flat Rate per Tour $150

Discount:

30% off on books from USC Press for members

Contact:

(803) 252-7742 803-252-1770

Mon-Sat: 10am - 4pm
Sun: 1pm - 4pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

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SOUTH CAROLINA STATE HOUSE REVIEWS

Fantastic place to visit! Phenomenal part of history, the tour guide was great- 30minute complimentary information guide and a mini video in the beginning. There’s a debate if it’s a lion or dragon, let me know what you see.

Was in town yesterday, and I stopped in for a free guided tour. Started with a very informative, well narrated movie, and then a guided tour of the building, and House Chamber. Saw Sword of State. Senate was closed, so didn't see the Mace. But the tour guide was wonderful, and the 6 stars on the outside of the building, where the cannon balls hit it was interesting to learn about. Tour was packed with facts, but it flowed well. Didn't drag at all. Recommended for history buffs.

My first state house visit and my brother's 5th. He said this was the nicest one he has been in. The grounds were very nice also. Nice gift shop in there. I learned that each capitol has a Liberty Bell replica that us numbered.

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ROBERT MILLS HOUSE AND GARDENS REVIEWS

Very beautiful house! Classic example of architecture from famous architect, Robert Mills. He believes in absolute balance of features even if it meant adding a door with just bricks behind it! My tour guide, Margie, was excellent! The gardens are also spectacular! The roses in particular are thoughtfully chosen. Old roses from that time period that flourish in a warm climate; noisettes, chinas, teas. Some were classics like Old Blush and some were rare and unique. Altogether, an amazing experience.

Informative tour with a knowledgeable guide (all of the staff I interacted with were wonderful) and good interpretive signage inside and out. The garden is beautiful and well kept.

I actually took the tour for this one and my tour guide was the best. I ended up being the only one on the tour, but he was very knowledgeable and great to talk to.

HAMPTON-PRESTON MANSION AND GARDENS REVIEWS

This is my favorite of the four Historic Columbia House Tours. It's the biggest, grandest house with the most beautiful gardens, I really enjoyed my tour. My volunteer guide was super chatty and fun, I liked her a lot! Make sure to walk around the gardens and read all the signs. The memorial pavilion to the right is really cool. All tours start at the Robert Mills gift shop, and then you walk across the street.

What I love abt Columbia is its true old school charm with some of their buildings. This place has beautiful gardens to stroll through, take a picnic or just sit and enjoy the scenery. I went for a festival and it was the perfect backdrop for the event.

The gardens are beautiful. The fountain and the arch ways give a beautiful view. And look for dates open free for walking gardens.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE HOUSE Total Inspection Points: 119/120
Current Evaluation: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Copyright & License: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Online Chat: 10
Pricing: 10
Video: 10
Website Source: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

ROBERT MILLS HOUSE AND GARDENS Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Current Evaluation: 9
Business Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Copyright & License: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Pricing: 10
Real Discounts: 10
Video: 10
Website Source: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

HAMPTON-PRESTON MANSION AND GARDENS Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Current Evaluation: 9
Reviews Study: 9
Business Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Copyright & License: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Real Discounts: 10