This Hidden Gem in South Carolina Has Serene Nature Trails, a Swan Garden, and a Walkable Downtown—and It’s Just 1 Hour From Columbia

Sumter, South Carolina

• Book a stay at the 1912 Bed and Breakfast; with its original flooring and tile, cozy guest rooms, and hearty Southern breakfasts, it has a warm, personal touch.

• Visit Swan Lake Iris Gardens, the only public park in the U.S. that’s home to all eight species of swans.

• Relax at Palmetto Park, a local favorite with tennis courts, trails, a playground, and a splash pad for kids.

• Sip a pint at Sumter Original Brewery.

• Enjoy smoked brisket, wings, and an impressive bourbon selection at Sidebar.

South Carolina is known for its Southern hospitality, flavorful food, and a mix of both bustling cities and laid-back small towns. While iconic destinations like Charleston, Greenville, and Hilton Head Island often steal the spotlight, some of the state’s best experiences can be found just off the beaten path. Take Sumter, for example.

Just an hour from Columbia, Sumter blends history, nature, and community spirit in a way that feels refreshingly unpolished. Here, you’ll find peaceful gardens filled with swans, lively local festivals, family-friendly parks, and a downtown anchored by independent restaurants and even a rooftop brewery.

During a recent visit, what stood out to me the most was Sumter’s balance: mornings spent on scenic trails, afternoons exploring local shops, and evenings in a downtown that comes alive with food, music, and neighborly charm. It’s a place that feels both easygoing and full of surprises.

As local business owner Leah Macloskie of Leah’s Spa notes, the best experiences in Sumter come from venturing beyond the main streets to discover local restaurants and shops, so don’t be afraid to explore a little.

Here’s how to make the most of a trip to this under-the-radar South Carolina gem.

Where to Stay

Hyatt Place Sumter / Downtown

Modern, sleek, and centrally located, Hyatt Place is ideal if you want to be within walking distance of everything downtown. The spacious rooms, outdoor pool, and friendly staff make it a stress-free home base. Best of all, it’s right next door to Sumter Original Brewery, which means you can easily end your day with a rooftop drink.

1912 Bed and Breakfast

For something more intimate, 1912 Bed and Breakfast offers a cozy, historic stay. The home still features its original floors and tile, giving it tons of character, and the four guest rooms are uniquely styled. Each morning, you’ll be treated to a generous Southern breakfast. It’s the type of place where you’ll feel like a local rather than a visitor.

Things to Do

Spend time at Swan Lake Iris Gardens.

If you only do one thing in Sumter, make it a stroll through Swan Lake Iris Gardens. It’s the only public park in the country to feature all eight swan species, and they are truly breathtaking. The gardens are particularly magical in the spring, when thousands of irises bloom in shades of purple, pink, and white, transforming the space into a sea of color. But the peaceful trails, fountains, and sculptures also make it a spot worth visiting year-round. Bird-watchers will also enjoy the variety of species that stop here.

Stroll around Palmetto Park.

This is Sumter’s go-to community park and a favorite for families. There’s a playground, tennis courts, shady walking trails for casual strolls, and a splash pad for children to cool off on warm days. Pack a picnic, grab a book, or lace up your sneakers for a jog. The park is large enough to feel like a mini escape without leaving town.

Visit the Sumter Museum.

History lovers will appreciate this well-curated museum housed in a historic property. Exhibits cover the area’s cultural and agricultural past; it’s a great way to better understand the roots of Sumter while connecting with its heritage.

Catch a race at Sumter Speedway.

I grew up in the South with a family that loved racing, so the Sumter Speedway hits home. On race nights, the energy is contagious. It’s the kind of local experience that gives you a taste of small-town South Carolina at its most authentic.

Enjoy dining and shopping downtown.

One of my favorite parts of visiting Sumter is exploring its downtown. You’ll find everything from stylish clothing boutiques to local coffee shops here. Stop into a cafe for a treat, then head over to Sumter Original Brewery for rooftop views that stretch across the town. At night, the string-lit patios and lively restaurants give downtown an inviting, festive atmosphere.

Best Restaurants

Willie Sue’s

If you want a real taste of the South, Willie Sue’s will deliver. The menu features crowd-pleasing staples like shrimp and grits, fried pickles, and corn fritters, but the adventurous can try gator. The restaurant is casual but lively, making it an excellent choice for groups or families.

Brubaker’s Café and Bakery

Brubaker’s roasts its own coffee and bakes its goods from scratch. This small-town cafe is particularly famous for its cinnamon rolls—fluffy, sweet, and worth every bite.

Sidebar

Locals, including Macloskie, swear by Sidebar, and it’s easy to see why. Known for its smoked brisket, flavorful wings, and impressive bourbon selection, it’s a must for meat lovers. The vibe is laid-back and welcoming, with hearty plates that pair perfectly with a cold drink.

Sumter Original Brewery

Part brewery, part gathering place, this spot is more than just about the beer (although the craft brews are excellent). The multilevel space includes indoor seating, outdoor patios, and a rooftop bar with some of the best views in town. On weekends, you’ll often find live music or community events, which makes it the ideal place to mingle with locals while sipping a pint. It’s easily my favorite place to stop in Sumter.

Best Shopping

Silverpaper

One of my favorite places to shop in Sumter is Silverpaper, which carries a fantastic mix of jewelry, stylish clothing, specialty invitations, and so much more. It’s truly a one-stop shop—perfect for some retail therapy or finding a thoughtful gift for a friend or family member.

Naomi and Warner

Another excellent spot to browse in town is Naomi and Warner, where you’ll discover an array of home and kitchen essentials, from plates and vases to teacups and beyond. If you’re on the hunt for charming Southern-inspired home décor, this is the place to go.

Under the Cover

Book lovers won’t want to miss Under the Cover. This cozy bookstore offers a wide selection of novels, but my favorite part is they offer a drink menu—something you don’t see at many bookshops. They offer wine, mimosas, craft beer, and more. It’s a great spot to purchase your next read and settle in with a delicious drink while you dive into it.

Best Time to Visit

“Spring is my favorite time of year in Sumter because all of the flowers are blooming, and there are lots of good events during that time, one being the Iris Festival,” says Macloskie. The Iris Festival, held in May, is one of South Carolina’s oldest continuous festivals and a celebration of the famous Swan Lake Iris Gardens. I visited Sumter in the spring, so I can attest to the appeal of the season. The greenery was vibrant, flowers were in full bloom, and the temperatures were just right—the perfect window before South Carolina’s summer heat and humidity rolled in.

Fall is another lovely time to visit, with cooler temperatures and seasonal events like Oktoberfest, Sumter’s largest street party that brings downtown to life.

How to Get There

Sumter is about an hour’s drive from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), the closest major airport. CAE is served by American, Delta, United, Allegiant, and Spirit. Alternatively, you could turn your Sumter visit into more of a road trip, flying into either Charleston or Charlotte—both a few hours away—and exploring the small towns and points of interest along the way.

How to Get Around

The easiest way to get around Sumter is with your own vehicle. If you’re flying into the area, you can rent a car in Columbia, Charleston, or Charlotte. For those who’d rather not drive, the Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority (SWRTA) offers rides from Columbia to Sumter. Ride-share options like Lyft and Uber are also available.

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