Charter bus tours in Columbia, South Carolina give you a great way to explore the city’s entertainment scene. You can enjoy stunning skyline views or immerse yourself in cultural activities.
Downtown Columbia’s bar scene features trendy spots like Hendrix and new additions like The Moxy, which sits opposite the State House. These venues serve signature cocktails against the city’s spectacular skyline backdrop. Black Rooster, one of Columbia’s rooftop restaurants, combines beautiful views of downtown and the Congaree River with delicious Italian dishes.
Your group can explore these destinations stress-free with a Columbia charter bus rental. While your driver handles the navigation, you can naturally move between venues. Visit Savage Craft Ale Works’ unique setting, enjoy Hunter-Gatherers observation deck where you can watch planes take off, and explore the city’s cultural attractions.
Best Rooftop Bars for a Night Out
Columbia’s skyline turns into a dazzling spectacle as darkness falls. The city’s rooftop bars give you the perfect vantage points to take in these views with creative cocktails and lively atmospheres.
Hendrix: Trendy Vibes And Skyline Views
Hendrix has become one of Columbia’s most popular rooftop spots at 1649 Main Street. The third-floor rooftop rewards visitors with stunning views of downtown Columbia.
The bright, welcoming space features cozy cushioned chairs around tables with umbrellas that complement the city views. The upstairs menu offers a selection of small plates until 10PM, though the full restaurant menu stays downstairs.
The bar’s “Instagram-worthy views” blend perfectly with their craft cocktails. Their signature ‘Hi and Mighty’ deserves a try – it combines house-infused hibiscus vodka, Cocchi Americano, St. Germain, fresh lime, and soda. The rooftop seating works on a first-come basis, so early arrival is best.
The Moxy: Lively Crowd And Downtown Energy
The Moxy stands as the newest gem in Columbia’s rooftop collection, showcasing spectacular views across from the South Carolina State House. Guests often call this downtown hotel’s rooftop lounge “amazing” – so captivating that many “didn’t even want to leave the hotel”.
Located at 1200 Main Street, the hotel puts guests steps away from the Vista, USC campus, and the Soda City market just a block away. The first floor houses a unique food truck serving massive burritos that guests say will be “the only meal you will eat that day”.
Sheraton Rooftop: Classic Cocktails With a View
The Sheraton rooftop claims the title of “area’s highest rooftop bar” from its perch atop the city’s oldest high-rise. Guests can enjoy sunset views over Columbia with refreshing drinks daily from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
A Columbia charter bus rental makes exploring these rooftop venues simple. Your group can enjoy cocktails at all three locations without worrying about parking or choosing a designated driver. The bus drops everyone right at each destination, letting the group focus on Columbia’s spectacular skyline rather than navigation details.
Relaxing Spots for a Chill Evening
You might need a more relaxed atmosphere away from downtown’s buzz. Columbia provides perfect retreats where you can unwind and enjoy great views with refreshments.
Savage Craft Ale Works: Local Brews And Casual Rooftop
This veteran-owned spot in West Columbia has turned a historic building into the area’s most distinctive hangout. Savage Craft’s home in the old Brookland Fire Station and City Hall features three unique areas: a jailhouse taproom, outdoor beer garden, and a standout rooftop bar with views of West Columbia. The brewery makes unique and refreshing beers that include IPAs, pilsners, and sours. Their food goes beyond typical brewery offerings, Savage Craft’s burger ranks among Columbia’s best. The rooftop creates a German Biergarten atmosphere, with oversized fans that keep the space cool even during hot evenings.
Black Rooster: Italian Bites And River Views
Black Rooster changed its French focus to Italian cuisine in early 2024. The restaurant sits just across the Congaree River and gives guests spectacular views of downtown’s skyline and waterways. Black Rooster’s name and physical aesthetic remain unchanged despite its new culinary direction. Chef Kristian Niemi’s team has created an Italian menu with classic favorites like spaghetti and meatballs and dishes that showcase regional Italian cuisine. Guests can enjoy Columbia’s best skyline views from the upstairs rooftop bar, and fire pits add warmth as darkness falls.
Hunter-Gatherer Hangar: Planes, Pizza, And Peace
Hunter-Gatherer’s second brewery sits in a historic 1929 airplane hangar at Owens Field. The hangar’s original flight observation platform now serves as a unique rooftop patio. Guests can watch hobby planes and private jets take off while enjoying house-brewed craft beers. The kitchen makes what many call Columbia’s best pizzas, with gluten-free and vegan choices available. Bar snacks round out the menu with hummus, beer cheese and pretzels, and nachos.
A Columbia charter bus rental makes traveling between these spots easy. Your group can enjoy craft beers and stunning views without transportation worries, the bus takes you right to each spot while keeping everyone together.
Cultural Stops for the Curious Mind
Columbia’s nightlife and relaxing spots are great, but the city’s cultural treasures will captivate anyone with a curious mind. These cultural spots make the perfect daytime activities before your evening fun begins.
Columbia Museum of Art
The nationally recognized museum sits right in the middle of Main Street and serves as downtown’s cultural pulse. Look up when you walk in to see Dale Chihuly’s beautiful glass chandelier. With 27 galleries, this museum stands as South Carolina’s only international art museum.
The CMA’s collection spans across centuries and continents. You’ll find Italian Renaissance masterpieces, Baroque treasures, and modern works. The collection features amazing pieces like Sandro Botticelli’s Nativity, Claude Monet’s The Seine at Giverny, and contemporary installations. The museum arranges exhibits by theme instead of era, so you can see how artistic ideas have changed over time.
South Carolina State Museum
Four floors of amazing exhibits fill this impressive building with art, cultural history, natural history, and science technology. You’ll see everything from prehistoric fossils to Revolutionary War artifacts as you walk through.
“Finn,” the giant prehistoric megalodon shark replica, dominates the natural history section and leaves visitors in awe. The museum shows off South Carolina’s rich heritage in one convenient location. The collection has over 1.1 million objects, specimens, and artifacts.
Historic Main Street District
Downtown Columbia’s heart beats in the 36-block Main Street District. This walkable area shows off beautiful architecture, cultural venues, and hosts popular events like the Soda City Market every Saturday morning.
A Columbia charter bus rental makes exploring these cultural spots easy. Your group can visit all these places without worrying about parking. You can see all three venues and check out nearby downtown Columbia bars in one day. While your driver handles the roads, you can focus on Columbia’s cultural gems – from Renaissance masterpieces to prehistoric fossils to historic architecture – each offering unique views of the Columbia skyline.
Hidden Gems for Unique Experiences
Columbia has magical experiences hiding in plain sight that wait for curious visitors to find their unique charm. These hidden spots give unforgettable moments away from common tourist destinations.
Stone River: Event Space With Skyline Backdrop
Stone River sits on the banks of the Congaree River and provides a stunning setting with an unmatched view of Columbia’s skyline. This versatile venue showcases a covered wrap-around porch, stone fireplace, and beautiful built-in bar. We hosted weddings and special events here, and visitors love the spectacular sunset views over the river. One guest noted, “The views of the river are spectacular” while another mentioned, “The location was perfect… the sunset pictures were wonderful.” The venue’s neutral colors let the riverside setting’s natural beauty shine.
The Vault Martini Bar: Speakeasy-Style Rooftop
The Vault sits inside the Sheraton on Main Street and gives downtown visitors a unique experience. The cozy bar stays true to its name with an actual massive vintage bank vault door in its design. Visitors describe the intimate space as having a “timeless, private underground feel.” The connected rooftop lounge sits 15 stories above Main Street and holds the title of South Carolina’s highest watering hole.
The One at Moxy Hotel: Art Deco Meets Modern Lounge
The One lives in the historic, art deco “Number One Main” building as Columbia’s newest upscale lounge. This rooftop venue at 1400 Main Street blends elegant design elements with modern amenities. The One’s distinctive art deco style makes it stand out from other rooftop spots in the city.
A Columbia charter bus rental helps groups explore these hidden gems without transportation worries. Groups can move smoothly between venues while taking in Columbia’s distinctive skyline from different spots, creating their own tour of the city’s exclusive viewpoints.
Conclusion
Columbia has something special for everyone’s priorities. You’ll find vibrant rooftop bars with amazing skyline views, relaxed spots for quiet evenings, enriching cultural spots, and hidden gems with unique character. This city never fails to create unforgettable moments.
The mix of energetic spots like Hendrix and The Moxy among peaceful hideaways like Savage Craft Ale Works and Black Rooster shows Columbia’s amazing range. The Columbia Museum of Art and South Carolina State Museum add cultural depth during the day before you head out for nighttime fun.
Charter bus rentals will revolutionize your city exploration. Your group can stay together and forget about parking hassles, navigation, or picking designated drivers. These convenient rides let everyone enjoy Columbia’s signature cocktails, craft beers, and beautiful views stress-free. Your professional driver takes care of all the details while the bus drops you right at each spot.
This piece shows many great locations, but Columbia has many more hidden treasures you can find. The historic Main Street District and riverfront views capture the city’s spirit, and each location gives you a fresh point of view of this vibrant Southern city. You might end up creating your own perfect Columbia plan based on what matters most to you.
Columbia stands out because it knows how to surprise visitors with unexpected treats around every corner. When you plan your next group trip, think about how a chartered bus tour could help you experience Columbia’s full range – from museums to rooftop bars and everything in between.
FAQs
Q1. What are some of the best rooftop bars in Columbia, SC?
Some popular rooftop bars in Columbia include Hendrix, known for its trendy vibes and skyline views, The Moxy, which offers a lively atmosphere near the State House, and the Sheraton Rooftop, which boasts classic cocktails and the highest vantage point in the city.
Q2. Are there any relaxing spots for a chill evening in Columbia?
Yes, Columbia offers several relaxing venues for a laid-back evening. Savage Craft Ale Works features a casual rooftop and local brews, Black Rooster provides Italian cuisine with river views, and Hunter-Gatherer Hangar offers a unique experience with craft beers and pizza while watching planes take off.
Q3. What cultural attractions can I visit in Columbia?
Columbia has rich cultural offerings, including the Columbia Museum of Art, which houses an impressive international art collection, the South Carolina State Museum with exhibits on art, history, and science, and the Historic Main Street District, featuring stunning architecture and popular events like the Soda City Market.
Q4. Are there any hidden gems or unique experiences in Columbia?
Columbia has several unique venues, such as Stone River, an event space with a stunning skyline backdrop, The Vault Martini Bar, a speakeasy-style rooftop bar, and The One at Moxy Hotel, which combines art deco esthetics with a modern lounge atmosphere.
Q5. How can I best explore Columbia’s diverse attractions?
A convenient way to explore Columbia’s diverse attractions is by using a charter bus rental. This option allows groups to visit multiple locations without worrying about parking or designating a driver, making it easier to enjoy the city’s rooftop bars, cultural sites, and hidden gems in one seamless experience.