Pick up your rental car from a Hertz location in Columbia, South Carolina, including the Columbia Metropolitan Airport and explore this Southern hotspot. Steeped in rich history and culture, it calls to tourists with itsheritage-filled neighbourhoods, beautiful parks, world-class museums and plenty of fun outdoor adventures.
Columbia has been known as South Carolina's capital city since 1786. Physically and culturally transformed by the Civil War, it is now fuelled by technology, with pharmaceutical and manufacturing companies taking top spot in the city’s economic echelon. Travelling Columbia by rental car is the favoured way of exploration, due to its compact and easy navigable streets.
Take your car hire to Columbia’s South Carolina Statehouse. One of the most visited tourist attractions in the state, this highly regarded design work of John Niernsee was built in the post-Civil War reconstruction era. A majestic relic of Greek Revival Architecture, it towers above the city with a patinated copper dome. Tourists can explore the capitol grounds and understand the complex state history. There are many significant monuments here, from the Revolutionary War Generals Monument, American-Mexican War Monument, to the Confederate Monument. Tours are free and take visitors through the impressive inner corridors of the building and allow one to peek into the state senate and house chambers.
Pick up your car rental from Columbia Metropolitan Airport and travel down to Riverbanks. This 170-acre zoo and garden is home to more than 2000 animals, both large and small. Especially well suited for family outings, this attraction is a two-time recipient of the Governor's Cup Award for South Carolina's most outstanding tourist attraction. The layout of the zoo is thorough and fascinating. With areas like the reptile house, bird complex and petting zoo, it is possible for visitors to get up close and personal with the various species. Animal feeding is also available so little ones can try their hand at feeding the friendly giraffes and more.
Travel in your car hire to Columbia’s historic Waverly district. Known as Columbia's first suburb, it is a diverse enclave with much black artistry and craftwork. There are also two widely acclaimed historically black colleges that provided higher education during the time of segregation in the South. This tour can be self guided and done on foot, or for those who prioritise comfort, can travel around in their car rental to explore this unique part of Columbia.
A historic home open for public viewing is the Robert Mills House and Gardens. Travel down to this 1825 Columbia relic in your car rental to admire the collection of period pieces and decorative arts furnishings. Many of the furnishings are done in the American Federal and French Empire styles. The classic English style gardens are a late post-restoration addition in the 60s and further add to the winsome charm of this Southern home.
Travel around Columbia in your car hire, admire the various historic monuments and attractions, and better understand how this city has played a monumental role in shaping the country’s history.
