Columbia, South Carolina is more than the capital city, the charming southern town is home to restored mansions, restaurant-filled districts, gardens, and art. Maybe you’re just passing through on a trip to Charleston or Georgia, or maybe you’re looking to even make a full vacation out of your trek to this central city. Come kayak the variety of waters, delve into a historic museum, and discover the plethora of bakeries, bistros, and fine dining options. On top of all of that, some really cool Airbnbs are available, and these are our favorites.
Casita - COLA
Your very own mini resort awaits within this luxurious pool house. Guests have full access to the gorgeous palm accented waters and manicured fire pit space, making for the ultimate retreat in Columbia. The house itself may be small, but granite countertops, high end linens and subway tiled bathrooms will make guests feel like they are at a spa.
Tiny Guest House
You can live the tiny house lifestyle for a while when you book this Columbia, South Carolina Airbnb. It is a tiny guest cottage for two people and within blocks of coffee shops, restaurants, an art movie house, and river walk. The rental space has a queen-size bed, smart TV, small refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, and work table. In addition to the cottage, you’ll also have the pond and garden available to enjoy. This is a rental home where you can park on the street and be close to downtown. Also, the business district, university and Lace House/Governor’s Mansion are a short walk or bike ride away.
Queen Anne Victorian - Eclectic Apartment
Built in 1919, the charm of this Queen Anne Victorian style duplex has been impeccably restored. While classified as an apartment, you have one full half of the house with a totally private entrance, all to yourself. There’s a kitchen, living room, bath and bedroom with accents that look old, yet new. It’s like you’re back in the old days of South Carolina.
The White Rabbit House
For up to four guests, there’s the option of renting this two-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Columbia. It is on a tree-lined street in a historic neighborhood and close to attractions. With this rental, you’ll have a private backyard, spacious front porch, and eclectic furnishings that date back to the 1950s. The rental comes with off-street parking for two cars. It’s a whimsical retreat in Cottontown and walkable from bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and the minor league baseball stadium.
The Historic Selwood Cottage
This Airbnb cottage stands out from other rentals in Columbia because it is pet-friendly and has boat parking. It sleeps five people and has two bedrooms – one with a queen-size bed and the other with three single beds. The cottage is on shared property, and the hosts are available onsite if you need anything during your stay. The rental is on over an acre of land in the heart of the city, and Lake Murray is within walking distance. Other features of this rental are a full kitchen, screened porch, and hardwood floors.
Amazing Downtown Apartment
Two people can stay in this downtown apartment in Columbia and have their own one-bedroom and one bathroom. The bedroom has a queen-size bed, and the common area has an air mattress. This rental unit is on the floor beneath the host’s living space and shares an entryway with the host’s laundry room, plus a flight of stairs up to the host’s personal living space. Your rental area comes with a kitchenette, a spacious living room area, and an outside patio. The patio is nice for spending a little time outside on a sunny afternoon or cool evening. Meanwhile, the interior space offers a smart TV and plenty of books.
Luxury Treehouse in the Heart of Columbia
This treehouse is easily accessible because you don’t have to climb stairs to reach the luxury dwelling that is nestled on a steep hillside. A bridge extends from flat ground, over the mini gorge, to the treehouse. Inside is pristine yet woodsy, and outside is a magical oasis with twinkling lights and fire pit. A hot tub is surrounded by clean wood decking and has a spa-like feel.
Contemporary Loft in a Historic Vibrant Venue
This Airbnb has been renovated into a striking building housing both event space and lofts. Being elegant enough to be chosen as a wedding destination, just imagine how cool it would be to call this brick beauty home for a few days. The loft apartment has that modern-day blend of old and new, while being roomy and quite artistic. The decor features pops of color, distressed walls and refined furniture.
Woodland Cottage by a Vineyard
Like a fairytale cottage emerging amongst a lightly wooded hill, this cute little place is constructed of wood and brick. A spiral staircase winds up to the dreamy loft while the living room downstairs is connected to more sleeping space and a quaint kitchen with efficient amenities and lovely open shelving. Walk through the property’s small hobby vineyards, from which you’ll be treated some port wine to try!
The French House - Downtown Elmwood Park
The French House is a highly-rated Columbia Airbnb in the Elmwood Park neighborhood. It has three bedrooms with queen-size beds and three bathrooms. Up to six people will be comfortable here and can use the laundry room, fully stocked kitchen, dining area, and small office areas attached to the two upstairs bedrooms. The home has been recently renovated and was featured in an annual Elmwood Park Tour of Homes in the past. When you stay here, you’ll be just minutes from Main Street, the Vista, the Museum of Art, the zoo, and the university.
Peacock on Park
Peacock on Park is a 1,300-square-foot historic home in the Elmwood Park area of Columbia. The home dates back over 100 years and has been restored to now feature both historical touches and modern amenities. Four people can stay here, as there is a queen-size bed in the first bedroom and double bed in the second bedroom. Guests access the house with a keypad and can use the off-street parking in the back.
The Coop on USC Campus
With a double bed in the bedroom, a private bathroom, and studio layout, The Coop is a cozy and comfortable place to stay for two people in Columbia. The home is filled with lots of character and is in a central, walkable location. It is in a building that is about 100 years old and rustic with original wood beans and wood doors. You’ll be in a courtyard apartment with its own separate, private entrance just off the driveway where you park your car. Access the space via a digital keypad. Guests should know that there are other Airbnb apartments for rent on this property, too – one across the hall and two across the courtyard.
Shandon Bird House
Two travelers in Columbia can stay at this cottage under a canopy of old oak trees and just minutes from everything in town. It is a well-designed space that allows dogs weighing less than 20 pounds. Your dog must be able to get along with the host’s small dogs. The rental offers a full kitchen, private front porch, and access to a multi-tiered deck in the walled garden that connects to the main house.
The Perch
The Perch is an Airbnb rental that has historical charm and plenty of amenities to keep you comfortable by yourself or with one other person. Guests have a private patio that is accessed through a hidden garden. You’ll love the unique character of this rental property, which is in the heart of the historic University Hills neighborhood. Within just a short walk, you can easily get to shopping and dining from here. The Perch is a courtyard apartment with a separate, private entrance. It is next door to a few other Airbnb rentals. Features of the space are a queen-size bed, exposed brick walls, driftwood flooring, and an exposed wood-beam ceiling. Free, off-street parking is available here.
Cozy Studio Apartment
Ideal for up to four guests, this studio apartment is available in Columbia for trips to the city. It has one bedroom and one bathroom, and it’s about 650 square feet in size. The rental apartment has Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge, toaster oven, microwave, and ice machine. It is a nice home-away-from-home for Army family visitors coming to Fort Jackson and also parents and grandparents coming to visit students at the university. Traveling healthcare professionals on work assignments also find it very comfortable here. The Airbnb hosts are usually onsite and able to help you if you need anything during your stay.
Private Studio Apartment
Here’s a modern apartment with its own private entrance and park-like backyard. The apartment is above the host’s garage for the main house, and access to the space is by way of outdoor stairs. It has an open floor plan but an intimate vibe, with a queen-size bed, kitchenette, full bathroom, smart TV, and Wi-Fi. The apartment accommodates two travelers and is minutes from Lake Murray, Saluda Shoals Park, and the river. There is free off-street parking for two vehicles and a small closet to store your clothes and shoes.
Loft + 914 Two Miles to Vista
Formerly part of an old dairy warehouse, this highly sleek loft is adorned with dark, glossy floors, futuristic doors, brick walls and exposed aluminum ductwork. A minimalist kitchen, simplistic furniture and vintage photography round out the large, industrial space.
Mid Century Modern Cottage
Four people can stay in this Airbnb cottage and enjoy a quiet neighborhood in Columbia. It has been decorated in period pieces for a nostalgic touch but also has modern conveniences. The home is close to Fort Jackson, USC, and the downtown area. You’ll enjoy the screened porch and outdoor seating area to view the creek and lake. Guests have this entire house to themselves and access the space via a remote entry system. The entire grounds on the large, wooded lot are also yours to enjoy during your trip to South Carolina.
