Columbia SC to Atlanta drive: Things to do, distance & time

The best road trip stops on the Columbia SC to Atlanta drive are Aiken SC, Augusta GA and Hard Labor Creek State Park. The distance from Columbia SC to Atlanta is 214 miles, with a 3h20m driving time.

Planning a Columbia SC to Atlanta road trip itinerary

The Columbia SC to Atlanta drive connects the capital cities of South Carolina and Georgia.

Columbia is the capital city of South Carolina. Top attractions include the South Carolina State Museum, which looks at the rich history of the state, but does so in a surprisingly fun way, with a digital planetarium and 4D theater.

But the city’s real appeal is in the numerous parks along the Broad River. These include the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

For well-rated Columbia accommodation options, try the academia-themed Graduate and the characterful Hotel Trundle.

Atlanta played a massive part in the Civil Rights movement, and a black history and civil rights tour is pretty much a must-do.

For more Atlanta experiences, try a sightseeing trolley tour for orientation and overview. Or a guided bike ride to get a better feel for the neighbourhoods.

Other Atlanta favourites include the World of Coca Cola, Midtown food and cocktail tours and multi-brewery beer tours.

Columbia SC to Atlanta distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Columbia SC to Atlanta is 214 miles. That makes for a driving time of around three hours and 20 minutes. The quickest route is along the I-20.

The best road trip stops on the Columbia SC to Atlanta road trip itinerary are Aiken SC, Augusta GA and Hard Labor Creek State Park.

Best stops between Columbia SC and Atlanta: Aiken SC

Aiken SC is home to the University of South Carolina, and has a couple of unusual attractions. First up is the Savannah River Site Museum, on the site of a nuclear materials production during the Cold War. It’s still the primary producer of tritium in the US.

The other worthwhile attraction is the DuPont Planetarium, which shows off the universe with a considerable wow factor.

Columbia SC to Atlanta road trip attractions: Augusta GA

Augusta is, famously, the home of the US Masters golf tournament.

Augusta’s top attractions are the Augusta Museum of History, the Laurel and Hardy Museum and the Augusta National Golf Club. You can also take a jetski tour along the Savannah River or take a stroll along the garden-lined Augusta Riverwalk.

For more suggestions, read the guide to the Columbia SC to Augusta drive.

Columbia SC to Atlanta drive: Hard Labor Creek State Park

Hard Labor Creek State Park near Rutledge, Georgia, is best known for its golf course. But come the summer months, the real highlight is the lakeside beach.

If you fancy being more active, there are 24 miles of trails for walkers and horse riders. You can stay overnight in the campground and cottages, too.

The Hard Labor Creek Observatory, a professional astronomy facility, is also inside the park. It opens to the public on select nights between March and October.

The Atlanta skyline at night. Photo by 12019/ Pixabay.

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Columbia SC to Atlanta drive: Things to do, distance & time

Planning a Columbia SC to Atlanta road trip itinerary

Columbia SC to Atlanta distance and driving time

Best stops between Columbia SC and Atlanta: Aiken SC

Columbia SC to Atlanta road trip attractions: Augusta GA

Columbia SC to Atlanta drive: Hard Labor Creek State Park

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