South Carolina Governor's Mansion
Step into South Carolina's political heart. Explore history, art, and elegant living at the Governor's Mansion.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds for a peaceful tour.
South Carolina Governor's Mansion
Best Time
Fewer crowds for a peaceful tour.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into South Carolina's political heart. Explore history, art, and elegant living at the Governor's Mansion.
"A beautiful home filled with history and memorabilia, highly recommended for a free tour!"
🎯 Book Free Tours Online
Reservations are required for free tours. Book ahead to secure your spot! :admission_tickets:
📍 Confirm Your Arrival Point
Double-check directions to avoid ending up at The Lace House by mistake. :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Governor's Mansion
Columbia, SC
Explore the elegant home of South Carolina's governors, filled with history and memorabilia.
The Lace House Grounds
Adjacent to Governor's Mansion
Stroll through beautiful grounds, often hosting elegant events and offering a picturesque setting.
Governor's Mansion Art & Portraits
Inside the Mansion
Admire impressive portraits and art collections that chronicle the state's gubernatorial history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Navigate to the Right Entrance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Governor's mansion
🎯 Book Free Tours Online
Reservations are required for free tours. Book ahead to secure your spot! :admission_tickets:
📍 Confirm Your Arrival Point
Double-check directions to avoid ending up at The Lace House by mistake. :world_map:
📸 Capture Elegant Architecture
The mansion and grounds offer beautiful photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
🧐 Learn State History
Engage with the history and memorabilia shared by knowledgeable guides. :books:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Free Tours Online
Reservations are required for free tours. Book ahead to secure your spot! :admission_tickets:
📍 Confirm Your Arrival Point
Double-check directions to avoid ending up at The Lace House by mistake. :world_map:
📸 Capture Elegant Architecture
The mansion and grounds offer beautiful photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
🧐 Learn State History
Engage with the history and memorabilia shared by knowledgeable guides. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the South Carolina Governor's Mansion for its historical significance and the beauty of its architecture and grounds. The free guided tours are highly recommended for their informative content and engaging guides. However, some visitors have experienced navigation issues with GPS leading them to the wrong location, and booking in advance is crucial.
"Is a nice place to visit, include it in your travels. FYI. You need to go online and make reservations."
Ivette Rivera
"Aug 2024 - For our last day together we ate breakfast on the Flutterwing patio then checked out. Our final event was a private tour of the Governors’ mansion. Nancy guided us through the history and memorabilia. We got to see a little of Gov McMaster walking the dog and Mrs McMaster from the top of the stairs. Our guide said that they essentially live throughout the house - even in the sections toured by the public. The portraits were impressive and I was surprised how many of the past governors I remembered. It was an elegant ending for Mom’ birthday get together."
Lance Roper
"We need help in Aiken county with all the speeding people are doing 25 to 35 miles over the speed limit and illegally passing people over double yellow lines and the police are not doing nothing about it nowadays like they did in the 90s"
B C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The South Carolina Governor's Mansion is located in Columbia, SC. While Google Maps can sometimes be tricky and direct you to The Lace House, ensure your navigation is set for the main Governor's Mansion entrance to avoid confusion.
Information on specific parking arrangements for tour visitors is best confirmed when booking your tour. It's advisable to arrive a little early to locate parking.
Columbia offers public transportation options. Check with the local transit authority for routes and schedules that service the area near the Governor's Mansion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you need to make reservations online for the free tours. Walk-ins are not typically accommodated.
The tours of the South Carolina Governor's Mansion are free of charge, making it an accessible historical experience.
Tour availability and specific hours can vary. It's essential to check the official website or reservation portal for the most up-to-date tour schedule.
Given that reservations are required, it's recommended to book your tour as far in advance as possible, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability.
Tours are the primary way to experience the interior of the Governor's Mansion. Access to the grounds might be possible at other times, but guided tours offer the full historical context.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours typically cover the history and memorabilia of the mansion, including impressive portraits and elegant rooms. You might even catch a glimpse of the current residents!
Yes, tours are guided, with knowledgeable guides sharing insights into the history and significance of the mansion and its past governors.
Accessibility information for tours and the mansion itself should be confirmed when booking. It's advisable to inquire about specific needs in advance.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask your guide at the beginning of the tour about any restrictions on taking photos inside the mansion.
The Lace House is a historic residence located on the grounds of the Governor's Mansion, often used for events. Be sure to distinguish it from the mansion itself when navigating.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the mansion itself is a historic site, the grounds may offer areas for private events or dining, as mentioned in some reviews. Public dining is not typically available on-site.
Columbia offers a variety of dining options. Explore nearby areas for local cuisine, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, depending on your preference.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture, the manicured grounds, and the impressive portraits inside the mansion are all excellent subjects for photography.
Professional photoshoots may require special arrangements or permissions. It's best to contact the administration directly to inquire about policies and booking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking tours during weekday mornings when crowds are typically lower, which can lead to a more relaxed experience for families.
🏛️ History Buffs
Pay close attention to the architectural details and the stories behind the artifacts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of the Governor's Mansion
The experience is enhanced by the guides, who share anecdotes and historical context, bringing the past to life. It's noted that the current residents often live throughout the house, even in areas accessible to the public, adding a unique layer of lived history to the tour.
Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
Another crucial tip involves navigation. Several travelers have noted that Google Maps can sometimes be misleading, directing visitors to The Lace House instead of the main mansion entrance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit