Things to do in Columbia, South Carolina
- Columbia was one of the first planned cities in the United States, laid out in a grid pattern in 1786.
- The city's location at the 'Fall Line' creates a dramatic transition between the state's hilly Piedmont region and the flat Coastal Plain.
- During the American Civil War, much of the city center was destroyed by fire in 1865, leaving only a few historic structures standing.
- The State House features bronze stars on its exterior walls, marking the spots where cannonballs fired by General Sherman’s troops struck the building.
About Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina, serves as the state capital and is uniquely positioned at the confluence of the Saluda and Broad Rivers. This location allows for an expansive park system that includes the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, preserving historic industrial waterworks alongside natural riparian habitats. The city functions as a regional cultural hub, anchored by the South Carolina State Museum and the Columbia Museum of Art. Families frequently visit the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, which integrates diverse animal exhibits with extensive botanical collections.
Highlights of Columbia, South Carolina
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Zoos
Observe large-scale animal habitats and diverse wildlife species in an award-winning park setting.
Museums
Explore four floors of exhibits covering state history, natural history, science, and technology.
Museums
View a significant collection of Renaissance and Baroque art alongside contemporary rotating exhibitions.
Parks
Walk or cycle along the historic 19th-century canal path that once powered the city's industry.
Venues
Catch a professional minor league baseball game in a modern facility located in the BullStreet District.
Parks
Access scenic river views and outdoor performance spaces located along the Congaree River.
Parks
Tour extensive botanical displays and themed garden landscapes maintained by the city.
Venues
Attend large-scale concerts and collegiate basketball games at this primary city venue.
Top things to do in Columbia, South Carolina
The 95 highest-rated places in Columbia, South Carolina, ranked by travellers.
1
Zoos
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is a 170-acre destination in Columbia, South Carolina, spanning both sides of the Saluda River....
2
Parks
Riverbanks Botanical Garden covers 70 acres across the Saluda River from the main Riverbanks Zoo facility. The landscape...
3
Venues
Colonial Life Arena is the largest indoor arena in South Carolina, serving as the home court for the University of South...
4
Museums
The South Carolina State Museum is housed in the historic 1894 Columbia Mills Building, which was the first all-electric...
5
Parks
Congaree National Park protects the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the sou...
6
Amusement parks
Frankie's Fun Park in Columbia is a sprawling multi-activity facility featuring both indoor climate-controlled spaces an...
7
Parks
Sesquicentennial State Park, locally known as 'Sesqui', is a 1,419-acre recreational site located in the Sandhills regio...
8
Parks
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park spans 167 acres along the Congaree and Broad Rivers in downtown Columbia. The site fe...
9
Parks
West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater sits directly along the Congaree River, serving as a primary outdoor recre...
10
Venues
Segra Park is a multi-purpose stadium located in the BullStreet District of Columbia, South Carolina. It serves as the h...
11
Museums
The Columbia Museum of Art is a mid-sized encyclopedic institution located in the heart of South Carolina's capital. Its...
12
Venues
The Koger Center for the Arts is the premier performing arts facility at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. I...
13
Parks
Lake Murray Dam North Recreational Area provides pedestrian access to the crest of the 1.5-mile-long earthen dam separat...
14
Parks
Saluda Shoals Park is a 480-acre regional park situated along the Saluda River in Columbia, South Carolina. The park fea...
15
Parks
Moore Park is a neighborhood-focused community space located in Irmo, South Carolina, featuring dedicated walking trails...
16
Parks
Seven Oaks Park is a comprehensive recreational facility in Columbia, South Carolina, managed by the Irmo Chapin Recreat...
17
Parks
Virginia Hylton Park is a centrally located municipal green space in Lexington, South Carolina, featuring a network of w...
18
Venues
The Icehouse Amphitheater is a multi-use outdoor performance venue located in downtown Lexington, South Carolina. Built...
19
Museums
Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site is an open-air museum encompassing 107 acres of the original 18th-century colonia...
20
Parks
Earlewood Park is a 32-acre urban greenspace located in the North Columbia neighborhood, notable for its significant ele...
21
Parks
Lake Monticello Park is a recreational area centered around a 6,700-acre reservoir originally created as a cooling pond...
22
Parks
Finlay Park is a landmark urban green space located in downtown Columbia, South Carolina, known for its terraced landsca...
23
Parks
Irmo Town Park serves as a central community greenspace located in the heart of Irmo, South Carolina, adjacent to the mu...
24
Parks
Greenview Park is a neighborhood-focused recreational space in Columbia, South Carolina, operated by the city's Parks an...
25
Parks
Southeast Park in Columbia, South Carolina, is a regional recreational facility anchored by extensive tennis facilities...
26
Natural attractions
Lake Murray is a 50,000-acre reservoir in South Carolina created by the damming of the Saluda River for hydroelectric po...
27
Museums
The South Carolina Military Museum, operated by the South Carolina National Guard, documents the state's military histor...
28
Venues
Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is an 11,000-seat multi-purpose athletic facility located on the campus of Benedict College i...
29
Venues
30
Parks
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Columbia, South Carolina on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Columbia, South Carolina
Spring (March to May) or Fall (October to November) when temperatures are moderate for outdoor activities and riverfront exploration.
2-3 days to cover the major museums, riverfront parks, and local sports venues.
A car is necessary for most travelers, as the city is sprawling with limited public transit coverage for tourist destinations.
The Congaree Vista district offers immediate access to dining and the riverfront, while the Five Points area provides a more walkable, historic atmosphere.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining options are generally more affordable than in major coastal tourism hubs.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 95 curated attractions in and around Columbia, South Carolina, ranked by traveller ratings.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is the highest-rated place to visit in Columbia, South Carolina right now.
The largest category is parks, with 40 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
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