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 73 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
7
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8
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10
Venues
11
Museums
12
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13
Parks
14
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15
Museums
16
Parks
17
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18
Natural attractions
19
Venues
20
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21
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23
Temples
24
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25
Museums
26
Venues
27
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28
Places of interest
29
Parks
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 73 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 29 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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