You are currently viewing 15 Fun Things to Do in Columbia SCPin

15 Fun Things to Do in Columbia SC

Visiting Columbia South Carolina? Don’t miss these things!

When we headed down to Columbia SC, our main goal was to spend time in Congaree National Park. But after a few days in town, we fell in love with its charm, food scene, and felt right at home with its Southern hospitality.

Columbia is the Capital of South Carolina. It was named after Christopher Columbus and is famed as the first planned cities in America.

Visiting Columbia SC? Here are 15 fun things to do in Columbia SC that you can't miss. Save this pin and click to see more Columbia SC Attractions, things to do with kids in Columbia SC, free things to do in Columbia SC and more // Local Adventurer #RealColumbiaSC #columbiasc #discoverSC #southcarolina #visittheusa #usaPin

A big thank you to Experience Columbia SC for hosting our trip and sponsoring this post. All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: August 11, 2023

15 Fun THings to Do in COlumbia SC That You Can’t Miss

1. Columbia SC Zoo – Zipline and Feed Giraffes at Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden

500 Wildlife Pkwy + 1300 Botanical Pkwy, map

We went to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden for the zip line but stuck around for the animals. The 170-acre zoo has won awards for excellence as an attraction and its conservation efforts, but what makes this place unique is that it offers so many different activities and fun things to do with kids in Columbia SC. You can feed giraffes, stroll through the botanical garden, and a zip line that goes over the Saluda River.

Local Tip: In an effort to continue its conservation efforts, they have gotten rid of straws. If you really need one for your beverages, pick up your own stainless steel straws. We were drinking Icees with a spoon.

2. Columbia Museum of Art

1515 Main St, map

We got to preview the newly renovated museum and I really love how they’re changing up how art museums display their art. Rather than presenting their galleries by time periods or art types, the Columbia Museum of Art will be showcasing their collection thematically. That way you can compare art about a certain topic and how different time periods and cultures interpret it.

It really earns its place as one of the must-see Columbia SC attractions, and we loved how involved they are in the community. Plus, they have some notable pieces like Monet’s View of the Seine.

Local Tip: Keep an eye out for their other events, like block parties, concerts, art classes, and more.

Want to learn how to have the perfect weekend in Columbia SC? Save this pin and click through for more details on 15 fun things to do in columbia sc. Photo featuring Columbia Museum of Art. It also includes top activities in columbia sc, romantic things to do in columbia sc, and other columbia sc attractions // Local Adventurer #RealColumbiaSC #columbiasc #discoverSC #southcarolina #visittheusa #usaPin

Free Things to Do in Columbia SC

3. Congaree National Park →

100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, map

Obviously, we love the National Parks, so Congaree National Park was high priority when we visited Columbia. You can hike the boardwalk, kayak down the river, or stop by at night to see the fireflies light up the sky.

Local Tip: If you’re scared of bugs like me, just know there are A LOT of them. Don’t forget to spray yourself down with mosquito repellent before you enter the park, so you don’t disrupt the fireflies. If you can, plan your trip around the synchronous fireflies. It’s a rare phenomenon and we have more details on our Congaree National Park post.

See More: 11 Unique Things to Do at Congaree National Park

4. Add Your Love Locks on Lake Murray Dam

1836 N Lake Dr, map

If you’re looking for romantic activities and creative date ideas in Columbia SC, this one’s a perfect way to create a memory you can come back to and reminicse. You can leave your very own love locks on Lake Murray Dam. Don’t worry, the love locks are allowed and encouraged here.

Local Tip: Map to the ‘Dreher Shoals Dam Parking Lot’ to get right next to the love locks.

Stroll along and the 1.7 mile pedestrian walkway, watch the sunset, and if you want to spend the whole day in the area, Lake Murray has 650 miles of shoreline. The area is great for camping, paddle boarding, kayaking, you can rent a boat and more.

See More: Love Locks in Cinque Terre’s Via dell’Amore

5. Art Walk in Downtown Columbia SC – Murals + Instagram Spots

1219 Taylor Street, map

Another one of our favorite things to do in a new city is to check out the street art. It’s a great way to explore downtown on foot, and there are some great photo ops too.

They even have a organization that helps to curate the street art, and they’ve even put together an online directory of all the art and murals in Columbia SC. Our favorites:

  • Middle of Nowhere (the one picture below) by Osamu Kobayashi
  • Tunnel Vision Mural (popular)
  • World’s Largest Fire Hydrant

Local Tip: Use #muralsofcolumbia on Instagram to find even more spots.

See More: 25 Most Popular Instagram Spots in Atlanta

Traveling to Columbia SC? Check out this blog post on the 15 fun things to do in columbia sc. Take an art walk through the instagrammable murals in columbia sc, zipline at the Riverbanks Botanical Garden and Zoo, and learn more about the top romantic things to do in columbia sc. // Local Adventurer #RealColumbiaSC #columbiasc #discoverSC #southcarolina #visittheusa #usaPin

6. South Carolina State Farmer’s Market

3483 Charleston Hwy, map

At South Carolina State Farmer’s Market, you can find fresh produce, delicious baked goods, and gardening supplies. If you’re looking for specific types of produce, check out their harvest calendar.

Local Tip: Get food at Judy’s at the Market for some spectacular southern dishes.

7. Soda City Market in DOwntown Columbia SC (Saturdays Only)

Main Street, map

Fun Fact: In case you’re wondering why Columbia is called Soda City, locals shorten Columbia to Cola, which eventually included Soda. We didn’t get a chance to stay for Soda City but everyone we met talked about it. Every Saturday morning, they shut down Main Street and all the locals come hang out and shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, browse the local art, and watch the street performers. It’s a local favorite and something visitors should see too.

Local Tip: There is free parking throughout Columbia on the weekends (no matter what you see on signs and stickers).

See More: 25 Best Markets in the World to Put on Your Bucket List

Looking for the best things to do in Columbia SC? Save this pin and click to see a list of the best activities in columbia SC. It includes Soda City Downtown Columbia SC, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Locks on Lake Murray Dam, other Columbia Tourist Attractions, and more. // Local Adventurer #RealColumbiaSC #columbiasc #discoverSC #southcarolina #visittheusa #usaPin
photo: Sean Rayford

8. Mast General Store

1601 Main St, map

If an REI had a baby with a candy store and this would be it. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs and they also have a huge selection of outdoor gear. We dropped in to escape the midday heat and found ourselves looking around the store a lot longer than we expected.

Visiting Columbia SC? Click the article to find out what there is to do in columbia sc. It includes riverbanks zoo, lake murray dam, murals in columbia sc, the mast general store in downtown columbia sc, and even things to do near columbia sc. It also has other tips for your visit. // Local Adventurer #RealColumbiaSC #columbiasc #discoverSC #southcarolina #visittheusa #usaPin

9. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park / Riverwalk

312 Laurel St, map

Whether you’re on the east or west side of the river, there are paved walkways that you can walk along to enjoy the views of the river. If you’re looking for something more active, it’s a popular trail for runners, cyclist, and joggers, and there are even companies that will take you tubing down the river.

Local Tip: The park is the site of the original Columbia waterworks, which was the first textile mill in the world that was operated by electricity. Take time to walk through the old mills and read about the history.

10. Harbison State Forest – an Environmental Education FOrest →

5600 Broad River Rd, map

This is a great spot to head if you love the outdoors. There are 18 miles of hiking trails, a canoe landing, and picnic shelters, and it’s only nine miles from the center of town. Portions of the forest are also used to demonstrate modern forestry practices.

11. South Carolina State House

1100 Gervais St, map

Since Columbia is the Capital of South Carolina, stop by the South Carolina State House. We started at the gift shop to pick up complimentary maps that tell you more about the interior and exterior gardens. They also offer free tours taking your through the inner corridors. The schedule is dependent on if legislature is in session.

Local Tip: Look for the five stars along the building’s exterior where Union cannonballs struck the building during the Civil War.

Want to learn about the best things to do in Columbia SC? Take a look at this article on the best things to do in columbia sc. It includes the south carolina state house columbia sc, riverwalk park columbia sc, adventure columbia sc, and more. It also include great kid activities in columbia sc. // Local Adventurer #RealColumbiaSC #columbiasc #discoverSC #southcarolina #visittheusa #usaPin

12. Tours of Historic Homes: Robert Mills House, Hampton Preston Mansion, & Woodrow Wilson Family Home

1601 Richland St, map

For those of you who are history buffs or just like taking photos on swings, head to the Historic Homes & Garden District. All of the gardens are open to the public, and you can schedule tours for the houses. Here are some of the notable homes to help you get started:

  • Hampton Preston Mansion & Gardens – One of Columbia’s oldest remaining structures that was built in 1818. It’s been a private home, the site of four different colleges, and even partitioned for commerical use.
  • Robert Mills House & Gardens – One of five National Historic Landmarks in Columbia, this is a popular spot for weddings because of its beautiful grounds.
  • Mann-Simons Site – Historically a collection of commercial and domestic spaces owned and operated by the same African American family from 1843 – 1970.
  • Woodrow Wilson Family Home – South Carolina’s only remaining presidential site, this was the home to 14-year-old “Tommy” Woodrow Wilson.

Local Tip: Check this website for the latest schedule of Historic Home tours.

Need an escape from the city? Find out more about the best Columbia SC attractions. It includes the riverwalk vista columbia sc, the south carolina military museum, the children’s museum columbia sc, the robert mills house columbia, and more. // Local Adventurer #RealColumbiaSC #columbiasc #discoverSC #southcarolina #visittheusa #usaPin

Things to Do with Kids in Columbia SC

13. South Carolina State Museum

301 Gervais St, map

This is the largest museum in the state and has four floors of permanent and temporary exhibits, an observatory, a planetarium, and a 4D theater. Learn about South Carolina art, history, natural history, technology, and science. It really is an all-in-one museum that has something for everyone.

Want to learn about the best things to do in columbia sc? Take a look at this blog post to find out the best columbia sc attractions. It includes the south carolina state museum columbia sc, things to do in columbia sc at night, the hampton preston house, and other sc museums. // Local Adventurer #RealColumbiaSC #columbiasc #discoverSC #southcarolina #visittheusa #usaPin
photo: South Carolina State Museum Columbia SC

14. Saluda SHoals Park

5605 Bush River Rd, map

Saluda Shoals Park, just outside of downtown, is great for a leisurely afternoon by the river. There are trails along the park, but you can also play in the water. Rent a canoe or kayak, float down the river, and there’s even a splash pad for kids.

15. Edventure

211 Gervais St, map

If you’re visiting Columbia with kids, you need to visit the EdVenture. It’s the largest children’s museum in the Southeast. One of the coolest exhibits is Eddie. This 40 foot tall plastic kid greets you as you enter, and kids can climb all over him, including his insides. The exhibit allows children to explore his organs to learn more about anatomy.

In addition to that, there is an exhibit that teaches kids about caring for their four-legged friends, an inventor’s lab where they can build projects, and they can even climb on a real fire engine. It’s easy to see why this is one of the top things to do with kids in Columbia SC.

Want to learn how to plan the perfect weekend in columbia sc? Save this pin and click through for more details on what is there to do in columbia sc. It includes the edventure childrens museum, the sc farmers market, harrison state park, the woodrow wilson home, and more. // Local Adventurer #RealColumbiaSC #columbiasc #discoverSC #southcarolina #visittheusa #usaPin

Things to Do in Columbia SC Map

Where to Eat – Restaurants in Columbia SC

  • Bodhi Thai Dining (126 E Main St, map) – This was easily the best meal we had during our trip. The food was so good that we even made it a point to compliment the chef. Photos are below. Look how pretty the dumplings are!
  • Cinnamon Roll Deli (2617 Devine St, map) – Maybe I’m just not that into cinnamon rolls, but I didn’t get the hype of them here. The bagel sandwiches on the other hand was amazing. I don’t ever like to say the word “best” but when I bit into it, I told Jacob it was the best bagel sandwich I’ve had (and we’re bagel snobs after having lived in NYC).
  • Drip Coffee (1441 Main St, map) – Coffee + Easy grab and go breakfast. The Honey Vanilla Latte is a legend here. I ended up ordering the Jalapeno Honey Latte which sounds like such a risky choice, but it ended up being really good!
  • Motor Supply Co Bistro (920 Gervais St, map) – The menu changes daily based on what they can source from local spots. We loved the shrimp and grits.
  • The War Mouth (1209 Franklin St, map) – This is a local favorite and reminds us of restaurants in Portland. It has a trendy vibe with equally creative dishes. If you’re into pickles like me, you won’t be disappointed by the pickle plate.
  • Sweet Cream Company (1627 Main St, map) – A perfect stop for a hot day with unique ice cream flavors.
  • Cantina 76 (1301 Main St, map) – Stop by for tacos and the Tres Hombres sampler

More Columbia SC Restaurants

These all came highly recommended by the locals we talked to, but we didn’t get try in the short time frame we were in here.

More Columbia SC Attractions + Activities

  • Governor’s Mansion (800 Richland St, map)
  • Nickelodeon Theatre (1607 Main St, map)
  • Finlay Park (930 Laurel St, map)
  • Tapp’s Arts Center (1644 Main St, map)
  • South Carolina Military Museum (1 National Guard Rd, map)
  • South Carolina Confederate Relic Room (301 Gervais St, map)
  • The Columbia City Ballet (1545 Main St, map)
  • Columbia City Fireflies Baseball Game (1640 Freed Dr, map)
  • Owens Fields Skate Park (1351 Jim Hamilton Blvd, map)
  • The Comedy House (2768 Decker Blvd, map)
  • Golf at The Caddy Shak or the Riverside Golf Course
  • Drive-In Movie at The Big Mo (5822 Columbia Hwy N, map)
  • Carriage Rides with Columbia Carriage Works (105 Burmaster Dr, map)
  • Dreher Island State Park (3677 State Park Rd, map)
  • Sesquicentennial State Park (9564 Two Notch Rd, map)
  • McKissack Museum (816 Bull St, map)
Heading to Columbia SC? Save this pin and click to check out my post about the best stuff to do in columbia sc. It includes the columbia canal and riverfront park, the best restaurants in columbia sc, the art museum columbia sc, edventure museum columbia sc, and more. // Local Adventurer #RealColumbiaSC #columbiasc #discoverSC #southcarolina #visittheusa #usaPin

Seasonal / Festivals

  • Restaurant Week (January)
  • Deckle Edge Literary Festival (February)
  • Run Hard Columbia Marathon (March)
  • St. Pat’s in Five Points (March)
  • Soda City Suds Week (March)
  • Artista Vista (April)
  • Columbia International Festival (April)
  • Love, Peace & Hip-Hop Festival (April)
  • Indie Grits Festival (April)
  • Rosewood Crawfish Festival (May)
  • Governor’s Cup (May)
  • Columbia Shrimp and Grits Fest (June)
  • Lexington County Peach Festival (July)
  • Lake Murray Fireworks Celebration (July)
  • Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival (August)
  • Main Street Latin Festival (August)
  • Irmo Okra Strut (September)
  • Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture (September)
  • Congaree Swamp Fest (October)
  • Famously Hot SC Pride Festival (October)
  • Jam Room Music Festival (October)
  • Devine Night Out (November)
  • Holiday Lights on the River (November)
  • Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (November)
  • Vista Lights (November)
  • Crafty Feast (December)
  • Famously Hot New Year (December)

Where to Stay in Columbia SC

During our trip to Columbia, we stayed at the Hotel Trundle. We can’t say enough good things about this place.

First off, when we arrived the staff greeted us like old friends. During check-in, you get a choice of a glass of wine or beer. Since we got in late, we took our beers to our room. The room was spacious and comfortable. We loved all the details and really wanted to move in to the space. The common space was decorated well too, and it was a great place to work or hangout.

On top of that, the location is right in the heart of downtown. You can walk to all the main street attractions and everything else is a short drive away.

For more options, check the map below.

Want to plan the perfect trip to Columbia SC? Pictured is Hotel Trundle in downtown columbia sc. Includes best places to stay in columbia sc, what to do in columbia sc, and more // Local Adventurer #RealColumbiaSC #columbiasc #discoverSC #southcarolina #visittheusa #usaPin

Nearby

  • Carolina Motorsports Park (49.6 mi / 1 hr / map)
  • Santee State Park (54.7 mi / 1 hr 15 min / map)
  • Augusta, GA (75.8 mi / 1 hr 22 min / map)
  • Sumter National Forest (85 mi/ 1 hr 45 min / map)
  • Charleston, SC (114 mi / 2 hrs / map)

See More: 101 Things to do in Charleston SC

Planning Checklist

Have you visited Columbia SC? What were your favorite things to do?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

Esther and JacobPin

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.