Location: Columbia
Top Things to do in Columbia
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10 Things to do in Columbia That You Shouldn't Miss
Columbia is South Carolina's capital and home to the University of South Carolina. Along Columbia's wide avenues are historic sites ranging from an antebellum mansion to the former home of a slave who bought her freedom, plus museums, galleries, music venues, theaters and shops. Columbia's three rivers, lake, canal, national park and several city parks offer opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Among the kid-pleasing destinations are a zoo and the largest children's museum in the south.
Restaurants in Columbia
1. University of South Carolina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 414 reviews
University of South Carolina.
Reviewed By ccB516AD
My middle of 3 sons attends USC and loves it. Great facilities, dining, housing. He loves the warm weather. Nice for SEC sports. Best international business program in the country. One of the best Honors colleges in the country. In the Honors program, he gets the small school attention/advising in the middle of a BIG school
2. Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,895 reviews
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to nearly 2,000 animals that represent more than 350 species from around the world. A visit to the Zoo will play host to an array of wild adventures from a diving expedition on a Pacific coral reef to a safari through the plains of Africa to an interactive Outback encounter with a flock of sociable lorikeets. The Botanical Garden boasts 70-acres of unparalleled beauty and is considered one of the America's best public gardens. Dramatic and themed gardens showcase more than 4,300 species of native and exotic plants, providing a living classroom for gardeners and non-gardeners alike. The Garden also is the gateway to natural river views and spectacular valley overlooks. In addition, guests can view structural remains dating back to the early 1800s with South Carolina's textile industry and the Civil War.
Reviewed By lordv187
My Fiancee and I visited this Zoo because she has never been to one. She was incredibly impressed with how well the animals were taken care of, the cleanliness, and the helpful staff. Prices were decent for a Zoo...$40 for us both and that included the Botanical Garden. They offer a military discount and student discount for $17.95 Kids price is $16.95 and under 2 is free. Now if you're from Europe it's not your usual Zoo with more open enclosures for the animals but it still offers plenty. The have a Sea Lion show which is free!, Giraffe feeding $3, and farm animals which you can feed...the food is in candy dispensers. Highly recommend if you're looking for an event for your kids.
3. South Carolina State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 627 reviews
The South Carolina State Museum is a state-of-the-art facility featuring four floors of permanent and changing exhibits, a digital dome planetarium, 4D interactive theater and an observatory. The State Museum, the largest and most comprehensive museum in the state, is located along the banks of the Congaree River in downtown Columbia, South Carolina.
Reviewed By Mercedesrollingon - Greenville, United States
I accompanied my daughters 4th grade class to the museum for a half day trip and they had a wonderful time! They visited all four floors, they were able to eat lunch as a group in the snack area just inside the entrance and there was ample parking. Be ready to walk but there elevators for each floor and the building is ADA friendly. Enjoy!!
4. South Carolina State House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 629 reviews
A beautiful building with wonderful architectural detail.
Reviewed By Wanderer536102
If you really want to know about the history of South Carolina - visit the gift shop. Easy, pleasant beautiful building - great tour! I have done it several times.
5. Columbia Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By TarHeelLady
My sister and I were delighted to get to see this excellent exhibit of Van Gogh and his Influences at a museum in easy driving distance from our home. There were several beautiful Van Gogh works and a number of works by artists that influenced him. Everything was well presented and I would highly recommend it. There are not many days left to see it, but if you can, you won't regret it!
6. Saluda Shoals Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By Coxdrb
We love to go to Saluda Shoals and walk the trails. Our dogs enjoy going as well. We bought the annual pass so we can go as often as we wish.
7. South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Founded in 1896, the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum is the oldest history museum in the state. The museum focuses on South Carolina’s military history from the Revolutionary War to the present.
Reviewed By robertjY462AI
Outstanding displays are 1st rate. The artifacts and flags are well conserved. Staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. Be sure to visit this museum when visiting Columbia. You will be glad you did.
8. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 372 reviews
Reviewed By Ellenduffycleary - Richland, United States
Beautiful and safe place to walk, jog, bicycle, relax in hammocks, park benches, Adirondack chairs by the riverfront and Columbia canal. Dogs welcome. Large free parking lot. Bicycles are also available to rent. Gets busy after work (5 pm) but still relaxing.
9. Soda City
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Columbia's downtown street market - open every Saturday morning (9AM-1PM) year-round, rain or shine. Free parking throughout Columbia on the weekends (no matter what you see on signs and stickers) including the Cannon Garage on Taylor Street between Main Street and Sumter Street. Great way to spend your morning -- and if you're from out of town a perfect way to see our city as the creative class, international, and bustling community we are!
Reviewed By JSJL84 - Essex, United States
We were here on our second visit to Columbia. This time to move our kid into USC. Good vibe, friendly vendors. Lots of food and coffee with some local crafts. Enjoyed some live music playing as well. It was a brisk, sunny day in January. We were not sure if parking, so we did pay to park in a garage; not sure if options. Hope to figure out for next visit.
10. Fort Jackson
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By momofablonde - Maryland, United States
Arrived the day before Family Day. Everyone on post was friendly & helpful. We located Hilton Field which was only minutes from our stay. There is plenty to look at & do on your own. Large playground by the Solomon Center that can entertain children forever. Plenty of food options. The lunch buffet at theNCO club is great! And casual dinner spot at McGruders Pub. Definitely worth the time and $ to stay on post. Never had to leave the area. Will return again if there is a purpose. Courage Worthy!
