Location: West Columbia
Top Things to do in West Columbia
- 1. Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden
- 2. West Columbia Riverwalk
- 3. University of South Carolina
- 4. Cayce Historical Museum
- 5. Gervais Street Bridge
- 6. South Carolina State House
- 7. Bill's Music Shop & Pickin' Parlor
- 8. Palmetto Outdoor Center
- 9. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
- 10. Old Mill Antique Mall
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10 Things to Do in West Columbia That You Shouldn't Miss
West Columbia is a city and commuter town in the suburban eastern sections of Lexington County, South Carolina, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population was 14,988. It is a part of the greater Columbia, SC metropolitan statistical area.
Restaurants in West Columbia
1. Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 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 Linda5355 - Charlotte, North Carolina
This is a fabulous zoo. Wonderful exhibits and they seem to really care for the animals. Their zoo map was confusing so it was a bit tough to find our way but we got to most things we wanted to see. We spent 5 hours there but could have used an extra day. There’s SO much to do! Get there early because parking is free but fills up quickly.
2. West Columbia Riverwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By Scott A - Nashville, Tennessee
The West Columbia Riverwalk is just that--a walkway adjacent to the Congaree River, which separates the city of Columbia with the cities of West Columbia and Cayce. Finding parking to access the Riverwalk is difficult, and after major rains, the ampitheatre where most people access the Riverwalk can be flooded and inaccessible. Once you are successful in finding parking, the walk is delightful. Only downside is seeing the excessive trash in the river and on the river bank. Clearly, the walkway is the star and the river is a sewer and trash dump. Sad that the citizens of this area don't have more pride in their natural resources. For a nice way to pass the time on a weekend or early evening this is a nice option.
3. University of South Carolina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
University of South Carolina.
Reviewed By FrancesDecatur - Savannah, Georgia
The campus at USC is beautiful. In the middle of the city and you feel like you are in a park. The stadium is pretty amazing also. Nice to just walk around .
4. Cayce Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By jlantern3 - Columbia, South Carolina
This little museum is truly a gem! The museum is housed in an exact replica of a Revolutionary war building called Fort Granby.There are only four rooms- a lot of relics of the revolutionary and Civil wars. There is also relics and displays telling the history of the now defunct town of Granby and the current city of Cayce. The best part of the museum is the room upstairs filled with Native American arrowheads and relics. I'm talking about a LARGE amount of relics. Some going back to Clovis period!! Anybody interested in American Indian relics needs to go to this place. Aldo on the grounds are some old colonial buildings and a train car. The price is like only $2 per adult. Free on Sundays. I've been to a lot of museums around the world-but always feel satisfied after visiting this museum. I recommend it!!
5. Gervais Street Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Kristin S - Columbia, South Carolina
A cool, historic arch bridge that takes you right in/out of downtown. Lots of places on both sides to take in some views from the top or underneath.
6. South Carolina State House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 515 reviews
A beautiful building with wonderful architectural detail.
7. Bill's Music Shop & Pickin' Parlor
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By jlantern3 - Columbia, South Carolina
I enjoyed the open mike night on Fridays. for $5 you get a great evening of Bluegrass music sung by local/regional amateurs. I love the relaxed atmosphere. Very family friendly(kids under 12 free). Food and drink served. Also, various touring Bluegrass acts will perform here-check the website for dates. Nice way to spend a Friday night,
8. Palmetto Outdoor Center
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Kristin S - Columbia, South Carolina
Staff are very friendly. It's a pretty inexpensive way to enjoy the rivers of Columbia. It's an easy float and you can go at your own pace, stopping along the way. There are a couple of small rapids areas that are not challenging but lots of fun.
9. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 319 reviews
Reviewed By Michael W - Concord
We had a beautiful walk along the river and canal. The path is paved, flat, and wide. There were quite a few other folks out walking. I imagine it is even more beautiful in the spring when the leaves are out. We will certainly make another trip during that time.
10. Old Mill Antique Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By nephnurse - Sanford, North Carolina
So much to see in this mall. This is a huge group of vendors all under one roof for a person's sheer shopping and browsing delight. Everything from furniture, toys, tools, glassware, you name it, it's here. The staff is amazing. They just seem to know exactly where everything is and that is no easy task. If you happen to run into one of the vendors, you can haggle the price. Just a fantastic way to spend the afternoon.
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