Location: Columbia
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The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Columbia, South Carolina (SC)
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. Sea Lion Landing
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. Harbison State Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Over 20 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails from beginners to expert. Trails are very well maintained.
Reviewed By gardengal8306 - Irmo, United States
I have been to Harbison Forest a handful of times and always enjoyed the experience. They do have a printed trail guide for visitors located in the front parking lot as this came in very helpful for my first two hikes. Like others have stated, the trails are well marked. There could be white paint on trees or sometimes I have also seen blue squares on them as well. I hike alone and the first two visits got turned around in which way to go, but never once felt I was "lost" and could not make it out of the forest. If you "look lost" and are gazing at one of their trail maps on the trail don't be surprised if someone passes by asking if you need help which is quite nice. Fortunately I have not run upon any snakes, but have encountered a turtle, deer and many squirrels. Firebreak and Spider Woman are two of the best trails at Harbison. The view of the Broad River from Spider Woman is awesome. Harbison rates this trail as difficult and it is a challenge. In my experience mostly due to the terrain and sharp turns. There is a section going down to the Broad River where you are literally on a very narrow ledge and you could feel the gravity pulling you to the right. Overall it is a great place to visit and definitely worth the $25.00 annual fee. However, you can also purchase a day permit for $5.00. Nice place nestled within the suburbs!
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Marcus427 - Lake Charles, United States
This park is a great place to go for peace and quiet and to view the awesome memorials to WWI, WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Holocaust and more. It is well worth a visit.
7. Seven Oaks Park
8. Harbison Neighborhood Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By M4145ZLrichardf - Carthage, United States
Relaxing walk around this trail. Early morning hours are much better for me due to the summer heat. Very quiet.
9. Sesquicentennial State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By TrailDame - Charlotte, United States
Nice place to hike. We did 5.4 miles on the Lake Trail and the Loop Trail. It is a nice walk-in-the-woods type of place. Good sturdy walking shoes should suffice on these trails. There are a few wooden bridges to cross and the views at the lake are very peaceful. Didn't see many people on the trail so it was nice and quiet. There is also a park office where you can buy gifts and/or camping supplies. There are also restrooms and several picnic tables along the lake near the park office. Plenty of parking and there is a $6.00 per person fee to get in.
10. Earlewood Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
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