Location: Columbia
Top Things to do in Columbia
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What to do and see in Columbia, South Carolina (SC): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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. South Carolina Military Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By RSHNSKS - Clermont, United States
Was very impressed with this small museum which is ran by vets and offered FREE for all who would like to attend. Lots of interesting artifacts and history. We were greeted upon entering and made to feel very welcome. I highly recommend if you are into history. They even have helicopters and several other pieces of military equipment on display that have been restored. We were lucky and had a vet who joined us towards the end of the tour and gave us a lot of interesting information regarding the place and some of the artifacts. Kudos to everyone who had a hand in getting this together and keeping it open.
2. Founders Park
3. Fort Jackson National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By orianas808
They greeted the family car as you enter, They treat you and your loved ones with the upmost respect. Service w. as very touching, provided some closure knowing my father was laid to rest in honor. I Love you SFC. Gibson always in our heart and minds. Never forgotten
4. 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
5. 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.
6. Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
A cathedral modeled after the York Minster in England.
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
This is the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. 1915-1920 All in beige Great place with trees. It is in the Phoenix Historic Preservation. I walked here. It was so calm. No noises. Wow!
7. 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!!
8. Robert Mills House & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
One of only five National Historic Landmarks within Columbia, the Robert Mills House exemplifies the skill of the first architect born and trained within the United States who designed some of the nation's most prominent buildings, including the Washington Monument. Today, the structure stands as a testament of its designer's architectural ability and the preservation efforts of generations of Columbians. --- Historic Columbia is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Columbia and Richland County's historic and cultural heritage.
9. 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.
10. 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!
