Columbia isn’t just South Carolina’s capital – it’s a surprising mix of Southern hospitality, outdoor adventures, and cultural gems that’ll make you want to extend your stay.
From historic landmarks to foodie hotspots, this city knows how to show visitors a good time.
Get ready to discover why locals love their city so much! We’re about to reveal 12 can’t-miss Columbia experiences that range from peaceful nature escapes to downtown delights.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer exploration, this guide has you covered with the very best things to do in Columbia SC.
1. Stroll Through the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden – Best for Families
You haven’t really experienced Columbia until you’ve visited the award-winning Riverbanks Zoo & Garden.
This 170-acre paradise is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world, making it one of the top zoos in the country.
The African savanna exhibit will make you feel like you’re on safari, while the aquarium reptile complex showcases everything from poison dart frogs to massive Komodo dragons.
Don’t miss the daily penguin feedings – those little guys know how to put on a show!
What really sets this place apart? The 70-acre botanical garden across the river (accessible via a scenic footbridge).
The Asian garden with its authentic moon gate and the desert garden filled with towering cacti are absolute showstoppers.
Pro tip: Visit on Wednesday afternoons when admission is half-price after 3 PM. Your wallet will thank you!
2. Explore Congaree National Park – Best for Nature Lovers
Just 20 minutes from downtown lies Congaree National Park, home to the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern U.S.
This UNESCO biosphere reserve is like stepping into a fairytale forest with trees so tall they’ll make your neck hurt from looking up.
The 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop is perfect for beginners, taking you through primeval forest and past champion trees (including a 167-foot loblolly pine).
For more adventure, rent a canoe and paddle through the Congaree River Blue Trail, where you might spot otters playing in the water.
Don’t forget: The park offers free guided hikes and owl prowls at night. There’s nothing quite like hearing barred owls call to each other in the darkness!
3. Discover the South Carolina State Museum – Best for Rainy Days
Housed in a historic textile mill, the South Carolina State Museum packs four floors of science, history, art, and technology into one awesome experience.
This isn’t your grandma’s stuffy museum – it’s interactive, engaging, and full of surprises.
The planetarium will blow your mind with its 4K digital shows, while the observatory lets you gaze at the stars through a 1926 Alvan Clark refractor telescope.
History buffs will geek out over the full-scale replica of the H.L. Hunley submarine, and kids go crazy for the hands-on science exhibits.
Local secret: Check out the “Cool Stuff” gallery featuring oddities from across the state, including a two-headed calf and moon rocks.
4. Walk the Three Rivers Greenway – Best for Outdoor Exercise
Columbia’s Three Rivers Greenway is a 22-mile network of scenic trails along the Congaree, Broad, and Saluda Rivers.
Whether you want to bike, jog, or stroll, these well-maintained paths offer some of the best waterfront views in the city.
The West Columbia Riverwalk section is perfect for beginners, with easy paved trails and great spots to watch kayakers tackle the rapids.
More adventurous? Try the Saluda Riverwalk, where you might see bald eagles fishing in the early morning.
Bonus: Several trail sections connect to riverfront restaurants, making it easy to refuel after your workout.
5. Tour the South Carolina State House – Best for History Buffs
Columbia’s gorgeous State House is more than just government offices – it’s a living history lesson with stunning architecture.
The guided tours (completely free!) reveal fascinating stories about the building’s Civil War scars, its hand-carved wooden doors, and the controversial bronze stars marking cannonball damage.
Don’t miss the grounds, which feature monuments and gardens perfect for photos. The African American History Monument is particularly powerful, tracing Black history from the Middle Passage to modern times.
Insider tip: Visit when the legislature is in session (January-May) to see democracy in action from the public galleries.
6. Shop at Soda City Market – Best for Local Flavor
Every Saturday morning, Main Street transforms into Soda City Market, Columbia’s premier open-air market.
Over 150 vendors sell everything from farm-fresh produce to handmade jewelry, with live music adding to the festive atmosphere.
Foodies rejoice at options like authentic Venezuelan arepas, Southern-style biscuits, and vegan smoothie bowls.
The people-watching is top-notch too – you’ll see everyone from yoga moms to college students enjoying the scene.
Must-try: The “Everything” empanadas from The Argentine Chef – they sell out fast!
7. Kayak the Saluda River – Best for Adventure Seekers
For a refreshing perspective on Columbia, rent a kayak or tube and float down the Saluda River.
The stretch from Saluda Shoals Park to the zoo offers gentle rapids perfect for beginners, with plenty of calm spots to swim.
Several outfitters like Adventure Outdoors provide shuttle services and equipment rentals, making it super easy to plan your trip. Keep an eye out for great blue herons and the occasional river otter playing along the banks.
Pro safety tip: Always wear your life jacket – some sections have surprising currents!
8. Visit EdVenture Children’s Museum – Best for Young Kids
If you’re traveling with little ones, EdVenture will be the highlight of their trip.
This giant children’s museum lets kids climb a 40-foot-tall boy (yes, really!), operate a kid-sized grocery store, and even pilot a helicopter simulator.
The Boeing Imagination Station teaches STEM concepts through play, while the Farm to Fork exhibit shows where food really comes from.
Special “Toddler Tuesday” programs make it perfect for the under-5 crowd too.
Parent perk: Comfy seating areas let you relax while keeping an eye on your explorers.
9. Explore the Columbia Museum of Art – Best for Culture Vultures
The recently renovated Columbia Museum of Art punches way above its weight for a mid-sized city.
Their permanent collection includes works by Botticelli, Monet, and Warhol, while rotating exhibits showcase everything from Southern folk art to cutting-edge installations.
The free First Thursday events (with live music and extended hours) are perfect for date night.
Don’t miss the museum shop either – it’s packed with unique gifts you won’t find elsewhere.
Hidden gem: The rooftop sculpture garden offers amazing city views.
10. Catch a Game at Segra Park – Best for Sports Fans
Nothing says summer in Columbia like cheering on the Fireflies, our minor league baseball team.
Segra Park is a state-of-the-art stadium with all the classic ballpark treats (hello, foot-long hot dogs and craft root beer floats).
Between innings, enjoy zany mascot antics and fireworks on Friday nights.
The affordable ticket prices make it a great family outing – you can often snag seats for under $15!
Local tradition: Arrive early for the “Kids Run the Bases” event after Sunday games.
11. Dine in the Vista – Best for Foodies
Columbia’s Vista district is the heartbeat of the city’s food scene, with an incredible mix of Southern comfort food and global flavors.
Motor Supply Co. Bistro changes its menu daily based on what’s fresh, while Halls Chophouse serves up legendary steaks with even better service.
Vegetarians rave about Good Life Café’s plant-based bowls, and Kaminsky’s Dessert Café is mandatory for anyone with a sweet tooth (their chocolate peanut butter pie is life-changing).
Insider move: Many Vista restaurants offer great lunch specials that let you sample top chefs at lower prices.
12. Relax at Finlay Park – Best for Picnics
After all that exploring, unwind at Finlay Park, downtown’s green oasis.
The waterfall and lake create a peaceful vibe, while the amphitheater hosts free concerts in warmer months.
The walking paths offer great skyline views, and there’s plenty of shaded seating for enjoying a picnic.
On weekends, you’ll often find yoga classes or pickup chess games happening spontaneously.
Best time to visit: Early morning, when the park is quiet and the fountain lights create a magical glow.
Final Thoughts
From world-class zoos to hidden nature trails, Columbia offers unexpected adventures around every corner.
This city proves you don’t need mountains or beaches to have an amazing time – just great food, rich history, and Southern charm by the bucketload.
Ready to explore? Grab your walking shoes, your appetite, and your sense of adventure – Columbia is waiting to wow you! Which of these top Columbia SC attractions are you hitting first? Drop us a comment below!