Fun Things to Do in Columbia South Carolina

Columbia is the capital of the US state of South Carolina. With a population of 136 632 that was recorded in the 2020 census, Colombia is the second-largest city in South Carolina. Perhaps once a charred city during the civil war – it is now a vibrant and culturally rich holiday choice.

A Closer Look at South Carolina’s Columbia

During the civil war, Columbia was a pivotal political and supply hub. If this is your thing, you should add the South Carolina State House to your agenda. It serves as the county seat of Richland County and is a part of the city that extends into neighboring Lexington County.

The city is the Center of the Columbia metropolitan statistical area, which boasted a population of 829 470 in 2020 and is the 72nd-largest metropolitan statistical area in the country.

The name Columbia is a poetic term that comes from the name of Christopher Columbus, who is well known for exploring the Spanish Crown.

Home To The Soda City Market

The city is frequently abbreviated as Cola, leading to its nickname, “Soda City.” In fact, one of the main events hosted in Columbia, SC, is the Soda City Market.

The things to do in Columbia, South Carolina, will keep you busy and wanting to visit again for more!

Art and History Lovers

Choose from the South Carolina State Museum, the South Carolina state house, to the South Carolina Military Museum, which takes you right back to the civil war. You are definitely spoilt for choice.

Edventure Children’s Museum

We have not forgotten the children. As the largest children’s museum in the entire southeast of the US, Edventure Children’s Museum is definitely worth the visit.

Architecture Lovers

If the South Carolina state house and the civil war are not what excites you, we have more to come! The Robert Mills House, Woodrow Wilson family home, and Hampton Preston mansion are some popular choices for visitors.

The South Carolina state house and various museums should also be at the top of your list.

Quick Facts About The Architecture Landscape of Columbia, SC

Robert Mills House

In 1973, the Robert Mills house was designated a National Historic Landmark. 1616 Blanding St, Columbia, SC 29201 is where you want to be heading to visit the Robert Mills House.

Woodrow Wilson family home

One of South Carolina’s most famous architectural glories! It is pretty unique in that it interprets the post-Civil War Reconstruction. Head down to 1705 Hampton Street, St Columbia, SC 29201, to enjoy this experience.

Hampton Preston Mansion

The Hampton Preston Mansion on 1615 Blanding St, Columbia, SC 29201, was constructed for the well-known Hampton family.

Things To Do In Columbia, South Carolina This Weekend

Nestled up against the Atlantic Ocean, South Carolina is known for its beautiful beaches, islands, and friendly Southern hospitality; you won’t be short of things to do in Columbia, South Carolina.

Tucked between the mountainous foothills upstate and the sandy beaches along the coast, you will find exhilarating theme parks, fascinating historical monuments, world-class museums, and wedding venues.

The family-friendly Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens, Columbia food tours, and an array of other attractions ensure that you have endless hours of fun!

Here are our picks of the best things to do in Columbia, South Carolina

Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park, tucked away neatly in the inter-coastal plains of South Carolina, is the underdog of US National Parks. It’s easy to understand why, given its unique landscape as well as its rich heritage.

It’s even close to the state capital and metro area, Columbia, which makes travel and accommodations quite convenient.

But a little-known secret about this quaint grove could be driving the locals to keep this place all to themselves.

Why enter Congaree through the ranger’s outposts when you can paddle right up to it? The 50-mile Congaree River Blue Trail is one of the trendiest things to do in Congaree National Park.

Start Your Journey from Downtown Columbia

You’ll start in the downtown “famously hot” metro Columbia, the state’s capital. You’ll paddle your way downstream until the river opens up to the US’ largest preserved old-growth bottomland forest and marshland.

The address of the Congaree National Park is 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, South Carolina, 29061, USA.

Lake Murray, South Carolina

Lake Murray is a boating heaven for all kinds of boaters. If it’s canoeing or kayaking in calm waters, navigating sails through cutting winds, or gently cruising in a power or fishing boat, Lake Murray in South Carolina is really the place to be!

The list of things to do in Columbia, South Carolina, just got better with the addition of Lake Murray!

Why is it so popular?

This lake attracts thousands each year with its numerous boating and other water sports offerings for sports enthusiasts and leisure travelers.

Lake Murray hosts nationally sponsored fishing tournaments and is best known for its four types of fish, including striped bass, largemouth bass, bream, and crappie.

Lake Murray’s address is 2184 North Lake Drive, Columbia, South Carolina, 29212.

Riverbanks Zoo And Garden

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in South Carolina is home to a lot more than 2 000 splendid and intriguing animals. It is one of the nation’s most stunning and moving botanical gardens.

A Closer Look At Riverbanks Zoo

Riverbanks Zoo is a lush 170-acre site showcasing dynamic natural habitat exhibitions, scenic river views, spectacular valley views, as well as significant historical landmarks in South Carolina state.

The address is 500 Wildlife Parkway, St Columbia, SC, 29201 is where you get to enjoy all that Riverbanks Zoo has to offer!

South Carolina State Museum

Representing four disciplines: science and technology, natural history, cultural history, and art, the South Carolina State Museum is a must if you are looking for things to do in Columbia, South Carolina.

A State-Of-The-Art Museum

Why? Boasting a digital dome planetarium, observatory, and 4D interactive theater makes the South Carolina State Museum one of the best attractions in downtown Columbia.

301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States, is where you find South Carolina’s State Museum.

Columbia Museum Of Art

The Columbia Museum of Art in South Carolina (CMA) celebrates outstanding artistic creativity via its collection, exhibitions, and programs, interacting in ways that engage the mind and enrich the spirit.

Top-ranking Art Institution

Located in the very heart of downtown Columbia, South Carolina, the Columbia Museum of Art ranks amongst the leading art institutions in the country. It is recognized for its innovative exhibitions and creative educational programs.

At the Center of the Columbia Museum of Art and its programs is its collection, which encompasses almost 7 000 works and covers thousands of years of history, representing a wide range of world cultures.

A Whopping 135 000 Visitors Annually

Established in 1950, the CMA now welcomes more than 135 000 visitors annually and acts as a catalyst for community creativity, engaging individuals of all ages and backgrounds with a diverse range of programming.

From exhibitions and lectures right down to concerts, arts & draughts parties, and craft-haven gatherings, Columbia Museum hosts an impressive variety of shows. The art events are a must of things to do in Columbia, South Carolina.

The address of the Columbia Museum of Art is 1515 Main St Columbia, SC, 29201 (Downtown Columbia)

Columbia Mall SC

The Mall in Columbia, which is also known as the Columbia Mall, is the main shopping mall for the community of Columbia, Maryland, United States.

It has a little over 200 specialty stores; the anchor stores are Lidl, AMC Theatres, Main Event Entertainment, JCPenney, Barnes & Noble, Macy’s, and Nordstrom.

Some of the restaurants include PF Chang’s, Maggiano’s Little Italy, and The Cheesecake Factory. It is situated in the Town Center area of the city and attracts shoppers from neighboring counties in Maryland.

Columbia Mall South Carolina’s address is 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044.

Three Rivers Columbia SC

At Three Rivers Midlands, they take great pride in the work that they do. Every employee is passionate and committed to establishing a healthy and therapeutic environment for the people who live there.

They understand that every child and adolescent who comes to them for mental health treatment is an individual, and their staff takes the time to get to know residents and their particular needs.

The address of Three Rivers Midlands is 200 Ermine Road, West Columbia, South Carolina, 29170.

Township Auditorium

When the curtain was drawn open on 1 December 1930, a showplace of dreams was unveiled, and the highest hopes of the citizens of South Carolina were created in the new Township Auditorium in downtown Columbia.

Designed Lafaye & Lafaye Associates

Designed and built by leading South Carolina architects Lafaye & Lafaye Associates, the Township was the very first multi-purpose facility in the Carolinas.

Praised for its architecture, acoustics, and sightlines when it was first constructed.

A Township With A Rich History

The Township has survived world wars, economic booms, recessions, social turmoil, and the renaissance of Columbia’s Downtown City Center.

The address of the Township Auditorium is the corner of Taylor and Henderson Streets in downtown St Columbia, SC, 29201.

Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park

The Columbia Canal was an important state-backed construction, which is now a famous sightseeing landmark close to the Riverfront Park.

What makes Riverfront Park popular? It is the ideal place to unwind and spend some quality time right in the heart of nature!

Riverfront Park and Lake Murray are popular jogging spots for fitness enthusiasts. Close enough to the Riverbanks Zoo if you are looking at a prolonged stay.

The West Columbia Riverwalk Park is just another activity to keep the whole family busy.

Koger Center For The Arts

As the capital city’s vivacious hub of dining for Columbia food tours and entertainment, without a doubt, the Koger Center for the Arts is highlighted as Columbia’s premier focus for the performing arts.

A Cultural Experience To Remember

As the cultural destination for audiences looking for diverse experiences in a dynamic and dynamic setting.

The Center features several local arts groups comprising the Columbia City Ballet, The South Carolina Philharmonic, and the Columbia Classical Ballet.

Some rate it one of the top things to do in Columbia, South Carolina.

Together with the University of South Carolina, the Koger Center holds performances by both the USC Dance Department and the School of Music, as well as the USC Symphony Orchestra.

The Koger Center is proud to be the home of Broadway In Columbia, SC bringing the absolute best of world-class productions to Columbia, SC.

Conclusion

From the historically rich South Carolina Military Museum to sightseeing at the Columbia Canal or a visit to Lake Murray, you can rest assured that your trip to Columbia, South Carolina, is going to be a memorable one!

There are so many amazing things to do in Columbia, SC; we’ve highlighted just a handful of these in this article. So, whatever you like doing, you’re sure to find something you enjoy! If you are planning to move to Columbia, SC and looking for movers South Carolina for professional moving services; you can also visit Jordan River Moving. Contact us today!