- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
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Why Visit Columbia
Columbia, one of America's first planned cities, showcases its history through impressive Greek Revival architecture. The South Carolina State House stands as a testament to resilience, bearing six bronze stars that mark impacts from Sherman's artillery.
Experience the outdoors where the Saluda and Broad Rivers merge to form the Congaree. Explore Congaree National Park, home to one of the tallest old-growth bottomland hardwood forests. In late spring, witness the rare synchronized fireflies light up the night.
The culinary scene is a key part of visiting Columbia. Try Carolina Gold rice BBQ and pimento cheese, a local obsession. The weekly Soda City Market showcases regional producers, while classic shrimp and grits and a glass of sweet tea complete the experience.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Mar-Maymild, blooming flowers
- Jun-Aughot, summer events
- Sep-Novpleasant, fewer tourists
- Dec-Febcool, occasional frost
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightClothing
- #Sunscreen
- #WaterBottle
- #LightRainJacket
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 with nearby attractions
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language here
- #SouthCarolinaStateHouse
- #RiverbanksZoo
- #ColumbiaMuseumOfArt
- #CongareeNationalPark
- #FivePoints
- #SaludaShoalsPark
- Explore historic district
- Visit the State House
- Stroll along the Riverwalk
- Dine at local BBQ spots
- Enjoy outdoor concerts
Recommended Hotels in Columbia by Experience
Things to do in Columbia
Discover
Exploring Columbia reveals the historic South Carolina State House, the diverse Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, and the comprehensive South Carolina State Museum. The city's landscape is defined by its beautiful rivers and lush urban green spaces.
Experience
Enjoy kayaking on the Congaree River, catch a University of South Carolina football game, or browse the weekly Soda City Market. The city's cultural calendar is packed with festivals, live music events, and various local performances.
South Carolina State House
Historic capitol building with tours and monument-filled grounds.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Award-winning zoo and botanical garden with diverse wildlife.
Congaree National Park
Park with old-growth bottomland forest and elevated boardwalk.
South Carolina State Museum
Museum with S.C. art, history, science, and a planetarium.
Soda City Market
Weekly street market with local artisans, food, and music.
Columbia Museum of Art
Art museum featuring European and American masterworks.
Kayak the Three Rivers Greenway
Scenic urban paddling trail where three rivers converge.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). For the trip from the Columbia airport to city center, taxis or rideshares take ~20 mins. Alternatively, take the train to Columbia via Amtrak's Silver Star service at station (CLB).
Getting Around
Public transport in Columbia is managed by The COMET bus system, with day passes available via an app. For flexibility, car rental in Columbia is popular. The downtown core is walkable, and Blue Bike SC offers a great bike-sharing option.
Local Essentials
When driving in Columbia, be aware of heavy traffic at the I-20/I-26 interchange, known as Malfunction Junction. Pay for downtown parking with apps or coins. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for smaller vendors or meters.
Where to Stay in Columbia
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Columbia's culinary soul where you can eat and taste classic Lowcountry dishes like shrimp and grits or iconic pimento cheese. The city embraces a leisurely weekend brunch, a cherished local tradition for socializing.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Columbia, visit Motor Supply Co. Bistro's rustic-chic space, check daily menu. Sip creative cocktails at Bourbon's lively whiskey-focused bar, explore flights. Join the bustling crowd at Cafe Strudel, expect waits.
Motor Supply Co. Bistro
A farm-to-table pioneer with an eclectic, daily menu.
Blue Marlin
Known for award-winning shrimp & grits in the Vista.
Midwood Smokehouse
Serves authentic Carolina barbecue in a lively setting.
Saluda's Restaurant
Elegant fine dining located in the historic Five Points.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Columbia's heritage through events like Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture and the South Carolina State Fair, a tradition since 1869. These celebrations reflect the city's deep agricultural roots and diverse cultural history.
Enjoy
Discover Columbia's creative pulse at events like the Indie Grits Festival, showcasing film and new media. The city's dynamic music scene offers everything from indie rock and jazz to bluegrass and blues at various venues and festivals.
SC State Fair
October fair with rides, food, and entertainment.
St. Pat's in Five Points
A massive St. Patrick's Day party in March with music, a parade.
Columbia International Festival
Experience the world's cultures through food, music, and art.
Jubilee: Festival of Black History
September event celebrating African American culture and history.
Jam Room Music Festival
Free November festival with local and national music acts.
Soda City Market
A must-see weekly Main Street market with local vendors.
Indie Grits Festival
A multi-day film and art festival celebrating Southern culture.
A Friendly Southern City
Columbia has a really welcoming feel, much different from other cities I've visited. The people are genuinely friendly and the city is so easy to walk around. Loved strolling through the State House grounds in the afternoon. Very relaxing trip.
Great for the whole family
This was a great spot for a family getaway. The kids had a fantastic time, especially at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. There were plenty of places to eat that weren't too expensive. The city felt safe and clean the whole time.
The Saturday Market is a Must-Do
Columbia is a fun place to explore, especially on a weekend. The Soda City Market was packed with people and had some amazing food stalls. We found some incredible shrimp and grits that were worth the wait in line.
City and Nature Together
It's awesome how close the city is to real nature. We spent a day out at Congaree National Park and it felt like another world. It was easy to get back to town for a good dinner in The Vista district afterward.
Beautiful Campus, Great Town
The university adds a lot of life to the downtown area. The campus itself is beautiful, especially the historic Horseshoe section. It's a clean and well-kept city with a youthful energy that makes it fun to walk through.
Fun Weekend Getaway
Had a great time exploring the city's arts district. The Vista has a lot of cool galleries and restaurants all in one place. It was easy to find something to do in the evenings. The pimento cheese appetizer we had was fantastic.