10 Best Things to Do in Columbia (SC)

If you want to make your vacation more special, travel Columbia SC. Here you will get different things to do which make your journey memorable.

Visit the Capitol Building

When legislature is in session, January through May, tours are offered every half hour beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 3:30 p.m. Tours are not offered at 12 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. during these months. When legislation is not in session, June through December, tours are available every hour on the half hour beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 3:30 p.m.. Tours are not offered at 12:30 p.m. during these months. Tours are also available on the first Saturday of the month. Walk-in tours are welcome.

For more information, call (803) 734-2430

1100 Gervais St
Columbia, SC 29201

Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Gardens is located just two miles from downtown, along the Saluda River. It is both Columbia’s top tourist attraction and one of the top zoos in the country. More than 2,000 animals live here, including: koalas, crocodiles, elephants, bears, tigers, and more. The zoo is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For more information, call (803) 779-8717

500 Wildlife Parkway
Columbia, SC 29210

EdVenture Children’s Museum

EdVenture Children’s Museum is the 7th largest children’s museum in the United States and the largest in the South. You will find six exhibit galleries, two resource centers, two outdoor galleries, several laboratories, a 200-seat community theater, two resource centers, two outdoor gallery spaces, a library, and other amenities. There are more than 350 individual hands-on exhibits.

For more information, call (803) 779-3100

211 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Kingston Mansion

Though more of a day trip outside the Columbia area, as this is located 31 miles from downtown Columbia, this is something everyone should take a chance to see. The mansion was completed in 1854, and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

For more information, call (803) 353-0456

4101 McCords Ferry Road (Highway 601)
Eastover, SC 29044

Lake Murray

Though the lake was originally built in the 1930’s as a hydro-electric generation facility, Lake Murray is now a major recreation destination in the area. It borders several cities including: Lexington, Chapin, and Irmo, only a short drive from Columbia, this is a great way to enjoy a number of outdoor activities.

For more information call, (803) 781-5940

Check out a Sporting Event

Thanks to the University of South Carolina and the Gamecocks, you can check out anything from: baseball, football, basketball, golf, soccer, tennis, swimming and diving, track and field, cross country, and more.

For more information, call (803) 576-9200

Colonial Life Arena
801 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC 29208

Nickelodeon Theater

South Carolina’s non-profit theater since 1978, the “Nick” is a 99 seat theatre, with three film screenings every day.

For more information call, (803) 254-8234

1607 Main St
Columbia, SC 29201

South Carolina State Museum

The state’s largest and most comprehensive museum, the South Carolina State Museum is located along the banks of the Congaree River. It serves to tell the story of South Carolina’s history and features a number of both educational and entertaining exhibits.

For more information call (803) 898-4978

301 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Finlay Park

Finlay Park is one of the best known parks in the state. It hosts a little bit of everything from political events, festivals, the Summer Concert series, and more. The park is named after park is named for Kirkman Finlay, Mayor of Columbia.

For more information, call (803) 545-3100

930 Laurel St
Columbia, SC 29201

Adventure Carolina

Take a trip down one of the many area rivers, or rent water equipment to do your own thing.

For more information, call (803) 796-4505

1107 State St
Cayce, SC 29033