Things to do & places to visit in Columbia, South Carolina, United States

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.

Columbia city in South Carolina, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Tuesday, May 07, 2024, 16:02.

Top things to do (27)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Escape Plan Columbia (1.999 reviews)
- FLOOR 23 - highly recommend!
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Escape Games • Game & Entertainment Centers

Find Clues. Solve Puzzles. You will have 60 minutes to put your problem solving skills to the test and work together to escape at the escape room recognized as one of the top 10 in the country! Whether it's taking over a pirate ship, exploring a haunted elevator, saving the kingdom, or trying to find missing persons, you're sure to have a blast in our live escape room adventures. See more..
5.0 The Final Door Escape Room Columbia (1.598 reviews)
- First timers who will no doubt return!
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Game & Entertainment Centers

At The Final Door Escape Room, sixty minutes will fly by as you attempt to unlock the door to your escape. Few have beat our rooms and those who did have earned bragging rights and a place on our wall of fame. Although our rooms are known to claim many victims, visitors of all ages are sure to have a great time! The Final Door is the most challenging fun you'll ever have in sixty minutes. The Final Door is one of the most Fun Things to Do in Columbia. See more..
5.0 Escapology Columbia (Vista) (1.085 reviews)
- Very well organized and great games for the family
Tuesday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

The Midland's premium escape game experience! Always private bookings (no mixing with strangers). Rooms hold 6-8 people per room. Do you have what it takes to escape? Immersive escape rooms and team building workshops to help you build and grow the ultimate team. Practice team problem solving, communication, and critical thinking as you race against the clock to complete your mission. Our 8,000 square foot facility includes 12 escape rooms, a meeting room, and a comfortable and spacious lobby, all in a corporate friendly environment. Our in-room capacity is 88 people, and we are able to comfortably host groups of over 180. We open early for events! We also partner with Cognizant Leadership for professional development workshops to help build leaders worth following, high performing teams, and organizations where everyone wants to work. See more..
5.0 South Carolina Military Museum (87 reviews)
- Great museum
Military Museums

Located on the military base it is easy to find with free car parking. The museum is free to enter and across 2 large buildings displays lots of artefacts and military hardware spanning 200 years. Outdoor exhibits include tanks and helicopters See more..
5.0 Founders Park (56 reviews)
- No better College Baseball facility in the nation!
Spent More than 3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

Great place to watch a college baseball game (home of the Gamecocks). Good vending options, comfortable seats, no bad seat in the house. See more..
5.0 Fort Jackson National Cemetery (54 reviews)
- Respectfully done
Spent 1-2 hours Cemeteries

Sectioned off to be more personal, giving a sense of being more private. Very well manicured lawn and well maintained drive. See more..
5.0 Sea Lion Landing (31 reviews)
- Perfect animals
Spent < 1 hour Aquariums

Wonderful to have sea lions at Riverbanks, So much care is taken in creating their habitat. Riverbanks staff is among the best in the coutnry. See more..
4.5 Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (2.940 reviews)
- We go multiple times every month!
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos • Gardens

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. See more..
4.5 South Carolina State House (654 reviews)
- Fabulous Architecture and Great History
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings

A beautiful building with wonderful architectural detail. See more..
4.5 South Carolina State Museum (643 reviews)
- Loved the Wizard of Oz exhibit
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

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 museum is located in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. Please visit the website for the most current and accurate operating hours and pricing. See more..
4.5 University of South Carolina (420 reviews)
- Calm and beautiful campus
Educational sites

University of South Carolina. See more..
4.5 Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park (382 reviews)
- Great place to run in the shade during the summer
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Parks

I was in Columbia in July, but needed to get in a 13 mile run. The humidity is everywhere that time of year, but the park let me stay in the shade, accompanied by scenic views and a pretty flat course. Saved my life. See more..
4.5 Columbia Museum of Art (283 reviews)
- Love this place!
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

Don’t miss the MC Escher exhibit that is included with your $10 entrance fee for the next month or so! I have been coming to this museum from time to time for over four decades and it just keeps improving on me. The permanent collection includes selections from many eras & cultures for a small museum. As a lover of Renaissance art, the highlight for me is the Botticelli Nativity that is the only one exhibited outside of Italy. The traveling exhibits which change periodically are always amazing. A few years ago they had an incredible impressionist exhibit. A year or so ago we came to see Van Gogh, and this time it was Escher. Sign up for their email updates to keep up with special events & traveling exhibitions. There is definitely something for art lovers in the South Carolina capital! See more..
4.5 Saluda Shoals Park (233 reviews)
- Fun way to spend the day!
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

The agent at the gate was friendly and knowledgeable and advised us according to our needs. We spent the afternoon hiking the trails and enjoying the river. Entrance for the day was $5.00 for the vehicle and we parked all the way in the back near the boat ramp. We hiked the green/blue trails and found so many great spots along the river banks to relax and enjoy the scenery. Great place to spend the day with family/friends enjoying the outdoors. The day was overcast and the canopy of trees provided another layer of protection from the sun. We’d absolutely return if we were ever in the area again. See more..
4.5 Williams-Brice Stadium (205 reviews)
- Game Day
Arenas & Stadiums

What side of the field does the visiting Cheerleader cheer? Trying to buy tickets want to watch my Granddaughter cheer. See more..
4.5 South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum (127 reviews)
- Relics from a difficult time
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • History Museums

Founded in 1896, the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum is the oldest history museum in the state. The museum focuses on South Carolina’s military history from the Revolutionary War to the present. See more..
4.5 River Rat Brewery (101 reviews)
- Great outdoor dining and drinking
Tuesday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Breweries

River Rat American Bistro! More than just great beer in a brewery, you won’t find a food truck or small bites at our facility, we are a full-scale American Restaurant with some of the best grub in town. Our executive chef Jon Cooper has refined our menu and food program to provide our customers with amazing choices that are always made from scratch. Additionally, we have one of the best brunch programs in Columbia. Join us on the weekends from 10 am – 2 pm for brunch, bloody mary’s, mimosa’s, and of course great craft beer. Bring your friends, bring your family, bring your dogs, and come enjoy all the River Rat Brewery has to offer. See more..
4.5 Soda City Market (95 reviews)
- Great Family Friendly Event
Tuesday: Spent 1-2 hours Flea & Street Markets

Soda City Market is a producer-only market — vendors must make or grow their own products (including out of season/exotic fruits and vegetables, antiques, and vintage items). Everything sold at our market is unique, hand crafted, and produced in the Southeast. The market fields an average of 150 vendors per week, and over 400 unique vendors throughout the year! Soda City Market is Columbia’s weekly Main Street event inspired by traditional European street markets. In partnership with Founders Federal Credit Union, we’re open every Saturday morning 9 a.m. –1 p.m., year-round, rain or shine! Find everything you need to nourish your brain, body, and belly—and help establish Columbia as the real southern hotspot for locals and visitors alike. Soda City Market is a microcosm of Columbia, a melting pot of cultures, and an inviting community experience worth making a part of your regular weekend routine. See more..
4.5 Harbison State Forest (84 reviews)
- Miles of Smiles
Forests

Over 20 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails from beginners to expert. Trails are very well maintained. See more..
4.5 Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (63 reviews)
- Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites

A cathedral modeled after the York Minster in England. See more..
4.5 Robert Mills House & Gardens (62 reviews)
- Who knew!
Historic Sites

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. See more..
4.5 Fort Jackson (35 reviews)
- BCT Family Day & Graduation
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Military Bases & Facilities

Arrived the day before Family Day. Everyone on post was friendly & helpful. We located Hilton Field which was only minutes from our stay. There is plenty to look at & do on your own. Large playground by the Solomon Center that can entertain children forever. Plenty of food options. The lunch buffet at theNCO club is great! And casual dinner spot at McGruders Pub. Definitely worth the time and $ to stay on post. Never had to leave the area. Will return again if there is a purpose. Courage Worthy! See more..
4.5 Governor's Mansion (30 reviews)
- Informative and beautiful
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Government Buildings

We joined a small school group tour. The tour guide handled the group well, with humor and patience. Beautiful property, interesting history. Highly recommend, whether you're from the state or not. To schedule a tour, fill out a contact form online with preferred times/dates. Arrive a few minutes early for your parking pass if you can find an empty parking space (I've not seen it full anytime we've visited the area); come with coinage just in case. Bathrooms are in the basement of first building on the governor's mansion grounds (where you get a parking pass). If you are wheelchair bound or have trouble with steps, you should call ahead to ask if this would be a problem. See more..
4.0 EdVenture Children's Museum (401 reviews)
- Great museum for children of all ages!
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Children's Museums

EdVenture Children's Museum in Columbia, SC is ready to take you on an interactive journey that will open doors to new ways of exploring your world. From romping through the amazing anatomy of EDDIE(R), the world's largest child, to firefighting on a full-size fire truck or discovering the mysteries of DNA, EdVenture is the perfect destination for curious minds and the ultimate launch pad for sparking imaginations! Behind EdVenture's doors, are nine world-class exhibit galleries, a library, learning laboratories, resource centers and other visitor amenities. Two additional outdoor gallery spaces are located just outside the museum's front doors. Within the total 92,000 square feet that is EdVenture Children's Museum, there are more than 350 individual hands-on experiences! See more..
4.0 Worlds Largest Fire Hydrant (203 reviews)
- Worth the stop for a photo.
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

We were in Columbia for lunch after visiting Congaree National Park located nearby. The fireplug area is very nice and we found a great place nearby for a relaxing meal and a cocktail. The world's largest fireplug? Worth a photo at least. Enjoy! See more..
4.0 Colonial Life Arena (198 reviews)
- Good arena for a concert
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Arenas & Stadiums

We were at this venue for a concert. The whole process of getting into the building, finding out seats, and enjoying the show was easy. The staff that we spoke with was helpful and friendly. The seats had a good view and the chairs were more comfortable that some arenas I have went to. Would definitely recommend. See more..
4.0 Sesquicentennial State Park (184 reviews)
- Good, easy hiking
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM State Parks

I stopped by Sesquicentennial for some hiking because Harbison State Forest closed their trails due to heavy rain. Sesqui had 10+ miles of trails which were all in good order even with the heavy rains. There is a $6 entry fee for adults aged 16-64, and a park store with a smattering of souvenirs and helpful rangers. The biking trail was beautiful, and not at all crowded on a Wednesday morning. I passed 3 people over the course of five miles. There is a small lake in the middle, and I’m sure summer is a very popular time here. So glad to find such a suitable backup for my rain soaked hiking plans. See more..
4.0 Tunnel Vision Mural (155 reviews)
- Well worth stopping to look if nearby
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Big, free, mural on a public wall. Very cleverly painted to look 3D. Park in the street nearby for 25c for 20 minutes, which is enough to see the mural and the World's largest fire hydrant nearby (see separate review and photos). Both fun - definitely worth a visit when you are in the area. If my review has informed you, please reward me with a "Helpful" vote - thank you. See more..
4.0 Township Auditorium (64 reviews)
- Awesome little auditorium!
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Theaters

We decided to go see REO SPEEDWAGON and the closest concert was 500 miles in Columbia, SC at the Township Auditorium. Upon arriving, it looked like a gymnasium. And found out it only held 3000 people. Very skeptical. But after entering, was amazed at layout. There was not a bad seat in the house. Seats were roomy and everything was very accessible. Learned not to judge a book by it's cover. See more..
4.0 Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens (52 reviews)
- Glimpse into the past...
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites

One of Columbia's oldest remaining structures, the Hampton-Preston Mansion explores the lives of enslaved workers and their planter-class owners. This site is available for tours and as an outdoor rental space. See more..