If you are planning a trip to Columbia, there are so many things to see and do. From its rich history to its stunning natural landscapes, Columbia is a destination that offers something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
Columbia has several top attractions that should be on every traveler’s itinerary. These include:
The State House – This historic building is the seat of the South Carolina government and has a beautiful dome.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden – This is one of the largest zoos in the country and has over 2,000 animals.
Congaree National Park – This park has several hiking trails and is home to some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States.
South Carolina State Museum – This museum has exhibits on art, science, and history.
EdVenture Children’s Museum – This museum is designed for children and has several interactive exhibits.
Hidden Gems
While the top attractions in Columbia are great, there are also several hidden gems that are worth exploring. These include:
The Nickelodeon Theatre – This is an independent movie theatre that shows foreign and independent films.
The Arcade Mall – This is one of the oldest indoor malls in the United States and has several unique shops.
The Congaree Vista – This is a historic district that has several restaurants and art galleries.
Saluda Shoals Park – This park has several hiking trails and is a great place to go kayaking.
Palmetto Trail – This trail spans over 500 miles and is a great place to go hiking and biking.
Food Scene
Columbia has a great food scene that is influenced by southern cuisine. Some of the best restaurants in Columbia include:
The War Mouth – This restaurant serves southern comfort food and has a great cocktail menu.
Terra – This restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine and has a great wine list.
Motor Supply Company Bistro – This restaurant serves contemporary cuisine and has a great brunch.
The Oak Table – This restaurant serves steak and seafood and has a great rooftop bar.
Bourbon – This restaurant serves southern cuisine and has a great bourbon selection.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Columbia can be an affordable destination if you know where to look. Here are some budget-friendly tips:
Visit the free attractions such as the State House and Congaree National Park.
Eat at the food trucks and local markets for affordable meals.
Take advantage of happy hour specials at the local bars and restaurants.
Stay in budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels or Airbnb rentals.
Use public transportation or rent a bike to get around the city.
Outdoor Adventures
Columbia has several outdoor adventures that are perfect for nature lovers. These include:
Kayaking on the Congaree River.
Hiking in Congaree National Park or Saluda Shoals Park.
Biking on the Palmetto Trail.
Fishing in Lake Murray.
Swimming or boating in Lake Murray.
Family-Friendly Activities
Columbia is a great destination for families with kids. Here are some family-friendly activities:
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
EdVenture Children’s Museum.
Frankie’s Fun Park – This amusement park has go-karts, mini golf, and arcade games.
South Carolina State Museum.
Sesquicentennial State Park – This park has several hiking trails and a lake for swimming.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you want to get off the beaten path, here are some unique experiences in Columbia:
Visit the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum.
Take a ghost tour of Columbia.
Visit the Columbia Marionette Theatre.
Explore the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park.
Go on a scavenger hunt with Columbia Scavenger Hunt.
Natural Wonders
Columbia is home to several natural wonders. Here are some must-see sites:
Congaree National Park – This park has several hiking trails and is home to some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States.
Lake Murray – This lake is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Sesquicentennial State Park – This park has several hiking trails and a lake for swimming.
Harbison State Forest – This forest has several hiking trails and is home to several species of wildlife.
Saluda Shoals Park – This park has several hiking trails and is a great place to go kayaking.
Vibrant Nightlife
Columbia has a vibrant nightlife scene that is perfect for those who love to party. Some of the top bars and clubs in Columbia include:
The Whig – This bar has a great beer selection and live music.
Jake’s – This bar has a rooftop bar and live music.
The Senate – This bar has a great cocktail menu and live music.
Art Bar – This bar has a great art scene and live music.
Music Farm – This music venue has live music and concerts.
Local Markets
Columbia has several local markets where you can buy fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs. These include:
The Soda City Market – This market is held every Saturday and has over 150 vendors.
The All Local Farmers Market – This market is held every Sunday and features local farmers and artisans.
The State Farmers Market – This market is open every day and has fresh produce and plants.
The Rosewood Market – This market has organic foods and supplements.
The City Roots Farmers Market – This market is held every Thursday and has local farmers and food trucks.
Beaches and Mountains
While Columbia is not located near the coast or mountains, there are several beaches and mountains that are within driving distance. These include:
Myrtle Beach – This beach is located about 2 hours from Columbia and is known for its boardwalk and amusement park.
Charleston Beaches – These beaches are located about 2 hours from Columbia and are known for their historic charm.
Blue Ridge Mountains – These mountains are located about 3 hours from Columbia and are perfect for hiking and camping.
Great Smoky Mountains – These mountains are located about 5 hours from Columbia and are perfect for hiking and camping.
Asheville – This city is located about 3 hours from Columbia and is known for its arts and culture scene.
Cultural Immersion
Columbia has a rich culture that is influenced by southern traditions. Here are some cultural immersion experiences:
Visit the Columbia Museum of Art.
Take a walking tour of the historic districts.
Visit the South Carolina State Library.
Take a cooking class to learn how to make southern cuisine.
Visit the Columbia City Ballet.
Art and Music Scene
Columbia has a thriving art and music scene that is perfect for those who appreciate the arts. Here are some must-see sites:
The Columbia Museum of Art – This museum has exhibits on art and culture.
The Koger Center for the Arts – This performing arts center has concerts and shows.
The Nickelodeon Theatre – This independent movie theatre shows foreign and independent films.
The Township Auditorium – This performing arts center has concerts and shows.
The Columbia City Ballet – This ballet company performs throughout the year.
Walking Tours
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