Location: Columbia
Top Things to do in Columbia
- 1. Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden
- 2. University of South Carolina
- 3. South Carolina State House
- 4. Saluda Shoals Park
- 5. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
- 6. South Carolina State Museum
- 7. Columbia Museum of Art
- 8. EdVenture Children's Museum
- 9. South Carolina Military Museum
- 10. South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
Top 10 Things to do in Columbia, 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.
Restaurants in Columbia
1. Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Linda5355 - Charlotte, North Carolina
This is a fabulous zoo. Wonderful exhibits and they seem to really care for the animals. Their zoo map was confusing so it was a bit tough to find our way but we got to most things we wanted to see. We spent 5 hours there but could have used an extra day. There’s SO much to do! Get there early because parking is free but fills up quickly.
2. University of South Carolina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
University of South Carolina.
Reviewed By FrancesDecatur - Savannah, Georgia
The campus at USC is beautiful. In the middle of the city and you feel like you are in a park. The stadium is pretty amazing also. Nice to just walk around .
3. South Carolina State House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 515 reviews
A beautiful building with wonderful architectural detail.
4. Saluda Shoals Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By RA_Travel_5 - Germany
This is a nice park near the Lake Murray Dam. You can spend a day with family or friends outdoors on walking trails, riding bikes, inline skating or on the water with a kayak or canoe. There ware various picnic areas and children playgrounds. Plenty of opportunities to spend a wonderful day. Having lots of trees provides shade during hot days..
5. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 319 reviews
Reviewed By Michael W - Concord
We had a beautiful walk along the river and canal. The path is paved, flat, and wide. There were quite a few other folks out walking. I imagine it is even more beautiful in the spring when the leaves are out. We will certainly make another trip during that time.
6. South Carolina State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 538 reviews
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 State Museum, the largest and most comprehensive museum in the state, is located along the banks of the Congaree River in downtown Columbia, South Carolina.
Reviewed By WestvaleWally - Syracuse, New York
As a visiting "Yankee," I was interested in viewing how the museum treated South Carolina's past as a slave state and a member of the Confederacy, how it dealt with its Civil War heroes, and how it treated the contemporary use of the Confederate battle flag. I was pleased to see all these issues treated in a straight-forward, historically accurate and objective fashion devoid of emotion and rhetoric. It's clear the museum is in the hands of professionals.
7. Columbia Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Reviewed By JVC4NYC
We visited during Eclipse Weekend 2017 and were, at first, disappointed to learn that most of the galleries were closed for renovation. Despite that we spend an enjoyable two hours strolling through the creatively and cleverly organized exhibits: "That 70s Show" and "Retooled". As NYC residents and avid museum-goers, I would judge that the Columbia Museum of Art holds its own as a first rate gallery experience. The qualit of what we saw made us interested in returning to see what the entire museum has to offer. I am betting it will be impressive.
8. EdVenture Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 355 reviews
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!
Reviewed By Elba M - Columbia, South Carolina
The places is awesome for the kids, they have few different rooms with lots of activities a big free play area and you need to expect maybe to be there more than 3 hours... well... that's was my case with 2 kids. They have sensory friendly time and you can find more information on Facebook about this sensory friendly time. Parking is free and you have on the front of the adventure museum the State Museum so basically if you have time you can visit both same day. They have Military Discount also.
9. South Carolina Military Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By okeedoke - washington state
This museum is actually top-grade! We were very impressed during our entire visit and were enthralled by the quality and number of items in the varied collections. I was especially amazed at the weapon/gun collections...some I'd never... ever... seen before! This is truly Smithsonian quality and we will gladly return when we have another chance to visit Columbia! Thank you, National Guard!
10. South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By Edward S - Lexington, South Carolina
I went to the special day long event of the sword at the Confederate Relic Room. A demo run by Dr. Jane Littman on modern fencing complete with members of her club with electric fencing scoring apparatus for the Columbia fencers Club was excellent. It was followed by a lecture on Swords and cavalry and another lecture on swords used through the ages. A great venue and a fun learning and observing day was enjoyed by all.
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