Things to do in Columbia

Activities, attractions and tours

South Carolina State House showing heritage architecture, a garden and a sunset
Robert Mills Historic House and Park which includes a house, heritage elements and a garden
Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens featuring heritage elements, a park and a house
Columbia which includes a church or cathedral, heritage elements and a park
Columbia featuring forest scenes, a sunset and signage

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What to do in Columbia

Popular places to visit

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Why not meet the animals who call Riverbanks Zoo and Garden home during your trip to Columbia? You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
South Carolina State House which includes a statue or sculpture, a sunset and heritage architecture

South Carolina State House

Inspect the many monuments and political symbols that decorate the grounds and majestic mansion of the state’s most important structure.

South Carolina State House

Fort Jackson

After visiting Fort Jackson, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Columbia. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Fort Jackson

University of South Carolina

Walk around the campus of University of South Carolina, a top university in Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

University of South Carolina

Williams Brice Stadium

Catch an event at Williams Brice Stadium during your trip to Columbia. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Williams Brice Stadium

Colonial Life Arena

Catch an event at Colonial Life Arena during your trip to Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Colonial Life Arena

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

Learn about the events happening at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center during your trip to Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Enjoy an outing to South Carolina State Fairgrounds during your stay in Columbia. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

South Carolina State Fairgrounds

Township Auditorium

Enjoy a show at Township Auditorium, a theater with a story to tell in Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Township Auditorium

Areas of Columbia

Columbia featuring heritage elements and a church or cathedral

Downtown Columbia

Travelers come to Downtown Columbia for its lively bars, and you can see top attractions like South Carolina State House and Columbia Museum of Art while you're in town.

Downtown Columbia
Columbia showing a church or cathedral, heritage elements and a park

The Vista

The Vista is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Colonial Life Arena or Koger Center for the Arts.

The Vista
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Rosewood

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Rosewood and surrounding area, you can visit South Carolina State Fairgrounds and Williams Brice Stadium.

Rosewood
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Shandon

While Shandon might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Township Auditorium and South Carolina State Fairgrounds.

Shandon
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University Hill

University Hill is well-liked for its restaurants. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like South Carolina State House and Township Auditorium.

University Hill
Finley Park featuring a park

Arsenal Hill

Unique features of Arsenal Hill include the restaurants and live music. Make a stop by Governor's Mansion or Matthew J. Perry, Jr. U.S. Courthouse while you're exploring the area.

Arsenal Hill
Photo by Ross MacNett

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Frequently asked questions

Is Columbia worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor activities and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Columbia. Be sure to enjoy the area's blend of cool sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Columbia?
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and South Carolina State Museum are two excellent places to start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to explore the shopping and dining options in Columbia while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Columbia?
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is one of the top tourist attractions in Columbia and should be high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Columbia?
Three days will be plenty of time to check out the leading city sights, such as Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Township Auditorium and South Carolina State Museum. The average stay in Columbia is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Harbison isn't far away.
Is Columbia a walkable city?
It depends on what you want to do and see in Columbia. Several sights, such as Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and Township Auditorium, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Columbia's neighborhoods, Downtown Columbia is 0.48 kilometers away from downtown, while The Vista is 0.80 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Columbia with kids?
If you're searching for sights and tours for all of your group, here are some fabulous ideas for what to do in Columbia with kids.
What to do in Columbia for adults?
Carolina Coliseum and South Carolina State House are just two of the things to do in Columbia. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Columbia?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Columbia is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without getting your cash out. Trinity Episcopal Cathedral is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.