Things to do in Columbia

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Columbia

Types of activities

Columbia Travel Guide

Things to do

Congaree National Park Self Guided Audio Walking Tour

P802

per traveler

Capital City Heritage Walk Private Guided Tour

P2,280

per adult

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What to do in Columbia

Popular places to visit

A riverboat on a river with a fort and surrounding greenery.

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.

Aerial view of the South Carolina skyline at dusk in Columbia, SC. Columbia is the capital of the U.S. state of South Carolina and serves as the county seat of Richland County

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Where to stay in Columbia

Find the best Columbia areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Columbia

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.

Columbia South Carolina Skyline SC Aerial

Five Points

The bars and live music are a few reasons travelers visit Five Points. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Columbia Urban League and Township Auditorium are a few top sights nearby.

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.

Rosewood

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

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 Columbia Urban League and Township Auditorium.

Blythewood

Downtown Columbia South Carolina Skyline SC Aerial Panorama

Irmo

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.

Lanterns and Lunacy of the Lost: Cruel Columbia Ghost Tours

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.