Columbia, South Carolina, is the first American city named after the famous
explorer Christopher Columbus. It celebrates his curious spirit by offering plenty of worthwhile
areas for locals and visitors to explore. You can easily lose several days exploring
the city's many parks and museums, and you just might lose your voice screaming for the home team
at its sports stadiums - although we would hardly call either of those two things losses. Its many
unique shops and farmers' markets are great places to check everything off your list as well. If you
get tired during your trip, there are plenty of casual restaurants to relax and recharge.
Like and subscribe to ViewCation for more details about this city. Watch our video to
learn about the best things to do in Columbia, South Carolina.
Hampton-Preston Mansion This mansion was built in 1818,
making it one of the oldest surviving structures in Columbia. Over time, it's served as a private
home, governor's mansion, convent, Union army headquarters, the campus of 4 different colleges,
and several other fascinating things. Today, it's a museum that provides a look back into the
Antebellum period. It has a large veranda, Doric columns, an open interior full of fine furnishing,
and gorgeous gardens. Its artifacts and exhibits show what life was like
for the Hampton and Preston families who lived in the home... alongside their enslaved workers.
Robert Mills House and Gardens There’s more than 1 famous house in Columbia,
South Carolina, This one was built in 1823 and serves as one of the city’s 5 primary historical
landmarks. It was named after the designer and was originally built for Ainsley and Sarah Hall.
When that plan fell through, it was used as a campus for religious schools. It’s since been
turned into a museum with period rooms, galleries, art, and other relics from the 18th and 19th
centuries. It’s also a popular wedding venue because of the peace and beauty of its grounds.
South Carolina State House This historic building was completed in 1907
to house South Carolina's seat of government and renovated from 1995-1998. It has beautiful
Classical Revival-style architecture with a copper dome and large portico on the outside.
There are also beautiful stained glass windows and artwork on marble
walls inside. The grounds are impressive, with green plants and monuments all around.
Buy a map at the gift shop and go on a self-guided tour.
EdVenture Children’s Museum This is one of the best family-friendly
things to do in Columbia, South Carolina. It's the 2nd-largest interactive children's museum globally
with over 350 exhibits. You'll also find the largest statue of a child
on Earth sitting at the entrance. Eddie is 40 feet tall and weighs 35,000 pounds. Children
are allowed and encouraged to climb atop and inside him to learn about human anatomy.
Columbia Museum of Art This museum opened in 1908
and now attracts 150,000 visitors per year. Its arts span 5,000 years of history,
with works organized by theme. It's known for European and American pieces but features
other highlights such as photo installations, sculptures, Chinese ceramics and carvings, and
more. It's also a thriving community space with classes, concerts, and annual cultural events.
South Carolina State Museum This spot used to be a 19-century mill but opened
as the largest museum in South Carolina in 1894. It displays over 70,000 objects that are spread
across 4 exhibit areas focusing on natural history, art, culture, science, technology,
and other disciplines. Many of its offerings are interactive, such as the digital dome planetarium
and observatory and the 4-D theater. Enjoying this video so far? Like
and subscribe to ViewCation for more must-see destinations in every state. Keep watching for
more of the best things to do in Columbia, South Carolina, including beautiful parks,
fully stocked farmers markets and unique stores, delicious restaurants, and more.
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park The Columbia Canal was built in 1824
and is the only surviving canal in South Carolina. It’s the center point of the Riverfront Park that
also features a 2 ½ mile trail for a bit of physical activity. There are also smaller
trails to walk along. Go to the original Columbia waterworks to see the world’s first electrically
operated textile mill. Lake Murray
This beautiful spot offers 50,000 acres of natural beauty and 650 miles of shoreline. It used to be
the site of the Lake Murray Dam, formerly the largest earthen dam in the world at 60 meters
high. It once generated hydroelectric power for the entire state. It alone makes the trip to
Lake Murray worthwhile. You can also take part in the tradition of leaving a “love lock” on it with
your significant other. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy around the lake,
including fishing, swimming, boating, scuba diving, paddle boarding, and more.
Dreher Island State Park These 3 islands take up 348 acres of space
and are linked to Lake Murray through 2 bridges and a causeway. They provide gorgeous views of
the lake and offer 12 miles of shoreline for you to fish, hike, and camp along. There’s
a nature trail with easy-to-read signs, and you can also bring your pets along with you.
Saluda Shoals This 480-acre
park is one of the best places to visit in Columbia, South Carolina, if you're
looking to spend a day out on the water. It's 10 minutes away from the Lake Murray
Dam but offers plenty of unique experiences. Walk, hike, or fish along its 10-mile trails.
Swim or boat on the water. Send your kids to the splash pad or your dogs to the Barking Lot
Dog Park. You can even go on a guided canoe trip or rent a kayak or bike to explore on your own.
Congaree National Park This 15,000-acre park
was established in 2003 to protect the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the US.
Many of its trees are over 100 feet tall, and 2 dozen of them are known as champion trees because
they're the largest of their species. There's also a 2.5-mile boardwalk over the floodplain,
and walking it will let you see the park's most beautiful areas.
Walk, hike, or kayak through and along your journey, you'll see wildlife such as deer,
raccoons, and opossums, as well as beautiful plants and trees. You can even camp out for a
few nights and marvel at the rare synchronous fireflies that all light up at the same time.
Sesquicentennial State Park This 1400-acre state park
sits in the Sandhills region 12 miles away from downtown. It was built by the civilian
Conservation Corp in the 1930s and given to the city of Columbia to mark its 150th birthday.
There are spaces for almost every type of outdoor activity, including fishing, boating, and walking.
It also has camping sites, picnic shelters, and a retreat center with a full kitchen.
There’s even a membership-only dog park where you can let your furry friend off-leash.
Harbison State Forest This outdoor area has over 18
miles of hiking trails, a canoe landing, picnic shelters, and more. It’s also an
educational experience with portions dedicated to teaching visitors about modern forestry.
Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens Over 2,000 species call this place home,
and it’s the largest mid-sized zoo in the US.
It’s also one of the most beautiful with a 170-acre botanical garden full of plant
and animal species. It even has a zipline for you to swing down on like a monkey.
Tunnel Vision Mural A car park is the last place you’d expect
to find a unique art piece, but that’s part of what puts this one on the list of the best things
to do in Columbia, South Carolina. Blue Sky, one of the city’s most famous artists, spent a year
painting it beginning in 1974. It shows a road and tunnel leading to the sun in the distance.
It uses an optical illusion technique known as Trompe-l'oeil that makes you feel as if you could
drive into it. It lights up at night, making it a perfect photo opportunity at any time of day.
It’s also next to one of Blue Sky’s other notable works called The Busted Plug, the world’s largest
sculpture of a fire hydrant. University of South Carolina
This university was founded in 1801. The campus covers much of the city’s center and is worth
visiting for its unique old buildings, monuments, memorials, theater, center for the arts, library,
and the McKissick Museum. It also has beautiful green spaces and multi-purpose sports stadiums.
Williams-Brice Stadium This stadium was opened in 1934 as the home base
of the University of Columbia - Gamecocks, which explains why it's also known as the Cock Pit.
It has a capacity of over 80,000. When it's full of fans, cheerleaders, and a marching band, parts
of the stadium vibrate from the sound they create. Segra Park
This is the place to go in Columbia if you’re looking to support a minor-league team.
It’s got a capacity of 10,000 and hosts the Columbia Fireflies baseball team.
You can also enjoy soccer and football games, concerts, and various other events.
South Carolina State Farmer’s Market and Soda City Market
The State Farmer’s Market has fresh produce, baked goods, gardening supplies, and more.
A harvest calendar will tell you what’s available, but one of the
best places to grab a bite is known as Judy’s. Columbia’s nickname is the Soda City because
locals often call it Cola for short. That’s also how the Soda City Market earned its name.
It’s open every Saturday morning on Main Street and features fruits and veggies,
art, street performers, and more. Mast General Store
This unique shop was owned by the Mast family in the 1970s and still maintains the feeling
of an old general store. It has sports equipment, souvenirs, candy, and more.
You can spend hours exploring it, and there's a corner to relax in with a warm stove and a coffee
area if you need a pick-me-up. Villa Tronco
This restaurant was opened 80 years ago by Mama Tronco. It’s the oldest Italian
restaurant in Columbia and arguably one of the best. It was one of the first to introduce pizza
to the area and also offers pasta, paninis, and other signature dishes. It even has regular Open
Mic and Broadway nights. Oyster Bar Columbia
Seafood-lovers will quickly decide that this place is one of the best things to do in Columbia,
South Carolina, once they taste anything from its delicious menu. It also has beautiful views
and a casual atmosphere that will help you relax after a long day of traveling.
What do you think is the most historically significant city in your state? Let us know
in the comments below. And don't forget to like
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