Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Columbia

"Expansive and historic, Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park is so vast that you can spend an entire day and barely scratch the surface of this popular Columbia spot. Originally the city of Columbia’s waterworks, this 167-acre park contains popular and scenic jogging and walking trails that sport beautiful views of the river. Visitors can also explore the old parts of the now-defunct water plan."

"A great place to spend a blistering summer's day, Saluda Shoals Park is situated on the banks of the Saluda River and has a variety of diversions for kids and other intrepid explorers. Within the 270-acre park's forested confines are paved and unpaved paths for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding, a canoe/kayak launch area, sweet fishing spots, and picnic facilities with barbecue grills. There's also Saluda Splash, a touch-activated water playground that kids will never want to leave."

"Saluda Shoals Park gives Columbia-area residents the chance to explore and experience a natural, environmentally sensitive riverfront park. The 400-acre park offers many adventures worth exploring, including an 11,000-square-foot Environmental Education Center and Exhibit Hall; hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails; picnic shelters; and much more. Of course, the best offering on a hot summer day is Saluda Splash, an interactive water playground that children love."

"There are many appealing amenities at the Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, South Carolina. Its launching docks accommodate canoes, kayaks, rowboats and light, single-motor watercraft. The park also has a large gazebo and a huge event pavilion."

"Where else can you go from an African forest to the Australian plains and Carolina’s bogs in one day but at the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden?. Opened in 1974, the 170-acre zoo and garden is located along the magnificent Lower Saluda River. The zoo section is designed as a series of realistic and natural habitats for about 2,000 animals from all over the world."

"The Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of the best Columbia attractions you can find. Situated along the Lower Saluda River, it opened its doors back in 1974. Spanning 170 acres, it is home to over 2,000 different animals of all kinds and is especially popular among families."

"They have so much to offer and it really is one of the best day trips. In addition to the animals, the zoo has a splash area called Waterfall Junction. So perfect for summer."

"A suburban oasis, Sesquicentennial Park is 1419 acres of peace and relaxation. You can fish, canoe or kayak on the 30-acre lake, hike and mountain bike on miles of trails, participate in nature interpretation programs, enjoy a picnic, or swing, slide and jump at the playground. Originally constructed by the CCC in the 1930s, the park is also home to what is considered the oldest building in the county, a mid-1700s log cabin."

"Also known as Sesqui, Sesquicentennial State Park is a nature getaway in the Sandhills region with 1,400 acres of pine trees, camping sites, and trails span this amazing preserve. The park is ideal for family reunions and group gatherings, and also offers day-trip activities like kayaking, fishing, hiking, and a 6-mile bicycle loop."

"One of the most visited tourist attractions in the state, the South Carolina Statehouse is a fine example of Greek Revival architecture that was in style during the pre-Civil War period in the South (construction started in 1851, but wasn't completed until after the war). The highly-regarded design work of John Niernsee, the capital towers 180 feet high with a patinaed copper dome. Visitors exploring the vast capitol grounds get a sense for the complex state history here, viewing the Revolutionary War Generals Monument, American-Mexican War Monument, the African-American History Monument, the Confederate Monument, and other statuary honoring George Washington, S.C. Senators, and fallen State Law Enforcement Officers."

"Back in the center of town is another of Columbia’s standout symbols and sights – the stunning South Carolina State House. Home to the state’s seat of government, it exhibits some absolutely exquisite Classical Revival-style architecture with lush grounds lying all around it. Built in 1855, the important and impressive building showcases a fantastic facade with a distinctive copper dome resting atop of its humongous portico."

"History and architecture lovers will enjoy a visit to the South Carolina State House, a refined 19th-century building established in 1851, and a structure that took over half a century to construct. Today it houses the state government of South Carolina, and until 1971 it was home to the Supreme Court of the USA. Originally designed by architect P."

"If you’re looking for enthralling but unusual things to see in Columbia, you’ll want to check out the Never Bust Chain. It’s a work of art by Blue Sky, an artist of South Carolina who also did Tunnelvision, located in downtown Columbia. No city approval was sought, only approval from the owners of the buildings involved, but it gained immediate government approval thanks to the renown of the artist."

"Park your car in the Vista and walk across the historic Gervais Street bridge to take in the panorama of the cityscape. From the West Columbia side of the Congaree River you'll be looking up at the iconic bridge with its dramatic arches and cast iron light posts. The city lights and warm glow of the setting sun reflect off the water, making this one of the prettiest spots to view the capital city skyline."

"Earlewood Park is located in the heart of North Columbia and features a new Community Center, one-of-a-kind playground, amphitheater, disc golf course, baseball/kickball fields, basketball courts and tennis courts. Many community events are held here including the First Tuesday Music Festival. Earlewood Park is also home to NoMa Bark Park, a two-acre off-leash dog park."

"Historic Columbia is a non-profit organization aiming to protect the city’s extensive cultural and social past, which it does by preserving a number of historical buildings and landmarks around the city. The Historic House Museum is one of these buildings, a site consisting of four different properties, all with fascinating and intriguing backstories. The Woodrow Wilson Family Home here, for example, was once the home of the USA’s 28th president, who lived in the mansion in 1871."

"This elegant Classical Revival townhouse Robert Mills designed in 1823 for Ainsley Hall, a wealthy Columbia merchan, and his wife Sarah, was one of the very few private homes this prominent American architect designed. He was much more famous for his public buildings such as the Washington Monument. The house originally served as a seminary and a bible college until 1961 when it was meticulously restored and opened as a historic house museum."

"The Robert Mills House and Gardens are truly amazing spots for sightseeing, especially if you see lots of fun in architecture and arts. The home building is the creation of the titular Robert Mills, and it’s a townhouse in the style of Classical Revival elegance. It was made in 1823 for a wealthy merchant of Columbia named Ainsley Hall and his wife."

"A peaceful destination in the Vista, Memorial Park is perhaps best known as the site of monuments commemorating local military men and women who served in the Vietnam and Korean Wars and WWII. It's an ideal spot for relaxing with a picnic, taking a leisurely stroll or tossing pebbles into the creek. Read more about Memorial Park →"

"The park has a pond, two tennis courts, youth baseball field, full-size basketball court and a spray pool. The facility has a sun porch for a relaxing outdoor experience with lots of shade and no flying insects. The facility is heavily used to house summer camp and after school programs."

"Many styles and periods are featured, from about 25 of Columbia's top dealers of antiques and collectibles. Read more about Columbia Antique Mall →"

"Anchored by Dillard's, Macy's and Sears, Columbia Place is a large two-level mall with numerous national retailers. Among the 120 stores you'll find are Underground Station, Old Navy, Bath & Body Works, Foot Locker, American Eagle Outfitters, Steve & Barry's, Charlotte Russe, Express, The Limited, Victoria's Secret and Gamestop, plus several additional stores in satellite strips around the mall. There's also a food court and an eight-screen cinema."

"Generally regarded as Columbia's nicest mall, Columbiana Centre has four major department stores – Dillard's, Belk, JCPenney, and Sears – and more than 100 additional retailers, including Ann Taylor Loft, Body Shop, New York & Company, bebe, Williams-Sonoma, Yankee Candle Company, J. Jill, Banana Republic, The Limited, Gymboree, Coldwater Creek, Coach, Build-A-Bear-Workshop and Aeropostale. The food court features an antique carousel and free WiFi. Read more about Columbiana Centre →"

"Northwest Columbia residents are served by this large shopping mall anchored by four department stores. The mall is located at the Harbison exit 102 off I-26."

"It was my first time going and my girlfriend was very enthusiastic, as it's one of her favorite restaurants, so we got a number of ..."

"For many Columbians, Camon provided their first exposure to sushi. Little did they know they might never find anything that topped that experience. Chef Kobayashi, who owns and operates the Japanese restaurant with his family, believes in the freshest food served with artistic flair."