Top Rated Parks to Visit 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."

"Originally opened in 1859 as Sidney Park, this historic site experienced a rebirth in the early 1990s when it was given a complete overhaul and re-dubbed Finlay Park. The Vista district's green space features playgrounds, a lake, waterfalls, a fountain and playing fields, plus plenty of paved pathways for strolling and grassy areas for picnicking. The city hosts the free Sizzlin' Summer Concert Series here each year."

"This beautiful 18-acre city park has one of the most photographed views of downtown Columbia. Located in the Vista entertainment district, the park sits just a few blocks from the Capitol and across from the Governor's Mansion. From its highest point above the fountain you can see the skyline rising over the park's lush green landscape and signature lake."

"At the heart of Columbia, South Carolina sits Finlay Park, a huge verdant expanse that hosts most of the city's fairs, festivals and other large-scale outdoor gatherings. The park is open every day between sunrise and sunset, and many events held there last long into the night."

"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."

"Granby Park is part of the southern section of the Three Rivers Greenway project, which will eventually link several communities across a 12-mile stretch between the Broad, Saluda and Congaree Rivers. In addition to unpaved paths that are popular with bicyclists, the park has a paved, lighted, half-mile walkway that accommodates wheelchairs and families with strollers. Other features include areas for picnicking and boating."

"Enjoy the outdoor playground and splash pad, or become a member of the Charles R. Drew Wellness Center and take a few laps in their competition size swimming pool."

"Marshall Park is located on the edge of Earlewood amongst historic homes. This wooded neighborhood park features a playground and a large wooded area with a well-worn walking path perfect for families and pets to get out and play."

"The Ra Obelisk didn’t always look like something straight out of Egypt!. Its story begins in 1989 when this wall was a part of a trestle of an old railroad. Construction workers went to the site in Olympia, Columbia to tear it down, but when the wrecking ball failed to knock down this pillar, they gave up and left it standing."

"Hangin' with my bro Jax aka Zeeks at the DP #saturdaysarefortheboys. A post shared by Finley Bear (@finley.the.airedale) on Feb 25, 2017 at 4:52pm PST"

"Kayaking on the Saluda River is on the top of the list of fun dates in Columbia. Just imagine, you are sailing along the spectacular coastline, enjoying the views and pleasant company. Such a joint experience usually brings people very close and gives a lot of positive impressions."

"Located just a short stroll to the northeast of the center, you can find the historic Hampton-Preston Mansion and its gorgeous gardens. A very popular place to visit, it offers up a fascinating insight into the life and times of the wealthy planters and the poor enslaved people who worked for them. Built back in 1818, the magnificent mansion is one of the finest remaining examples of antebellum architecture in town."

"The Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens were first built in the year 1818 for Ainsley Hall, a rich merchant of Columbia, and has since passed many hands. It earned its name from the Hampton family, which it served as a private residence. It is the Hamptons who changed its style, shifting to Greek Revival architecture from the original Federal style."

"The Hampton-Preston Mansion is one of Columbia's oldest and probably most beautiful historic houses. Built in 1818 for rich Columbian merchant Ainsley Hall, it changed hands and served many purposes throughout its rich history. When Wade Hampton I bought it, he changed the house’s Federal-style architecture to Greek Revival."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"For some of the freshest seafood and best atmosphere around, try Pearlz Oyster Bar. This rustic restaurant serves up a mix of shellfish and local seafood, and is part of the Sustainable Seafood Initiative. The raw bar offers a range of oyster varieties, including Low country and Gulf oysters, while the rest of the menu consists of all manner of seafood concoctions, including tuna tartar, steamed mussels and oyster sliders."

"Growing up in west Texas, the only time we ever ate seafood was on vacation to the beach. Now that I live on the east coast, I have found a love for raw oysters and fresh seafood more & more. Shane and I both love it and we were so excited to find Pearlz in the heart of our city."

"A post shared by bpattie (@brian_pattie) on Dec 20, 2018 at 3:12pm PST. The Pearlz Oyster Bar is one of the most bizarre yet amazing restaurants in the Vista. They specialize in serving only the freshest seafood while in a very casual dining atmosphere."

"Find your way to 929 Kitchen & Bar and fascinate your senses with delicious vegan and meat options. This bar is sophisticated and serves Korean delights with a contemporary twist. Try their kimchi nachos, tacos, salads, bibimbap, noodles, and more."

"This modern take on Korean offers a menu that finds a fan in everyone. If you like to sit at the bar and have a cocktail before dinner, this is the place. Their custom cocktail menu is amazing and the drinks are potent and wonderful."