Columbia, South Carolina offers a variety of activities throughout the year. Here’s a list of things to do in Columbia!
Start your New Year annually at the capital city's Famously Hot New Year's Eve celebration! The event draws thousands to the city's downtown, featuring well-known national acts and local bands, along with other activities. The event is capped by a spectacular fireworks display, starting on the stroke of midnight over the State House. It is the biggest new year fireworks display in the Carolinas.
SPRINGTIME IS SPLENDID!
Spring: Our city comes alive with beautiful blooms at the first hint of spring. From the cherry blossoms to pear trees, a walk through the State House Grounds is a perfect fusion of history and nature. Jump in the car too see what’s budding all around the heart of SC while on a self-guided public art tour, and you’ll find just how beautifully the two coexist.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Our zoo is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of the nation’s most beautiful and inspiring botanical gardens. The lush 170-acre site features dynamic natural habitat exhibits, scenic river views, spectacular valley overlooks and significant historic landmarks. Enjoy the blooming flowers and explore the zoo during the mild spring weather.
South Carolina Trails
South Carolina has countless opportunities to showcase its beauty. Visitors to local beaches number in the millions; people flock each autumn to watch the changing mountain foliage and every county — from the most urban to the most rural — has cultural and natural attractions. The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT) operates the central trails program for the State. The South Carolina Trails program provides technical assistance, awards/manages grants, and serves as a clearinghouse for a variety of trail-related activities across the State. SCPRT employs a State Trails Coordinator to provide professional assistance to trail groups in the state. For most groups, the State Trails Coordinator is the first point of contact when undertaking trail construction and planning — serving as an advocate for South Carolina's excellent trails.
Horse Racing
The Carolina Cup in Camden is a South Carolina tradition that has achieved premier social event status in the state. This annual ‘rite of spring’ draws over 30,000 fans from across the world to enjoy the riveting sport of steeplechase horse racing.
Riverbanks Botanical Garden
Whether it’s a spectacular bloom, a mass of color, or an unusual plant structure, there’s always something growing on at Riverbanks Botanical Garden! Hailed by Horticulture magazine as one of 10 gardens that inspire and by HGTV as one of 20 great public gardens across America, Riverbanks Botanical Garden boasts 70 acres of unparalleled beauty. Dramatic and themed gardens showcase more than 5,700 species of native and exotic plants, providing a living classroom for gardeners and non-gardeners alike—and an ideal location for weddings and special events.
EdVenture Children's Museum
At EdVenture, curiosity is larger than life! Here, in this safe and engaging space, learners of all ages become inspired with hands-on interactivity. So come with us and unlock your curiosity.
Segra Park
Segra Park is open 365 days a year and home to the Columbia Fireflies, a Single-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals since 2021. Segra Park seats 9,077 fans and was named ballpark of the year in 2016. A technological marvel and one of the region’s newest social spots for friends, families and fans. Come cheer at Bull Street.
SUMMER IS SIZZLING!
Saluda Shoals Park
A premier, natural, environmentally sensitive riverfront park that invites visitors to experience the treasures of the Saluda River through exceptional educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities. Located along the banks of the beautiful Saluda River, this 480-acre regional park offers the following amenities.
- Environmental Education Center and Exhibit Hall
- River Center Conference Facility
- Administrative Offices for the Irmo
- Chapin Recreation Commission
- The Courts Tennis Complex
- The Fields Tournament Complex
- Barking Lot Dog Park (membership required)
- Low Ropes Challenge Course
- 18-hole Disc Golf Course
- Saluda Shoals Wetland Preserve
- Ten Miles of Paved/unpaved trails
- River Observation Deck
- Two Boat Ramps/Canoe/Kayak Launch
- Eight Picnic Shelters
- Saluda Splash and Playground
- Leo's Landing Inclusive Playground
Congaree National Park
The largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of national and state champion trees. Hike the trails and witness the vibrant greenery as nature comes to life. In May, you’ll be able to catch the synchronous fireflies and follow their journey on one of the boardwalks. Keep up with the exact timing of the fireflies and updates on safety accommodations on their website so you can witness this magical event for yourself.
Summer Sports
There are 22 courses within a 15-mile radius of Columbia, 11 of which are public courses and 10 are private courses. There are 15 18-hole courses and 7 nine-hole layouts.
Columbia International Festival
Experience the city's cultural diversity at this April annual event. Recognized among the Top 20 Events in the 10-State Southeastern Region, the event showcases the music, culture, food and performing arts of the various cultures, nationalities, races and language groups represented in South Carolina.
Lake Marion - Lake Moultrie Lake Murry - Lake Wateree
Spend a day on the lake, boating, fishing, or just relaxing on the shore. Attend outdoor concerts, festivals, and events happening throughout the city. The cool water and calm currents of the Saluda River make for the perfect escape on a hot day. At Palmetto Outdoors, you can rent tubes for a laidback float. Bonus points if you rent a second tube for a cooler so you can sip and snack while you go with the flow (literally). Guided and self-guided kayak tours are also offered for those who like a game plan and the thrill of whitewater rapids.
Cayce Riverwalk
Spanning 12 miles, the Cayce Riverwalk overlooks the beautiful Congaree River, right across from the capital city of Columbia, S.C., and it is a popular destination for walking, jogging, bicycling, bird-watching, picnicking and taking in the natural beauty of the riverfront.Bike or walk the trails along the canal and enjoy the beautiful riverfront.
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
This Three Rivers Greenway trail ends at the canal diversion dam, which provides a miniature impersonation of Niagara Falls after heavy rains. On your return, you can vary your walk by descending a stairway and following the lower paved section along the river. Although there is stairway at each end of this section, there is ramp at the Broad River Overpass. The trail will eventually connect to EdVenture. There is a boardwalk section already completed (known as Bicentennial Park) with stellar views of the Gervais Street Bridge and Congaree River. Columbia's Riverfront Park is a component of the Palmetto Trail.
FALL IS FABULOUS!
South Carolina State Fair
Indulge in fair food, rides, and entertainment during this annual fall event in the capital. Since its conception, the South Carolina State Fair not only has promoted agriculture and industry, but it has also reflected the culture and history of the state.
Fall Football! Clemson or South Carolina?
Williams–Brice Stadium is home to the South Carolina Gamecocks, the college football team representing the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. It is currently the 16th largest on-campus college football stadium in the NCAA. Carolina football teams consistently attract standing-room-only crowds to Williams–Brice Stadium.
Festivals and Food
Are you ready for fall festivals in Columbia, SC? State fairs, farm days, Halloween celebrations, and pumpkin spice everything added to a backdrop of color-changing leaves make the season so special. Pumpkin Patches, corn mazes, or wagon rides, the fun in the fall is fabulous!
- Fall Arts and Crafts Market, State Farmers Market
- Irmo Okra Strutt
- Harvest Festival, Lexington
- Fall Fido Festival, Crooked Creek Park Lexington
- Midland Plant and Flower Festival
- Big Red Barn Retreat
- Cayce Fall Festival
- Rosewood Art and Music Festival
- Octoberfest Columbia
- Boo at the Zoo
Legendary Ladies Basketball
The South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team represents the University of South Carolina and competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Under current head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks have been one of the top programs in the country, winning the NCAA Championship in 2017 and 2022.
Escape Room Adventures
Escape Game Adventures voted one of the top escape rooms in the USA! Come escape with us! Our 60-Minute escape games are the perfect adventure. Columbia boasts 4 different Escape Games located across the city. They’re exciting, challenging, and a lot of fun. Come on in and experience the thrill of the escape!
- The Final Door Escape Room, West Columbia
- Escapology, Columbia on Lady Street
- Escape Plan Columbia, Lexington
- Great Escape SC Columbia
Purple Martin Migration
Each spring, millions of purple martin birds, the largest swallow in North America, travel through the South during their migration from Canada to South America. Southerners hang gourd birdhouses for them to nest in and mark the changing of the seasons by their arrival. And come summer, approximately one million of these migrating birds make a pit stop to eat and rest at Bomb Island, their South Carolina cabana before heading even further south. Bomb Island, located right on the bird’s migration route, grows lush with shrubs and trees for perching, sits in water far away from predators, and since the 1980s, its regular visitors have been estimated as the largest martin roost on the continent.
WINTER IS WONDERFULLY SHORT!
One of the best things about living in the south, is experiencing the four seasons but enjoying a very short cold winter! When it is cold, there are plenty of indoor events to keep you busy every weekend immersed in the arts and cultural events if you aren’t into the cold. Columbia is a small, big town for a capital, but boasts a ballet troupe, shopping and dining in the Historic neighborhood of Five Points or visiting galleries, shops and restaurants in the vibrant Vista Art District.
Columbia Museum of Art
The CMA is committed to the concept of the modern museum. We believe in being inclusive and participatory. We believe that art is meant to be experienced, not just seen.
Soda City Market
Soda City Market is a producer-only market — vendors must make or grow their own products (including out of season/exotic fruits and vegetables, antiques, and vintage items). Everything sold at our market is unique, hand crafted, and produced in the Southeast. The market fields an average of 150 vendors per week, and over 400 unique vendors throughout the year! Soda City Market is Columbia’s weekly Main Street event inspired by traditional European street markets. We are open every Saturday morning 9 a.m. –1 p.m., year-round, rain or shine!
Vista Lights
More than 60 galleries, shops, and restaurants open their doors to showcase their holiday treasures and delicious dishes. The Vista Guild also organizes live entertainment and performances to get attendees in the holiday spirit as we light the Vista's tree at the corner of Gervais and Lincoln Streets. Visit the Vista stage outside River Runner Outdoor Center at 6pm for live performances by local groups. Then help us light the Vista tree at 7pm and stay to enjoy live music.
Holiday Lights on the River
Looking for an amazing drive-thru light display? Holiday Lights on the River in Columbia, SC may be just what you are looking for. This display features millions of lights along the 3-mile route, with themed sections of the display, lots of animation and family activities like a winter tube slide, hayride and Santa! Here’s everything you need to know about Holiday Lights on the River in Columbia, SC.
Fine Dining Year-Round!
Contact Information
O'Konek Realty, REALTOR® - SC LIC# 25543 office, #89916 Sandy O'KonekO'Konek Realty
Send a message