Things to do in Columbia

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Columbia

Types of activities

Where to stay

Columbia travel guide

South Carolina State House which includes a park, heritage architecture and a sunset

Robert Mills Historic House and Park which includes heritage elements, a garden and a house

Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens showing a garden, heritage elements and a house

Columbia which includes a church or cathedral, heritage elements and a park

Columbia showing a sunset, forests and signage

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Columbia

Popular places to visit

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

4/5(1 review)

Why not meet the animals who call Riverbanks Zoo and Garden home during your holiday in Columbia? You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

South Carolina State House

4/5(1 review)

Inspect the many monuments and political symbols that decorate the grounds and majestic mansion of the state’s most important structure.

Columbia Museum of Art

Bring kids to this fun gallery with a focus on medieval, Renaissance and Baroque art and fascinating traveling exhibits.

Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park

Explore the great outdoors at Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, a lovely green space in Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.

Fort Jackson

5/5(1 review)

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.

University of South Carolina

5/5(1 review)

Explore the campus of University of South Carolina, a top university in Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.

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.

Colonial Life Arena

Catch an event at Colonial Life Arena during your trip to Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.

Township Auditorium

Enjoy a show at Township Auditorium, a theatre with a story to tell in Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.

Areas of Columbia

Columbia which includes a church or cathedral and heritage elements

Downtown Columbia

Downtown Columbia is known for its lively bars, and you can plan a trip to South Carolina State House and Columbia Museum of Art while you're in town.

Columbia featuring a sunset, a church or cathedral and a park

The Vista

The Vista is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Colonial Life Arena and Koger Center for the Arts while in the area.

Rosewood

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

St. Andrews

St. Andrews is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Harbison State Forest and BTM Dutch Square Cinema 14 while you're in town.

Seven Oaks

Seven Oaks is noteworthy for its coffee shops, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Saluda Shoals Park and Three Rivers Greenway.

Shandon

While Shandon may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Township Auditorium and South Carolina State Fairgrounds.

West Columbia

Elgin

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 neighbourhoods, Downtown Columbia is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while The Vista is 0.80 kilometres away from the city centre 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.

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 neighbourhoods, 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.