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Columbia is the capital of South Carolina, set in the middle of the state where the Saluda and Broad rivers meet to form the Congaree. It was laid out in 1786 as one of the first planned capitals in the United States, with unusually wide streets. Much of the city burned in February 1865 as General Sherman's army passed through, and bronze stars on the walls of the State House still mark where Union cannonballs struck.
Today Columbia has about 140,000 residents and is home to the University of South Carolina, whose leafy historic Horseshoe dates to 1805. Gamecocks football fills Williams-Brice Stadium on fall Saturdays, and districts like the Vista, Five Points and Main Street are lively with restaurants and bars. Fort Jackson, the largest army basic training center in the country, sits on the east side of the city.
The rivers and green space are a big part of life here. The Three Rivers Greenway follows the water through the city, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is one of the most visited attractions in the Southeast, and the old-growth floodplain forest of Congaree National Park is about 20 miles southeast. On Saturdays, the Soda City Market fills Main Street with local food and crafts.
The Greek Revival capitol of South Carolina, begun in 1855 and finished in 1907, with a copper dome and bronze stars marking where Union cannonballs struck during the Civil War. Free guided tours run on weekdays. Walk the grounds to see its many monuments and gardens.
The historic heart of the University of South Carolina campus, a horseshoe-shaped lawn surrounded by 1800s brick buildings and old oak trees, including the McKissick Museum. It is a lovely place for a walk. Visit on a weekday to see the campus at its liveliest.
A lively neighborhood near the university with restaurants, bars, shops and live music, popular with students. It hosts the large St. Patrick's Day festival each year. It is busiest at night, so visit in the afternoon for a quieter time and good lunches.
A large zoo with animals from around the world, including gorillas, giraffes, sea lions and an aquarium, linked by a bridge across the Saluda River to a botanical garden. It is one of the most visited attractions in the Southeast. Arrive early and allow a full day.
A large children's museum with hands-on exhibits, including a giant figure called Eddie that kids can climb inside, a mini town, science and nature displays. It is one of the biggest children's museums in the South. Visit in the morning and allow several hours.
A popular Saturday morning market on Main Street with farmers, food vendors, artisans and live music. You can buy local produce, baked goods and crafts, and try food from many cultures. Arrive early to beat the crowds and bring cash for smaller vendors.
A large museum in a historic textile mill with exhibits on natural history, art, science and South Carolina history, plus a planetarium, an observatory and a 4D theater. It is great for families. Allow a few hours, and buy combo tickets for the planetarium shows.
An art museum on Main Street with European and American art, including Renaissance paintings, decorative arts and contemporary works. It hosts traveling exhibitions and events. It is a short walk from the State House; allow about two hours for the galleries.
An 1820s mansion designed by Robert Mills, the architect of the Washington Monument, now a museum with period furnishings and gardens. Guided tours cover the house's history and the people who lived and worked there. Tours run on set schedules, so check ahead.
A network of riverside trails along the Congaree, Broad and Saluda rivers in Columbia, West Columbia and Cayce, with boardwalks, river views and access points for fishing and paddling. It is great for walking and biking. Start near the Gervais Street Bridge for scenic views.
The home of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks football team, one of the largest stadiums in the country. Game days are huge events with tailgating in the nearby Cockaboose railroad cars. Buy tickets ahead and arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere.
A national park southeast of Columbia protecting the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the Southeast, with giant trees, boardwalk trails and paddling on Cedar Creek. It is famous for synchronous fireflies in late spring. Bring insect repellent; entry is free.
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South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
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