Columbia Attractions

Top Things to Do in Columbia, SC

Things to Do in Columbia


Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.

Top Attractions in Columbia

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

What travellers are saying

  • Jane-Marie M
    Bechtelsville, PA53 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had such a terrific night at the Riverbanks Zoo. The holiday light show was amazing, and obviously much time was spent on the displays. There was something for everyone to enjoy- colorful animated 3-D animals, hot chocolate, bubble machines, swings, a interactive game, the train ride, watching some of the nocturnal eating snacks, fire pits to roast marshmallows, a photo opt… Special thanks to the employees who staged the show! It was wonderful!
    Written 21 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LovesPhotoOps
    Hoover, AL1,074 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We passed through the security check and picked up three brochures about the grounds, the building, and the African-American monument on the Sumter Street side. Those were very helpful for not missing any points of interest. There is a gorgeous stained glass window inside the building. The African-American monument is really impressive, with a granite map showing slave routes to Charleston and 12 panels representing different events/periods in black history.
    Written 2 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steven R
    Socastee, SC87 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It's been years since my last visit. Many exhibits have been updated and new ones put in. The coverage of SC history is good. It might be a good thing for the museum to offer docent led tours who could expand upon and point out some the artifacts and history for small groups (not more than 12). One must always keep in mind that the largest artifact is the building itself. A cotton mill from the 19th century. Highly recommend.
    Written 10 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RobSC1001
    Gaffney, SC459 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is great little trail and park by the river. The place was clean and zombies or sidewinders in the area.
    The bathroom was clean.
    I seen big old alligator in the canal and it was awesome.
    Written 10 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Multis
    Sodankyla, Finland261 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice campus area, including free campus "bus" service. Centrally located. Clean and accommodating. I wish my home university long time ago would have been like this.
    Written 28 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CodyDC
    Washington DC, DC5,937 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    While visiting Columbia for first time, decided to visit the art museum during a rainy Sunday morning. The museum has a nice small collection of paintings including a few well known artist like Claude Monet, Canaletto and Sandro Botticelli, plus American artist. The museum was well worth the visit and would recommend it to anyone visiting Columbia and enjoy the arts.
    Written 22 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • M B
    Lexington, SC7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This museum is a nice place to visit when you are downtown. I would set aside about an hour to go through it. They do not charge an entry fee and parking is free also. We went today and were there with only one other family so it was like a private tour. They have cannons, military vehicles, helicopters, etc. We enjoyed visiting and my husband (retired air force and history lover) really enjoyed it. Right now they have two galleries open, but they are opening a third exhibit area next month.
    Written 29 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DogDoggie
    WorldWide674 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting museum with plenty of relics. Worth a visit. Authentic guns and equipment from the Civil War and Viet Nam.
    Written 30 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dldorset
    Mount Vernon, NY32 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great for kids. Would love a few more stem options for kids. Maybe add some video for kids to learn about the body and aviation. Flight simulator is great. And of course Eddie
    Written 27 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steven R
    Socastee, SC87 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A good variety of vendors selling produce, flowers, jewelry, food, clothing, pottery and art work of various kinds. It takes up 4 or 5 blocks of Main Street. Street performers were on every block and helped with the festive vibe.
    Written 18 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bill C
    Jacksonville, FL272 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Improved over last visit four years ago
    RV parking had approx 10 sites with full hookup
    Some of the pedestrian bridges have been upgraded
    The bike/pedestrian trails have better maintenance
    I even saw one staff member cleaning the entrance rails to the campground,

    We visited friends in the Columbia area as we lived there until 2011. With the RV, it was a pleasant stay. We biked and hiked almost every morning
    Written 18 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joseph Robba
    Charlotte, NC2,256 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We came to Saluda Shoals after seeing photos of Leo's Landing and thinking this would be a great stop for the kids to come play at on our day trip to the Columbia area. It was the only area of the park that we saw, and visited, so I can't speak for the rest of the area. I'll say, I was pretty disappointed to hear that it cost $5 to get into the park. I don't think a playground should have a paywall in front of it, and also there was no information in my research that suggested to me that a fee to enter was required, so be informed now. My other issue is that we brought our 2 dogs with us on our day trip to Columbia (we went to Congaree National Park earlier in the day which is dog friendly). The day was unseasonably warm so we could not leave the dogs in the car, so we opted to bring them inside Leo's Landing, which we were told by multiple people that they weren't allowed, but frankly there wasn't anything else for us to do with them while we were there, so my wife spent most of our time there, just sitting off to the side with them.
    The playground itself was super cool. The hobbit houses, along with all of the other features make this particular playground really unique and one you could spend a good bit of time at. We were there for almost 2 hours and the kids were not ready to leave when it was time. It was very crowded on the President's Day holiday, just FYI.
    Overall, enjoyed the playground, in the end I think it was worth $5, I just wish that it was more explicitly advertised, and I also don't know that it should cost that just to use the playground.
    Written 24 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia