Columbia, SC Travel Guide
Columbia, SC Travel Guide
Plan Your Trip
Looking for things to do in Columbia, SC?
South Carolina's capital city has been a planned city, a Confederate capital, a burning city, and a Civil Rights battleground — sometimes all in the same block.
Today it mixes that layered history with a lively downtown, a major university, and family attractions just minutes from the State House.
Top Things to Do
1. Take the Civil Rights Walking Tour — A self-guided audio tour through the University of South Carolina Horseshoe, the State House grounds, and downtown Main Street.
2. Visit the South Carolina State House grounds — See the African American History Monument, six bronze Civil War battle stars, and multiple historical markers.
3. Explore Riverbanks Zoo & Garden — Home to nearly 3,000 animals representing more than 350 species.
4. Walk the University of South Carolina Horseshoe — The original heart of the university and site of Reconstruction-era integration.
5. Visit the Columbia Museum of Art — Located on Main Street next to Boyd Plaza. Admission is approximately $15 for adults.
6. Browse Soda City Market — A Saturday producer-only market ranked among the best farmers markets in the country.
7. Explore the South Carolina State Museum — Four floors of exhibits, a planetarium, and a 4D theater.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
Free Things to Do
1. Walking the USC Horseshoe and State House grounds
2. Boyd Plaza (outside the Columbia Museum of Art)
3. The War Memorial Building's memorial garden
4. Browsing Soda City Market
STOPS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Columbia Museum of Art (~$15 adult)
2. South Carolina State Museum
3. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
4. EdVenture Children's Museum
Food!
Motor Supply Co. Bistro
An early pioneer of Vista district dining, known for an eclectic, frequently changing menu.
929 Kitchen & Bar
A Vista district favorite for Korean-inspired dishes and a lively date-night atmosphere.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
A steakhouse located inside the Hilton Columbia Center, close to downtown attractions.
Where to Stay
Luxury
Sheraton Columbia Downtown, Hilton Columbia Center — walking distance of the State House and Main Street. Roughly $180-$280/night.
Moderate
Hotel Trundle, The Inn at USC — smaller properties near the university and downtown core. Roughly $140-$220/night.
Budget
Hampton Inn Columbia Downtown, Aloft Columbia Downtown. Roughly $100-$160/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Take the Civil Rights Walking Tour, starting at the Columbia Visitor Center in the Vista.
Afternoon: Visit the Columbia Museum of Art or explore the State House grounds further.
Evening: Dinner in the Vista district.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Add a second day for Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, the South Carolina State Museum, and Soda City Market if your visit lines up with a Saturday.
FAQ's
1. What is Columbia, SC best known for?
Columbia is South Carolina's state capital, known for the State House grounds, the University of South Carolina, and its layered Civil War and Civil Rights history.
2. Is downtown Columbia walkable?
Yes. The Vista, USC campus, State House grounds, and Main Street are all connected and walkable.
3. Is Columbia good for a weekend trip?
Yes, especially paired with Riverbanks Zoo, the State Museum, and downtown's restaurants and history.
4. Do I need a car to get around Columbia?
Not for downtown. A car helps for Riverbanks Zoo and attractions farther from the city center.
5. Is the Civil Rights Walking Tour appropriate for kids?
Yes, though it covers serious historical content including slavery, secession, and segregation in factual detail.
6. What day is Soda City Market open?
Saturdays, along Main Street.
7. Is Columbia family-friendly?
Yes — Riverbanks Zoo, EdVenture Children's Museum, and the State Museum are all geared toward families.
8. How much time should I plan for Columbia?
A full day covers the historic downtown core; two days lets you add the zoo and museums.
Recommended Tours
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