The Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of the best Columbia attractions you can find.

Situated along the Lower Saluda River, it opened its doors back in 1974.

Spanning 170 acres, it is home to over 2,000 different animals of all kinds and is especially popular among families.

It has received the honor of being the most outstanding tourist attraction in South Carolina twice from the Governer’s Cup Award!

The Riverbanks Zoo area is divided up into multiple different sections, including the Petting Zoo, Reptile House, and Bird Complex, so you can fully immerse yourself in the world of each type of animal along the way.

The South Carolina State House is one of the most famous places to visit in Columbia and around its vicinity.

It’s a symbol of fine Greek Revival design and is one of the state’s most-visited locations by tourists.

Construction on the structure began in 1851, but couldn’t be completed till after the war; by that time, the Greek style was already outdated, but the building’s historical value and beautiful architecture make up for that.

Designed by John Niernsee, the towers of the State House reach 180 feet into the air and boast a regally painted dome of copper.

The grounds of the capitol provide a lot of historical context to Columbia and its state.

With monuments such as the American-Mexican War Monument, the Revolutionary War Generals Monument, the African-American History Monument, and multiple other monuments for State Law Enforcement Officers and even President George Washington.

If you walk along the building’s exterior, you’ll eventually find a pattern of five stars.

This is a mark of where cannonballs of the union hit the structure in the Civil War prior to its completion.

It’s a unique touch that adds a somber sort of awe to the atmosphere.

Naturally, there are tours available to take of the interior of the State House for free.

View chambers and halls at no cost!

The Columbia Museum of Art isn’t just one of South Carolina’s top 10 museums for modern art, but it’s also a hub for the city’s community.

More than 5,000 years of art history are here on display with over 25 world-class galleries and an incredible set of permanent collections.

It’s no surprise that this Museum of Art is one of the most renowned of its kind in the southeast.

It’s won awards like the National Art Education honors, the National Park Foundation Award, and the Governor’s Award for outstanding contribution to the arts in South Carolina.

Among the most delightful things to see at the Columbia Museum of Art is the Press Collection, continuing Renaissance and Baroque pieces that are here thanks to donations by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation.

The European collection is also completely stunning and very diverse.

Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park is a wonderful linear urban park that you’ll see running along the Columbia Canal and Saluda River.

It’s 14 acres in size and located in the downtown area, designed to be accessible to all.

Walkways are paved for easy walking, wheelchair pushing, jogging, or biking, with all 2.5 miles of path offering lovely views of the rivers.

It’s a wonderful place to have a picnic or simply relax, and you can even workout at the interesting outdoor gym that is free to use.

The South Carolina State Museum is one of the best things to do in Columbia, SC due to its ability to educate visitors on the history of the state.

It opened in 1988 in a building that was once a 19th-century mill, with four floors dedicated to displays of all kinds.

The museum offers a mix of personal historical collections and rotating exhibits.

Stories are told about the history of the state, sometimes through lenses of culture, technology, people, and art.

One of the museum’s bigger draws is its 4D theater, which is interactive and much-loved by visitors.

Other fun stops on museum grounds are America’s first steam locomotive, an observatory, and a submarine.

There are more than 70,000 items exhibited in all, so take your time going through them all!

Saluda Shoals Park is only a few miles away from the downtown area of Columbia, and it’s one of the best places to visit if you’re seeking a little serenity or tranquility.

Lush and by the riverfront of Saluda River, it’s packed with different opportunities to enjoy yourself.

Spanning 400 acres, Saluda Shoals Park hosts many different rich experiences, from the cultural to the educational and, of course, to the recreational.

It’s the home of the Environmental Education Center and Exhibit Hall, which covers 11,000 square feet of ground, and the equally known Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission Headquarters.

No matter what it is you want to do, you can probably get it done here.

Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, horse riding, biking, having a picnic, and simply hiking are all common options.

There’s also a lovely observation deck with plenty of space to view the world around you.

It’s a really good getaway option to consider this weekend for a more peaceful tourist experience.

If you’ve got kids, don’t forget to take them to the splash pad!

If you’re looking for stuff to do and you’re a fan of nature-loving activities, then Sesquicentennial State Park might be one of your best options in the South Carolina area.

It’s known for being a beautiful place for picnics and is generally loved by visiting families, due in part to its huge lake and many different trails.

If you do want to have a picnic here, you usually need to reserve a picnic pad in advance – that’s how popular it is!

Just twenty minutes away from vibrant downtown Columbia, Sesquicentennial State Park, often referred to simply as “Sesqui”, is accessible and great all year round.

A splash pad is open seasonally for kids, and you can go hiking, camping, or exploring at your leisure.