The 21 best views in Columbia

We enjoyed a wonderful time walking some of the beautiful river front trail and resting at times in the benches. A safe and beautiful place to visit and you might even pack a lunch. The rest rooms were clean. People of all ages were tubing down the river too!

Nice place to stop by good for a walk , bike or a run. The view on both sides is peaceful with water flowing on its way. Lots of benches to relax or read a book. They have hammock stand just bring you hammock and enjoy the water sound or take a nap. They have clean restrooms available. Plenty of parking space.

Pretty cool spot. It has an interesting history. The river seemed pretty clean. Utilized by local walkers and cyclists. People having picnics. And I really like that there are hammock frames down by the river.

Its a beautiful peaceful walk along the river. We saw Blue herons, turtles and the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily ( a rare species not to be picked). Beautiful and relaxing.

We walked for a good cause. In to the Darkness, suicide prevention in honor of Chris and my brother Frankie. Meet a lot of ppl and it was a great turnout.

Beautiful park. Love the water house, since my nephew is into Mario Brothers, he enjoyed the waterwork pipes with all the dials and keys.

Lovely place. Peaceful and beautiful. The river adds that perfect serenity you might be looking for at a park.

Very well kept grass. Water fountain and pond looked clean. There were a lot of homeless/sketchy people around. I also saw a tent set up for someone. Could be a great park.

Finlay Park has been renovated and it looks amazing. Pickleball courts, ping pong tables, playgrounds, nice sitting areas, two stages, roller skating rental and much more. Great Green space!

5 stars based on hope for the future. The Grand opening, coming November 15, 2025, they say it is going to be fantastic. Hope they bring it back from the less than desirable place it had become.

Absolutely thrilled with the recent renovation! I grew up in Cola and remember coming to this park as a kid and I’m so excited my own kids will be able to spend lots of time here now. We’ve been twice in the few days since it opened and it felt very safe, lots of friendly park rangers and law enforcement officers. The playground is one of the best we’ve been to, the sliding hill is a huge hit, and the little streams were so nice to picnic by and splash in. It’s also nice that it’s so close to the main library so we can do both in one trip. I have a feeling we’ll be spending a lot of time here in the coming years!

The park is absolutely beautiful. They have greatly improved the park. The children's area is perfect and we are looking forward to the concerts. The concert stages were nicely done

Unbelievable that this park is in downtown Columbia! A waterfall, fountain, pickleball, walking trails, etc. The playground for kids is unreal. So clean and so safe. Great place to relax by the water!

I really hope they can keep it maintained and there will be events all the time. Columbia really needed a green space like this. The renovations are beautiful

There are 4 floors with so much to look at. We started on the 4th floor and worked our way down. 3 hours and I don't think we were able to see everything. I have a mobility cart and it was so easy to move around and see the displays. Reasonably priced admission and well worth it.

Had a great time here! Went on the first Sunday so admission was just 1 dollar. Even though there was a good sized crowd, it wasn’t so large that I wasn’t able to see everything I wanted to. Great place for a family outing or just something to do to pass the time. Would definitely go back again for some of the other paid exhibits.

Disney’s Heroes and Villains costume exhibit was well worth a visit. It featured a captivating collection of iconic outfits worn by renowned actors and actresses in beloved films. Seeing the costumes up close was magical. The museum's broader exhibit was extensive, covering a wide range of subjects and historical periods. The displays were engaging, with some interactive elements that added to the experience.

Had a good time here at The South Carolina State Museum! Went on the first Sunday so admission was only a 1 dollar. Lots of exhibits to wander through and a nice gift shop!

Overall an enjoyable experience, but extreme cold from too much air conditioning and poor working order for many exhibits affects recommendation for visiting the museum. I estimate that 25% of the exhibits are at some state of disrepair. In addition, the planetarium show I went to, while very informative, was more of an academic lecture than an entertaining show. Regarding the 4D Coastal Predators show, the production value was descent, but it was only 10 minutes long. Lastly, the attached photo provides a perfect example of improvement opportunities throughout the museum.

My adult daughter and I had the best time at the museum and loved the heroes and villains expo! We're planning another trip back before it ends!

I had assumed there would be the expected exhibits: We farmed rice and indigo... We defeated the British when they tried to take over Charleston the first time... oops on the second time ...Slavery was a stain on our history... General Sherman tore us up... And, oh, here comes a railroad. What I was *not* expecting was the collection of early telescopes covering several hundred years and the observatory on the fourth floor. Seriously, it's a museum and you need to go to it.

Walked across the street from the Robert Mills House & Garden and was greeted by this stunning home! Free gardens and grounds access during the day as stated at the sign at the entrance gate! So peaceful and stunningly put together. Coming from someone not from the South Carolina area, it was wonderful to see a variety of species native to SC as well as some unique selections as well! Plenty of benches to sit and rest, especially with the tree canopy providing shade. Street parking was easy, accessible and free! The restoration of the home was beautiful. I visited on a Friday morning and it was very quiet and not busy. Highly suggest visiting the gardens!

The garden here is beautiful. It is full of trees and plants that are not all commonly seen in this area. Live oaks, weeping pines, and fir trees shade camillas and azaleas. All the plants and trees are well marked. Lots of things are already blooming, but we will visit again in a month or two for the full show. They are open 10 - 4 Tuesday through Saturday and 1 - 4 Sunday. It is free to visit the garden.

Beautifully kept grounds to still through on your lunch hour or on weekends. Great place for the annual oyster 🦪 roast they have once a year. People who work at these historical mansions do their very best to preserve history and keep the landscape in immaculate condition for everyone to see on each visit here.

I've visited and officiated ceremonies at this location several times. Lovely garden if you love outdoor space. Excellent location for special edition photos, weddings, and elopements.

Heard an outdoor concert here. Beautiful gardens, easy parking. Definitely to worth a visit

This is my favorite of the four Historic Columbia House Tours. It's the biggest, grandest house with the most beautiful gardens, I really enjoyed my tour. My volunteer guide was super chatty and fun, I liked her a lot! Make sure to walk around the gardens and read all the signs. The memorial pavilion to the right is really cool. All tours start at the Robert Mills gift shop, and then you walk across the street.

We enjoyed our visit to the grounds. They do not have daily hours, only certain days. Lots of information on the evils of slavery to be found here. Slightly more difficult to find however, is what kind of tree it is that we're looking at. It would be great if they could cover both at least. I'm sure that had we been able to visit on a day that they are open we would have learned more. Grateful that the grounds are open to view even if the tours don't run every day.

Beautiful, Lake Great Walk across the dam.

best trip i’ve been on in a while! very fun canoeing, and my dad & brother caught HUGE fish here. would 100% come again

Live here love it! I live on the river end of Lake in a small excellent community. The other end is busier more jobs, more schools, more traffic, more restaurants etc. I like the peacefulness of the Saluda side. I love Hollywood Elementary School. They have a newly updated school, the principal makes sure they teach kindness as well as academic. It is an excellent school. I love there is less traffic on the lake on this end too. The wildlife is beautiful. The views are amazing. I feel at peace and I feel happy.

Love this lake. Lots of room for busy boating days. There are several waterfront places to eat, Marina's to fuel up, and ramps to put your boat in. Several campgrounds along the shoreline too. We stayed a week in a lake house in July and loved our stay. The water appeared to be pretty clean and well kept everywhere. There were several beachy sandy areas to pull up to and rest or cool off. We are from TN but the drive was well worth it. Great lake overall.

Such a beautiful lake, where you can fish, walk, picnic, & even post a love locket with your sweetheart. Very relaxing and one of our many beautiful places here in SC.

Such a beautiful place. If you have a kayak and the time I definitely advise to go to Dreher Island part of Lake Murray. The boats in the evening are very respectful of others and it’s a great adventure to paddle around and see all the herons and fish jumping!

very pretty destination but not lots to do during off-season but surely a fun meetup for friends

We bought tickets online ahead of time and they were slightly cheaper and you paid for parking right then too. The park was great, we went for my son's first birthday and just walked around and enjoyed everything!! I used to go there as a kid so I wanted to take him there as well. We drove from Savannah, GA! Would definitely recommend for a family trip. Great place, looks clean, nice staff, easy pathways, animals look well taken care of. Fun all around!!

We were visiting from out of town and looking for something to do and what a pleasant surprise we loved the zoo and gardens! There's lots of animals to see, some we hadn't seen in any zoos back home. Then you can take their new sky tram (included in ticket) to visit the garden side. I'm not a huge fan of plants so I didn't have high expectations, but that side was excellent as well! Right now they have Lego sculptures on display which is fun. Lots of paths to explore and a huge kid area with water features (seasonal) and other fun things. If I were local I would definitely buy a membership.

I can’t believe this place is only an hour and a half from my house—how have I never been here before? I was absolutely blown away from top to bottom. The entire zoo is incredibly elaborate, and you get to see every type of animal, bird, reptile, and fish you can imagine. It was truly unbelievable. I saw stuff i never saw before and I am a zoo addict. The closeness to animals was amazing. Every animal looked happy and well cared for, and the enclosures were spotless. The price was very reasonable, and the staff was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. I’m still shocked by how many different animals you can see here. Five stars doesn’t even come close to doing it justice. If you’ve never been, you need to go. I visited at a time when there was almost no one there, but I’ve heard it can get busy, and annoying —so definitely try to pick your timing. Either way, it’s worth every minute and penny. Im coming back this week with my little brother sponsor.

Always love a trip to the Zoo with the family. This time we headed to the botanical gardens. Did not disappoint. Amazing staff, lots to see and the air ride over the lake was great amd saved us a walk between the Zoo and botanical gardens. Will definitely return in the spring.

Went on a fairly busy day, but were able to move through everything in about 3.5 hrs with two young kids. Loved this zoo. Its not too big and provides a lot of shade on the paths and theres a good mix of indoor/outdoor exhibits, so going in summer won't be horrible. Theres a lot of events for kids like animal feeding, obstacle courses, carousel, and lots of food/bathroom stations scattered around. For 2 adults and 2 kids, it was over $100 to get in, but that didnt include the extra costs for animal feeding and extra events.

We’ve been here twice already, and we really love this place! Everything is compact, so you don’t have to walk too much. There are so many animals, all of them are adorable. Sometimes you can even see the feeding time, usually around noon. The area is clean and well-kept. I love animals, so I try to come here as often as I can.

The animals at Riverbanks Zoo are well cared for and very well fed. The zoo is small enough to walk in an afternoon but has so many animals and things to see that you could easily spend the entire day! Definitely get the upgraded family membership. Feeding the animals over and over was a must when we went.

First time going (we are out-of-towners) and I took my 10 year old son, we had a blast!! Very educational all around and tons to do, even lots for toddlers! It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. 😊

Took our 3 kids ages 6-11 here for the first time over our Spring break, and they all absolutely loved it. My oldest may have been a little old for some of it, but still had a fantastic time exploring and playing with his little brothers. The museum is huge, the different setups were adorable, and overall we had a super fun day! We would love to return.

Great place for kids from 1 to about 12. My 3 and 5 year old were entertained in each area longer than I expected. Great variety of exhibits combining learning and fun.

It was a wonderful learning experience for children. The place is clean and sanitizers are available after kids play with the toys or equipment. There are areas to explore and learn for all ages. I love the realistic things used and how much information is provided for various aspects of our every day living. There was a little cooking class activity that did a 5 minute meal prep (tomato and cheese on a toothpick to look like a caterpillar). Outside has a water irrigation set up. And various rocks for kids to play with. All the various activities took us about three hours to explore and interact with and even though there were different field trips the place didn’t feel overcrowded. Was a fun trip. I took my 1yr, 3yr, 4yr and 10 yr old.

We love EdVenture! It is the perfect place for younger kids to explore and learn. No rush though the venue just let me learn and play at their pace. This location touches on so many different areas of interest- planes, fire trucks, food service, veterinary, dental and medical… wonderful!!

Such an amazing place for kids. It's free for kids under 2 and affordable nonetheless (way cheaper than the other children's museums we've been to, and better too!). There's a giant indoor playground inside Eddie, a Cessna, a jumbo jet cockpit, a firetruck, ambulance, news room, a play Publix with miniature shopping carts and pretend food, a barn, tractor, play medical center, arts and crafts area, physics area with wind tunnels... And so much more! We spent over three hours here and honestly, our 23-month-old boys could have played all day.

Educational place that is great for children. We got there as soon as it opened so we missed the live demonstrations but the place was busy and exciting. By the time we left, the line was out the door and there was a wait. Life lessons on flying, farming, firefighting, hospitals, and you have the tallest kid in the world (40 feet tall!!). I recommend taking your kids here and expecting about 2 to 3 hours of entertainment.

Arts & Draughts at the Columbia Museum of Art is hands-down one of the best ways to spend a Friday night in the city. The vibe was amazing—great crowd, cold beer, and incredible art. The silent disco was a blast, and the Sam Gilliam exhibit was a powerful experience. Beautiful atmosphere, creative energy everywhere, and something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're an art lover or just looking for something different to do, this event delivers. I’ll definitely be back!

The main exhibit on the second floor was closed, and the first-floor section was only partially accessible due to filming. While admission is free for South Carolina residents, out-of-state visitors are charged a $15 entry fee. Paying full price to see barely a quarter of the museum felt like a pretty raw deal.

We really enjoyed the artwork from Printmaster, Sam Gilliam. Unfortunately, the upstairs exhibit was closed for renovation and will not be opened until January 2026. We also visited the Intersection on Main Street: African American Life in Columbia exhibit, which was extremely informative! I am so grateful to Faida for taking the time out to tell us about very interesting facts about the USC and surrounding areas. I highly recommend everyone going at least once.

Very nice event held there. Also checked out the museum! You should check it out!

Keith Haring exhibit is great! Vivid colors with social commentary! Definitely recommend!

I love this museum!! We were there for a night of music and dancing 💃🏾.

A solid art museum that regularly features interesting exhibits. I saw the Keith Haring exhibit here recently, as well as the Alexander McQueen exhibit a few years ago. Both were excellently done. Outside that are other art pieces well worth seeing. On our most recent trip this weekend, we didn't find out the second floor of the museum was closed until after we had already paid for our tickets. We essentially paid normal admission prices in order to view the Haring exhibit, a few separate art pieces, and an exhibit on African American life in Columbia that was already free to begin with. The museum is a non-profit, so at least the proceeds go towards its educational programs and art conservation. However, I can't help but be reminded of Keith Haring's belief that art should be accessible and affordable to all. I understand that the museum does not want to miss out on proceeds, but at the same time it feels unfair to be charging normal prices to view significantly fewer art pieces.

I only come here for the disc golf course. Last time I came 6 months ago there appeared to be course improvements happening, those have obviously been abandoned. The course appears to be abandoned and forever neglected. No tee pads, massively overgrown, majority of the course is unplayable, and the rest is miserable because of the overgrowth. You would think that they would keep up with it since it’s a pay to play course. 0/10 recommend. Do not play until they properly maintain and finish the course.

I’m a photographer by trade and graphic design great environment for weddings or large scale events. Or if you want go to the light show Christmas times it’s beautiful an great fit for the kids.

Great place to spend the day. They have parks, trails, tubing, splash pad, picnic areas, and more. Love it there.

Tubing down the river was very relaxing. Just make sure your there before 3:00 or they won't let you on the river.

Great park, for toddlers and all ages. We took our toddler there, and he loved it. It's a huge park with a section called Leo's Landing, which is the place that kids mostly love. It has numerous structures, rides slides. It also has a small zip-line for ages 5 to 10 years. It even has a small place to sit back and read a book, with a selection of shared books in an owl shaped shelf. It also has a splash pad that would open this weekend, we still went to see it. It's a great place for kids n parents to hang out.

Very beautiful park, walking trails, picnic areas, playground, kayaking, splash pad and very friendly, helpful employees (thank you for your hard work).

$5 day use pass. Plenty of picnic shelters & paved trails for walking & running. Saw couple bicycles. Views of the Saluda river. Two entrances - East & West. The East entrance has the soccer fields & tennis courts. The park has 2 education/visitor centers. The river center was closed. Nice park to spend the afternoon walking along the river.

The World's Largest Fire Hydrant was pretty cool. Needs a little upkeep. Still cool because it's showing it's age just like a real one does. Rusty chains and all. Heard it used to be a water fountain but now it's just a sculpture. The mural back behind it is large and sweet.

What a cool place to visit! A fun roadside attraction in Columbia to stretch your legs on a road trip. It isn’t difficult to find as it does stand out! This destination is not far from highways. The sculpture is surrounded by parking lots for easy parking. Have a great time on your visit!

This is the first time I have been at a "world's largest" thing. It would be very nice if they gave it a better surround-not just traffic walls and chain link fence. The mural in the same lot is incredible as well.

Just a random fire hydrant sculpture in the middle of downtown. Good photo opportunity, but nothing more. Also, it was hard to find parking and it’s surrounded my business. There are lots of cool murals around.

The parking lot is convenient and you can pay via text. The hydrant statue is quite unique but don't just stop here! There are beautiful historic houses and churches just down the street.

This is free public art installation by South Carolinian artist "Blue Sky". This would be a fun little stop if you have little kids is it promotes some wonder and fun conversations. According to Atlas obscura it weighs 675,000 pounds and was built to withstand a hurricane even though it was designed to look as though it had been hit by a giant car. Paid parking is available in the "Busted Plug Plaza" and on the street in front of it. Another of blue skies "Tunnelvision" is nearby as well. 👩‍🚒 FREE PUBLIC ART. 👩‍🚒 See you on the road, 📸 🙋‍♂️@gabrielcraft.me

Another one of those fun and unusual things to check out in downtown Columbia. I highly recommend visiting that area, you'll see it all in about 5 - 6 block radius or so.

It was like waking street fair in NYC lots of vendors and live music. My food experience here was terrible guess I have to find the right vendor . Food was priced high had paella seafood in rice it was awful 😫. Salty fishy and costly. They had a car show and the art was just fantastic. There was a young guy there with Lakers painting and just beautiful prints . Did not catch his name but I will return . Parking was good. I would rate five if it weren't for the bad food experience. No Spanish food I would suggest. Stick to other food.

Soda City Market is always a lot of fun, and is one of my favorite things to do in Columbia! I love getting to know all of the different vendors, and checking out the really cool miscellaneous items that they're selling. Today, I learned that there's a shop in Five Points that sells vintage, 1980s-style clothing, as well as Jamaican, Brazilian, and Belgian-themed restaurants in the city. I never would've known that before going to Soda City. I also got a decent slice of pizza, as well as a solid cup of coffee. And... the dogs! If you're a dog lover, I'm not sure there's a better place on Earth to find some beautiful dogs than Soda City, they were precious! There's really only two (2) downsides to Soda City: the prices are very expensive relative to the quality you're getting. Now, you are supporting local businesses, so I don't mind paying a little bit more for it. However, nearly $20 for a good, but not great, slice of pizza and cup of coffee isn't particularly ideal. Also, there's always very obnoxious religious zealots who either scream into a megaphone, or spout race-based conspiracy theories on the street corner. I don't mind the people who have a booth and welcome you to talk to them, but the ones who scream into their microphones kinda ruin the vibe.

I love Soda City! There are blocks and blocks of vendors selling so much cool stuff, bands playing, food trucks, a farmers market and vintage clothes! There is truly something for everyone. My favorite is DJ Voodoo child. He is a master at mashups. Anytime I am in Columbia on a Saturday, you will find me here!

So many vendors offering delicious food, drinks, crafts…. It’s the best market I’ve ever been to.

Lucky to have been visiting when we went. Pride was ongoing and the number of vendors and support vendors were amazing. Lovely people and great food and products.

Soda city has been an amazing addition to my Saturday morning. There is alot of different cultures from foods, natural items, and personal things to buy. Fun place to bring your dog and meet friends listen to music and much more.

This urban market has an amazing variety of stalls, with everything from delicious street food and deserts to artwork to thrifted clothing. Most vendors were friendly and knowledgeable, vibes were friendly and great, and there’s bound to be something interesting to everyone!! For anyone who likes taking a stroll downtown while exploring cute local products, Soda City Market is a must-see!

The atmosphere is very intimate for a small screen viewing. The cinema is on the second floor but they do have a working elevator so you don't have to take the stairs.

Great movie theater with amazing surround sound and picture. Customer service is also very pleasant and accommodating. Family friendly too.

Cute theater! Cheaper tickets than the theaters back home with less previews before the movie too.

The entrances to this location from the street and to the bathrooms inside are likely not ADA compliant. There could be buttons to open the main entrance and to open the bathrooms inside. They have shut down multiple times in the last few years and never took advantage of that time to make the location wheelchair accessible. I won’t be back until this is fixed. The handicap section in the downstairs theater is in the absolute front row. Not a good movie going experience.

I'm gonna be 100% honest here, this was my first time watching a film at the Nickelodeon. I've casually stopped by and peeked in while strolling Main Street. Here's the thing, I frequently hit Main Street and wander up/down the street and hit the shops/restaurants/museum/Tapp's but never slowed down to catch a film until yesterday. Instantly, I fell in love with warm, quaint, and welcoming atmosphere of the Nickelodeon. I didn't feel the haste or corporate overhangings of a traditional commercial theater and it felt pretty darn good. The lobby was creatively decorated, staff was beyond personable, and facilities were clean and comfortable. I've kinda gotten used to reclining/heated/cooled seats at the commercial theater but the seating here was quite comfortable without all the fuss. Screen quality and audio were great and I had the most wonderful afternoon spent with a dear friend at the Nickelodeon. I'm finding more and more amazing places in Columbia, some old and some new but all deserve our support!

First time at this theater Downtown in Columbia. Watching "Woman King" and enjoying the the beautifully decorated theater. The staff was friendly and ready to serve. The pictures on the wall are upcoming features. The concession stand had popcorn, nachos , candy and sodas. There are 2 levels available for seating. Tonight my ticket was $11 at the 7 p.m. showing on Tuesday night. The instructions included the following: no talking while the movie was playing, no talking on the cell phone and advise the staff of any problems that caused you not to enjoy the movie.

Old and quirky theater in downtown Columbia was the perfect spot to view the final episode of “Downton Abbey”.

It was interesting. They tell about the house and staff during that time as well as the history of pre-, during, and post Reconstruction. It is still a bit in transition. We also saw the Robert Mills house and the Hampton-Preston mansions. It all ties in together. Check into free tour on third Sunday of the month.

Took our kids here a couple years ago. Good experience for them. Good to learn about a former President, and see how he and his family lived during a different time. Sadly, it was closed today. But when it opens again, add it to the "historic things" for the kids to do.

Great place to learn some American history. Amazing tour guides! Brought my family to visit from Omaha, Nebraska and they loved it, too

28th President Woodrow Wilson's childhood home. Did not go inside, arrived too late. But, it was still nice to see. It is super close to the statehouse.

Neat old house, would have liked to be able to go inside, but it didn't fit my schedule.

Reconstruction is in progress and that's great! The house and gardens are beautiful even from behind the fence 🙂

First things first, the website does not state the cost, which as of May 22' is $10/adult, and second, it's barely a museum. I could learn more about Reconstruction and Woodrow Wilson from a children's book, than here. The "tour guide" merely led you to the house and unlocked the door and that's it, it's not even clear they know anything about the house or history for that matter. The house is in good shape, but features no real furniture except a few things on display pedestals. Let me do you a favor, skip this one.

3 floor museum with interesting artifacts. No charge to enter. Nice cool place to explore and escape the heat on a hot summer day. Just head down bull street and it will take you right to the McKissick Museum. You cant miss it.

Beautiful building with sculpture on top.. an inner small gallery and museum. Helpful students at front desk.

It's a great collection and nice that it's free. It was a little confusing to find at first. I parked at the corner of Bull and Pendleton. There is a small parking lot there but I thought it might be for student visitors but I bet it would have been fine to park there. But there was plenty of room on the street as well. I could/should have entered on the lowest level on that side but I walked around and in the front door. I asked the girl at the desk where to see the museum and she said to go down one floor - it's scattered on four floors but start downstairs. So I went downstairs and the girl there said to go to the second floor, which is where I got confused. Why didn't the first girl tell me to go upstairs instead of down? It turns out, the bottom floor is officially the check-in desk for the museum, the main floor is the student visitor center. But the museum is mostly on the second floor, with some on the third and a little more on the main floor. After I finally ended up in the right place, one side of the second floor is a display for play, all about toys and games (and some were very nostalgic for me!) and the other side was about folk art with a large gallery of quilts. Up one floor is a natural history gallery, a chain of rooms with some of the oldest items in the collection, fossils and animals, cases of minerals, etc. Then back down on the main floor is a display room with assorted bits of the collection and the school mace. (Further down that hall is the visitor area - a mocked up dorm room and orientation rooms.) Then I went back downstairs to exit out the bottom door closest to my car. I think that only parts of a larger collection are on view but I could be wrong. It's not amazing, but it's great for a free museum, and walking around the historic horseshoe/campus is really nice.

Very cute small museum on the campus of University of Columbia. It’s free and open to the public. Great way to escape some of the heat and take a break in the ac while learning some history.

Free museum inside the visitor center at the University of South Carolina. It has rotating exhibits throughout the year.

Had to stop in at this free museum and welcome centre on the University of South Carolina campus. Located at the top of northeast end of The Horseshoe, the McKissick Museum features U of SC memorabilia, several natural science additions such as lunar rocks, cultural items like their current quilt exhibit, and the sceptre used for convocation. I spoke with two very friendly lasses, one on the main floor who was a student, and another on the second floor who was a volunteer for the museum and knew her stuff! Would highly recommend a visit, cheers.

Excellent collection of minerals including instruction and explanations. I learned a lot spending just an hour there. There was also a temporary exhibit on bee photographs which I very much enjoyed.

This is a spectacular place the owners are sweet and really there to answer questions. I was so blown away by this space, the art and the owners. I got paint mixing tips by Helen one of the artist and partner. They have a beautiful area where there are art classes and they have an art supply space in the basement. I was so emotional when I walked into the space as an artist it just had the right feel. Absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend it's a must see. For artist and enthusiasts as well.

Absolutely beautiful collection of Art, magical aesthetic inside and a great, well stocked art supplies store on the bottom level. Hands down, best in Columbia. There are two levels of art galleries above the store. Love this place. The owners are super nice.

Our High School reunion was held at City Art and it was the perfect venue. There was enough space for about 100 people, food, decorations, and a DJ. Zach was very easy to work with and very flexible. Highly recommend to use the venue for any event!

We had our wedding and reception there. It was nice to not have to decorate too much and it was well priced. Staff was easy to work with and accommodating.

Worst wedding venue ever!!! Staff was so very rude. Just about ruined my daughter’s wedding. Started rushing everyone out before the rental time was up. Plan your simcha somewhere else!!!!

was just walking around town and saw the art gallery a really nice lady there. They do have very interesting pieces of art here the main area when you come in is a loft open space like it

City Art is by far the best gallery in the Columbia, SC area. They have a large selection of beautiful art, much of it by local artists. And they do an outstanding job with framing! I had a 25x36 wood print that just didn't quite look right. I took it to them to see what they could do with it. Heather stained the edges and Wendy recommended a narrow black frame. The print was transformed from "meh" to "wow!" I've also purchased some original art from them and had other framing done. Everyone in the gallery is friendly, knowledgeable, and talented. I highly recommend them.

The annual SC State Fair is more than just a collection of rides and food stalls; it’s an immersive, sensory packed event that truly captures the heart of community. What a treat it was to see and be a part of. ​The midway is a wonderland of excitement, ranging from adrenaline pumping rides that fling you skyward to classics that offer a quieter thrill. The Celebration Wheel, towering over the fairgrounds, is a perfect example. While many major rides cost around 12-18 tickets, this magnificent Ferris wheel, reported to be the most expensive ride at around 21 tickets, is worth every single one. Cuddling into a gondola with your significant other for a smooth, sky high journey, it truly is the perfect couples ride, offering unparalleled views of the dazzling lights below. ​But the views aren't limited to the wheel. As the sun began to set, casting an orange glow across the Columbia skyline, the experience from the zipline was nothing short of breathtaking. Sailing over the bustling crowds, you get a moment of peaceful elevation juxtaposed with the energy beneath you, a truly unique vantage point. ​Of course, the food is an event in itself. Forget your diet and embrace the delicious chaos of deep-fried delights. While the glorious fried taco I devoured was so good it vanished before I could snap a single photo, the memory of its savory, crispy perfection is seared into my mind. This treat, along with the other fair staples, like the smoky, hefty turkey legs and the classic, powdered-sugar-dusted funnel cakes, fuels the collective joy. ​Despite the crowds, the fair manages to feel like the most peaceful yet crowded place I’ve ever been. There's a genuine sense of community here, where families, students, and long time residents come together, sharing laughter, screaming on the high thrill rides, and simply enjoying a beloved tradition. ​From the quiet, elevated peace of the Ferris wheel to the heart-thumping rush of the faster rides, and the simple pleasure of an unphotographed, perfect fried taco, the SC State Fair is a vibrant showcase of Southern fun and tradition, a beautiful whirlwind of light, noise, and shared memory.

A Must-Do for our family every Autumn! And while the food is required comfort food we enjoy, it always has outrageous costs and the prices continue to climb! Fun to people watch, eat, ride rides and check out the arts & crafts, farm animals and food related competitions! You have to go. Just take out a loan! Fun Memories! 🎡🎢🎪🎠🎟️LOL

Good place to go to on a nice day.The food is very expensive! It appears to be very Safe! Theres lots to do and see.Good place for people of all ages and handicapped people. Theres benches all over the place and exhibits. If your looking to be around alot of people and get a lot of exercise this is definitely the place to come to. This was my 1st time I had ever been to a State fair.

I really enjoyed my day at the fair. We went on the military and sensory day (disability day). The petting zoo was fun along with the zip line ride to see the entire park. The food was delicious…my favorite was the “FRIES” with the added apple cider vinegar, and other seasoning.

The prices have gotten way out of hand. Why they think it's ok to charge 30 to just walk in the gates is absolutely crazy. I know prices have gone up but not to the point of what these food places are charging. We used ro love going to the fair. It is our family tradition to go every year, but I'm not sure how much longer we will go with these prices. The crowds have gotten so bad paying the one price isn't even worth it either.

I went back to the fair a second time this year to try some different food items. I had a corn dog from Lordy’s, which was very good, except it had a little too much breading for my taste. I would give it a 9 out of 10. I also had the Dubai strawberries with Dubai chocolate, which was scrumptious. IMO it is the best dessert at the fair. It comes with fresh strawberries, sliced, with Dubai chocolate sauce, pistachio cream, and toasted shredded Filo dough on top. I would rate it 10 of 10. I also went to the Pro Kitchen store which was selling fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. I brought them home for a snack later and they were delicious. Rated 10 of 10. They sell them with milk if you want it. There is also a coffee shop inside. I did not know about this place at the fair and will definitely go back there next time.

This is my first time attending the South Carolina State Fair, and I must say it is much larger than the fair in my hometown. Getting through the gate was challenging due to heavy traffic. If you are planning to go, I highly recommend arriving early when there is less traffic and fewer people around. The fair features various events, including agricultural exhibits, animal shows, and circus performances, which are scheduled throughout the day. The weekends tend to be very crowded, and the wait times for rides can be long and exhausting. Some food vendors have overpriced their items, and both the admission fee and ride vouchers are a bit pricey, but the overall experience was worth it. I especially enjoyed the circus show, as it was my first time seeing one in person.

Overall good experience. Wish there was better signs for directions and for the tram. Also wish there would have been more animals, there was a lot missing and that was sad for my kids and myself honestly. Bathrooms were decent and clean though.

It's a great place for all ages. I enjoy a walk through the botanical garden in every season. There is a lot of construction going on with the creation of the saluda sky ride. The woodland path is closed due to that.

It is amazing. There was a time when I was worried for the future of the zoo because a lot of things were dated and not as nice as they used to be. Riverbanks has outdone itself. The staff are so sweet. It's like visiting the Chick-fil-A of zoos. I have 4 kids (8,5,2, and 9m) they all loved it. The best part of the zoo is definitely waterfall junction! All of my kids played for hours. That space is so well thought out for families of all sizes and needs. The aquarium is awesome, without kids it would be my favorite spot! We packed a lunch, snacks, and plenty of water because I'm not a fan of stadium prices. It's not even a complaint because at least it's allowed.

Great experience with granddaughter. We have a membership & go often. Zoo employees are the best...helpful and informative. Buy a membership with extra activities included like carousel rides, birds feeding. Granddaughter rode carousel 5 times that day.

This was our second time there and had a great time with our 5 year old. There are a good amount of animals but the park is not spread out too much so you can get through it quickly if you want (you don't have to though). Park seems pretty well maintained and they have another area with Botanical Gardens, an open space for kids along with a waterfall area, a little river, some normal slides, and other fun things for them to do. Between this and the zoo you can keep your kids entertained pretty much all day if you want to. When we went, the new skyline was just finished, and needed maintenance. When that's up and running it will be a very nice way to connect the botanical gardens / kids area to the rest of the zoo. The current way being a longer walk or a tram ride can each take a decent amount of time. Please note that you can definitely bring in snacks for you and your kids along with some drinks and maybe even food for lunch if you really want to. I don't know how much they really check for coolers but we had no problem bringing our bag in. Also they have nice water refilling stations around the zoo and they'll even give you a cup of ice not one of the restaurants if you ask. Really great service overall. We may look into getting a membership for next year.

We love the zoo and the garden 😍 we went there from 9 am to 1230 and we had a blast bathrooms are always clean people are friendly. Lots to see the sky lift was fun. Looking at Lego sculptures. Went searching for bone. The list goes on on what to do here. Trails are fun and the Garden is worth seeing

I've always loved Riverbanks Zoo. They've expanded and lots of cool features have been added.

Took our 3 kids ages 6-11 here for the first time over our Spring break, and they all absolutely loved it. My oldest may have been a little old for some of it, but still had a fantastic time exploring and playing with his little brothers. The museum is huge, the different setups were adorable, and overall we had a super fun day! We would love to return.

First time going (we are out-of-towners) and I took my 10 year old son, we had a blast!! Very educational all around and tons to do, even lots for toddlers! It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. 😊

Took my 5 year old on Thursday and we had a blast! We hadn’t been in almost two years so it was exciting seeing all the new things they added as well as the classics ! The news room was honestly her favorite, she loved pretending to tell her news report, the animal clinic was amazing as well! I absolutely would recommend this place as somewhere different to take your kid/kiddos it’s educational and fun at the same time! We will be back again soon!🥰

Great place for kids from 1 to about 12. My 3 and 5 year old were entertained in each area longer than I expected. Great variety of exhibits combining learning and fun.

Such an amazing place for kids. It's free for kids under 2 and affordable nonetheless (way cheaper than the other children's museums we've been to, and better too!). There's a giant indoor playground inside Eddie, a Cessna, a jumbo jet cockpit, a firetruck, ambulance, news room, a play Publix with miniature shopping carts and pretend food, a barn, tractor, play medical center, arts and crafts area, physics area with wind tunnels... And so much more! We spent over three hours here and honestly, our 23-month-old boys could have played all day.

We love EdVenture! It is the perfect place for younger kids to explore and learn. No rush though the venue just let me learn and play at their pace. This location touches on so many different areas of interest- planes, fire trucks, food service, veterinary, dental and medical… wonderful!!

It was a wonderful learning experience for children. The place is clean and sanitizers are available after kids play with the toys or equipment. There are areas to explore and learn for all ages. I love the realistic things used and how much information is provided for various aspects of our every day living. There was a little cooking class activity that did a 5 minute meal prep (tomato and cheese on a toothpick to look like a caterpillar). Outside has a water irrigation set up. And various rocks for kids to play with. All the various activities took us about three hours to explore and interact with and even though there were different field trips the place didn’t feel overcrowded. Was a fun trip. I took my 1yr, 3yr, 4yr and 10 yr old.

It's no secret to that Al's Upstairs is amazing! But my first experience was dinner celebrating 3 years with my boyfriend last night. Our meal was amazing! However, what I really want to brag on is our server, Allison. She made sure everything was perfect! She provided thorough descriptions of menu items and answered questions before we knew we had any. We had such a great experience! This might have to be our spot for all occasions.

Amazing romantic setting! It’s upstairs (hence the name) and offers a great view of Downtown Columbia! We had the fried oysters and crab cakes for an appetizer and they were top notch. The service was exceptional and the server was attentive without being intrusive. It is definitely an adult only restaurant. The price was appropriate for the food and setting offered.

Wow! This hole in the wall place is so delicious. It's upscale dining with a beautiful view. We had appetizers, drinks, entrees, and desert. We all shared everything and between the 4 of us and there wasn't a bad dish around. If you're looking for a special place with your significant other or you want to hang out and enjoy a meal with your favorite people, this is the place.

Very nice dinner experience. 23 years ago we came for prom and didn’t appreciate the view or the food as much as we did tonight. Absolutely a beautiful view while enjoying delicious food. A must try for delicious pasta and beautiful sights of the city. The Lobster Bisque is topped with a delicious pastry!! My favorite of the night. The chefs special spinach salad was fantastic. The entree of choice this evening was Seafood Manicotti. I must say spot on. Save room for the New York Cheesecake… You won’t be disappointed!!! This was a great date night to get dressed up!!!

I've lived in Columbia, SC for nearly 12 years and by some cruel twist I had never visited this landmark restaurant until 2019. What a remarkable experience. Beautiful view of the Columbia skyline and river. Soft atmosphere. Impeccable service......all this was just the beginning. The menu is diverse and resplendent. The wine selection is deep and supportive of the exceptional menu. Portions are generous and flavorful with absolutely perfect ingredients. Every phase of this experience was satisfying and rewarding. Highly recommend! 5 Giant stars!

One of the best dining experiences in Columbia. Make reservations in advance. We love sharing our Valentines Day at Al’s every year! Lobster bisque is delicious!

Fantastic Italian restaurant. This is a gourmet establishment with a relaxed atmosphere. Ask for a table near the windows for gorgeous views of the Columbia skyline. We have dined here multiple times over the years and never had a bad meal. You can cut the filet mignon with a fork! However, I gave 4 stars tonight because the chefs special of scallops and shrimp came with only 2 of each. Cooked to perfection, but very disappointed with the quantity given the price.

Geared towards mountain biking and casual hiking, the forest has around a dozen trails that circumnavigate the property. Excellently maintained and supported by volunteers, the trails are well marked and laid out. The property has several valleys, giving it a variety of difficulty ranges for effort and experience ratings. Beautiful views and sounds of nature deeper inside the park.

I visited Harbison State Forest with the intention of biking and had a great experience. The place is very well maintained, and it’s clear that they are actively working on the trails, which makes it even more attractive. I’m definitely looking forward to coming back!

It's a great nature facility, but as a 1st time out there, the trails are marked that well ( that I saw), and although most people were friendly the # of Mountain bikers and some it were very fast on the trails. Maybe it would be nicer during the week vs weekend. Also the Pay for parking, now Requires a Credit or debit card.

Went for a trail run here while visiting Columbia. Beautiful trails, great parking options, good escape from the boisterous and lively downtown of The Big Apple of the South (otherwise known as Columbia SC). Looking forward to the next time I can go back and continuing exploring amongst the forrest!

Great place Great people Good trails. Bring water and good shoes

I like it out here, It offers many different trails to explore and be outside. Never really busy that I have seen and every one is nice when you pass them. Good place to get a good quick hike in or get outside for the day

I run on the trails weekly at least. I love this forest in the middle of the city. The weekends can get busy with mountain bikes, but they are always courteous and have never bothered me. The trails are great and there are so many that I am always changing my routes up for new scenery and they never get old. I love the ever changing forest!