There are a variety of places to visit in Columbia, South Carolina. There’s a gorgeous park called Finlay Park, which is close to downtown and features a nice water fountain. It’s also got a new playground, though not a lot of shade. Another great park in Columbia is Guignard Park, which is a more quiet park with a creek running through it. There’s a playground there and picnic tables.
Sesquicentennial State Park
A state park located in the Sandhills of South Carolina, Sesquicentennial State Park was originally built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It was presented to the city of Columbia to commemorate 150 years since its incorporation. Today, it offers a wide variety of outdoor activities and natural attractions.
Visitors to the park can also explore its nature trails and camp in one of the many cabins. There are also kayak and canoe rentals available. The park also has a six-mile bicycle loop. There are also brochures available to explain the trees in the area.
This park is a great place to take your dog. There are several walking trails and a beautiful waterfall. The park also has picnic tables, restrooms, and a dog park. Dog owners can purchase dog permits for $25 annually. Dog owners must provide proof that their pet is spayed or neutered before entering the park.
Sesquicentennial State Park is located near downtown Columbia. This large park is perfect for the whole family. There are plenty of activities for children, including an outdoor playground and a splash pad. Visitors will also enjoy Columbia’s restaurants, shopping, and educational opportunities.
For a relaxing afternoon, visitors can rent kayaks, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards for $5 per hour. The park also provides fishing tackle rentals for guests.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Located along the Saluda River in Columbia, South Carolina, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is a 170-acre zoo and botanical garden. The zoo and garden extend into the neighboring city of West Columbia. The zoo features a variety of animals from around the world.
The zoo opened in 1974, and has since received many accolades. It has been named one of the 10 “Gardens That Inspire” by Horticulture magazine, and it is listed on the HGTV channel’s list of “20 Great Public Gardens in the United States.” The zoo is free to enter and offers free parking. There is a covered picnic area near the zoo’s west entrance. While outside food is not permitted, you are welcome to bring in a picnic basket for your family to enjoy.
The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours can be extended on weekends. The best times to visit are in the spring and fall, when the flowers are at their best. However, summers can be hot in Columbia, so you should avoid visiting during the afternoon.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia offers a number of venues for a wedding or event. They offer safari-themed spaces, such as the Ndoki Lodge, which has high beam ceilings and panoramic views of lush forest foliage. The Ndoki Lodge also has an outdoor space, and can accommodate up to 500 guests. The Magnolia Room, one of the most elegant spaces in the zoo, is another option for a memorable event. This room has French doors that open onto a brick terrace. From there, you can enjoy the beautiful gardens and stately fountains of Riverbanks.
Crescent Cafe
If you’re looking for a great place to eat in Columbia, South Carolina, you should check out the Crescent Cafe. It’s located on the second floor of the S.C. State Museum, where the total solar eclipse will be visible to the public this weekend. While the restaurant won’t serve the full menu this weekend because the kitchen won’t be able to run a grill, it will still have a large selection of menu items.
Whether you’re looking for an authentic South Carolina lunch or a tasty, freshly-made sandwich, the Crescent Cafe offers a unique experience. Located inside the South Carolina State Museum, you can dine on tasty, fresh food and drink, or even order catering.
In addition to the Crescent Cafe’s delicious menu, the venue also offers a variety of drinks and other sweet tooth items. Visitors can enjoy a meal without having to purchase tickets to the museum. It’s also a great place to meet friends and family or for business meetings.
Visitors to Columbia, South Carolina can enjoy a wide range of activities and attractions, from shopping to museums. The city is perfect for people who like to do a little bit of everything. From museums to parks, the city has everything travelers need to make the trip worth their while.
Segra Park
The Columbia Fireflies play at Segra Park, a multi-use sports and entertainment complex in downtown Columbia. It features a full suite of amenities and hosts over 70 baseball games each year. Fans can also enjoy concerts and events at the park. The Columbia Fireflies are committed to the community, and their stadium is a great place to hang out and meet fellow fans.
The Park is open for the public on non-game days, and features special promotions every evening. Mason Monday, for example, features an exclusive Fireflies Holiday Lights gift for the winner of the Mason Monday raffle. Other special events on Wednesday and Thursday include WLTX Winter Wag-Alongs, Ugly Christmas Sweater Drink Specials, and a Kids Craft Corner.
Fireflies Park is home to many vendors and a great gift shop. You will also find some great food, burgers, ice cream, and specialty drinks. The concessions have fun merchandise designs and a clear bag policy. The sound system is loud and the food is great.
The South Carolina State Museum is also a great place to visit in Columbia. The building used to be a 19th century mill, and today the museum features four exhibit areas that represent various disciplines. Visitors are welcome to explore the collections of Asian, European, and American modern art.
Hampton Preston Mansion & Gardens
The Hampton-Preston House, located at 1615 Blanding Street in Columbia, South Carolina, is a national historic site. It was the home of the Hampton family, a prominent South Carolina family. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 29, 1969.
The Hampton-Preston Mansion was built in 1818 and originally featured a four-acre garden. During its antebellum heyday, it was a popular destination for presidents Franklin Pierce and Millard Fillmore. After the Civil War, it was used as a convent, a college, and a tourist home. However, it eventually lost its grandeur. The State of South Carolina purchased the estate in 1969 and restored it for public use.
The interiors of the mansion feature period decor and exhibits depicting what a mansion would look like in the antebellum period. Visitors can also learn about the history of urban slavery in the area. The gardens cover four acres of land and were designed by Mary Cantey Hampton and Caroline Hampton Preston. The antebellum-inspired gardens wind through dense forest and feature birdsong.
The Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens are located in the central part of Columbia, South Carolina. Built at the turn of the 19th century by a wealthy planter family, the mansion has a rich history. Today, it serves as a house museum and educational institution. Nearby attractions include Finlay Park, the First Baptist Church, and Gonzales Gardens.
Weco Bottle and Beirgarten
For the ultimate beer and foodie experience, head to the West Columbia neighborhood. The area is home to mainstay restaurants like Cafe Strudel, Black Rooster, and WECO Bottle and Beirgarten. While the latter may not open until early 2020, the former is expected to open by the end of the year. The former was a garden center, but the new owners are reimagining the space to create a fun, casual atmosphere.
During the summer, don’t miss Summer Fest, which is free and features 2 stages of live music and food specials. Another fun event is the 5K Run/Walk for Alzheimers. The race takes place at Rehoboth Restoration Church, 5801 Koon Rd., and is open to the public. If you’d rather walk instead, there’s also the Barre and Brew event at River Rat Brewery. Tickets are $10 for adults. You can also catch a show at Columbia Speedway Entertainment Center by seeing Tedeschi Trucks’ Fireside Live concert.
During the winter, the WECO Bottle and Beirgarten are open and serving libations. On Saturdays, the restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. During the summer months, there are also free concerts at the Amphitheater.
