Heading to South Carolina for vacation? Chances are you’re planning a trip to one of the state’s famous destinations: historic Charleston, subtropical beaches, a Clemson football game or maybe a historic seaside city like Beaufort. But what often gets left off the list is South Carolina’s capital city. The truth is, while Columbia is home to the state’s largest university, many think that little lies beyond the college campus. But that couldn’t be further from the truth—there are endless things to do in Columbia, South Carolina. Columbia boasts world-class dining, events for families and singles, and an arts and culture scene that rivals other large cities in the Southeast. Here’s a look at why this city just might be the state’s best-kept secret.
Live in the moment—and learn about the past
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden draws people from all over the Southeast because it’s truly one of the best zoos in the country and at the top of the list of Columbia activities for locals and visitors alike. Kiddos love the indoor penguin exhibit, where they can see the birds coast, slide and swim underwater. If they get inspired to take a dip of their own, little ones can cool off at the zoo’s splash pad, Waterfall Junction, complete with dozens of sprays and a 25-foot waterfall.
No kids? No problem. Stroll through the Riverbanks Botanical Garden. Named by HGTV as one of the 20 great public gardens in the U.S., this 70-acre attraction is stunning year-round. Walk through the Asian garden, dry garden, old rose garden and shade garden to take in all of the stimulating scents and colors. If history is more your speed, visit the South Carolina State House. At the state’s capitol building, you can check out damage caused by artillery shells from General Sherman’s troops. Bonus: admission and tours are free.
To really see the whole city, make a point to go to Top of Carolina, a rotating restaurant atop a dorm building at the University of South Carolina. The only restaurant of its kind in the state provides 360-degree views of the city for miles, including Williams-Brice Stadium.
Savor Columbia’s blossoming dining scene
Go hungry to Drip on Main, where the offerings are decadent and delicious.
On your first night in the capital city, make your way over to Lula Drake, a wine bar in the Main Street District. “This intimate and historically classy setting will mentally take you to a cozy European town, or street seating gives a great view of the lively Main Street area,” says Columbia local April Blake.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, spend your Saturday morning at Soda City, Main Street District’s farmers market featuring local and regional food plus crafts from local vendors like Carolina Soap Works. Grab breakfast at Drip on Main, where the breakfast sandwiches (the pancetta with hickory-smoked cheddar and roasted garlic aioli atop fresh-made cinnamon raisin bread is a must-order) and French toast options (blackberry butter French toast on brioche bread or Nutella with marshmallow fluff) are decadent and delightful.
For some good ol’ Southern cooking, head to Lizard’s Thicket behind Williams-Brice Stadium. “Lizard’s Thicket is known for their meat ’n’ threes [an entrée and three side dishes],” says Blake. “This is a place where you can and should call macaroni and cheese a vegetable.”
Craving some Carolina barbecue? Doc’s BBQ and Southern Buffet is a popular local spot, and for good reason. The smoked pulled pork is smothered in Columbia’s legendary mustard-based sauce, which, with the addition of a little brown sugar, makes the sauce and ’cue combo sweet, tangy and a touch smoky all in one.
Get inspired by art and nature
Spend a day on the water at nearby Lake Murray.
Thanks to its proximity to the University of South Carolina, Columbia’s arts and culture scene is booming. Outside theaters and galleries display hundreds of pieces of public art throughout the region. The artist and maker district on State Street in West Columbia is a great place to take in colorful murals and large public art installations.
Even though Columbia is about three hours from the beach, you can still get out on the water. Blake recommends visiting nearby Lake Murray for a half or whole day. “You can take it easy with a pontoon boat ride to see the purple martins fly to their island at sunset, or you can [kick] it up by flyboarding,” she suggests. “In-between options include kayaks, paddleboards and wakeboards, all of which can be rented from various outfitters around the lake.”
Written by Blake Miller
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