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6 Fun Things to Do in Columbia, SC

6 Fun Things to Do in Columbia, SC

After a long week stuck in the office, you're not alone if you're looking for a way to get out of the house and stretch your legs on the weekends. The good news for Columbia residents is that South Carolina's capital has no shortage of fun activities that will keep you busy on your days off. Whether you're a nature lover ready to explore South Carolina's only national park or you're ready to see your favorite animals at one of the nation's top-rated zoos, Columbia has something to offer everyone. If you're new to the city and looking to explore everything Columbia has to offer, here's a look at our top picks for fun things to do in Columbia, SC.

A market scene with people browsing and stalls selling items.

Soda City Market 

Looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday without breaking the bank? Consider spending the morning exploring Soda City Market. Open year-round, this farmer's market takes over multiple blocks downtown every Saturday, with an average of 200 vendors offering a variety of unique products from home-grown vegetables and flowers to handcrafted jewelry, and a diverse range of food offerings. Representing the melting pot that is Columbia, you'll find fresh bites from over three dozen nationalities, allowing you to explore all the best that Columbia has to offer. The best part is that this farmers' market is free to explore! Additionally, Soda City Market is a producer-only market, meaning that vendors must make or grow their own products. Spend the morning strolling through hundreds of vendor stalls, and you'll be sure to fall in love with Columbia's diverse food and arts scene.    

Riverbanks Zoo

For any animal lover out there, there is perhaps no better way to spend a day in Columbia than exploring Riverbanks Zoo. This world-class zoo is often considered one of the nation's best, featuring over 3,000 animals from around the world spread across more than 170 acres of beautifully manicured grounds. Spend the day learning about exotic animals from around the world, exploring the park's gorgeous botanical gardens, and taking part in exciting activities such as their kangaroo walk-through and giraffe feedings. With tickets starting at less than $30, Riverbanks Zoo is a fun and affordable way to spend a day outdoors.

A giraffe is feeding from a child's hand at the zoo.

Congaree National Park 

For any nature lovers out there, you'll be excited to learn that South Carolina's only national park is located just 30 minutes from the center of the city. At Congaree National Park, you'll find over 27,000 acres of beautiful, old-growth bottomland forest, which allows hikers and kayakers to spend the day exploring one of the South's last old-growth hardwood forests. Here you'll find over 25 miles of hiking trails, where you'll see some of the state's oldest and tallest trees, many of which have been around since before our nation's founding. Arrive in late spring, and you may just get to take in the majestic sight of rare, synchronized firefly flashes lighting up the forest floor.     

South Carolina State Museum 

If you're in the mood for an educational adventure, consider spending the day at the South Carolina State Museum. With four floors of expansive exhibitions and collections highlighting the history, art, and culture of the region, you will quickly discover why the South Carolina State Museum is considered the state's flagship cultural institution. Guests of all ages will be sure to enjoy the thrilling adventures this museum/planetarium/observatory has to offer. For new residents to Columbia, this is a great place to learn about the state's heritage and perhaps meet new people at one of their cultural events. Be sure to check out one of their nighttime viewing events at the observatory to see their historic 1926 Alvan Clark 12⅜ inch refracting telescope in action.  South

Carolina State House Tour 

History lovers will also enjoy taking a tour of the South Carolina State House, the state's seat of government and home to the Governor's office and the House and Senate chambers. Having been carved from blue granite over 100 years ago, this is a stunning, historic site you won't want to miss. On this tour, you will get to learn more about the history of Columbia and South Carolina, and if you're lucky, you might just get to see the government at work. 

A statue of a man on a horse stands in front of a large white building with a dome.

Dinner at Blue Marlin 

After a busy day exploring the best that Columbia has to offer, you'll likely be ready for a bite to eat. While there's no shortage of great restaurants throughout the city, a must-try for visitors and residents alike is Blue Marlin. This local staple offers upscale, sustainable seafood dishes in a comfortable atmosphere. Blue Marlin serves dishes that offer a unique blend of African, West Indian, and Caribbean flavors, with many of their dishes being inspired by the Cajun and Creole cuisine of the Louisiana Delta. Whether you're in the mood for crab cakes, salmon, or filet mignon, you'll be sure to find something you love at this Columbia institution.  

A Home Close to it All

Columbia, SC, is a great place to live that offers fun and exciting activities that perfectly blend urban living with Southern charm. Yet, if you're considering moving to Columbia, it can be difficult to find the perfect apartment.  

If you enjoy a more suburban feel but still want quick access to the city, consider taking a look at the Wildewood South Apartments. Located just 20 minutes from the heart of downtown, Wildewood South offers stunning 2 and 3-bedroom apartments that provide the perfect blend of comfort and style. Feel free to contact us today to learn more about what makes our community unique and to schedule a tour.