Located where the Saluda and Broad Rivers converge to form the Congaree River, Columbia is the capital and largest city in South Carolina. Columbia is a modest sized city, but with its long history and riverfront geography, there is no shortage of interesting activities to enjoy. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, be sure to check out these four must-see Columbia attractions.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Pay a visit to this remarkable facility and you’ll quickly realize why it’s a two-time recipient of the Governor’s Cup for South Carolina’s Most Outstanding Tourist Attraction. Featuring over 2,000 animals and 4,200 native and exotic plant species on a 170-acre site, the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is sure to keep visitors enthralled for hours. Don’t miss the award-winning Birdhouse at Riverbanks exhibit, which features three varieties of penguins among several other exotic bird species.
Admission to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is affordable at $13.95 for adults and $11.50 for children ages 2-12. Discounts are available for military members and senior citizens, and children under two get in free.
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
Take in some scenery and history with a visit to the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park. This park is the original site of Columbia’s waterworks and the home of the first-ever electrically operated textile mill. Visitors can stroll along over two miles of scenic riverfront trail while learning about the history of the Columbia Canal, first built in 1824 with the labor of indentured Irish servants. Today, a memorial in the park recognizes the Irish workers who built the canal.
The Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park are located just outside of Columbia’s downtown business district, providing a convenient escape from the bustle of downtown. The park is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and admission is free.
Nickelodeon Theatre
Film buffs won’t want to miss a chance to visit Columbia’s Nickelodeon Theater. Founded in 1979, this nonprofit theater hosts independent films, curated series, and one-off screenings, and is the home of the Indie Grits Film Festival, an annual showcase of area DIY films. Screening attendees can engage in discussions with experts and community members before or after many screenings. The Nickelodeon is also home to the Helen Hill Media Education Center, which offers filmmaking workshops and educational opportunities for adults and children alike.
Ticket prices for the Nick vary, but most screenings are $10. If you’re a Columbia local, consider becoming a member of the Nickelodeon Theater to enjoy exclusive benefits like free tickets, discounted special screenings, and free popcorn.
Congaree National Park
When you need an escape to nature, look no further than Congaree National Park. Located less than 30 minutes from downtown Columbia, this national park is home of the largest expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the country. Visitors to the park can camp, fish, canoe, and kayak, or simply hike and take in the scenery of this unique floodplain forest.
Admission to Congaree National Park is free, and the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Whether you’re interested in nature, history, wildlife, or the arts, Columbia has something for you.
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