Columbia, SC, the capital and second largest city in South Carolina, you know this city will not disappoint. There is something for everyone. If you are a foodie or wine connoisseur, Columbia has a variety of fine dining. You can spend a quiet evening out at one of the many 5-star restaurants or take a few friends to The Vista where a variety of restaurants and bars are all in walking distance of each other.
Don’t forget to stop by a few of the local retail stores where you can find unique gifts or something for yourself.
If you are a history buff, Columbia offers many historical sites and the largest US Army installation for basic combat training, Fort Jackson. You have to stop by the iconic South Carolina State House and get your selfie! There are also guided tours to learn more about the 100-year-old building.
Stroll through a moment in time at the South Carolina State Museum. Four floors of permanent and exchanging exhibits, you will see something new every time you visit. The museum also offers special events through the year like OZtober, a month long OZ and Halloween exhibit. Shoot for the stars in Columbia or at least go see them up close at the Melton Memorial Observatory. Open to the public on clear Monday nights, you can gaze at the moon, stars and planets free of charge.
Outdoor lovers, Columbia has one of the best national parks around. Congaree National Park is over 26,000 acres of forest, trails, wildlife and forms one of the highest temperature deciduous forest canopies in the world. Further explore the park by canoe or kayaking. The creek passes through the forest, which makes it great for seeing an abundance of wildlife on your ride.
Columbia, SC is well known for its family friendly attractions. Looking for something to do with the kids on the weekend? Check out Riverbank Zoo and Botanical Garden. Among the top 10 zoos to visit in the US, you can see more than 2,000 animals and walk the breathtaking botanical garden.
Riverbank Zoo offers special events throughout the year like Boo At The Zoo, Lights at the Zoo and Brew at the Zoo to name a few. Rainy weekend? Edventure Children’s Museum, the largest children’s museum in the Southeast, will make learning fun for the kids. This 92,000 sq ft building offers a variety of hands-on exhibits for children of all ages such as Flight, where kids can experience a simulated flight in a real Boeing 757 cockpit. You literally cannot miss Eddie, a 40 foot tall replica of a 10 year old boy that kids can climb, slide and explore how bodies work.
Columbia, SC offer an abundance and variety of activities, making this a popular place for residents to live and work. This large city is surrounded by single family homes on large lots and luxurious high-rise condos. Whichever your preference, Columbia, SC has it all and a place you can call home!