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Columbia, South Carolina is a compact, walkable capital city with a nationally ranked zoo, riverfront parks, museums, and a lively downtown — easy to enjoy in an afternoon or a full weekend. Whether you're here for a Fort Jackson graduation or just visiting, here are the best things to do in Columbia, SC, sorted by fun, free, kids, and adults.
Fun Things to Do in Columbia, SC
- Riverbanks Zoo & Garden: consistently ranked among the best zoos in the country, with a botanical garden across the river — the #1 attraction in Columbia.
- Soda City Market: a big open-air street market every Saturday morning on Main Street, packed with food, coffee, and local vendors.
- South Carolina State Museum: four floors of art, history, science, and a planetarium inside a historic riverfront mill.
- Congaree National Park: about 30 minutes away, with an easy elevated boardwalk through the tallest old-growth forest in the Southeast.
- Main Street & The Vista: the South Carolina State House grounds, galleries, breweries, and restaurants, all walkable downtown.
- Segra Park: catch a Columbia Fireflies minor-league baseball game on a summer evening.
Free Things to Do in Columbia, SC
You can fill most of a day in Columbia without spending much at all:
- Three Rivers Greenway & Riverfront Park: miles of free riverside walking and biking trails along the Congaree Canal.
- South Carolina State House: free to walk the historic grounds and monuments downtown.
- Soda City Market: free to wander every Saturday — you only pay if you buy.
- Robert Mills House & historic districts: stroll the tree-lined streets and antebellum architecture near downtown.
Things to Do in Columbia, SC With Kids
- Riverbanks Zoo & Garden: the top family pick — animals, a splash pad, and a garden tram.
- EdVenture Children's Museum: hands-on exhibits and "Eddie," one of the largest kid-sized figures in the world.
- Sesquicentennial State Park: a lake, easy trails, and playgrounds just northeast of the city.
- South Carolina State Museum: a planetarium and 4D theater kids love.
Things to Do in Columbia, SC for Adults
If you have a grown-up evening free, Columbia's downtown delivers: local breweries and taprooms around Main Street and West Columbia, live music and restaurants in The Vista, and the Columbia Museum of Art. Many families cap off a Fort Jackson graduation with a celebration dinner — see our guide to where to eat near Fort Jackson.
Things to Do This Weekend & Today
Columbia's calendar changes week to week. The most reliable weekend staple is Soda City Market on Saturday mornings. For what's happening today or this weekend — concerts, festivals, and events — check the local listings at ColumbiaSC.gov and Experience Columbia SC before you head out. Riverbanks Zoo, the state museum, and the riverwalk are open most days year-round if you want a sure thing.
Visiting for a Fort Jackson Graduation?
Most families have part of a day or two free around the ceremony. Everything above is within about 30 minutes of the post. Plan your stay with our guides to hotels near Fort Jackson and where to eat, and see the graduation schedule so you know how much time you'll have.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Columbia, SC?
The top picks are Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Soda City Market on Saturday mornings, the South Carolina State Museum, Congaree National Park, and the Main Street/Vista district downtown. Most are within 30 minutes of Fort Jackson.
What are some free things to do in Columbia, SC?
Walk the Three Rivers Greenway and Riverfront Park, tour the South Carolina State House grounds, wander Soda City Market on Saturdays, and explore the historic downtown districts — all free.
What is there to do in Columbia, SC with kids?
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is the top family attraction, along with EdVenture Children's Museum, the South Carolina State Museum planetarium, and Sesquicentennial State Park.
What is there to do in Columbia, SC this weekend?
Soda City Market runs every Saturday morning on Main Street. Riverbanks Zoo, the state museum, and the riverwalk are open most weekends, and you can check ColumbiaSC.gov or Experience Columbia SC for current events and festivals.