Best Opportunities in Columbia (South Carolina) For Travelling

The vibrant and bustling city of Columbia is well-known for its heat, cuisine, and artistic culture.

There are so many places to visit that provide fantastic opportunity for tourism and adventure.

Still, if you wondering what to do in Columbia SC? we can assist you decide which places to go.

Here are our recommendations for the top things to do in Columbia south Carolina.

Zoo and Botanical Garden at Riverbanks

One of the top Columbia attractions is the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden.
It first opened its doors back in 1974 and is located along the Lower Saluda River.

It covers 170 acres, is home to more than 2,000 different species of animals, and is especially well-liked by families.

It has twice been recognised by the Governer’s Cup Award as the best tourist destination in South Carolina!

The Petting Zoo, Reptile House, and Bird Complex are just a few of the numerous divisions that make up the Riverbanks Zoo area, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the world of each kind of animal as you proceed.

Interactive exhibits will teach you about a variety of topics, including habitats and beekeeping techniques. You can also watch computer programmes to learn more about each animal.

You may interact with unusual animals and feed the giraffes.

On the other side, the 70-acre Riverbank Botanical Garden contains 4,200 different species of plants from all of North America, not only Columbia.

Discoveries await you in lush gardens, unique plant collections, dense woods, and even ruins.

Keep in mind to take a stroll along the River Trail, which extends for 0.3 miles from Saluda Bridge to the Saluda Mills Interpretive Center. Here are many things to do in Columbia sc.

You learn about the town’s textile history and the operation of the textile mills on this walk!

Gardens at Hampton-Preston Mansion

The Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens were initially constructed in 1818 for Ainsley Hall, a wealthy Columbian businessman, and have subsequently changed ownership several times.

The Hampton family, for whom it functioned as a private residence, gave it its name.

The Hamptons are responsible for the style shift from the initial Federal style to Greek Revival architecture.

After serving as a headquarters for the Union Army, the Preston family acquired it and then sold it after the Civil War.

The South Carolina Governor’s Mansion was then built there.

Four universities have called the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens home over the years.

The Midlands Tricentennial Exposition Center eventually partitioned it up in 1970 after rehabilitation for commercial usage, housing events and activities.

The National Register of Historic Places also listed it.

The Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens is currently one of the city’s most enjoyable tourist destinations.

With four acres of grounds and a garden brimming with both domestic and foreign species, you have plenty of room to explore.

State House of South Carolina

One of the most popular attractions in Columbia and the area is the South Carolina State House.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the state, it stands as a testament to magnificent Greek Revival architecture.

The building’s construction started in 1851 but couldn’t be finished until after the war; by that point, the Greek style had become out of fashion, but its historical significance and stunning design make up for it.

The State House’s towers, which are 180 feet in the air and feature a copper dome that has been lavishly decorated, were created by John Niernsee.

The capitol’s grounds offer a wealth of historical context for Columbia and its state.

There are numerous monuments honouring state law enforcement officials, including President George Washington, as well as the American-Mexican War, the Revolutionary War Generals, and African-American History.

The building’s façade eventually forms a five-star pattern if you proceed along it.

This is a reminder of where cannonballs fired by the Union during the Civil War struck the building before it was finished.

It’s a special touch that gives the environment a melancholy air of wonder.

Of course, tours of the State House’s interior are offered without charge.