Checked September 2026 against each place's official site. Hours change and events are seasonal, so open the linked page before you go.
Outdoors
Congaree National Park
Where: Harry Hampton Visitor Center, 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061 (southeast of Columbia).
South Carolina's national park has no entrance fee. The 2.6-mile Boardwalk Trail starts at the visitor center and is wide enough for wheelchairs and strollers. The floodplain floods, so check trail conditions on nps.gov/cong first.
Riverfront Park and the Columbia Canal
Where: 312 Laurel St, Columbia, SC 29201.
A flat, paved trail runs about three miles along the levee between the historic Columbia Canal and the Broad River, with a floodplain spur at the north end. Riverfront Park North (4122 River Dr) is closed for construction; park at the south lot. Every free lot on the riverwalks: our Three Rivers Greenway guide.
Finlay Park
Where: downtown Columbia.
The city's downtown park reopened in 2025 after a full renovation, with a playground, an overlook plaza with skyline views, a fitness court, pickleball courts and ping-pong tables. A park center is under construction (due late 2026). Event listings: finlaypark.columbiasc.gov.
Lake Murray Dam walkway
Where: Lake Murray Public Park; the north (Irmo-side) recreation area is at 2101 N Lake Dr.
A 1.7-mile path crosses the Dreher Shoals (Saluda) Dam with open views of Lake Murray. There is a free lot on the Lexington side; the north lot fills up fast on fine evenings. Beach season, passes and rules: Lake Murray Public Park guide.
Harbison State Forest (nearly free)
Where: off Broad River Road, northwest Columbia.
No admission fee to hike or ride the trails, but parking is $5 a day (or $25 a year) from the SC Forestry Commission. Trails, gates and rules: our Harbison State Forest guide.
History and museums
South Carolina State House tours
Where: 1100 Gervais St (Gervais and Main).
Guided tours are free on weekdays, starting at 9:30 am, with the last tour at 3:30 pm, and on most Saturdays at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30 and 2:30. Walk-ins are welcome; see scstatehouse.gov/visit.php. The grounds and monuments are open to walk any time.
McKissick Museum
Where: on the USC Horseshoe.
USC's museum of Southern folk art, natural science and history is free, open Monday–Friday 8:30 am–5 pm and closed weekends (sc.edu/mckissickmuseum). Pair it with a walk round the historic Horseshoe.
South Carolina Military Museum
Where: 1 National Guard Rd, Columbia, SC 29201.
Free admission and free parking, Monday–Saturday 10 am–4 pm. It sits on a National Guard base, so bring photo ID for the gate, and note it closes on Saturdays when USC plays football at home (scmilitarymuseum.com).
Columbia Museum of Art on First Thursdays
Where: Main Street, downtown.
Admission is free on the first Thursday of each month, with extended evening hours and a 6 pm collection tour. The museum also ran free summer admission for SC residents (May 22–Sept 6 in 2026). Details: columbiamuseum.org/visit.
South Carolina State Museum for $1
Where: 301 Gervais St, in the Vista.
Not free, but close: general admission is $1 on the first Sunday of every month (scmuseum.org). The museum also takes part in Museums for All for SNAP/EBT/WIC/Medicaid households.
Markets and streets
Soda City Market
Where: 1300–1700 blocks of Main Street.
Every Saturday, 9 am–1 pm, year-round, rain or shine (sodacitysc.com). It is free to walk; the producer-only vendors make or grow what they sell. Parking, dogs and payment: see our Soda City Market guide.
Walk Main Street, the Vista and Five Points
Window-shopping and people-watching cost nothing. See our Five Points and Downtown notes.
The USC Horseshoe and State House grounds
The oldest part of the USC campus and the State House grounds are a short walk apart and free to stroll.
Sunset from the Gervais Street Bridge
The bridge over the Congaree between Columbia and West Columbia has a pedestrian walkway and wide river views.
Plan a free day
- Morning: Soda City Market (Saturday) or the Riverfront Park trail.
- Midday: a State House tour, then McKissick Museum on a weekday.
- Evening: the Lake Murray Dam walk at sunset.
More ideas: things to do this weekend, date ideas, things to do with kids, the Oct–Nov 2026 events calendar and day trips from Columbia.
The full list, by category: things to do in Columbia, SC.
Frequently asked questions
Is Congaree National Park free?
Yes. Congaree National Park has no entrance fee. The Boardwalk Loop starts at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins. Some special events, such as the May firefly viewing, need a paid lottery pass.
Are South Carolina State House tours free?
Yes. Guided tours at 1100 Gervais St are free on weekdays between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm and on most Saturdays at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30 and 2:30 (checked September 2026).
Which Columbia museums are free?
McKissick Museum at USC (weekdays) and the South Carolina Military Museum (Monday to Saturday, photo ID needed) are free. The Columbia Museum of Art is free on first Thursdays, and the State Museum costs $1 on first Sundays.
When is Soda City Market?
Every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, year-round, on the 1300 to 1700 blocks of Main Street. Walking the market is free.