For a weekend in Columbia, SC: walk the free Boardwalk Loop at Congaree National Park, spend half a day at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, hit Soda City Market on Main Street on Saturday morning, and get on Lake Murray or the Three Rivers Greenway. In town, the State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, EdVenture and a Columbia Fireflies game cover rainy days and evenings.
Plan Before You Go
Columbia has a lot to do for a mid-sized city: a national park twenty-odd minutes away, three rivers, a zoo, museums and a busy downtown. Hours, prices and event dates change, so check each place's official website before you head out — links are included where they help.
Outdoors
Congaree National Park
South Carolina's only national park protects one of the largest remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the Southeast. The elevated Boardwalk Loop is an easy walk, and entry is free. Check nps.gov/cong for trail conditions — the floodplain floods.
Three Rivers Greenway and the Riverwalks
Paved riverside trails follow the Congaree, Broad and Saluda rivers on both the Columbia and the West Columbia–Cayce sides — good for walking, running and cycling. Free parking lots and hours: our Three Rivers Greenway guide.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Riverbanks is Columbia's best-known attraction: a zoo on one side of the Saluda River and a botanical garden on the other, connected by the free Saluda Skyride. Plan at least half a day. Tickets, parking and ride prices: our Riverbanks Zoo & Garden guide.
Lake Murray and Dreher Island State Park
Lake Murray, west of the city, is the place for boating, fishing and swimming. Dreher Island State Park has picnic areas, trails and campsites on the lake. Beach passes, the boat ramp and the rules: our Lake Murray Public Park guide.
Harbison State Forest
A large state forest inside the Columbia area near Irmo, with hiking and mountain-bike trails. Parking, trails and rules: Harbison State Forest guide.
Saluda Shoals Park
A river park with trails, a seasonal splash pad, river access and an environmental education center. Hours, fees and the new Riverwalk: our Saluda Shoals Park guide.
Museums and Culture
South Carolina State Museum
History, science, natural history and art in a converted textile mill in the Vista, with a planetarium and observatory.
Columbia Museum of Art
A downtown art museum on Main Street with a permanent collection and rotating exhibitions. Check its website for free-admission days and events.
EdVenture Children's Museum
Hands-on exhibits for young children next to the State Museum — a good rainy-day plan. See our EdVenture guide.
The State House and USC Horseshoe
Walk the State House grounds and monuments, then the historic Horseshoe at the University of South Carolina. Both are free.
Nickelodeon Theatre
Columbia's nonprofit art-house cinema on Main Street.
Markets, Food and Drink
Soda City Market
A Saturday-morning street market on Main Street with farmers, food vendors and makers. Go early for the best selection. Hours, free parking and dog rules are in our Soda City Market guide.
Main Street and the Vista
The blocks around Main Street and the Vista's Gervais and Lady streets hold much of the city's dining and bars. Browse restaurants in our directory.
Five Points
Casual restaurants, bars and shops next to USC; busiest on weekend nights.
Sports and Entertainment
Columbia Fireflies
Minor-league baseball at Segra Park in the BullStreet district, with affordable tickets and promotions through the summer.
Gamecock Athletics
USC football at Williams-Brice Stadium and basketball at the Colonial Life Arena draw huge crowds — plan for traffic and parking on game days.
Live Music
Venues including The Senate and New Brookland Tavern host touring and local bands; check their calendars.
Free Things to Do
- Hike the Congaree National Park Boardwalk
- Walk the State House grounds and the USC Horseshoe
- Browse Soda City Market on a Saturday morning
- Walk or bike the riverwalks along the Congaree
- Watch the sunset from the Gervais Street Bridge
Find Local Businesses
More local guides: the Oct–Nov 2026 events calendar, things to do with kids, best brunch, free things to do in Columbia, date ideas and day trips from Columbia. Whatever you are planning, browse all service categories for local businesses across the Columbia area.
The full list, by category: things to do in Columbia, SC.
Going to a show or a Gamecock basketball game downtown? Read the Colonial Life Arena guide for parking, bags and the events calendar.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Columbia, SC this weekend?
Outdoors: Congaree National Park, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Lake Murray, Harbison State Forest, Saluda Shoals Park and the Three Rivers Greenway. In town: the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, EdVenture, the State House and USC Horseshoe, Soda City Market on Saturday mornings and Columbia Fireflies baseball. Check each place's website for hours and events.
Is Congaree National Park free?
Yes. Entry to Congaree National Park is free, and the elevated Boardwalk Loop is an easy walk. Check nps.gov/cong for trail conditions, because the floodplain floods.
When is Soda City Market?
Saturday mornings on Main Street. Go early for the best selection.
What can I do in Columbia, SC when it rains?
The South Carolina State Museum (with a planetarium and observatory), EdVenture Children's Museum next door, the Columbia Museum of Art and the Nickelodeon Theatre are all indoors.