Isabella & Dajuan
Things To Do
South Carolina State Museum
The South Carolina State Museum stands as a beacon of knowledge and creativity, inviting visitors to explore the multifaceted heritage of the Palmetto State across four expansive floors dedicated to art, history, natural history, and science and technology. Its interactive exhibits are particularly engaging for families, and specialized attractions like a digital dome planetarium, a 4D interactive theater, and an observatory offer unique perspectives and thrilling experiences. The museum frequently hosts rotating exhibitions, such as the broadly appealing "Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume," ensuring fresh discoveries with each visit.
Soda City Market
Every Saturday morning, rain or shine, Columbia's Main Street transforms into the vibrant Soda City Market, a producer-only street fair inspired by traditional European markets. With an average of 150 vendors each week, the market is a feast for the senses, offering everything from fresh local produce and artisanal foods to handcrafted goods, art, and unique crafts. It's a place where visitors can "find everything you need to nourish your brain, body, and belly". The market proudly represents a multitude of cultures, with an estimated 33 nationalities reflected in its vendors and culinary offerings, making it a true microcosm of Columbia's diverse community.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a premier destination, consistently ranked among the nation's best zoos, offering an expansive 170-acre park that seamlessly blends a zoo, aquarium, and stunning botanical garden. It is home to over 2,000 to 3,000 animals representing diverse species from around the globe, and its gardens showcase an impressive 5,700 varieties of plants. Popular animal exhibits include the immersive Gorilla Base Camp, the playful Sea Lion Landing, and the sprawling African Savanna, each providing unique insights into the animal kingdom. A highlight for families, especially during warmer months, is Waterfall Junction. This 3-acre interactive splash park features a magnificent 25-foot cascading waterfall, a dinosaur bone dig site, and a giant treehouse, offering a perfect way to cool off and play.
Congaree National Park
A mere 30-minute drive from Columbia lies Congaree National Park, a national treasure protecting the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. The park is renowned for its "champion trees"—giant hardwoods and towering pines that create one of the highest forest canopies in the world, inspiring a sense of awe in all who visit. An excellent and highly accessible introduction to this unique ecosystem is the 2.6-mile Boardwalk Loop Trail. This flat, well-maintained surface provides a leisurely way to experience the Congaree wilderness, making it suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and visitors of all walking abilities.
Saluda Shoals Park
Saluda Shoals Park is a sprawling 400-acre riverfront park, nestled in the Columbia/Irmo area, offering a "wide range of outdoor activities and attractions for visitors of all ages". The park boasts over ten miles of paved and unpaved trails perfect for hiking, biking, and leisurely strolls, alongside numerous picnic areas, playgrounds, and direct access to the Saluda River for water activities. Key family-friendly features include Saluda Splash, a zero-depth water spray ground designed for children to cool off and play, and the exceptional Leo's Landing Inclusive Playground, thoughtfully designed to be accessible and enjoyable for children of all abilities. Additional amenities such as a dog park, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a river observation deck further enhance its appeal to a diverse range of visitors.
Motor Supply Company Bistro
While a renowned restaurant, it's also celebrated for its artisan cocktails and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot for an upscale drink.
South Carolina State House
The South Carolina State House, a grand and historic edifice, serves as the active seat of the state's government, housing the House, Senate, and Governor's office. It welcomes visitors with free guided or self-guided tours on most weekdays and Saturdays, offering a fascinating glimpse into South Carolina's history and legislative processes. Each guided tour typically begins with a 15-minute introductory DVD that details the history and architectural significance of the building.
Sesquicentennial State Park
Affectionately known by locals as "Sesqui," Sesquicentennial State Park is a 1,400-acre oasis just a short drive from downtown Columbia, offering "all the makings of a great family camping experience" and a plethora of day-use activities. At its heart lies a serene 30-acre lake, perfect for canoeing, kayaking, pedal boating, and fishing, with rentals available on-site. The park features wooded campsites for those wishing to extend their stay, along with an extensive network of trails. These include the 1.9-mile Sandhills Hiking Trail, which is paved and tree-lined, making it accessible for parents pushing strollers, and a separate six-mile loop designed for mountain biking enthusiasts. Younger visitors will delight in the two playgrounds and a unique splash pad, noted as the only one of its kind in the South Carolina State Park System. A dedicated dog park allows four-legged family members to join in the fun.
Columbia Museum of Art
he Columbia Museum of Art, situated in a striking contemporary building in the heart of downtown, showcases an impressive and diverse collection of art that spans various cultures, centuries, and styles. Visitors can journey through time, from Renaissance masterpieces to thought-provoking modern and contemporary works, alongside engaging rotating exhibits.
Dreher Island State Park
Located approximately 30 miles from Columbia, Dreher Island State Park offers a unique island escape, spanning three islands and encompassing 348 acres with an impressive 12 miles of Lake Murray shoreline. This park is a haven for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Visitors will find a host of recreational water activities, facilitated by boat ramps for easy lake access, alongside opportunities for some of the best striped and large-mouth bass fishing in the region. For those who prefer land-based pursuits, Dreher Island features three nature trails described as "easy" and suitable for leisurely walks, three playgrounds for younger visitors, and ten picnic shelters perfect for family gatherings. For those wishing to extend their visit, the park also offers lakeside villas and campsites.
929 Kitchen & Bar
Sophisticated pub serving Korean eats with a contemporary twist, including bibimbap & kimchi nachos.
Frankie's Fun Park
Frankie's Fun Park in Columbia is an amusement destination packed with a wide variety of attractions designed to thrill and entertain visitors of all ages. Among its offerings are three distinct mini-golf courses with a total of 54 unique holes, an activity explicitly described as "great for all ages and skill levels". For those with a need for speed, Frankie's features several go-kart tracks, including a Road Course, a Drifter Track for more skilled drivers, and a Rookie Track specifically "designed to be safe for children". Other exciting rides include a spinning coaster "built for kids and adults alike," an intense, two-level apocalypse-themed laser tag arena (for ages 6 and up), and the XD Dark Ride, an interactive 3D movie experience with motion and special effects.
Savage Craft Ale Works
Housed in the beautifully renovated old Brookland Fire Station and City Hall in West Columbia, Savage Craft Ale Works brews a variety of refreshing and unique beers, including IPAs, pilsners, and sours. They offer great outdoor seating and food options, making it a popular spot in the area.
Harbison State Forest
Harbison State Forest, located in Columbia, serves as an expansive "outdoor classroom" and recreational area, offering over 18 miles of trails that cater to a variety of users, including walkers, joggers, hikers, and mountain bikers. These trails range in difficulty from moderately easy to more challenging, allowing families to choose paths that suit their abilities and preferences. A central feature is the Education Center, from which several educational trails originate. The Learning Trail, an easy 0.7-mile loop, is particularly well-suited for families with young children, winding past outdoor classrooms and featuring interpretive signs. One visitor noted it as a "Nice easy trail to do with kids". Other educational paths like the Discovery Trail and Crooked Pine Trail further explore forest ecosystems and management practices.
Lula Drake Wine Parlour
This chic wine bar is housed in a historic Main Street building and offers a carefully curated selection of wines from around the world. It has a unique backstory tied to its namesake and provides an intimate atmosphere for wine enthusiasts.
Chayz Lounge
For a more intimate and sophisticated musical experience, Chayz Lounge offers live jazz and R&B performances in a comfortable setting.
Tin Roof
This venue offers a classic bar experience with live music, cold beer, and tasty food, often featuring country and rock acts.
Hunter-Gatherer Brewery
Located at the Owens Field Municipal Airport, the Hunter-Gatherer Brewery at the Hangar offers a unique experience in a repurposed 1929 aircraft hangar. They serve a range of their own brews alongside handcrafted pizzas, salads, and snacks. The venue features a spacious interior, outdoor picnic tables, and a rooftop patio that was once the hangar's flight observation deck, providing a distinctive atmosphere.
Columbia Marionette Theatre
The Columbia Marionette Theatre offers a unique and enchanting entertainment experience, dedicated to delighting audiences through the "long-standing tradition and artistry of puppetry". Founded in 1988, this premiere children's theatre has a mission to "entertain and educate children and adults" alike. Regular performances, often featuring charming takes on classic fairy tales like Pinocchio, are held every Saturday and on the third Monday of each month. Beyond its home stage in Columbia, the theatre also offers traveling shows that bring world-class puppet performances to communities throughout South Carolina, as well as options for hosting birthday parties and educational field trips.
South Carolina Military Museum
The South Carolina Military Museum, located in Columbia, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the state's rich military heritage, with a mission to inspire future Carolinians through its exhibits and public outreach. The museum's collections feature a compelling array of artifacts, including historical firearms, authentic military uniforms from various eras, and an impressive display of military vehicles.
Steel Hands Brewing
Situated in Cayce, just across the river from Columbia, Steel Hands Brewing boasts a 10,000 square foot facility on a 4-acre site. It features a large taproom, an expansive outdoor area with an open-air stage for live music on weekends, and a full restaurant menu including burgers, salads, and weekend brunch. Steel Hands is family-friendly, offering a kids' menu and plenty of space for children to play.