If you’re considering moving to Columbia, SC, you’re in luck. This charming Southern city has a lot to offer, including a variety of outdoor activities that cater to all interests to those living in Columbia, or possibly thinking of moving there. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a fan of water sports, or simply enjoy spending time in nature, there’s a park in or nearby Columbia that’s perfect for you. From Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, which features over 2,000 animals from around the world, to Sesquicentennial State Park, which boasts a 30-acre lake for fishing and boating, Columbia has no shortage of fun outdoor attractions.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best parks and outdoor spaces in and near Columbia, SC, because whether you’re buying a new house or renting an apartment in the area, you’ll find plenty of options in this vibrant and welcoming city.
1. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Located on the Saluda river near downtown Columbia, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a 170-acre zoological park and botanical garden. Visitors can explore the zoo and see more than 2,000 animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, gorillas, and penguins. The garden also features a variety of plant species, including orchids and roses. Get ready for adventure because the park also includes a ropes course, a zip line, and a splash pad. There are several dining options available, as well as gift shops and a train ride through the park.
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2. Sesquicentennial State Park
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Sesquicentennial State Park is a 1,400-acre park located in Columbia, SC. The park includes a 30-acre lake for fishing and boating, as well as several hiking and biking trails. Visitors can also enjoy picnic areas, playgrounds, and a dog park. The park also features a seasonal swimming area and a splash pad. Sesquicentennial State Park is a true outdoor paradise with a vast range of activities to offer. The hiking trails range from easy to difficult, offering scenic views of the lake and nature. The fishing lake is stocked with bass, bream, catfish, and other fish species, providing a great spot for anglers of all levels.
The park also offers several camping options, including standard campsites and a primitive group campsite, for visitors who wish to immerse themselves in nature and spend the night under the stars. With its diverse range of activities and amenities, Sesquicentennial State Park is a great destination for groups, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers alike.
3. Saluda Shoals Park
Saluda Shoals Park is a 400-acre park located in Columbia, SC. The park features several hiking and biking trails, as well as a kayak and canoe launch. Visitors can also enjoy a playground, picnic areas, and a dog park. The park also includes a seasonal water park with a lazy river, water slides, and a wave pool. What makes Saluda Shoals Park truly unique is its beautiful location along the Saluda River, which provides a serene and tranquil setting for visitors to relax and unwind. The park also offers guided nature tours and educational programs, making it a great destination for school trips and nature enthusiasts.
“Saluda Shoals Park is our favorite spot to beat Columbia’s famously hot heat,” shares Adrianne Buckley. “There’s always something to do here, whether you’re cooling off on the splash pad or taking to the river by canoe. Even your pup can keep cool during the dog days of summer at the park’s two acre Barking Lot, featuring small pools, running water and a hydrant sprayer.”
Additionally, Saluda Shoals Park is home to the Environmental Education Center, which features interactive exhibits and displays that educate visitors about the natural world and environmental conservation efforts. With its stunning location and educational opportunities, Saluda Shoals Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors in Columbia, SC.
4. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
“The Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park spans 167-acres and separates the Historic Columbia Canal and the Congaree River, located in the heart of downtown Columbia,” shares Adrianne Buckley. “This friendly park boasts a scenic paved 2.5-mile trail that is popular with bicyclists, people enjoying a meal outdoors, walkers, and runners. History buffs will enjoy a self-guided, walkable tour of the on-site 1906 water plant. Parking is free, and restrooms are available. Moreover, the park is patrolled by park rangers, and emergency call stations are positioned along the trail, ensuring safety.”
5. Finlay Park
Finlay Park is a beautiful 18-acre park located in the heart of downtown Columbia, SC. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including walking and jogging paths, a splash pad, a playground, and picnic areas. The park is also home to the Wheeler Hill Community Garden, which features several plots that can be rented out by individuals and organizations. The park is known for hosting many of the city’s outdoor events and festivals, including the annual Jam Room Music Festival and the Rosewood Crawfish Festival.
In addition to its many amenities, Finlay Park also boasts a beautiful fountain and several pieces of public art, including a sculpture of a giant firefly. With its central location and wide range of activities, Finlay Park is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.
6. Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park is a 27,000-acre park located just outside of Columbia, SC. The park is home to one of the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the Southeast, as well as several hiking trails and canoeing opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and stargazing events, as well as a variety of educational exhibits at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and river otters, making it a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
“Just to the east of Columbia is Congaree National Park, a natural nature preserve in the swampland that houses all sorts of animals and ecosystems,” shares Kate Cherry, owner of Kate Cherry Photography, LLC. “Every year, around the time that baseball season begins, a species called the Phot firefly comes out for mating season. What’s unique about this particular firefly is that they synchronize their lights to go on and off at the same time. It is one of only six places in the entire world where this phenomenon happens and draws people from all over every year to witness the event.”
7. South Carolina State Fair
Okay, maybe it’s not technically a park but the South Carolina State Fair is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year in Columbia, SC, and roughly the size of a park. Held annually in October, the fair features a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to visitors of all ages. In addition to the carnival rides and games, the fair also offers a variety of exhibits and competitions, including livestock shows, arts and crafts displays, and cooking contests. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment on multiple stages throughout the fairgrounds, featuring local and national acts, as well as a variety of food vendors offering classic fair foods like funnel cakes, corn dogs, and fried Oreos.
One unique feature of the South Carolina State Fair is its commitment to education, with several exhibits and programs designed to teach visitors about agriculture, science, and the arts. The fair also provides scholarships and grants to students pursuing higher education in these fields. With its lively atmosphere, exciting attractions, and commitment to education, the South Carolina State Fair draws visitors from across the state and beyond.
8. Palmetto Falls Water Park
Palmetto Falls Water Park is the perfect destination for anyone looking to beat the summer heat in Columbia, SC. The park features a variety of thrilling water attractions, including water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river that winds through the park. Visitors can also relax in the park’s many lounge areas or enjoy a meal at one of the several dining options available, including a snack bar and grill. The park offers private cabana rentals, making it a great choice for groups who want to have their own private oasis.
9. Dreher Island State Park
Dreher Island State Park is a true outdoor paradise for visitors who love water sports and camping. Located on the shores of Lake Murray, the park offers a boat ramp and fishing pier for visitors who want to spend the day on the water. The park also boasts several hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests. For those who wish to spend the night, Dreher Island State Park offers a variety of camping options, including RV and tent sites that provide easy access to the lake and other park amenities.
10. Harbison State Forest
Harbison State Forest is a 2,177-acre beautiful natural oasis located just a few miles from downtown Columbia, SC. The forest features several hiking and biking trails that wind through its lush forests and rolling hills. Visitors can also enjoy a canoe launch that provides access to the Broad River, as well as several picnic areas that offer beautiful views of the forest and surrounding wildlife. Harbison State Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and other native species, making it a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
11. Owens Field Park
“Owens Field Park, located across from the Hunter-Gatherer Brewery in the historic Curtiss-Wright Hangar, is a family-oriented destination. It offers a shaded walking trail, a playground for children of all abilities, a 15,000 square foot skatepark, an 18-hole disc golf course, 12 soccer fields, and three t-ball fields,” suggests Adrianne Buckley. “Visitors to Owens Field can enjoy watching soccer games while witnessing private planes landing nearby, followed by indulging in a handcrafted beer from Columbia’s oldest locally owned brewery. Another neighbor to Owens Field Park is City Roots Farm, an eight-acre organic farm and South Carolina’s first urban farm established in 2009.”
12. Saluda Riverwalk
“Saluda Riverwalk offers three miles of lighted boardwalks and bench-lined, paved walkways. Whether you’re backpacking, walking your dog, pushing a stroller, fishing, or bird watching, the Riverwalk is a great spot to take in Columbia’s natural beauty,” shares Adrianne Buckley. “For the more adventurous folks who wish to venture off the beaten path, the river invites visitors to tube, canoe, and kayak the gentle whitewater rapids while floating under Spanish moss hanging from the tree canopy.”
13. Segra park
“Segra Park, located in the heart of Columbia, is home to the city’s professional baseball team, the Fireflies. It is centrally placed within a short driving distance of many award-winning restaurants and other must-see places around downtown Columbia,” shares Kate Cherry, owner of Kate Cherry Photography, LLC.
“Segra Park is a perfect place to take your family and friends to enjoy the baseball season through the spring and summer months. But it’s also a fantastic place to see the Fireflies Holiday lights on display from late November through December. My family has such a great time when we’re there, and we loved learning about how the Fireflies team got their name.”
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