As survivors of Columbia’s famously hot summers, we have a major appreciation for time spent in the AC with a cold glass of iced tea. But so far this year we have spent a lot of time indoors and even though it is hot + humid outside, we are all trying to find the balance of spending time outdoors + trying to stay comfortable.
From pools to lakes to water parks – there are plenty of ways for you to take a dive on the cooler side, even in the summer sun. Here’s a list of 10+ pools, splash pads + lakes to get your feet wet + add to your summer #MustDo list.
Note: Since COVID-19 restrictions are still in place at several area parks, we recommend double-checking amenities and availability before you head out.
Pools + Water Parks
Specific Richland County public pools are open to swim on Wednesday-Friday from 2-5 p.m. and Saturday + Sunday from 1-4 p.m.
○ Trenholm Pool | 3900 Covenant Rd. | ~10 min. from downtown Columbia
○ St. Andrews Park Pool | 920 Beatty Rd. | ~15 min. from downtown Columbia
○ Eastover Park Pool | 1031 Main St., Eastover | ~35 min. from downtown Columbia
🏊 BYO chairs + life jackets
🤚 Social distancing in place
😷 Masks required in the locker rooms + on pool deck
Youth swim lessons are available Wednesday-Friday 6-6:45 p.m. and Saturday 5-5:45 p.m. for $35. Sunday will be a make-up day.
It’s fun to swim at the Y-M-C-A. Head to the local Y for your summer cool down. Memberships include access to the pools + other benefits that vary depending on location.
○ Jeep Rogers Family YMCA | 900 Lake Carolina Dr. | ~30 min. from downtown Columbia
Open swim hours for members only. Staff and lifeguards have temperatures checked before work.
○ NorthWest Family YMCA | 1501 Kennerly Rd. | ~20 min. from downtown Columbia
Pool open to members only – check the schedule for open swim hours.
The splash pad is open Thursday + Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m. The area is free for members + $5 for non-members.
Other splash pads
○ Saluda Splash | 5605 Bush River Rd. | ~20 min. from downtown Columbia
$3 per person will grant you access to the splash pad at Saluda Shoals and the Melvin Park Splash Pad in Chapin. There are seasonal membership options available. There is a $5 parking fee and both locations are open Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. + Sunday noon-5 p.m.
Lakes
Please note that these locations are “swim at your own risk,” so take caution + use your best judgement.
○ Dreher Island State Park | 3677 State Park Rd., Prosperity | ~45 min. from downtown Columbia
Dreher Island State Park spans three islands totaling 348 acres and providing access to 12 miles of Lake Murray shoreline. Pricing varies from $3 for adults to $1 for children ages 6-15. When you get to the park there will be plenty to keep you + the family busy with recreational water activities, nature trails and fishing spots.
🛶 Three boat ramps
🎣 SC fishing permit required
🐕 Dogs must be leashed
🏊♂️ Swimming is permitted
🧺 10 Picnic areas + grills available
○ Sesquicentennial State Park | 9564 Two Notch Rd. | ~20 min. from downtown Columbia
This state park is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily and you can enjoy the 30-acre lake throughout the week. Admission varies from $6 for adults to $3.50 for children. Boat rentals are also available on a seasonal basis and include life jackets + paddles if you want to get further away from shore.
🛶 Three boat ramps
🎣 SC fishing permit required
🐕 Dogs must be leashed unless in dog park (permit required)
🏊♂️ Splash Pad
🧺 Picnic areas + grills available
○ Lake Wateree State Park | 881 State Park Rd., Winnsboro | ~45 min. from downtown Columbia
Are you ready to swim with the fishies? Lake Wateree hosts many fishing tournaments throughout the year on the 13,800 acres you can access through the state park. Admission varies from $3 for adults to $1 for children 6-15. The swimming area has a sandy bottom that will gradually get deeper + there is no lifeguard on duty.
🛶 Boat ramp with two lanes available
🎣 SC fishing permit required
🐕 Dogs must be leashed
🏊♂️ Swimming is permitted
🍺 Alcohol prohibited
○ Lake Hartwell State Park | 19138-A Highway 11 S, Fair Play | ~2 hr 15 min. from downtown Columbia
This lake is great for groups who want to take a road trip and take a swim, plus hike, fish, and explore. Admission varies from $3 for adults to $1 for children 6-15. The 56,000 acre lake is big enough for everyone to find their own adventure. There is no designated swimming area, so use your best judgement.
🛶 Two boat ramps available
🎣 SC fishing permit required
🐕 Dogs must be leashed
🏊♂️ Swimming is permitted
🧺 Picnic areas + grills available
○ Lake Jocassee | 161 Holcombe Cir., Salem | ~2 hr 30 min. from downtown Columbia
The land surrounding Devils Fork State Park and the 7,500+ acre lake is mostly undeveloped, and the clear water makes it a destination for swimmers + scuba divers. Bonus: There’s a boat-in campground.
🛶 Three boat ramps; boat rentals available
🎣 SC fishing permit required
🐕 Dogs must be leashed
🏊♂️ Swimming is permitted
🧺 Picnic areas + grills available
If #LakeLife is not for you, you can always explore the rivers and have a float adventure. Here is our guide on how to go tubing like a pro.
