13 things to do in Columbia, S.C.

Historic Cola

Historic Robert Mills House, designed by architect, Robert Mills | Photo via Historic Columbia

Whether you live in Columbia or you’re just calling it home for a day or two, we’re here to help you get the best Soda City experience. We made a bucket list of 13 things you have to do when visiting the cityespecially if you want to experience it like a local.

Giraffe Riverbanks

Giraffe at Riverbanks Zoo | photo by @milos_wildlife

  • View some animals at Riverbanks Zoo | Want to get a little “wild”? Become George of the Jungle when you peep the baby gorillas at Riverbanks. The unique Cola zoo is home to many animals including ones you can feed – like the giraffes.
EdVenture

Ed, at EdVenture Museum | photo by EdVenture Children’s Museum

Soda City

Soda City Market | photo by @sodacitysc

  • Stroll through a city market | The best way to get an inside look at the city. Catch the state farmer’s market any time Monday-Friday + join everyone at Soda City on Main St. on Saturday. You won’t be disappointed.
River Rat

River Rat brewery | photo by @eastcoastfooods

kayak

Kayak on the Congaree | Photo by @heather_twin

  • Spend the day on the water | Even though we aren’t on the ocean, Cola is still a city full of water. You can take a walk with your pup on the Riverwalk or enjoy the sun out on Lake Murray. You can even rent kayaks for travelling the Congaree Riverif that floats your boat.
Silver spoon

Cookies + coffee from Silver Spoon Bake Shop | photo by @silverspoonbakeshop

Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park | photo by @congareenps

Home Team BBQ

Meat platter from Home Team BBQ | photo by @COLAtoday

  • Get some S.C. barbeque | If you’ve never tried mustard-based barbeque, now is your chance. Of course, if you chicken out, you can still find ketchup- + vinegar-based barbeque in Cola. Check out Southern Belly, Home Team or one of Columbia’s many other BBQ joints for a good southern meal.
Historic Cola

Historic Robert Mills House | photo via Historic Columbia

  • Learn about Cola’s history | As a city that’s been around since 1786, there’s a lot of history in our area. History buffs need to catch a Historic Columbia tour or a behind-the-scenes look at the State House.
The nick

The Nickelodeon Theatre | photo via @nicktheatre

  • Catch a movie at the Nick | Columbia is home to South Carolina’s only nonprofit cinema. At the heart of Main St., it is a Cola treasure + a great place to catch an indie flick. Plus, the marquee lights make for a great photo op.
Cola Fireflies

Fireflies at Segra Park | photo via @colafireflies

  • Take me out to the ballpark | If you’re in the city during the right time of year, you’ll be able to rally some cheer for our local baseball team, the Fireflies. If you happen to have some lime green in your closet, put it on and enjoy some good ‘ole dollar hot dogs.
Drink pink rose fest

Drink Pink Rose Festival | photo by @COLAtoday

  • Enjoy a festival | Festival season is all year long in S.C.’s capital city. We’re currently looking forward to the Shrimp and Grits Festival.
Il Giorgione

Dinner special at Il Giorgione | photo by @ilgiorgione

  • Try out a new restaurant | Our favorite foodie establishments include Mediterrenean Tea Room, Il Giorgione + Motor Supply Co.. Or try one of these restaurants – which were featured on the Food Network for their enormous dishes. If you want to toast to all Soda City has to offer, take a look at these weekly happy hours.