13 things to do in Columbia, S.C.

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 city – especially if you want to experience it like a local.

• 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.

• Go to a museum | As the state’s capital, Cola is home to some great museums. We recommend trying out the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina State Museum, or EdVenture Children’s Museum with the little ones.

• 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.

• Get crafty with your brews | For the craft connoisseur, we’ve perfected the perfect pour on this list.

• 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 River – if that floats your boat.

• Get a sweet treat | We recommend you hit up Pelican’s Snoballs for an icy treat to beat the heat or grab a decadent delicacy at one of the city’s bakeries – like Silver Spoon Bake Shop or Blue Flour Bakery.

• Take a hike | S.C. is home to a lot of great hiking spots, including Harbison State Forest + Sesquicentennial State Park. You also won’t want to miss Congaree National Park, especially because you might even catch a glimpse of the synchronous fireflies if you visit in May.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.