Travel and Outdoors

takeout food by river
Outdoors
Best places to work outside in Columbia
When the sun is shining and the weather is perfect, pack a bag and head out to one of the many spots great for remote work in Columbia. From coffee shops to public parks, we have a plethora of places to refresh your mind and step away from your home desk.
April 14, 2026 03:25 PM
 · 
Ben McBee
uUhdYidI
Culture
Your guide to the 2023 St. Pat’s Festival in Columbia, SC
Get ready to shamrock out
March 14, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Two black bugs with red heads connected by the ends cling to a white flower.
Travel and Outdoors
Columbia, city of love… bugs
Get ready for lovebug season in the spring and fall.
March 10, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A Polo player on a horse at one of the events during the Aiken Triple Crown.
Sponsored
These 3 equestrian events are sure to stirrup excitement 🏇
Sponsored by
202107_ambassadors071 Lee Snelgrove Ambassador.jpg
Sponsored
Enjoy an outdoor getaway right here in Cola
No need to pack a bag — we’re going on an adventure right here in our hometown.
Sponsored by
OneSpartanburg
Sponsored
Eat your way through Spartanburg’s Spartanburger Trail 🍔
Sponsored by
Columbia Hurling Club
Sports
Catch the Gaelic game of hurling in Columbia, SC
We’re breaking down the Irish sport of hurling including its rules and where you can catch a game.
March 7, 2023
 · 
Samantha Robertson
State House -0289.jpg
Culture
Spring equinox in Columbia, SC
Visit a local park, participate in a community event, or clean up your humble abode in honor of the astronomical transition from winter to spring.
March 6, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
A parade during Artisphere in Downtown Greenville
Sponsored
Spring getaway: 6 Greenville events worth traveling for
Pack your bags, COLA — we’re heading to Greenville.
Sponsored by
A two way, narrow bike lane with bicycle symbols and arrows indicating directions.
Travel and Outdoors
How much of your day can you spend on a bike in Columbia?
We take a look at our bicycling infrastructure and how we can make the area more bikeable.
February 27, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
tsa-precheck-custom-section.jpg
Travel and Outdoors
Enroll in TSA PreCheck ahead of spring travel
Apply online and visit a local enrollment center ahead of spring and summer travel.
February 23, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
Load More
Latest News
More from COLAtoday
Close-up of a dire wolf skull cast with sharp canine teeth, displayed at the Florence County Museum in South Carolina.
5 animals that used to roam the Midlands
Unbury Columbia and Florence’s prehistoric past by looking at these five animals that once called the region home before they went extinct.
August 19, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Melrose Market Photo-0385.png
Food
European café–style brasserie + market coming to Gervais Street
A European café–style brasserie and market is opening in Melrose Heights in 2026, with local roots.
August 14, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Columbia-SC
Live
Local Gov. 101: Understanding Columbia’s City Council
Class is in session — become familiar with how Columbia’s City Council works, and explore your role as an active citizen.
August 13, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Helene-9451.png
Weather
How to prepare for hurricane season
This hurricane guide will help you prepare for the 2025 season, which is expected to produce above-normal storm activity in the Atlantic.
August 12, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Aerial concept rendering of Williams-Brice Stadium filled with fans, highlighting proposed renovations such as expanded premium seating on the west side, two large videoboards in the south end zone, and updated concourse areas.
Development
USC announces new partnership to benefit Williams-Brice Stadium
Blanchard Machinery is partnering with USC, funding Williams-Brice upgrades and debuting the first-ever on-field logo.
August 11, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
SSAP-General-Hero-v3.png
City
Want to reach Columbia locals? Here’s the easiest way to advertise right now
Reach your local community with our help.
August 8, 2025
 · 
Staff
IMG_3990.JPG
City
Lighting up Columbia: What the skyline should glow for, according to our readers
COLAtoday readers shared ideas for lighting up Columbia’s skyline, from Gamecock wins to local causes and holidays.
August 7, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Azalea Coffee Bar
Live
Your guide to Columbia’s coffee shops
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some with our coffee guide, featuring 25+ local coffee shops.
August 6, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
GIF showing the Vista district in Columbia, SC, with a view of the historic brick railroad depot at the corner of Gervais and Gadsden Streets, where Sylvan’s Jewelers is relocating.
Sylvan’s Jewelers first tenant in Vista Depot District
Sylvan’s Jewelers is moving to the Vista this fall, expanding its showroom and Rolex offerings in the SC Railroad Depot.
July 31, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Aerial image showing the expansive 33-acre Lake Murray Golf Center property in Chapin, SC, surrounded by trees, open grassy areas, and nearby roadways.
Development
Lake Murray Golf Center set for comeback
Lake Murray Golf Center sold to local owners with plans to reopen in phases and rebrand later this year.
July 31, 2025
 · 
David Stringer