Columbia gets a bad rap for being "famously hot," and honestly, the humidity in August can make you feel like you’re walking through a bowl of warm grits. But if you think this is just a sleepy government town where people only wear seersucker and talk about the Gamecocks, you’re missing the actual soul of the place. It’s actually pretty vibrant right now.
In early 2026, the city is hitting a weirdly perfect stride. We’ve got new lions at the zoo, a major art museum overhaul, and a food scene that is finally stepping out of Charleston’s shadow. Whether you’re here for a weekend or you’ve lived in Shandon for a decade, the list of things to do in Columbia SC has shifted. It’s less about checking off a static list and more about knowing which pocket of the city is actually "on" that day.
The Wild Side of the River
Most tourists head straight to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, and for good reason. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best in the Southeast. But the real news for 2026 is the arrival of the new lion brothers, Pesho and Sidai. They just got here from Nashville, and they’re basically the local celebrities of the moment. If you’re a local in Richland or Lexington County, don’t forget that "Free Fridays" are back for January and February. You just need a license or a utility bill to get in without paying a dime.
The Zoo is currently in the middle of its "Bridge to the Wild" expansion. It’s a massive project. They’re building an aerial lift called the Saluda Skyride that’s going to take you right over the river. While that’s still coming together, the Botanical Garden side is hosting the Sean Kenney LEGO exhibit until February 20. It sounds like something just for kids, but seeing a five-foot-tall hummingbird made of plastic bricks is genuinely impressive, even for cynical adults.
Then there’s Congaree National Park.
It’s about 20 minutes outside of town.
It’s a swamp.
But it’s the only national park in South Carolina and home to some of the tallest deciduous trees in the world. People call them "champion trees." If you go in the spring, the "Mosquito Meter" on the park website is your best friend. Right now, in the cooler months, it’s the best time to hike the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop because you won't get eaten alive. Just keep an eye on the water levels; the Congaree River floods the park frequently, and they’re currently doing some maintenance on the boardwalk sections through early 2026.
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Main Street and the Soda City Shift
If you haven't been to Main Street on a Saturday morning, you haven't seen Columbia. Soda City Market isn't just a farmers market; it’s a four-block street party. It’s where you go to get authentic paella, hand-carved wooden spoons, and maybe a weirdly delicious lavender latte.
- The Columbia Museum of Art (CMA): They just finished a massive reorganization of their permanent collection. It’s way more intuitive now. Through February 15, they’ve got the Keith Haring "Radiant Vision" exhibit. It’s bright, loud, and very 80s.
- The Nickelodeon Theatre: Right across from the museum. It’s the only non-profit arthouse cinema in the state. If you want to see a weird indie film or a restored 35mm print, this is the spot.
- The South Carolina State House: It’s free to walk around. Look for the bronze stars on the exterior—they mark the spots where Sherman’s cannonballs hit the building during the Civil War. It’s a heavy piece of history, but the grounds are actually a great spot for a picnic.
Where to Eat When You’re Bored of BBQ
Don't get me wrong, Maurice’s and Palmetto Pig are institutions. But Columbia’s food game has expanded.
The Hollow in the Vista is the current "it" spot. It’s a wild game restaurant, which sounds intimidating, but their elk burgers and bison steaks are incredible. It’s upscale but doesn't feel stuffy. If you want something more low-key, Bernie’s Chicken near the stadium is the local hill to die on. It’s no-frills fried chicken that hasn't changed since the 90s. The fries are hit-or-miss, but the chicken is legendary.
For a night out, The Whig used to be the go-to dive bar, but with the city changing, places like Savage Craft Ale Works in West Columbia have taken over. It’s an old fire station and jail turned into a brewery with a rooftop that gives you a killer view of the skyline.
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Hidden Gems You Usually Skip
- The South Carolina State Museum: It’s in an old textile mill. The fourth floor has an observatory with a 1926 Alvan Clark telescope. On Tuesday nights, they sometimes do stargazing sessions.
- EdVenture: If you have kids, you have to go see Eddie. He’s a 40-foot-tall plastic boy you can actually crawl through. It’s weird, slightly terrifying, and a rite of passage for every kid in the Midlands.
- Saluda Shoals Park: Better than the Riverfront Park if you want to actually get in the water. You can rent tubes or kayaks and float down the Saluda. In the winter, their "Holiday Lights on the River" is a whole thing, but by late January, it’s back to being a quiet spot for a trail run.
Sports and the Gamecock Fever
You can't talk about things to do in Columbia SC without mentioning the University of South Carolina. Even if you aren't a sports fan, the energy on a game day at Williams-Brice Stadium is infectious. In January and February, the focus shifts to the Colonial Life Arena. The women’s basketball team, coached by Dawn Staley, is basically a dynasty. Getting a ticket to a home game is harder than getting a reservation at a Michelin-star restaurant in NYC. It’s loud, it’s garnet, and it’s the pride of the city.
The Nuance of the "Vista" vs. "Five Points"
Most people get these two districts confused.
The Vista is where you go for a "nice" dinner or a business meeting. It’s repurposed warehouses and brick streets.
Five Points is where the college kids are. It’s got the fountain, the dive bars, and the best record stores (check out Papa Jazz). If you’re over 30, you probably want to hit Five Points for brunch at DiPrato’s (get the pimento cheese) and then head to the Vista for evening drinks.
Why the Riverfront Park is a Lie (Sorta)
The "Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park" is beautiful, but it's not a loop. If you start at the Laurel Street entrance and walk to the end, you have to walk all the way back. It’s roughly 2.5 miles one way. A lot of people realize this way too late and end up stranded three miles from their car in the South Carolina heat. It’s a great walk, but plan for the return trip.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
- Check the weather twice: We get "wedge" weather where it stays gray and 45 degrees for three days, then jumps to 75.
- Parking apps: Download the "Passport Parking" app before you hit downtown. The meter maids in Columbia are remarkably efficient.
- Stay in the Vista or Main Street: If you want to walk to things, don't stay out by the mall on Harbison. It’s all traffic and chain restaurants out there.
- Book the Zoo early: Especially if you want to do the "Sea Lion Backstage" encounter. Those sell out weeks in advance.
Columbia is a city that requires a little bit of effort to love. It’s not a polished tourist trap. It’s a mix of old Southern grit and a new, younger energy that’s trying to build something different. Explore the river, eat some fried chicken, and definitely don't call it "Colatown" unless you want to look like a tourist.
If you're planning a visit this week, start by checking the Soda City Market vendor map to see which food trucks are lining up on Main Street. Then, grab a ticket for the Keith Haring exhibit at the CMA before it closes in February. For a quiet afternoon, head to the Riverwalk in West Columbia for the best view of the Congaree without the national park crowds.