family enjoying vacation in Columbia, SC

Eight Fun Things To Do In Columbia, South Carolina

There’s plenty to do on a visit to Columbia, SC, so let Carolina Title Loans, Inc. be your guide. You can make your next vacation in South Carolina a fun one, no matter if you prefer nature, nightlife, history, culture, or anything else.

This guide will walk you through eight fun things to do when you’re in Columbia for a South Carolina family vacation. Plus, you’ll discover a few tips on preparing yourself for that trip financially, including paying for urgent costs with a South Carolina car title loan.

What Are Eight Fun Things To Do For Vacation In Columbia, South Carolina?

One thing you can rely on is that Columbia has something for everyone, no matter your interests. The capital of South Carolina is a vibrant and historic city that offers entertainment regardless of what you want to experience. It can provide lifelong memories with fun activities for the whole family.

Here are eight fun things to do the next time you visit Columbia, South Carolina:

1. Check Out Riverbanks Zoo And Garden

The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a Columbia, SC, destination for anyone who enjoys plants and wildlife. The zoo houses over 2,000 animals from over 350 species and maintains a strong reputation as one of the best-rated zoos in the country.

The zoo offers unique experiences for the whole family, including a diving expedition on a Pacific coral reef, a safari through African plains, and the 70-acre-long botanical gardens.

aerial shot of Columbia, South Carolina

2. Explore The Columbia Museum Of Art

If you have an interest in art, you can’t go wrong at the Columbia Museum of Art. There, you’ll find American, European, and Asian art collections, among many others.

Be sure to check their official website or call ahead to find out what rotating exhibitions are going on so you can time your visit well with an exhibition that interests you and your family.

3. Tour The South Carolina State House

Carolina is steeped in history, part of which is expressed in the unique architecture present across the state. Columbia is no exception. Just a block away from the Columbia Museum of Art, you can immerse yourself in that history and architecture by taking a tour of the South Carolina State House.

It is a building constructed in the 1800s and early 1900s, influenced by the Greek Revival. It houses the chambers of the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate, as well as office space for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The building is open to the public for free tours that allow visitors to learn about South Carolina’s history and culture at the place where it happened.

4. Enjoy The Outdoors At Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park

If you’re looking for a leisurely walk with scenic views, Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park is the right destination for you in Columbia, SC. The canal was built in 1824 and still stands today despite flooding that breached it in 2015.

You can enjoy the history of being by the canal and also enjoy Riverfront Park, a 167-acre stretch of land that separates the Historic Columbia Canal and the Congaree River. You can take in the views of the river and explore guided paths through an old water plant. Riverfront Park also hosts events, such as Greekfest, Riverfest, and small concerts for family fun.

5. Day Trip At Lake Murray For Your South Carolina Vacation

Columbia is a great place to get close to the water, especially around Lake Murray. Even if you’re staying elsewhere, you can take a day trip to enjoy water activities at the lake.

Visitors love boating and fishing there, though relaxing by the lakeside beaches is also a great experience for all ages. You can also visit the nearby state parks, including Dreher Island State Park and Poinsett State Park.

6. Visit The Vista

Suppose you prefer retail therapy and other indoor activities. In that case, add The Vista to your itinerary. It’s a district full of galleries, restaurants, and nightlife for you to enjoy.

The Vista was once an essential warehouse district that was important in the growth of Columbia, SC. It has transformed into an art and entertainment hub, hosting over 45 bars and restaurants and over 60 art galleries. If you want to enjoy great food and beautiful art in a lively atmosphere, visiting The Vista is right for your Columbia, South Carolina vacation.

7. Enjoy Nature At The Congaree National Park

Another place in Columbia that is close to nature is the Congaree National Park. The park has plenty of hiking trails to explore, along with activities like kayaking and canoeing.

The Congaree National Park was established in 2003 and contains the largest expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. When visiting the park, you can enjoy the enormous trees towering overhead, diverse plant and animal life, and a collection of streams and rivers.

8. Experience Performances At Koger Center For The Arts

Columbia also offers entertainment for those interested in the performing arts. The Koger Center is a modern venue that hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and more.

The Koger Center is situated on the University of South Carolina campus in Columbia, SC. Along with Broadway productions and concerts, you can take in delightful performances, such as dance ballets and philharmonics. It is also the site for special conferences, lectures, and live events. Check out The Koger Center’s event schedule to determine when is the right time for your visit.

Can You Pay For Unexpected Costs With A South Carolina Car Title Loan?

When saving money for a trip or going on vacation, unexpected expenses can crop up. You may experience auto problems or need to pay for emergency travel costs that you may be unable to afford out of pocket.

Carolina Title Loans, Inc. can help you pay for these financial emergencies with a South Carolina title loan. Our SC title loans allow you to use your lien-free car title as collateral for a loan that can pay you from $601 to $15,000 in emergency cash.

All you’ll need to get approved is your driver’s license, a lien-free car title, and your car for a quick inspection. You can start the process online, meet a representative in person at a convenient location for you, and get approved for emergency money the same or the next business day.

beautiful shot of Columbia, SC

Emergency Money Available Today From Carolina Title Loans, Inc.

You have plenty of choices for fun activities when planning your vacation in South Carolina, especially in Columbia. There’s something for everyone, ranging from nature activities to nightlife and plenty of things in the arts.

Remember that Carolina Title Loans, Inc. is ready to help you with emergency funds to cover urgent costs. Just submit your details through the online inquiry form, and our representative will call you back soon.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.

Louis Tully

Louis Tully is a full-time finance writer offering financial expertise to everyday consumers. He understands the core values of finance and used his writing talents to share his own experiences with money to his readers. His articles teach how financial failures can easily become successes by making new habits and creating realistic goals.