Columbia is the capital of South Carolina and one of the most populous cities in the state. The city came about in the late 18th century when a bill was introduced to create a new state capital for South Carolina. The area that would soon be the city of Columbia was chosen as the site of the new capital in 1786, and the South Carolina State Legislature met there for the first time in 1790. Columbia was incorporated as a village in 1805 and incorporated as a city in 1854. South Carolina College, which is now the University of South Carolina, was founded in the city in 1801. Columbia grew rapidly throughout the 19th century, and that growth continued with the rise of manufacturing in the early 1900s.
As of 2022, the population of Columbia was approximately 138,000. The bustling city is most known for its Southern charm, exceptional cuisine, and hospitality. While exploring Columbia, you could start by checking out a few of the many family-friendly attractions including the cool creatures at the Riverbanks Zoo, browse the interactive exhibits at the EdVenture Children's Museum, or attend a concert or Broadway show at the Koger Center for the Arts. There are lots of interesting educational attractions in the area as well, including the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum, and the South Carolina State Museum.
When you want to enjoy the sunshine, one great option is to stroll through the Riverbanks Botanical Garden, which contains over 4,200 exotic species of plants. Alternatively, you could enjoy a pleasant picnic by the water at Riverfront Park or explore the lush hiking trails in the nearby Congaree National Park. If you're a history buff, consider spending some time exploring the Waverly Historic District. You can take a self-guided tour of the many historical buildings and homes. When it's time to eat, a few of the best restaurants to sample in town are Saluda's Restaurant, the Motor Supply Company Bistro, and Oyster Bar Columbia.
Campgrounds Near Columbia, South Carolina
The Barnyard RV Park is one of many top-notch RV campgrounds to consider in the Columbia area. The campground offers 129 full-hookup RV campsites with prices starting at $34.65 per night. There are a wide variety of amenities available for guests, including a dog park, meeting rooms, a playground, laundry facilities, and a dump station. Plus, there are excellent nearby fishing opportunities.
Another quality campground in the area is the Broad River Campground and RV Park, which features full-hookup RV campsites and provides a shaded, tranquil setting. All of the campsites are surrounded by lovely hardwood trees, and there are some great nearby hiking trails to explore as well.
You could also go with the River Bottom Farms Family Campground in nearby Swansea, SC. There, you can stay in one of the 70 RV campsites for between $36 and $42 per night. The campground is a perfect choice for angling enthusiasts. During your visit, you'll have access to five nearby ponds that are stocked with bass, brim, and sunfish. The park also boasts lots of amenities, such as a playground, an arcade, a camp store, a pavilion, and many more.
State Parks Near Columbia, South Carolina
Sesquicentennial State Park is a 1,419-acre area in South Carolina's Sand Hills region. The park features a small lake, gorgeous man-made waterfalls, and lush forested areas. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and paddling, and if you don't have your own watercraft, you can rent a boat, kayak, or canoe at the camp store. Alternatively, you could spend some time exploring the 12 miles of tranquil hiking and biking trails or running around the on-site dog park with your furry friends.
Situated in the high hills of Santee, SC, Poinsett State Park is most known for its diverse selection of plants and picturesque scenery. Hiking is the most common activity in the park, which contains several excellent nature trails to choose from. The area also contains a 10-acre lake where visitors can partake in canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing for catfish, bream, and bass. If the weather's warm, you could even take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the lake.
Revered for its history and natural beauty, Aiken State Park lies between the cities of Aiken and Windsor, SC. The park was originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, and today, it's a popular spot for outdoor recreation. With the South Edisto River flowing through the area, many visitors partake in canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. If you prefer staying on land, you could navigate the park's scenic hiking trails instead.
National Sites Near Columbia, South Carolina
If you're interested in the history of the Revolutionary War, you should take some time to explore the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site. The 107-acre site was a supply post for the British between 1780 and 1781. These days, parts of the area have been refurbished, and there are quite a few interesting artifacts from battles that visitors can get a look at. While you're there, consider exploring the Historic Camden Nature Trail, visiting the Battle of Camden National Historic Landmark, and stopping by spots like the Historic Camden Foundation Brickyard and the Camden Archives & Museum.
Another unique historic landmark is the Ninety-Six National Historic Site, which is located about 60 miles south of Greenville, SC. The site preserves the former location of the town of Ninety-Six, SC, which was a thriving settlement in the early 18th century. The town would eventually become an important strategic location for the British during the Revolutionary War, and it was also the site of the first land battle of the war. Visitors today can navigate the fascinating Historic Interpretive Trail and check out the preserved ruins of the Star Fort and the mine at the historic site.
You could also visit the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, which preserves the route that patriots took when marching to save the city of Charleston, SC from the British in 1780. This historic route spans 330 miles in total and reaches across Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. If you decide to explore the trail, you'll encounter many museums and unique historic sites along the way, including the Battlefield Trail, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, and the Museum of North Carolina Minerals.
National Forests Near Columbia, South Carolina
Sumter National Forest is a sizable nature area comprising roughly 371,000 acres and divided into three different areas. The forest is home to the Indian Creek Wildlife Habitat Restoration, the wild and fast Chattooga River, and a variety of excellent trails. This includes the Forks Area Trail System, which is recognized as one of the country's best mountain biking trail systems. While exploring great hiking routes like the King Creek Falls Trail and the Opossum Creek Falls Trail, keep your eyes open for black bears, otters, coyotes, beavers, bobcats, various snake species, and many unique types of birds.
Situated near the city of Charleston, Francis Marion National Forest is a peaceful forest and a popular destination for recreational activities. Named after a hero of the Revolutionary War, the subtropical coniferous forest was established back in 1936. During your visit, you can go shooting in the rifle range, ride your ATV or motorcycle on the off-road trails, or go fishing in the Santee River or the Intercoastal Waterway. You could also go biking, horseback riding, or hiking along top-tier trails like the Awendaw Passage Trail and the Battery Warren Interpretive Trail.
Cherokee National Forest is a huge, scenic forest comprising 655,598 acres in eastern Tennessee. The serene natural haven possesses many notable features, including the Ocoee River, Big Frog Mountain, two sizable lakes, and even a large section of the famous Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The forest is inhabited by cool wildlife species such as black bears, white-tailed deer, and bobcats. Popular activities for visitors include hiking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, swimming, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more.
