Why Columbia is South Carolina's real hidden gem

Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, goes by the slogan, “famously hot.” The unofficial moniker tips its hat to the unrelenting heat and humidity enveloping the city from June through September. Spring in Columbia is lovely, however. The average temperatures hover in the 70s during the day and humidity is still low.

Columbia is home to the University of South Carolina, and tourists love it during football season, but the area is often overlooked for destinations like Myrtle Beach or Charleston. That’s a mistake, though. With a vibrant arts scene, plenty of music, shopping and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in South Carolina’s second-largest city.

Getting there

Direct flights (American and Delta) from LaGuardia Airport take less than two hours, which makes it an ideal weekend getaway destination. You can also fly direct from Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma to Charleston on Breeze Airways (flights starting at $59) and drive the rest of the way to Columbia (about two hours).

Soaking in the sun

Since the weather is so pleasant, bring swimsuits and sunscreen to enjoy the outdoors. You can also bring camouflage if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush. TriggerTyme Paintball is one of the oldest outdoor paintball fields in the country. Come with friends, or be placed on a team Saturdays and Sundays and have fun taking out folks on the other side of the field. The all-day pass ($35) comes with a paintball marker (gun), mask and 500 rounds of paintballs.

For a more relaxing endeavor, head to one of the city’s riverfronts. Toward the end of April and into May is the perfect time to take advantage of the area’s lakes and rivers. Locals start tubing down the Saluda River, the Broad River and Congaree River as early as March. Palmetto Outdoor operates tubing runs. The rental fee, which starts at $25 for a single tube, includes shuttle service to bring you back to your car. If you want to tube the Saluda River, the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission rents tubes every weekend for $20, which includes the shuttle service, too. Parking is $5 per car. The river float is about two hours long, depending on the speed of the water. Expect light rapids with small to medium waves on most days. Kayaking, canoes and paddleboards are also available.

The Three Rivers Greenbelt connects the three rivers so you can walk around once you’re done tubing.

If you want more than just a short walk, go for a hike. Congaree National Park, which is located just outside the city, has a 2.6-mile boardwalk and 25 miles of hiking trails through an expansive hardwood forest. Hike on your own or take advantage of a guided tour or discussion, but watch out for partial refurbishment closures between now and the end of the summer. Recent options include owl prowls, a tree hike and nature discovery walks. Entry to the park and the events are free. Harbison State Forest ($5 parking fee), which includes the Harbison Environmental Education Forest, is one of the largest public green spaces near a metropolitan area. Choose from 10 hiking paths that total 18 miles.

Hiking options in the city include Sesquicentennial State Park, which has trails that snake past a lake and campsite facilities, the West Columbia Riverwalk with its own trails and a small amphitheater, and Finlay Park, which has playgrounds, space for picnics and free concerts every Friday.

Check out the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden ($27.95; $24.95 ages 2-12), home to more than 3,000 animals and 170 acres of gardens. The zoo is interactive, too with hands-on exhibits, animal feeding and a ropes course and zip line experience for an additional fee.

History on every corner

Columbia’s past, especially its prominent part in the Civil War and Reconstruction, means that just by walking the city, you’re also stepping back in time. For instance, the South Carolina State House sits right in center city and still bears the marks of Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman’s cannon fire. Look for the stars that represent cannon holes. Take a free guided tour of the building itself Monday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (4 p.m. on Saturdays). For a deeper look at how people lived way back when, tour all five of the historic house museums in the city ($15, $10 for kids). The Hampton-Preston House Museum and the Museum of the Reconstruction Era at the Woodrow Wilson Family Home provide a glimpse into the 1800s, while tours of the Mann-Simons Site and the Modjeska Monteith Simkins House tell stories of Black history in Columbia.

The South Carolina State Museum (open Tuesday through Sunday; tickets start at $13, $10 ages 3-12) straddles the historic — detailing when much of the city was burned in 1865 — to the modern. Attractions include permanent exhibitions dedicated to the Civil War as well as dinosaurs, local artists, science and technology. Modern offerings like the 4D theater, sky observatory, and planetarium mean that everyone will take something from their visit. Art buffs should not miss the Columbia Museum of Art, either, since it features local artists as well as art classes, tours and lectures (open daily at various hours except for Monday and admission is $15 and $10 ages 7-18).

Markets, Main Street and
midday meals

Columbia’s Southern charm is especially visible downtown, with its quaint buildings and abundance of flowers and art. Arrive the first week of the month so you can take advantage of First Thursday on Main. That’s when Main Street closes to street traffic and bands, art installations, vendors, restaurants and revelry take over. Another street event — the Soda City Market — happens every Saturday. The market is open rain or shine from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. with more than 200 vendors. Everything sold — from cakes to crafts to clothing — is handmade.

The food scene is another element that sets the area apart from other cities, especially since restaurants serve up more than good food. Coa Agaveria y Cocina is an upscale Mexican restaurant that locals rave about for its artwork, craft margaritas and small plates. Another crowd favorite is Home Team BBQ, which is so popular that dishes like its half chicken and smoked wings often sell out for the day. (Pro tip: Grab a quart of pickles or one of the house barbecue sauces to take home.) Savage Craft Ale Works is a good place to visit on a Sunday, when the casual brewery brings in salsa teachers and the entire family can learn to dance.

You don’t have to wait until the end of the week to put on your dancing shoes, though, since Columbia has an active nightlife scene. Cowboy aesthetic is strong, so look for country music at places like The Skyline Club ($10 cover charge for adults 21-and-over), which is open from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Line dancing lessons run from 7 to 8 p.m. and there’s free dancing for an hour until the band goes on at 9 p.m. These hours may expand as the location gets its restaurant up and running. Tin Roof is another option right in the Vista area. Grab dinner here first — everything from smashburgers to tacos are on the menu — and then settle in for live music, DJs and acoustic sets.

Art Bar, also in the Vista area, is a former warehouse area that’s evolved into a destination with an underground feel for anyone who wants a more laid-back experience. Think comedy nights, trivia contests and karaoke. Art Bar is worth checking out just for the décor, though. It features a mix of modern metal sculptures and neon lights designed by Clark Ellefson, a local artist and designer who creates public art in Columbia. Fun fact: You can bring a sticker from home and add it to the ones that already dot the bar. If you want something that’s the complete opposite, try the Moxy Hotel Rooftop Bar, which has skyline views of the Columbia Capitol. Lines can be long, though, and most people dress to impress. Not up for huge party crowds? Try the Bang Back Pinball Lounge where you can grab a drink and something to eat while playing one of 26 pinball machines.

Where to stay

After your day in the sun and a night on the town, head to one of the city’s many hotels. The most central hotel is the Hilton Columbia Center, which is in the middle of everything. The Moxy Columbia Downtown hotel, home to the eponymous rooftop bar, is much smaller and hip. Located in an old bank, this Marriott property is hip and stark (room rates start at $189). Grab your free cocktail or mocktail when you check in and take advantage of the gaming tables and chance to mingle. If you prefer a more indie feel, the 59-room Lantern might be a good option (room rates start at $175). Built in an old firehouse, the hotel retains the architectural character, adding luxe upgrades all around.