Columbia, South Carolina is home to one of the Top 25 Zoos in the United States, the 'Jewel of South Carolina' and many of the state's largest festivals and celebrations.
Plan a trip to the South Carolina State Capital to enjoy captivating attractions, fascinating events and beautiful scenery! Visit the gorgeous Lake Murray, explore popular South Carolina Museums and check out fascinating events all year round including the St. Patrick's Day Celebration in Five Points and the South Carolina State Fair.Make your hotel reservations today with one of our local hotel partners!
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Columbia in 2016:
Lake Murray
Known as the 'Jewel of South Carolina', the beautiful Lake Murray provides recreational entertainment for thousands of people every year. Kayak, canoe, stand up paddle board and more in Lake Murray's calm waters. Celebrate July 4th on the lake with South Carolina's largest fireworks display and tour the lake during Purple Martin Season to see hundreds of thousands of purple martins roost on Bomb Island. Cruise around the lake on a power boat and fish for Bass, Striped Bass, Crappie, Catfish and more! Lake Murray is home to several nationally sponsored fishing tournaments throughout the year. In 2015, the South Carolina Bass Fishing Team won the 2015 FLW College Fishing National Championship here on Lake Murray.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Voted one of the Top 25 Zoos in the United States, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is the proud recipient of a 2015 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award! The Columbia Zoo is home to more than 2,000 fascinating animals and one of the nation's most beautiful botanical gardens. In addition, Riverbanks Zoo holds seven signature events every year: Springtime at the Garden Festival, Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Botanical Garden, Rhythm and Blooms, Brew at the Zoo, Riverbanks Zoofari, Boo at the Zoo and Lights Before Christmas.
St Patrick's Day Festival
Every March, 40,000 people meet in Five Points to celebrate all things Irish at the St. Pat's in Five Points Celebration. Start your morning with a Get To The Green 5K, 10K or Fun Run and stick around for the party. The festival kicks off with the dyeing of the Five Points Fountain and continues all day long as local bands battle it out for a spot on the national stage. Put on some green and head to Five Points for this exciting Columbia festival. Plan to stay late to catch all of the nationally renowned music acts!
Masters Tournament
April 4-10, 2016
Golf fans unite! April is always an exciting month in Columbia, South Carolina. The US Masters Golf Tournament is one of four major championships in professional golf and it takes place in Augusta, Georgia - just a short drive from Columbia, SC. Golf fans from around the world spend the week in Columbia to attend both the practice round and the official tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
University of South Carolina
Founded in 1801, the University of South Carolina features a rich history of more than 200 years of academic leadership. USC offers student programs that stack up against the best in the nation including the number one Undergraduate International Business School in the country. Swing by the USC Horseshoe or schedule a full campus tour while you are in town to see why South Carolina Gamecocks are proud to call Columbia home!
July 4th Lake Murray Fireworks Celebration
Celebrate July 4th on the beautiful Lake Murray with South Carolina's largest fireworks display! The show is choreographed to a patriotic concert that airs on the radio. Bring a chair or blanket to view this spectacular fireworks show from various locations around the lake.
South Carolina Museums
Columbia is home to the South Carolina State Museum, the Columbia Museum of Art and the South Carolina State House. At EdVenture Children's Museum, visitors will meet Eddie - the world's largest 10 year-old boy. Sitting 40 feet tall, visitors can climb Eddie's vertebrae to visit his brain, heart, stomach and intestines. Bring the entire family to explore Columbia's popular museums!
Gamecock Football
Join us in Gamecock Country this Fall to cheer on the South Carolina Gamecocks football team as they challenge opponents at home in Williams-Brice Stadium. The Gamecocks will welcome Will Muschamp as their new head Coach and compete against East Carolina, Texas A&M, Georgia, UMass, Tennessee, Missouri and Western Carolina at home. Wear your best garnet and black and head to the South Carolina State Fairgrounds to tailgate before the game!
SC State Fair
October 12-23, 2016
The South Carolina State Fair presents 12 days of exhibits, competitions, food, midway rides and live entertainment every October in Columbia, SC. Enjoy funnel cake, corn dogs, and other delicious treats from the concession stands before you attempt to win a prize playing fair games. Do not miss your chance to attend the SC State Fair - ranked one of the Top 50 fairs in the United States!
Holiday Festivities
Celebrate the holiday season in Columbia, South Carolina with family and friends. Race in the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, get in the holiday spirit at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden's Lights Before Christmas and ring in the New Year at the Famously Hot New Year's Eve outdoor street celebration. From Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve, there are holiday festivities happening all over Columbia, South Carolina. Celebrate with the entire family or plan a romantic weekend getaway for you and your significant other.
Columbia SC Events
