When it comes to South Carolina’s regions, the Lowcountry and its beaches, live oaks, and coastal retreats tend to top most travelers’ lists. And while Charleston, Hilton Head, and Beaufort—among other smaller cities and towns—are definitely worth a visit, the 32,000-square-mile state also has plenty more to offer if you head inland. The capital, Columbia, lies squarely in the heart of South Carolina, in the region known as the Midlands. “Columbia is one of the few destinations where you can go to the mountains for sunrise and the beach for sunset,” says Tanya Black, the general manager of Graduate Columbia. 

The city’s location may be convenient to other parts of the state, but Columbia has its own unique appeal and distinct characteristics. “It’s the perfect mix of small-town charm and Southern hospitality while still having a rich and exciting city center,” Black adds. In historic downtown Columbia, you’ll find the lush, leafy University of South Carolina campus. Cheering on the Gamecocks during football season—unless you’re a fan of a rival team, of course—is an exciting way to spend a Saturday. Just don’t forget to wear your black and garnet.

Even if you’re not interested in college sports, Columbia’s options are vast and varied. “Columbia is fun, relaxing, growing, [and it] has lots of entertainment and other amazing events in the city to keep you busy,” says Kiki Cyrus, owner of Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles. “There is always something to do.” From barbecue and beer to museum tours and walks along the Congaree River, here are the best things to do when visiting Columbia, according to locals. 

Food & Drink

Order Your Favorite Caffeinated Beverage at Drip

Make your way to the Five Points neighborhood for a cup of coffee at one of the city’s best coffee shops. Along with a robust drink menu (which includes espresso drinks, matcha lattes, and hot chocolate), Drip also has breakfast and lunch offerings—perfect for grabbing something quick in the morning or keeping your energy up during the day. 

dripcolumbia.com, 729 Saluda Ave, Columbia, SC 29205

Enjoy Something Sweet at smallSUGAR 

If your sweet tooth requires a pre or post-coffee treat, a baked good from smallSUGAR should do the trick. “Their pastries, particularly their almond croissants, are incredible. It’s definitely a hidden gem,” says David Dickson, the public relations manager at the South Carolina State Museum. 

smallsugarsc.com, 709 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201

Get Your Taste Bud Bearings With a Food Tour

Like in most Southern cities, Columbia’s culinary scene takes center stage. If you’re only visiting for a few days (and still want to fit in as many bites as possible), Black says a walking food tour will ensure you can “try all of the delicious Southern cuisine options the city has to offer.” The Main Street Food Tour includes stops at five to seven downtown restaurants and occurs most Saturdays at 1:45 pm.

Reserve a Table at Terra

If you’re looking for a slightly elevated but still comforting meal, snag a reservation at Terra. “Chef Mike Davis cooks some of the best food in the city, and really anything at his restaurant won’t disappoint,” says Josh Cox, the owner of Bricker & Beam, a custom furniture business in Columbia. “My personal go-to is always the Steak Frites.”

terrasc.com, 100 State Street, West Columbia, SC 29169 

Load Up on Barbecue 

No matter where you go in South Carolina, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find top-tier barbecue. Options in Columbia are extensive, but you can’t go wrong with Doc’s Barbeque, The War Mouth, or Little Pigs Barbecue.

docsbarbeque.com, 1601 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201

thewarmouth.com, 1209 Franklin St, Columbia, SC 29201

littlepigs.biz, 4927 Alpine Rd, Columbia, SC 29223 

Tuck Into a Plate of Soul Food

If you prefer fried chicken to barbecue—or want to try both during your visit—head to Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles. With a menu that includes honey wings, fried okra, grits, and a red velvet waffle, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling satisfied and full. “Try our Chicken and Waffles or the Kiki’s Soul Food Plate,” says Cyrus. 

kikischickenandwaffles.com, 7001 Parklane Rd, Columbia, SC 29223

1260 Bower Pkwy A8, Columbia, SC 29212

Have a Sip at One of Columbia’s Best Breweries

Columbia has a rich craft beer scene, and its many breweries are the perfect places to celebrate happy hour or cool off in the thick summer heat. Not sure which ones to try? Add Columbia Craft Brewing Company, River Rat Brewery, and Hunter-Gatherer Brewery to your beer bucket list. 

columbiacraft.com, 520 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29201

riverratbrewery.com, 1231 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201

huntergathererbrewery.com, 900 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Columbia’s Sporting Events

Attend a South Carolina Night Football Game  

During football season, don your school colors and prepare your voice to root for the Gamecocks. According to Cox, “Columbia is the capital city, but it’s really dominated by the University, so night games at Williams-Brice [Stadium] are something the whole city gets into.” “Even if you’re not a University of South Carolina fan, the atmosphere… is thrilling,” says Dickson. 

gamecocksonline.com, 1125 George Rogers Blvd, Columbia, SC 29201

Cheer on the USC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams 

Basketball is taken seriously in Columbia, particularly at Colonial Life Arena, the state’s largest arena. “The atmosphere of Columbia on a game day is truly unmatched and something that is exciting and inspiring to be around,” says Black. “The USC Women’s Basketball games are the best, and we are on the way to winning our third National Championship,” adds Cyrus. 

coloniallifearena.com, 801 Lincoln St, Columbia, SC 29201

Columbia Culture

Stroll the Main Street District

If walking is your favorite way to explore a new city, don’t forget to visit Columbia’s Main Street District. Spread out over 36 blocks, the area features several restaurants—including Bourbon and Market on Main—and places to shop. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may get to experience some of the neighborhood’s exciting events. “I always look forward to First Thursdays on Main, where there is always a new mix of artwork to look at and buy, food to try, [and] music to listen to,” says Black. 

Spend a Saturday Morning at Soda City Market

To “see what Columbia is all about,” says Cyrus, spend a few hours at Soda City Market. “Every Saturday, Main Street transforms into a bustling street market filled with local artisans, food vendors, and South Carolina farmers,” explains Dickson. “Everything sold there is unique, handcrafted, and produced in the Southeast. I’ve been to lots of other cities with big farmer’s markets and street markets, but no one does it as well as Columbia.” Cox added Soda City Market to his Columbia favorites as well: “A bonus here is that once it ends, there are several good restaurants in the area for lunch.”

Visit the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

If you’re bringing the whole family to Columbia, you’ll want to pack your itinerary with activities travelers of all ages can enjoy. Cyrus describes Riverbanks Zoo & Garden as “one of South Carolina’s top destination attractions,” as it features more than 3,000 animals and ​​more than 5,700 exotic and native plants. 

riverbanks.org, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia SC 29210 

Soak Up Collegiate Nostalgia on Campus

Columbia claims the University of South Carolina and its green spaces as its own. Even if your college years are in the past, you can still feel a bit of that infectious school spirit as you walk through the urban forest that is the main campus. 

Schedule Your Trip Around a Festival

Celebrating is a year-round activity for Columbia’s residents. In the spring, the Rosewood Crawfish Festival comes to town, followed by the Columbia Shrimp and Grits Fest in June. As fall rolls around, the South Carolina State Fair and Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture mark the calendar.  

Explore the South Carolina State Museum

“This is the largest museum in the state,” says Cyrus. “It’s a great place to go to learn the history of South Carolina by seeing all the different exhibits.” The four-floor museum is “dedicated to exploring the cultural history, natural history, art and scientific achievements of the Palmetto State,” says Dickson, and it also features a newly upgraded planetarium, a 4D theater, and an observatory. 

scmuseum.org, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Add More Museums to Your Agenda 

“Columbia really punches above its weight in terms of the quality of its museums, even as a state capital,” says Dickson, who also recommends the Columbia Museum of Art at the EdVenture Children’s Museum, “especially if you have little ones.”

columbiamuseum.org, 1515 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201

edventure.org, 211 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201

The Great Outdoors

Take a Boat Out on Lake Murray

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, “I’d recommend a boating or fishing trip on Lake Murray,” says Cox. For a full-day excursion, rent a pontoon boat—or, if you’re feeling less ambitious (and also want to fit in a workout), rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. 

Meander Down the City’s Riverwalks 

Columbia is technically a waterfront city—with the Saluda and Broad Rivers meeting downtown to form the Congaree River. “Whether you’re trying to cool down from our ‘famously hot’ weather or taking the dog on a scenic walk, you can’t do wrong with any of the three rivers that flow through Columbia,” says Dickson. “The many beautifully maintained riverwalks across town make for a perfect stroll after lunch or dinner.” 

Practice Your Swing

South Carolina’s reputation as a golfer’s state is strong, with places like Myrtle Beach, Kiawah Island, and Bluffton attracting players from all over the world. Columbia’s public courses include Oak Hills Golf Club and LinRick Golf Course. 

oakhillsgolf.com, 7629 Fairfield Rd, Columbia, SC 29203

linrickgolf.com, 356 Camp Ground Road, Columbia, SC 29203 

Experience Congaree National Park 

South Carolina’s only national park, Congaree National Park, sits about 18 miles from downtown Columbia. Known for its old-growth bottomland hardwood forest (the largest continuous tract left in the country), the park is home to alligators, wild pigs, river otters, and more wildlife. “During certain times of the year there are phosphorescent insects that come together and create beautiful blankets of light across the forest—which I highly recommend checking out,” says Black.