The Columbia Roost Guidebook
Sightseeing
EdVenture Children's Museum
211 Gervais StGreat, interactive place for children AND adults!
Columbia Museum of Art
1515 Main StAmazing collection for a sleepy southern city.
State Museum station
Has a planetarium!!
There are a series of connected trails along the rivers, this was one of our favorites to stroll with the kids.
25 locals recommend
Riverfront Park
1115 Gist StThere are a series of connected trails along the rivers, this was one of our favorites to stroll with the kids.
So much fun here, a well lit, paved walking trail along the canal, with interesting lookout vantage points. Mind the "Beware alligator" signs as well. :)
64 locals recommend
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
312 Laurel StSo much fun here, a well lit, paved walking trail along the canal, with interesting lookout vantage points. Mind the "Beware alligator" signs as well. :)
The Vista
807 Gervais StAnother hopping restaurant and shopping scene in downtown Columbia.
The flagship university of the state, with an array of architectural styles. If you have limited time, just be sure to check out the infamous Horseshoe.
62 locals recommend
University of South Carolina
1244 Blossom StThe flagship university of the state, with an array of architectural styles. If you have limited time, just be sure to check out the infamous Horseshoe.
If you're lucky enough to be here in the spring-summer-fall, rent a boat and get out on the lake!
20 locals recommend
Lake Murray
If you're lucky enough to be here in the spring-summer-fall, rent a boat and get out on the lake!
Pretty park with walking and biking trails, located within 20 minutes of the house.
57 locals recommend
Sesquicentennial State Park
9564 Two Notch RdPretty park with walking and biking trails, located within 20 minutes of the house.
This was, hands down, our favorite place in Columbia to go with the kids. They really go all out at Halloween and Christmas with lights in the park as well. The botanical gardens are worth the additional fee too!
268 locals recommend
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
500 Wildlife PkwyThis was, hands down, our favorite place in Columbia to go with the kids. They really go all out at Halloween and Christmas with lights in the park as well. The botanical gardens are worth the additional fee too!
Neighborhoods
A small city within a small city, this area has eateries, grocery stores, and small local shops.
Forest Acres
A small city within a small city, this area has eateries, grocery stores, and small local shops.
Known for its college bar scene, it also has the Gourmet Shop and Revente (one of the best consignment clothes shops ever!). If you don't like crowds, stay away on weekend nights!
73 locals recommend
Five Points
Known for its college bar scene, it also has the Gourmet Shop and Revente (one of the best consignment clothes shops ever!). If you don't like crowds, stay away on weekend nights!
Another architectural gem of a neighborhood. All size and shape houses, spanning quite a few decades of growth.
8 locals recommend
Shandon
Another architectural gem of a neighborhood. All size and shape houses, spanning quite a few decades of growth.
Food scene
DiPrato's
342 Pickens StGet the pimento and pita chips, if nothing else, you must try this!
Motor Supply Company Bistro
920 Gervais StOne of our favorites, particularly for Sunday brunch.
Fresh take on southern classics. Gets busy, so plan ahead.
33 locals recommend
Delaney's Music Pub and Eatery
741 Saluda AveFresh take on southern classics. Gets busy, so plan ahead.
One of the best burger joints we've ever gone to, ever. Get there early for best seating.
19 locals recommend
Pawleys Front Porch
827 Harden StOne of the best burger joints we've ever gone to, ever. Get there early for best seating.
Great beer and pub food, don't let the fancy picture fool you. Used to have good music acts as well.
29 locals recommend
Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse
900 Main StGreat beer and pub food, don't let the fancy picture fool you. Used to have good music acts as well.
Pasta Fresca
4722 Forest DrNeighborhood Italian eatery, was our go to for birthdays!
Tombo Grille
4517 Forest DrFine dining in tucked away neighborhood location.
It may be a chain, but this is the absolute best place for a big breakfast with the family.
11 locals recommend
The Original Pancake House - Columbia
4840 Forest DrIt may be a chain, but this is the absolute best place for a big breakfast with the family.
D's Wings
415 Meeting StreetMy college age son raves about these, so they must be good!
Breweries are just starting to come on the scene in Columbia. This was one of the first, so check it out!
43 locals recommend
River Rat Brewery
1231 Shop RdBreweries are just starting to come on the scene in Columbia. This was one of the first, so check it out!
Midwood Smokehouse
702 Cross Hill RdBasil Thai Cuisine-Columbia, SC
702 Cross Hill RdGreat for date night!