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  • Writer's pictureGabi Hobbs

Visit the Palmetto State! Here's What You Should See & Do In Columbia, South Carolina



Local Places to See

Frankie's Fun Park

140 Parkridge Dr, Columbia, SC 29212

Frankie's Fun Park is an amazing place to go if you are looking to add a little excitement to your stay. They have an incredible range of activities including bumper boats, mini golf, arcade, laser tag, and of course my personal favorite hologate. Hologate is a virtual reality game that makes you a part of the video game.




South Carolina State House

1100 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29208

The South Carolina State House is the building housing the government of South Carolina.





Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210

The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a 170-acre zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden located along the Saluda River in Columbia, South Carolina, United State




South Carolina State Museum

301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201

The South Carolina State Museum has four floors of permanent and changing exhibits, a digital dome planetarium, a 4D interactive theater, and an observatory. The State Museum is located along the banks of the Congaree River in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. It is roughly 25 minutes from the house.


Places To Eat


Blue Marlin

The Blue Marlin is a local hot spot serving classic Southern seafood made with locally sourced, sustainable fish. This is a very popular restaurant so I recommend making a reservation online to ensure you get a table!






Cafe Strudel West Columbia

300 State St, West Columbia, SC 29169

Cafe Strudel is one of the best brunch spots in town! It is an amazing place to start your day.







The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli

As seen on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

"Cinnamon lovers will think they have died and gone to heaven at The Divine Cinnamon Roll Deli which features all kinds of cinnamon rolls, other baked delights, and specialty sandwiches. But The Cinnamonster is the starring attraction. Softball-size gobs of frosting top this steaming 12-pound cinnamon roll which is then covered in a sweet-and-savory maple-bacon topping." - Guy Fieri

Halls Chophouse Columbia

1221 Main St #150, Columbia, SC 29201

Halls Chophouse is American-Fine Dining, serving prime steaks and fresh seafood specialties. This is the perfect location if you are looking for a slightly more upscale dining experience.








Places To Drink


The Whig

1200 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201

The Whig was voted the best bar food by The Thrillist! This Dive Bar is in a basement on Main Street with a great laid-back atmosphere.



Studio Cellar

912 Lady St, Columbia, SC 29201

Studio Cellar is a locally owned and operated Paint Bar where everyone is welcome and no skills are needed. On our Calendar, you can pick from lightly entertaining yet instructional classes, choose to Freestyle anytime we are open to the public, sign up to join one of our unique events,



The War Mouth Restaurant

1209 Franklin St, Columbia, SC 29201

The War Mouth Restaurant has an inviting atmosphere serving quality southern-inspired food and strong drinks. Sometimes they run great happy hour deals and special events such as standup comedy nights.


Drip Coffee

729 Saluda Ave, Columbia, SC 29205

Drip Coffee is a great place to grab a latte or cappuccino and get your day started!








Things To Do


211 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201

EdVenture is the largest children's museum in the Southeast United States, located in Columbia, South Carolina. It is second only to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis which is the largest children's museum in the world. EdVenture opened to the public in 2003.

US Army Basic Combat Training Museum

4442 Jackson Blvd, Columbia, SC 29209

The U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum is an official Army museum located at Fort Jackson, SC, that interprets the evolution of basic combat training. The museum’s 7,500+ square feet of exhibit space are dedicated to telling the story of how training in the U.S. Army has developed since 1917 when Fort Jackson, then known as Camp Jackson, first opened.

Riverbanks Botanical Garden

1300 Botanical Pkwy, West Columbia, SC 29169

Whether it’s a spectacular bloom, a mass of color, or an unusual plant structure, there’s always something growing at Riverbanks Botanical Garden! Hailed by Horticulture magazine as one of 10 gardens that inspire and by HGTV as one of 20 great public gardens across America, Riverbanks Botanical Garden boasts 70 acres of unparalleled beauty.

Congaree National Park

100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061

Congaree National Park is a 26,692.6-acre American national park in central South Carolina, 18 miles southeast of the state capital, Columbia. The park preserves the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States.

Plex HIwire Family Fun & Sports Center

741 Fashion Dr, Columbia, SC 29229

Plex HiWire Sandhills is a 90,000 sq. ft. Family Fun Center that hosts HiWire Ultimate Trampoline Park featuring Massive Continuous Trampolines, Olympic-size Foam Pits, Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course, Air-Slam Basketball Goals, and Dodgeball Stadium.

Eudora Farms

219 Salem Ln, Salley, SC 29137

Eudora Wildlife Safari Park is an adventurous family outing that the entire family can enjoy at an affordable cost. Ages 1 - 100 are guaranteed to learn new information and love the experience. Build memories to last a lifetime with over 150 furry friends!


Pet-Friendly Options


827 Harden St #1001, Columbia, SC 29205

Pawleys Porch is a fresh addition to the strip of restaurants and bars in the Five Points area of Columbia. Pawleys, recently featured on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives", serves creative burger combinations all named after South Carolina coastal cities or themes. Pet-friendly!

Page Ellington Park Dog Park

2336 Gregg St, Columbia, SC 29207

The dog park at Page Ellington Park (BullStreet District), located in Columbia, SC, is a fully-fenced area that includes shady benches and water for the pups. The rest of Page Ellington Park features running and walking paths, shelters, and a natural water habitat featuring a two-acre pond, and leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park.


Modern Companion Pet Boutique

508-B Lexington Ave, Chapin, SC 29036

Modern Companion is a community-driven lifestyle pet brand that creates and curates products for stylish pets and their humans.




Looking For a Place To Stay?


Sweet Thorne Solace- Mins to Lake Murray

When you're here at Sweet Thorne Solace, you'll feel right at home! Our split-level style home features four cozy bedrooms that can sleep up to 10 people. With 2.5 bathrooms, a full kitchen, laundry, and open-concept living spaces, you'll have everything you need for your stay in Columbia/Irmo! Irmo is located just off the shore of Lake Murray, which has public boat ramps less than 15 mins away!

Lake Murray Lookout-Private Dock, Kayak, Swimming

Mid-century meets shabby-chic at this eclectic three-bedroom Lake Murray home that sleeps up to 10 people. Outdoor relaxing and entertaining areas abound with the beautiful deck, dock, and views. Guests will have access to the 2 person's kayak, paddleboard, and life jackets. The Upper deck has lounges and an outdoor dining area, lower deck includes a grill and extra seating. Bring your boat or rent one across the channel at the Lake Murray Marina. The home also has a fully equipped kitchen and grill.

Opulent Octagonal Oasis-Spiral Stairs-Mins to Base

Let your inner child shine in this delightful octagonal home complete with a spiral staircase! Just minutes to Fort Jackson, restaurants, shops, and Sesquicentennial State Park, our four bedroom, 2 3/4 bath home is the perfect place to spend time with family and friends, whether you're visiting someone on base, spending time in the great outdoors at Sesqui, or enjoying all there is to do in Columbia.

The Bright Brick Beauty Great Back Deck & Yard

Going on vacation but still want that cozy feeling of being at home? Then this brick beauty is the perfect getaway home for you! The kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms are all fully furnished and complete with all amenities. Nestled in a beautiful neighborhood and conveniently located 10 minutes from Ft. Jackson and 15 minutes from the University of South Carolina. So whether you are visiting a loved one serving our country or reuniting with college friends to see a Gamecock victory, this home away from home can't be beaten!

The Garnet Goliath Columbias Biggest BnB Yard

HUGE, newly renovated 5 Bed, 3 Bath family home with 2 living areas - 5 mins to Ft Jackson and 15 mins to USC. Sleeps 12 people! House has a dine-in kitchen and plenty of space inside and out for your big family or group of friends, whether for military graduation or a football game. Hardwood floors, fireplace, washer and dryer, and fully equipped open concept kitchen-dining area! Huge fenced-in backyard perfect for children and pets to play! Pets allowed, pet fee required.


and MANY more! Follow this link to check out the rest of our properties in South Carolina https://patriotfamilyhomes.guestybookings.com/listings?city=Columbia





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