Explore Columbia

Not taking classes and looking for other fun things to do during the day? Hungry but not sure where to go? This guide is for you!

Local Bites

DiPrato's: A popular spot for brunch

Drip Coffee: Strong coffee and good food

Carolina Café: Known for their bagels

Cool Beans: A cozy spot for coffee and sandwiches

Gourmet Shop: A fresh take on Southern favorites, also a specialty food store

Café Strudel: American cuisine, plus breakfast served all day

Bone-in: Columbia's newest, fancy BBQ spot

929 Kitchen and Bar: Modern Korean Food

Sure Fire: Tex-Mex with fresh tortillas

The Whig: Columbia's favorite dive bar, open till 1am

Menkoi Ramen: Japanese ramen and curry, open till 2:30am

Places to Explore

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

​500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210

South Carolina State Museum - ​The South Carolina State Museum is a state-of-the-art facility featuring four floors of permanent and changing exhibits, a digital dome planetarium, 4D interactive theater and an observatory.

301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201

Columbia Museum of Art - The Columbia Museum of Art is located in the heart of downtown Columbia, South Carolina, just blocks from the State Capitol building.

1515 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201

West Columbia Riverwalk - located right next to the Congaree river, the Riverwalk consists of plenty of shaded trails and a beautiful view and occasional music at the amphitheater.

West Columbia, SC 29169