Columbia, South Carolina, is a peaceful historic city offering plenty of opportunities for adventure, shopping, sports, and cultural indulgence. Many of these activities can be enjoyed without having to spend a dime. Yes, that’s right! If you are hoping to enjoy a budget-friendly trip through the city, here are some of the top free things to do in Columbia SC:
Blythewood Farmers Market
Spend the day shopping locally at the Blythewood Farmers Market , which is open spring through fall in Doko Meadows Park and has free parking. Even if you do not want to make a purchase, you will have plenty of fun walking amongst the local farmers, artisans, crafters, bakers, and other small businesses. The market also has food, live music, and special promotional events throughout the year. Most popular is their free wine tastings held every third Wednesday, a great way to spend a romantic day for two!
African-American History Monument
The African-American History Monument, located near the SC State House in Columbia, is a beautiful tribute to the history of African Americans and their many contributions. Sculptor Ed Dwight modeled this monument expertly to recapture the rich history of African Americans. It is one of the most recommended free things to do in Columbia SC for history lovers.
The monument gestures a chronological arrangement of 12 panels spread out in a semicircular arrangement. Each panel depicts the history of Africans and African Americans’ struggle for civil rights and contemporary achievements, beginning from their unjust enslavement in their homelands. Take some time out of your day to visit this monument and learn about the history of your state.
Columbia Museum of Art
The Columbia Museum of Art is considered a gem for art enthusiasts. It is a premier international art museum housing a world-class collection of European and American art pieces. Located in the downtown historic district, it celebrates artistic creativity through its creative collections, exhibitions, and programs.
Generally, admission to the museum is not free, but exceptions exist. CMA members get free admissions alongside discounts on events and merchandise. For those who aren’t members, you can get free admissions every first Thursday (however, this does not apply to group tours).
Columbia’s Riverwalk
The Columbia River Walk is an eight-foot-wide concrete walkway that takes you along the pristine Congaree River in Western Columbia. Traveling under two bridges offers fantastic views of the Congaree River. Bring along your family for a free walk overlooking its waters. Settle onto the nearby picnic tables and enjoy a packed lunch. Once you are done, you can step close to the Congaree River and dip your toes in its cooling waters.
There are also plenty of onsite art sculptures and a picturesque outdoor amphitheater space where you can snap some pictures from your trip.
Explore Main Street
The Main Street District is a vibrant neighborhood in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. Take a tour of this neighborhood and its many historic houses, gardens, unique shops, and restaurants serving mouthwatering foods. The neighborhood boasts stunning architectural pieces, public art installations, and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks where visitors from near and far come for a walk. Year-round, the city hosts several events here that you can attend, including the Soda City Market, Columbia’s Greek Festival, and the Indie Grits Festival.
You will find several free guided and self-guided tours that offer a glimpse into the architecture and history of this vibrant city corner. Exploring the area is one of the must-do free things to do in Columbia SC.
First Thursdays on Main
If you want a taste of the best of Columbia’s art and culture scene, don’t miss out on this cultural feast. This event runs on the first Thursday of every month, celebrating Columbia’s artists since it started in 2009. The event covers 1200 to 1700 blocks of Main Street and features musical acts, artistic displays, live performances, food and drinks, and much more.
The event is meant to strengthen the creative culture of downtown Columbia while putting the spotlight on local artists, musicians, and small businesses, perfect for any purveyor of the arts to enjoy!
The State House Tour
Spend the day exploring nature and history at the State Capitol Complex of Columbia. The State House sits over 18 acres of landscaped land in downtown Columbia. Several guided and self-guided tours of the State House are available throughout the year. Most tours are free, so you won’t have to spend a penny on this adventure.
The State House has many beautiful gardens within and houses exquisite marble architecture, beautiful portraits hung over walls, a water fountain, a gift store, and more. The tour guides will talk you through the house’s incredible history, art, and architecture.
Columbia Fire Museum
The Columbia Fire Museum commemorates the rich history of South Carolina’s largest fire department. The museum is located at the downtown Fire Department headquarters and offers free entry to its visitors. Here, you will find several artifacts dating back to the mid-1800s, including firefighting equipment, historic pictures of firefighters in action, and an interactive one-room exhibit that honors the firefighters who have served the country.
As for timings, the museum is open weekdays from 8:30 AM to 5 PM and on weekends by appointment. It is one of the top things to do with kids in Columbia SC.
Congaree National Park
Spread over 26,000 acres of land in South Carolina’s state capital, Congaree National Park is well-known for its remarkable biodiversity. The park features large portions of hardwood forest, with flowing waters of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers. It is also home to a variety of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, including alligators (only in the deeper parts of the Congaree River – no cause for alarm).
You can also explore the natural wildlife of Columbia, go biking or hiking across the 25 miles of its marked trails, enjoy kayaking or canoeing in the waters, or even stay at the park’s designated campsites. It is undoubtedly one of the top free things to do in Columbia SC.
Riverfront Park
The Riverfront Park is a 167-acre park located at the center of downtown Columbia at 312 Laurel Street. The park’s highlight is its 2.5-mile trail that takes you between the Broad River and Columbia Canal. Enjoy a free tour of the park, and walk across this paved trail to enjoy incredible river views. This section of the park is also popular among local joggers and bikers, so you will likely have company.
The park further houses a beautiful outdoor brick amphitheater that is worth taking a look at. Benches and picnic tables also grace the park, should you choose to bring along a packed lunch.
Soda City Market
Soda City is the title granted to Columbia, not for any brand of soda they manufacture, but rather it stems from an old abbreviation of Columbia – “Cola.” The city’s weekly Main Street event,Soda City Market, is held every Saturday morning, year-round, rain or shine!
The market allows Columbia’s local vendors to come and share their season’s produce, antiquities, handicrafts, art pieces, food and drink, and more. Over 400 unique vendors share their artworks and produce throughout the year. Parking is free, and so is the entrance to the weekly event! It is simply one of the top things to do in Columbia SC for couples.
Lake Murray Dam
Lake Murray Dam is a 48,000-acre man-made reservoir built to supply hydroelectric power; it is now a popular tourist attraction. The lake is a hotspot for those who enjoy waterfront activities, including scuba diving, paddleboarding, swimming, boating, and kayaking. You can also walk along the Lake Murray Pedestrian Walkway, a 1.7-mile path offering stunning views of the lake in all its glory. It is one of the most recommended things to do in Columbia SC with kids.
The lake is open year-round for visitations, and entry is generally free, but it will cost you $5 starting from April till Labor Day.
South Carolina Military Museum
Explore one of the premier National Guard museums across the country. The South Carolina Military Museum was built to preserve the state’s rich military history. You can tour their three interactive galleries, offering an up-close look at the historic firearms, uniforms, artillery, vehicles, equipment, and more that date back to the 1670s when the first militias were formed. Admission to the museum is free for all. You can choose to go on a self-guided tour or explore a guided tour through the museum. It is one of the top fun things to do in Columbia SC for free.
Cayce’s Riverwalk
The Cayce’s Riverwalk is a 12-mile walkway that overlooks the mesmerizing Congaree River. It is perfect for those who wish to go walking, jogging, bicycling, bird watching, or those who simply want to enjoy the natural beauty of the riverfront. You will also find plenty of shaded areas with benches and picnic tables to relax. Public art by local artisans, including hand-carved wooden animal sculptures, is also displayed in a beautification effort. Residents and visitors can enjoy free parking and free entrance.
Harbison Neighborhood Trails
The Harbison Neighborhood Trail is an 11-mile pathway that connects sections of the Harbison State Forest. People frequent the trailways for biking, walking, and jogging daily. The series of paved trails is a great way to explore Columbia’s wildlife beauty while burning some calories along the way. The Harbison State Forest covers over 2,000 acres of forestland just 9 miles from the capital city center. Mixed pine and hardwood trees form the forest canopy, within which lie cascading streams and winding trails. Visiting the trail is one of the top fun things to do in Columbia SC
Congaree Vista
The Congaree Vista sits on the banks of the Congaree River and is one of the most vibrant arts, dining, and entertainment districts. The neighborhood covers Assembly Street all the way to the Congaree River, hence granting it the name. It boasts over 60 art galleries, 45 restaurants and bars, specialty shops, and plenty of entertainment options to explore. If you are hoping to catch some outdoor fun, you can check out the shorelines of the Congaree River or go kayaking along its waters.
Free Things to Do in Columbia: Final Thoughts
Columbia is a gem of a city for exploration. Whether you want to have a day of enjoyment indoors or outdoors, there is plenty to do. Many of these activities are possible year-round and are completely free things to do in Columbia SC!
