Columbia is an underrated city in South Carolina with so many fun and enjoyable things for couples to do! There are plenty of outdoor activities for the couples who like to stay fit together, like taking a bike ride through Saluda Shoals Park in Seven Oaks or kayaking on the Saluda Riverwalk. For a more unusual activity, you can check out axe throwing at Craft Ax Throwing. It’s so much fun and you can grab drinks at the bar after your axe-throwing game. These are just several of our staff’s favorite fun things to do in Columbia SC for couples! Don’t fret though, this list is just getting started!
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is open year-round, and it’s the perfect place to spend a day with your loved one. There’s a ton to do here, including visiting the elephants, tigers, lions and alligators. There are also interactive exhibits, so you can feed some monkeys from an overhead platform or watch sea otters play in their pool. You can also take photos with zebras at the photo booth, ride on an old-fashioned train through the park or go on a scavenger hunt together.
Columbia Museum Of Art
For one of the more cultural things to do in Columbia SC for couples, visit The Columbia Museum Of Art. You will discover a fine collection of artwork as you walk around the galleries with interpreters on hand to give you information.
Melton Memorial Observatory
Stargazing At Melton Memorial Observatory is a romantic idea for a Monday night from 9 pm to 10 pm if the evening is clear. If the weather isn’t good, you can still be starry-eyed over dinner at Villa Tronco Italian Restaurant. This spot is serving up delicious antipasti, salads, pizzas, pasta and dessert, you can have a leisurely and romantic meal.
Hand & Stone
For the ultimate date night, you should start with a couples massage at Hand and Stone. You will bond while getting into a blissful state of relaxation.
Skateland Fun Center
When it comes to fun things for couples to do in Columbia SC, it doesn’t get better than going skating at Skateland Fun Center! Does it get better than holding hands and zooming around the rink? You can also enjoy regular stops for snacks and photos! Such a simple yet special time spent together.
Let’s Cook Culinary Studio
Let’s Cook Culinary Studio has group and private classes so you can learn to create some new dishes together. Professional chefs passionate about all things food will teach you how to make signature dishes you can recreate at home.
Soda City Market
Looking for something different when it comes to fun things to do in Columbia SC for couples? Well, go on a shopping spree at Soda City Market, where you can find all kinds of items, including artisan crafts and fashion. Everything is made or grown by the vendors, so you are supporting local businesses as you shop.
Get Outside In Columbia
Outdoor activities in the South Carolina Midlands are abundant. Columbia, South Carolina has all kinds of opportunities include hiking, biking and kayaking. The city has many parks with picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. One of the best is Sesquicentennial State Park, with the FEMA bridge on the Loop Trail that is not to be missed. The 100-foot-long aluminum bridge spanning Jackson Creek is a great place to admire the views and get photos. The two-mile Sandhills Trail is a scenic, easy and flat walk if you are short on time.
River Rat Brewery
Grab a beer at River Rat Brewery downtown on Shop Road. River Rat offers an extensive menu that includes everything from burgers and sandwiches to tacos (with gluten-free options available) served alongside its signature craft brews like “Sudsaholic” IPA or “Ragin’ Red” Irish Red Ale. Tours last about an hour, with self-guided tours available too.
What Is Beer Yoga????
It may sound weird but don’t knock it until you try it. Beer Yoga with Good Company Yoga is a creative concept that allows you to practice yoga with sips of beer as you go. For those partners looking to do some thing entertaining and healthy, this ranks high on the best things to do in Columbia SC for couples!
Let’s Roam
Another quirky couples activity is an interactive scavenger hunt with Let’s Roam. Go on a double date and see whose team works together best.
Drinks and Pinball…what a fun date!
Play pinball and drink craft cocktails at Bang Back Pinball Lounge!
We hope you enjoyed these fun and unique things to do in Columbia, SC! The city has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike, whether enjoying the outdoors, seeing live theater, or brewery tours. So the next time you’re in town, check out some of our recommendations.