Top 6 Attractions in Columbia

Popular Columbia sights and tourist spots

• 1 Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

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  Located in Columbia County, South Carolina is the 69-hectare Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, an all-in-one botanical garden, aquarium, and zoo. Riverbanks averages 1,000,000 visits annually, making it the state's biggest gated attraction.
  
  The Riverbanks Zoo serves as home to about 3000 species of fishes, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Newest inclusions in the zoo include a collection of Koalas, Gorillas, and African Elephants ...

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• 2 Saluda Shoals Park

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  Located along the Saluda River is the Saluda Shoals Park, a haven for people who wish to commune with the different elements of the environment. This 400-acre South Carolina natural park features a wide array of amenities which continue to attract thousands and thousands of visitors.
  
  Saluda Shoals Park features River Observation Deck, where people can revel in the picturesque riverside view. There are also Picnic Shelters where friends can eat amidst the beauty of the park ...

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• 3 South Carolina State Museum

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  The South Carolina State Museum is deemed as the biggest museum in the southeastern part of the United States. The museum is located by the Congaree River, in Columbia, South Carolina. It has been in existence even before the Civil War began, and thus chronicles much of the lifestyle and history of the great state of South Carolina.
  
  The South Carolina State Museum first opened its doors in October 29, 1988 ...

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• 4 South Carolina State House

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  The South Carolina State House is where the government officials of South Carolina hold their offices. The state house is located at the corner of Gervais and Assembly Streets, in Columbia City, and occupies about 12,000 square meters of space. Officials housed in the "Greek revival" style building are the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the state's General assembly.
  
  The state house's first architect was P ...

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• 5 Kensington Mansion

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  The Kensington Mansion is located at the Headquarters Plantation by the Wateree River in Richland County, South Carolina. The mansion was built in 1854 through the efforts of Matthew Richard Singleton. The mansion was placed across the Singleton family's property in the county of Sumter. Kensington Mansion was designed by Francis D. Lee and Edward C. Jones architects based in Charleston County. The mansion boasts 12,000 square feet of space and 29 spacious rooms ...

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• 6 Confederate Military Museum

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  The South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, also called the Confederate Military Museum, was established in 1896. Considered as the third oldest museum in South Carolina, it serves as the repository of the state's military artifacts from the colonial era to present times.
  
  The South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum was previously located at the South Carolina State House, but was transferred to the War Memorial Building near the University of South Carolina during the middle of the 20th century ...

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