The only issue locals of Columbia run into is figuring how to spend their free time. Everything else is perfect here. There’s the age old story of feeling like there’s nothing to do throughout the many towns in the U.S., but it’s the opposite here. There’s so much to do here that you’ll have to pre-plan your weekends. Otherwise, you’ll spend the entire time trying to figure out what fun you are craving.

Fun isn’t the only king in Columbia as it shares its throne with the city’s charm. If you aren’t planning a move and just looking to spot by for the weekend, do yourself a favor and look at Columbia houses for sale anyways, even just to see how lovely the place is. Seeing see a few homes and trying out the local fun yourself, you might even think about becoming a resident.

Hampton-Preston Mansion

The locals are fully aware of the beauty of the area and it’s not lost on them just because they are used to seeing it every day. Not far from downtown, residents are able to see the Hampton-Preston Mansion and the gardens surrounding it. This is a perfect example of the charm you’ll only find in an area like this.

Registered as a National Historic Landmark, it offers visitors an amazing look at the life of those living during the antebellum period. The mansion’s interior is open to guests and fully packed with period pieces offering a true insight into what the times were like for those living in mansions like this and those enslaved to work on the grounds.

Congaree National Park

While charm is in no short supply, there’s nothing wrong with getting away from the downtown every so often. The best place locals go to do that is Congaree. It’s only around 30 minutes from the city so the drive there will never be a large part of your adventure. This is obviously perfect for the local hikers as there’s plenty of woods to explore but it’s also perfect for those looking to camp or kayak.

Plenty of fun can be had for those who love to see nature in all its glory. Different species of animals can be found in the National Park and even more exciting than that is the fact that it’s home to the largest area of old growth hardwood forest anywhere in the United States.

South Carolina State Museum

The only thing better than just living in a great state is having the opportunity to learn more about it. The residents of Columbia don’t have to leave town to get quite the education on how the state went from its inception to where it is in the current day. Right on the edge of the Congaree River sits the South Carolina State Museum, which is the largest museum anywhere in the state.  

Among its four floors, there’s plenty for locals and guests to explore. Its 70,000 piece collection covers subjects ranging from modern art and historical culture to the likes of science and technology. If you are just traveling through, make sure not to miss the main event, a full scale replica of a megalodon.