Vacation rentals in Columbia (SC)

Colombia, also known as “Cola” because of an age-old abbreviation, is the capital of South Carolina. It is strategically located in the center of the state next to two rivers with easy access to the highways which is why the capital was moved from Charleston. The State House has an interesting history worth investigating but its Greek Revival architecture and beautiful gardens are worth touring. This capital city has a friendly neighborhood vibe featuring family friendly activities and beautiful parks for recreation and observing nature. You’ll enjoy southern hospitality and especially the food and drinks. Several unusual interactive museums are also in store for your discovery.

Have a comfortable vacation South Carolina style with these beautiful spacious rentals. These listings are located right in the main area of Columbia with several scattered in the suburbs. Expect amenities like a fully equipped kitchen, large living room, flat screen TV and possibly even a garden. Many of the accommodations have a charming, homey feel with thoughtful touches. Enjoy a homemade breakfast on the patio or relax on the comfy sofa with a cup of Joe. These rentals are a step in the right direction toward having an epic, relaxing trip.

You will love your vacation in Colombia. Visit the Mast General Store housed in an original 1870s building featuring barrels of candy, toys, general merchandise, and delicious southern style food. Venture on a safari at the Riverbanks Zoo where Siberian Tigers roam and Komodo dragons run free. You’ll get to feed giraffes, zip line through nature and ride on the Spots and Stripes Railroad surrounded by botanical gardens in this huge park. Be sure to visit Frankie’s Fun Park where there’s mini golf, laser tag, batting cages and karting tracts.

Colombia is a foodie’s paradise! To get you started, The Whig features craft beer with generous portions. Try Pesto Feta Dip and Roasted Garlic Black Bean Hummus. Bourbon boasts awesome bourbon and cocktails with great steaks, jalapeño hush puppies and other goodies. Verde is a vegan’s paradise. Saluda’s at 5-Points offers homegrown veggies with a Southern Italian fusion. Hudson’s Smokehouse is famous for its awesome buffet and BBQ. For beer connoisseurs, the Hunter-Gatherer Brewery and Alehouse is a must. You will enjoy their impressive brewed on-site beers and ales with a full menu including pizza, salads and sandwiches.

Colombia was founded in 1786 but was burned down in 1865 during General Sherman’s Civil War victory. So, historical buildings are few in number. As proof, notice the five stars where cannonballs struck The State House during the Civil War. Nevertheless, the Historic Homes tour features Woody Wilson’s childhood home, Hampton Preston’s Mansion, Robert Mill’s House, and The Mann-Simmons-Site spanning collections from 1843-1970 of a single African American family. Colombia’s Museum of Art boasts an unusual thematic arrangement of pieces and The South Carolina State Museum has four awesome floors with an Observatory, Planetarium, 4-D theater, and many permanent and temporary exhibits.

Visit Congaree National Park home of the synchronized firefly display in the spring. There’s 9 hiking trails and 2 canoeing water trails as well as great fishing in Cedar Creek and Oxbow Lake. Harbison State Forest also boasts hiking, cycling, kayaking and canoeing on the Broad River but the landscapes are significantly different so it’s worth it to see both. The Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park was the site of the first textile mill to use hydroelectric power to operate what’s known as the Colombia Waterworks. You’ll enjoy walking through the mill and exploring its history. They say you can still see remnants of metal in the bricks.

Get quality time with your kids at the EdVenture Children’s Museum where Ed, a 40-foot plastic boy, awaits them. This statue was created so kids can climb on and explore inside the human body. They can fly in the flight simulator and invent things in the lab. Then interact with animals and climb on a fire engine all while learning things.

Get some walking exercise while rising to the challenge of the popular Art Walk, featuring interesting murals and Instagram spots for you to enjoy. It’s the perfect photo op while checking off murals from the online directory. Try to find them all!

A great way to relieve stress is to hit the dance floor. Check out the Art Bar with its first-rate vibe, excellent drinks, and live music. The Woody on Main Street boasts 7 years of dancing awards so if dancing is your thing this one is for you. Then chill out at Nightcaps featuring delicious food until 11PM, a pool table, and a friendly neighborhood bar vibe.

The Soda City Market dominates Main Street on Saturday mornings. You’ll find European delicacies and local fare in an electrifying atmosphere. The South Carolina State Farmer’s Market opens daily and offers cultural activities as well as the freshest locally grown produce.

This once in a lifetime opportunity takes place at The Marionette Theater located on Laurel Street in a quaint fairy tale style building surrounded by trees. The shows are performed by professional puppeteers re-enacting classic folk tales with a twist. Afterwards you’ll get a peek at the inner workings of the show. Visit the gift shop for the perfect marionette to start your own collection.