Columbia

Among the many interesting places in South Carolina is the city of Columbia. The city has some of the most amazing beaches, hill stations, valleys and tropical climate. Every year, hundreds of tourists throng the city for various adventure trips in the hills.

Apart from adventure and nature, Columbia has a very deep and rich history that is aptly shown through a large number of museums spread throughout the city. For civilian and military history, places like Fort Jackson and South Carolina State Museum are like a heaven on Earth for visitors. For those who have a taste in classical art, the best spot to visit is the Columbia Museum of Art. It has classic paintings on Renaissance and rare glass art. 


Apart from them, wildlife enthusiasts and children love the animals put on display in the Riverbanks Zoo, along the bank of River Saluda. Even though the zoo is relatively small in size, it has some of the rarest species from all around the world like Australian Gold Coast koala and gorillas. One can cover all the sections of the zoo on foot and children under two are admitted free of charge. 


The best part is the city does not look like a concrete jungle as it has three perennial rivers flowing through it giving it a nickname of The River City. Saluda, Broad and Congaree rivers provide lots of space and scope for water sports, the experiences of which are unique to the place. For kayaking, a special stretch between north-end of Columbia Riverbanks Zoo and River Saluda is reserved. This water sports zone is an all-time favourite with the locals.


Citizens of Columbia are proud of the vast open gardens the city offers. Some of these gardens are home to rare breeds of exotic flowering plants. Most prominent example of such gardens is Hampton – Preston. You will be even mesmerized by the buildings there, which were the earliest ones to be built there. 


The ultimate highlight of the city is the St. Patrick’s Day Festival which is celebrated with a lot of pomp, show and parades.