Columbia: The Capital City of South Carolina

Columbia is the capital city of South Carolina, United States, situated on the banks of the Congaree River, which is formed by the Broad River and the Saluda River. Located in the Midlands region of the state, the city has a few nicknames, such as River City, Cola, and Soda City. It is one of the most populous cities in South Carolina and serves as the seat of Richland County. The city is served by several important highways, including U.S. Routes 1, 76, 321, and 378, as well as Interstates 20, 26, and 77. Columbia Metropolitan Airport is located to the southwest of the city. Charlotte, North Carolina, can be found about 94 miles north of Columbia.

Downtown Columbia includes the city’s central business district. It is also home to the South Carolina State House and the Capitol Center. Columbia is an educational hub of the region and is home to the University of South Carolina, a public research university founded in 1801. It is the largest higher educational establishment in the state and is known for housing the largest Ernest Hemingway collection in the world. The city is also an economic center of the state, providing numerous job opportunities in various fields. It is home to many manufacturers and companies, including the headquarters of Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company.

Top Attractions in Columbia, South Carolina

• The South Carolina State House, located at 1100 Gervais Street (34.0000798, -81.0331757), was built in 1855 and designed by John R. Niernsee in the Classical Revival style. It has been listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places since 1970 and is also a U.S. National Historic Landmark. This historic building houses government offices.
• Williams–Brice Stadium, located at 1174 George Rogers Boulevard (33.9730852, -81.0194134), was formerly known as Columbia Municipal Stadium and Carolina Stadium. Opened on October 6, 1934, the stadium is home to the South Carolina Gamecocks (NCAA) and has a capacity of over 77,000 seats. The stadium was one of the campaign stops of Barack Obama in 2007, attracting approximately 29,000 people.
• The Seibels House is one of the historic buildings in Columbia. Built in the 1790s in the Georgian style, it is situated at 1601 Richland Street (34.0128658, -81.0312413). It was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on May 6, 1971.
• The Columbia Museum of Art, located at 1515 Main Street (34.005804, -81.0364504), is among the major attractions in the city. It has an extensive collection that includes works by Evelyn De Morgan, Sandro Botticelli, Salvatore Rosa, Giovanni Canaletto, Joshua Reynolds, Claude Monet, and Francesco Parmigianino.
• The South Carolina State Museum at 301 Gervais Street (33.9990418, -81.0485315) is located in the former Columbia Mills Building, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It is the state’s largest museum and features exhibits on history, art, technology, and nature.
• EdVenture, located at 211 Gervais Street (33.9971606, -81.0482129), is the largest children’s museum in the Southeast region of the United States. Founded on November 8, 2003, it has eight galleries and over 350 hands-on exhibits. It is one of the most popular destinations for families with children.
• Finlay Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the city of Columbia. It is located at 930 Laurel Street (34.0077141, -81.0412678) in the Arsenal Hill neighborhood. The park features a waterfall, a lake, and playgrounds, and it is the city’s largest and most popular park.
• Robert Mills House and Gardens, located at 1616 Blanding Street (34.0095605, -81.0290197), is a 19th-century house open for tours. It is a U.S. National Historic Landmark and was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on July 16, 1970. Designed by Robert Mills in 1823, it features antique décor and beautiful gardens.