The City of Columbia South Carolina

As the capital of South Carolina, Columbia is a city rich with history.

Columbia was the home of Strong Thurman, the longest standing U.S. Senator in American History. There are numerous things for the entire family to see and do throughout the city. Whether you like visiting places important in history, enjoying the arts, playing or watching sports, attending festivals, or participating in outdoor activities, Columbia is the place for you. Please take a moment to see all Columbia has to offer!

Columbia Profile
Square Miles: 125.2 Square Miles
Population: 116,278 (2000 U.S. Census)
Counties: Richland County and Lexington County
Airports: Columbia Metropolitan and Columbia Owens Downtown

Things to do and see:
See a concert at the Colonial Center. an ice show at the Carolina Coliseum; a Broadway show at the Koger Center; a national dance touring company at The Township; a regatta at Lake Murray; a replica of a three ton white shark at the State Museum; historic homes from the 16th century; festivals, concerts and an amazing view at Finlay Park. Catch a theatrical production at one of Columbia's many theatres. Walk through the tallest trees on the East Coast in the Congaree National Park.

Tailgate at Williams-Brice Stadium as the University of South Carolina battles in Southeastern Conference football. Enjoy food from around the world at one of many festivals. Listen to one of music's hottest performers at the South Carolina State Fair and the annual Five-Points Music Festival. Play challenging golf courses. Visit Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden, consistently rated one of the nation's "10 Great Zoos." In short, Columbia really does have it all!

Sports and Recreation:
From Little League to the excitement of the Southeastern Conference sports… from nearby professional baseball, basketball, football and hockey, to some of the finest golf courses in the Southeast… from fishing to golf… Columbia is the place for you!

Home of the University of South Carolina Fighting Gamecocks, Columbia is the site of a full array of exciting Southeastern Conference sports. Columbia is also home to the Columbia Inferno – a professional hockey team and member of the East Coast Hockey League. Within easy driving distance for the professional sports enthusiast are the Atlanta and Charlotte teams for Major League Baseball, NFL and NBA excitement.

Columbia’s city parks offer tens of thousands of baseball and softball enthusiasts, tennis players and swimmers a chance to take an active part in sports in their community. Nearby lakes and rivers offer great challenges and rewards for those who enjoy the best boating, fishing, canoeing and kayaking around.