Attractions Nearby Columbia, Day Trips and Excursions

(Columbia, South Carolina - SC, USA)

The state of South Carolina is to be found between North Carolina (north) and Georgia (south), with this southeasterly region of the United States of America being rich in attractions and southern charm. Columbia is particularly close to the attractions of Forest Acres, Irmo, Lexington, South Congaree and Winnsboro, all of which are ideal for day trips.

Further afield, head out of Columbia, across the state border and into Georgia to enjoy the attractions of Atlanta, Augusta and Savannah, amongst other tourist-friendly cities. If you are based in Columbia and fancy exploring the best that North Carolina has to offer, then Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Durham, Greensboro and Raleigh all make for popular excursions.

Atlanta

Address: Georgia GA
Atlanta is a true metropolis in every sense of the word, and is located just 220 miles / 354 km to the west of Columbia. Excursions and weekend getaways to Atlanta are well worth considering, since the tourist attractions here are of an exceptional caliber. Atlanta is very much favored by families, who flock here to spend time at the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola Atlanta, and at Zoo Atlanta. There are also no less than three Six Flags amusement parks to choose from in the city - the American Adventure, Whitewater and Six Flags Over Georgia.

Augusta

For many, Augusta is the golfing capital of the world, since it is here where every April, thousands arrive to observe the prestigious golfing tournament known simply 'The Masters'. Apart from the golf, tourists are also drawn to the attractive Riverwalk alongside the Savannah River, the National Science Center's Fort Discovery, and to the Morris Museum of Art. Those traveling to Augusta from Columbia will find this city situated approximately 71 miles / 114 km to the southwest.

Charlotte

Address: North Carolina (NC)
The biggest city in the whole of the North Carolina state, Charlotte can be found 95 miles / 153 km to the north of Columbia. Charlotte is often referred to by locals as the 'Queen City' and is an extremely appealing tourist destination. The leading attractions in Charlotte include the Paramount's Carowinds theme park, the Lowe's Motor Speedway, the Carolina Raptor Center, the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite, the Charlotte Museum of History and the Mint Museum of Art.

Durham

Address: North Carolina (NC)
The fortunes of Durham took a turn for the better in the late 19th century, when the Duke family's American Tobacco Company began to bring considerable wealth to the city. Many of the attractions in Durham were created as a result of donations by the Dukes, such as the esteemed Duke University, the beautifully landscaped Sarah P. Duke Gardens, and the majestic Duke Chapel. Durham lies some 230 miles / 370 km to the northeast of Columbia and is close to Raleigh.

Forest Acres

Forest Acres is sited a mere 7 miles / 11 km to the east and is a small town, with a population of just over 10,000 residents. Part of the metropolitan area, Forest Acres is nestled amongst pine trees and other mature trees, and exudes a friendly small town feel, with local shops and historic churches.

Greensboro

Address: North Carolina (NC)
Greensboro is well-known for being the city where the first ever Civil Rights sit-in took place in 1960. At around 184 miles / 296 km to the northeast of Columbia, a day trip to Greensboro may be out of the question, but if you are heading in this direction, do consider stopping off and visiting the Greensboro Historical Museum. If you are traveling here as a family, then both the Greensboro Children's Museum and the Wet N' Wild Emerald Pointe Theme Park will possibly be of interest.

Irmo

A small town appealing to day trippers, Irmo stands just 12 miles / 19 km away and to the northwest of Columbia. The main highlight of Irmo is the annual Okra Strut Festival. This popular event dates back to 1973 and takes place each year in September, drawing large crowds of more than 40,000 people - from South Carolina and beyond.

Knoxville

Address: Tennessee TN
Once the territorial capital of Tennessee, Knoxville is the location of the main campus of the University of Tennessee and is roughly 262 miles / 422 km to the northwest of Columbia. A number of the attractions within Knoxville date from the early 1980s, when the city played host to the prestigious World Fair - the Sunsphere Tower is one such remaining structure and boasts superb city views from its observation areas at the very top.

Lexington

A nearby town located only 14 miles / 23 km to the west of Columbia, Lexington lies in Lexington County and enjoys the prestigious title of county seat. Lexington is a historic town established in the 1780s and although attractions here are hardly plentiful, it is well worth making the short journey to check out the Lexington County Museum.

Raleigh

Address: North Carolina (NC)
Part of the North Carolina 'Triangle', Raleigh is the state capital and is known for its high concentration of mature oak trees, being around 220 miles / 354 km to the northeast of Columbia. Raleigh is home to more than its fair share of attractions and sights, with the State Capitol building being an especially handsome landmark, while the North Carolina State University campus is also worth mentioning. Museum lovers will admire Raleigh's cultural offerings and should consider visiting both the North Carolina Museum of History and the North Carolina Museum of Art.

Savannah

Address: Georgia GA
Savannah can be found 158 miles / 254 km to the south of Columbia, in the neighboring state of Georgia, and is set alongside the Savannah River. Very much a city steeped in tradition and history, Savannah was actually founded almost 300 years ago and is therefore often of great interest to tourists. The main attractions are scattered within the Savannah Historic District - a large rectangular area bordered by East Broad Street, Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Forsyth Park and the river. When you arrive in the city, the Savannah History Museum at the Visitors Center is always a sensible first port of call.

South Congaree

A tiny town in Lexington County, South Congaree lies approximately 11 miles / 18 km to the southwest, where it is considered to be a part of the 'Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area'. There is little in the way of attractions in South Congaree, although the Congaree National Park is just a short drive to the southeast and offers a good choice of trails, as well as seasonal canoeing and camping.

Winnsboro

At 28 miles / 45 km to the north of Columbia, Winnsboro is a small and friendly South Carolina town. Winnsboro stands in Fairfield County, where it is the county seat, and was established as far back as the late 18th century. The White Oak Historic District is a particular highlight in Winnsboro.