Columbia attractions

Columbia’s attractions are spread between a compact downtown and two substantial sites outside it.

Downtown holds the State House, free to tour on weekdays, the university Horseshoe, the Columbia Museum of Art and the state museum, and the historic house museums including the childhood home of Woodrow Wilson.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, just across the river, is ticketed and takes half a day; it is among the best-regarded zoos in the United States and has a botanical garden across a bridge.

Congaree National Park, about half an hour south-east, is free, has no entrance station and offers a boardwalk loop, longer trails and canoe routes.

Everything except downtown needs a car. Most museums close on Mondays, and the State House is closed at weekends.