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+2Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Visit Columbia
Cooler temps and colorful trees set the stage for one of the most inviting times to experience Columbia. Swap the daily rush for streets lined with fiery foliage, sunny patios with room to linger and plenty of fresh air. This season has a way of showing off the city’s charm while keeping things refreshingly low-key.
Weekend Getaway Ideas
For the Outdoor Lovers
Start your morning with a stroll or bike ride along the Three Rivers Greenway (opens in a new tab). The crisp air and river views are every bit as good as the snapshots you’ll take. Just a short drive away, Congaree National Park (opens in a new tab) offers boardwalk trails and golden canopies that feel worlds apart from the city.
If you’re up for more, cast a line on Lake Murray (opens in a new tab) or the Saluda River (opens in a new tab), both local favorites for fishing. Or settle into Sesquicentennial State Park (opens in a new tab), where shaded sites, hiking trails and a quiet lake make it easy to soak up the fall season.
For the Foodies
Columbia’s dining scene doesn’t hold back when fall rolls in. Kick things off with a maple cold brew or pumpkin spice latte from Drip Coffee (opens in a new tab). Then head to Hunter-Gatherer Brewery at Curtiss-Wright Hangar (opens in a new tab), where craft beers are paired with wood-fired pizzas under soaring hangar ceilings.
Looking for a dinner spot that changes with the seasons? Motor Supply Co. Bistro (opens in a new tab) builds its rotating menu from fresh, local ingredients. And for wine lovers, the James Beard Award (opens in a new tab)-winning Lula Drake Wine Parlour (opens in a new tab) pairs curated pours with small plates, ideal for date night or catching up with friends.
For Families with Kids
Columbia makes family fun easy this time of year. Spend the day at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (opens in a new tab), where the cooler weather brings out the animals’ playful side. Or head to Clinton Sease Farm (opens in a new tab) for hayrides, a corn maze and the kind of pumpkin patch kids will remember.
If you’re here on a Saturday, don’t skip Soda City Market (opens in a new tab). It’s part farmers market, part street festival and all fun. Kids (of all ages) can taste fresh treats, dance along to live music and pick out goodies from local makers.
For Couples
Looking for a fall getaway with a little romance? Share tapas and wine under the string lights at Gervais & Vine (opens in a new tab) before strolling hand-in-hand through the galleries at the Columbia Museum of Art (opens in a new tab). Then catch a show at the Koger Center for the Arts (opens in a new tab). Home of Broadway in Columbia, there’s always a world-class lineup of productions to choose from.
Want to linger longer? Order seasonal cocktails by the rooftop firepit, and wrap up the night under autumn skies at Hendrix (opens in a new tab).
Where to Stay for a Fall Escape
Columbia’s hotels make it easy to feel right at home. In the heart of Main Street, Hotel Trundle (opens in a new tab) blends boutique style with Southern hospitality. (Pro tip: don’t miss their complimentary breakfast). Or check into Graduate Columbia (opens in a new tab), located right on the University of South Carolina campus and filled with playful, one-of-a-kind details that rally USC school spirit. Go Gamecocks! Whatever your style or budget, you’ll find a place to stay (opens in a new tab) that feels just right.
Don’t-Miss Events This Season
Fall weekends here come with a full lineup. Raise a glass at any of our numerous Oktoberfests (opens in a new tab) in the Soda City, where live music and local brews make it hard to be bored. Head to the South Carolina State Fair (opens in a new tab) for rides, treats and plenty of Southern deep-fried food. And for a dose of arts and holiday spirit, Vista Lights turns downtown into a glowing street party with gallery strolls, music and late-night shopping. Check the full events calendar (opens in a new tab) to see what’s happening while you’re in town — you’ll be glad you did.
