Columbia is South Carolina’s capital city. The city is also the county seat of Richland County, but a small portion of it extends into Lexington County. Columbia is the state’s second-most populous city.
This city is an upscale urban city offering locals and visitors a fast-paced, progressive, and incredible place to explore. It is home to the South Carolina State House and many other impressive and eye-catching monuments in South Carolina.
Beneath the city’s bustling facade lies its expansive network of parks and various recreational areas that provide the people of Columbia with a much-needed space to let loose, unwind, and enjoy a good time.
Are you planning to visit Columbia? Here are the best parks in Columbia, SC.
Best Parks in Columbia, SC
1. Maxcy Gregg Park
Maxcy Gregg Park
For tourists looking to see how beautiful a park in Columbia, SC, can be, Maxcy Gregg Park is the right place to visit. This Park gives visitors a chance to experience the city’s natural beauty and rich history.
Maxcy Gregg Park has some historic sites, including the ruins of the Maxcy Gregg House, built in the early 1800s. The house was once home to Maxcy Gregg, a prominent politician.
The Park is an expansive 192 acres of lush forest with a trail running through it. Visitors can enjoy biking and hiking in the Park’s forest. They might come across animals living there.
Additionally, Maxcy Gregg Park hosts several festivals and events, including the Columbia Greek Festival and the Maxcy Gregg Park Arts Festival, which sees hundreds of thousands of people turn up to celebrate the rich Columbia arts heritage.
Address: Blossom St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States
2. Southeast Park
If you are looking for a park creatively designed for people to visit, relax, and have their minds refreshed while they reconnect with nature, then Southeast Park is the right place to visit.
Everything about this Park is amazing, as it exudes elegance, serenity, and peace with its appealing setup and riverfront view. Southeast Park is a favorite among anglers.
If you are down for a walk, the wooden trail built over the river will serve you just fine. If you want to read a book while enjoying the shade of a tree by the riverside, you will have a great time at Southeast Park.
Address: 951 Hazelwood Rd, Columbia, SC 29209, United States
3. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park stands out among the many parks in this city due to its historical significance to the city.
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park are home to historic sites, including the ruins of the old water treatment and electric generation works. Visitors can learn about the history of the Columbia Canal and its role in the city’s development at the Park’s interactive center.
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park presents various recreational opportunities for visitors to engage in, ranging from exploring the boat ramp to using the playground and having picnics.
The Park has shaded areas where parents usually rest while waiting for their kids. This attraction is undoubtedly one of the top parks in Columbia, SC.
Address: 312 Laurel St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States
4. West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater
West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater
West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater is a great place for anyone whose aim is to have fun and enjoy some me-time. There are a bunch of trees with colorful flowers adorning its garden, giving it a beautiful look.
As the name suggests, West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater is home to one of the biggest arenas in Columbia and South Carolina. This 1,000+-seat venue hosts a variety of concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year.
The Park’s location along the riverfront also makes it a popular spot for private and public celebrations.
Address: 109 Alexander Rd, West Columbia, SC 29169, United States
5. Granby Park
Granby Park
Granby Park is popular among the locals. This Park is a great place to have a romantic dinner date or a picnic with your soulmate.
The Park serves as a wonderful playground for children and adults looking to have so much fun while enjoying nature’s calming embrace.
If you are heading to Granby Park, it is best to visit the Park during the evenings so you can enjoy the cool evening breeze in the company of others. You will no doubt make new friends while at the Park.
Address: 100 Catawba Cir, Columbia, SC 29201, United States
6. Polo Road Park
Polo Road Park is an ultra-modern park with state-of-the-art amenities. It is a conducive place for all to visit, whether during holidays or on normal days.
The Park’s 163 acres encompass many attractions, including a recreation center, athletic fields, playgrounds, and walking trails that wound around the Park.
The Park recently underwent a major renovation, focusing on reducing its environmental impact and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for visitors of all ages.
The Park installed solar panels, converted its irrigation system to reclaimed water, and added several features to its facilities to make it eco-friendly.
The Park also has a state-of-the-art fitness center, gymnasium, and rooms for various programs and events. You will undoubtedly enjoy your time at Polo Road Park.
Address: 730 Polo Rd, Columbia, SC 29223, United States
7. Valencia Park
Valencia Park is the right place for you whenever you need some time to yourself or need to get some reading done. This Park is incredibly calm and peaceful.
Valencia Park contains a baseball field for a fun time and picnic tables for an amazing bonding time with loved ones.
It is conducive for kids and has a toddler-friendly playground with swings and slides. It also features restrooms.
Valencia Park is dog-friendly, so don’t hesitate to visit with your furry friends. It is open from dusk till dawn.
Address: 3744 Montgomery Ave, Columbia, SC 29205, United States
8. Rosewood Park
Rosewood Park’s centerpiece is its beautiful fountain, surrounded by a spacious lawn and benches. Visitors can relax in the shade of the trees or enjoy a picnic on the grass while listening to the sound of the water as it soothes their souls.
For those looking for more engaging activities, Rosewood Park has a playground equipped with swings, slides, and other toys, a basketball court, and a walking trail perfect for an evening walk.
In addition, the Park is home to the Rosewood Park Market and Publix, which has a variety of fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods for your dining pleasure.
Address: 901 S Holly St, Columbia, SC 29205, United States
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9. Earlewood Park
A compilation of the best parks in Columbia, SC, cannot be complete without mentioning Earlewood Park because it is one of the city’s most loved and most visited parks.
This local recreational space has served the people of Columbia as a place where they can have a wonderful family day, picnics, and various adventurous experiences without any cost, as the local parks commission fully maintains the Park.
You can play games like tennis, basketball, and volleyball on the Park’s courts, and for the kids, there is a playground that will keep them busy while you explore the Park.
Address: 1113 Recreation Dr, Columbia, SC 29203, United States
10. Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park
The word beautiful does not fully describe this Park; it is enchanting. Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park is a relaxation area that attracts many locals and guests from all over Columbia due to its beautiful, alluring appearance and vibe.
Elmwood Park is located on the banks of the Congaree River, and its 12 acres offer visitors breathtaking views of the water and the surrounding cityscape from a nice vantage point.
Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park is a popular spot for birdwatching, as it is home to various bird species. Visitors can also spot other wildlife in the Park, like the cute turtles that often surface from the river to find food on land.
Address: Abbeville St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States
11. Citadel Park
Citadel Park is a favorite park among locals. It is renowned among hikers for its trails. It has picnic tables, bench swings, and a covered gazebo for visitors to enjoy.
Citadel Park also has something for book lovers called “Little Free Library,” where you can grab a book for free and read it under one of its shaded spots. The park also has a green space commonly used for sports and events.
The Park features a playground for kids and adults. It has a T-Rex for kids to ride, swings, and slides. Citadel Park is undoubtedly one of the fun parks in Columbia, SC.
Address: 4941 Citadel Ave, Columbia, SC 29206, United States
12. Memorial Park
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Memorial Park
The most prominent monument in Memorial Park is the black granite wall, which bears the names of the 900 South Carolinians who died in the Vietnam War. The memorial is a moving tribute to these brave men and women and serves as a reminder of the high cost of war.
Memorial Park is also a beautiful place to gather for picnics, family get-togethers, and many other celebrations. The Serene nature of the Park makes it perfect for unwinding.
Address: 700 Hampton St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States
13. Emily Douglas Park
Emily Douglas is one of the fun parks in Columbia, SC. Its 2.5-acre ground is home to various amenities, such as a dog playground, a picnic area, and many towering oak trees that provide shade. The Park is safe for kids, as it is completely fenced.
Emily Douglas Park has two playgrounds. One is for kids below five years old. It features two slides, climbing structures, and a bridge. The other is for older kids. It has a large climbing structure, monkey bars, and a balance swing.
Another feature of this Park is its splash pad, which is great for cooling off on a hot day. The splash pad is usually open during summertime. The Park also has spray jets, one tall sprinkler, fountains, and a water slide to give your kids a wonderful time.
Address: 2500 Wheat St, Columbia, SC 29205, United States
14. Greenview Park
Greenview Park is an absolute vacation lover’s paradise, as this Park looks like something out of a fairytale novel. The Park has an enchanting appearance from afar, and upon a closer look, it looks even more alluring and magical.
There are many things to explore, from colorful swings to beautifully designed slides and other playthings in the playground. Whenever you feel a bit hot on a warm summer day, a pool is solely dedicated to helping you cool off.
At the same time, you can enjoy a drink or two in the company of other pool users. You can also engage in a game of water volleyball with others if you wish.
On days when taking a dip does not appeal to you, there are so many other activities you can take part in at this Park to make your day memorable and eventful.
Address: 6700 David St, Columbia, SC 29203, United States
15. Heathwood Park
Heathwood Park is one of the top parks in Columbia, SC. If you are a skater or a rollerskate fanatic, you will find this Park handy as it has a vast playground where you can easily practice your sick moves.
Bikers are not left out, too, as the Park has facilities to help everyone have fun as much as possible. You can take a trip on your roller skate, bike, or skateboard across the Park’s walkway as you feel the wind sweep past you.
Whatever you do, you are guaranteed a day of fun and excitement at Heathwood Park. So, pack a box and head to this amazing paradise of happiness.
Address: 800 Abelia Rd, Columbia, SC 29205, United States
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Plan Your Trip to Columbia
Visiting the parks in Columbia, SC, is as fun as therapeutic. Whenever you visit this city, ensure that you check out at least one of the parks on our list.
Columbia’s parks are worth the hype they get, and a visit will convince you. Do visit!