“This whole town feels like it’s listening to the river.” I thought that while walking the shaded stretch of the West Columbia Riverwalk Park, where the sound of the Congaree flowed just loud enough to hush everything else. I’d come to West Columbia without an itinerary—just a list of places, some time to explore, and the hope that the day would unfold with ease. It did. This is a place where art pops up in unexpected corners, where the food is quietly spectacular, and where even the bridges have stories to tell.
Top Attractions in West Columbia, South Carolina
West Columbia Riverwalk Park & Congaree River
I started with the Riverwalk Park, early enough that the dew hadn’t burned off the wooden boardwalks yet. Runners passed me with soft nods. A dog trotted by with wet paws and zero regrets. I followed the trail along the Congaree River, where the water curled past tree roots and stone outcrops like it had somewhere to be. The air smelled like wet bark and morning mist. I paused at one of the overlooks and thought, “This is the kind of calm I didn’t know I needed.”
Meeting Street Artisan Market
From there, I walked to the Meeting Street Artisan Market. Local vendors had set up under tents—handmade candles, pottery, jars of pickled okra, knitted things in every shade of blue. A woman selling sourdough let me try a piece of olive bread so fresh it was still warm in the center. “I would come here every Saturday if I lived nearby,” I thought, tucking a small jar of honey into my bag like a treasure.
Carraway Children’s Park
I made a brief stop at Carraway Children’s Park, not because I had kids with me, but because I wanted to see what all the color and laughter was about. It’s an inclusive playground—designed for all abilities—with winding paths, bright structures, and benches where parents sipped iced coffee and traded quiet glances. There was something lovely about it: a pocket of energy and joy set just a little apart from the rest of town. “Every city should have one of these,” I thought.
State Street District & Gervais Street Bridge
I wandered into the State Street District next, where historic storefronts meet funky cafés, galleries, and public art. Murals brightened the alley walls. A jazz trio played on a patio while a couple danced barefoot on the sidewalk like no one was watching. I grabbed a cold brew and walked up toward the iconic Gervais Street Bridge—a Beaux Arts beauty that arches over the Congaree with curved symmetry. Walking across it gave me that satisfying feeling of being part of both city and scene, like I’d stepped into a postcard with movement.
Lunch at Terra
When hunger called, I made my way to Terra, a restaurant I’d heard about from nearly everyone I talked to. It smelled amazing the second I stepped in—smoky, buttery, something roasted. I ordered the duck confit pizza and a glass of cab franc. The crust was thin and crisp with that perfect wood-fired char, and the duck was rich without being too much. The fig jam gave it just a whisper of sweetness. “I might dream about this pizza,” I said to no one, savoring every bite. I finished with a chocolate tart and a final sip of wine, the kind of dessert you try to stretch out because you don’t want the meal—or the moment—to end.
New Brookland Tavern
To round out the day, I wandered over to New Brookland Tavern. The show hadn’t started yet, but the vibe was already there—band stickers on the walls, the faint thrum of a soundcheck, people in band tees leaning on pool tables. It’s a place that still believes in dive bars and guitar feedback and music you can feel in your chest. “I haven’t been in a place like this in years,” I thought, smiling as the first chords shook the floorboards.
West Columbia At a Glance
- Drive Time from Columbia, SC: ~10 minutes across the river
- Vibe: Relaxed, creative, river-wrapped and walkable
- Highlights: Riverwalk, live music, artisan markets, destination dining, family parks
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for markets, events, and riverside walking
- Cost: Mostly affordable; Terra is mid- to high-end but worth every bite
- Hours: Market on Saturdays; Riverwalk open daily; New Brookland shows vary nightly
- Address Base: Start at Riverwalk Park and work your way up Meeting Street and into State Street District
Travel Tips: Best Time to Visit
I recommend visiting in the spring or fall—that’s when the weather’s mild and the flowers are blooming. You’ll enjoy sunny riverside walks, patio brunches, and easy afternoons exploring. I’ve spent many spring weekends here, and you’ll see why once you do the same.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: I usually hop on I-26 or I-20—it’s just minutes from downtown Columbia. You’ll find it super easy to reach by highway.
- By Air: I fly into Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) when I want to save time. You’ll be in West Columbia in about 10 minutes—it couldn’t be more convenient.
- By Bus: I’ve used the COMET public transit system before to get around. You can ride between West Columbia and downtown easily, which makes exploring simple and stress-free.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Trundle (Downtown Columbia) – I love this boutique spot for its colorful charm and artsy feel. You’ll be close to the riverwalk and downtown too—it’s my top pick for a stylish stay.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbia Airport – When I’m looking for a comfy, no-fuss stay near the airport, this is my go-to. You’ll find it clean, modern, and super convenient.
- Aloft Columbia Downtown – I’ve stayed here when I wanted to be right in the middle of the action. You’ll enjoy the modern design and easy access to everything on both sides of the river.
Final Thoughts
West Columbia doesn’t shout for your attention—it earns it with every step. It’s the kind of place that feels both like a hidden gem and a neighborhood that knows exactly what it’s doing. Whether you’re eating duck pizza, standing under Spanish moss by the river, or watching a local band warm up, everything here moves with purpose. I left with honey in my bag, a song in my head, and the kind of peace that only happens when a place surprises you in all the right ways.
Jump to a Spot...