If you’ve seen our Instagram lately, you know that we’re sort of famous for our sunsets. And if you’re lucky enough to catch these cotton candy skies when you’re visiting (and the chances are good), we want you to be in the right place at the right time. We’ve crafted a list of 10 places to watch the sunset in Columbia SC, so you can fully soak up the magic. You’ll want to bring your camera.

The Rooftop Lounge at the Sheraton Hotel

As Columbia’s first rooftop bar, the Sheraton has been serving up dirty martinis + sunset views for years now. We recommend grabbing a bite at Bourbon or Lula Drake, drinks and views at the Sheraton and topping the night off with a flick at the Nickelodeon Theatre. Date. Night. GOALS. 

Top of the State House Steps

We might be (a tad) biased, but we think the South Carolina State House is one of the most beautiful capital buildings…well, ever. Add a sorbet sunset over the charming Main Street district and you have Instagram-worthy gold. 

 

Lake Murray

Expanding across 55,000 acres, Lake Murray is the ultimate place to catch a Carolina sunset—and there’s more than one way to do it. Take a stroll over the 1.7-mile Lake Murray Dam. Hit the water with a sunset sail courtesy of Lanier Sailing Academy. Or, grab some bites with your sights at Liberty on the Lake. 

 

Parking Garages

Yep, you read that right. Pick a garage (we recommend Park or Taylor Streets, but any will do), drive or walk to the top and prepare to marvel at the killer view.

 

Riverwalks

Both downtown riverwalks—in West Columbia and Cayce—are perfect for a waterside stroll or dinner picnic. A colorful sunset over the water just significantly sweetens the deal. Might we recommend cocktails at 116 afterward?

 

Riverfront Park

Separating the Historic Columbia Canal and the Congaree River, Riverfront Park is popular with locals for jogging or strolling (pups welcome!). When the sun sets over the canal, it reflects on the water for an extra swoon-y experience.

 

Gervais Street Bridge

As one of Columbia’s most iconic landmarks, nothing puts us in our feels quicker than a drive or stroll over the Gervais Street Bridge as the sunset meets the downtown skyline. Just wait until you experience it for yourself—you’ll see. Trust us. 

 

The Berm at Spirit Communications Park

Corndogs, beer and all your besties on the Berm at Spirit Communications Park, watching the sun set over the 7thinning of the Fireflies game in the middle of August is classic Columbia SC. If you can’t make it during baseball season, the park is open year-round. 

 

Saluda Shoals Park

20 minutes from downtown Columbia, Saluda Shoals Park offers kayaking, strolling or sunset-viewing on the beautiful + vast Saluda River. Got a boat? The park has a boat ramp to make all your sunset cruise dreams come true.

 

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