It’s summertime in Columbia! And given that the temperatures like to make themselves known, we’re all about keeping it cool. A summer day here moves between water, shade and air conditioning, with plenty of reasons to pause along the way. Look around for a moment, and you get the feeling that locals have this down to a science. We’ve mapped it all out for you below with a summer guide to beating the heat in the Heart of SC.
Cool Off on the Water
This is where it all begins. On the banks of the Congaree, Saluda and Broad Rivers, summer days are made for tubing or paddling and letting the steady movement and tree cover do their thing. The natural chill of the water makes these rivers a refreshing escape, and outfitters like Palmetto Outdoors make it easy to jump in and go.
Lake Murray offers space to swim, float or stretch out along the shoreline. You can even captain your own boat with rentals from Better Boating Rental or Aqua Fun Boat Rentals and Tours. Closer to town, Sesquicentennial State Park gives you a 30-acre lake to explore, along with paddle boats, shaded picnic areas and a splash pad for families.
The expanding Three Rivers Greenway also provides easy river access in several spots, along with ADA-accessible paths that make it simple to pause and cool off along the way.
Escape the Heat at Columbia’s Top Attractions
Spend a few hours inside the South Carolina State Museum or Columbia Museum of Art, where rotating exhibits and thoughtful collections offer a change of pace from the sun. For something more active, EdVenture Children’s Museum gives kids room to move while staying cool. Plus, they get a chance to meet Eddie, the world’s largest 10-year-old.
You would be remiss in not making time for Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, where shaded pathways and water features help keep you comfortable even on warmer days.
Beat the Heat with Local Food & Frozen Treats
In Columbia, staying cool often comes down to timing. Plan for something cold between activities, like an iced coffee from Azalea Coffee Bar, a healthy smoothie from Tasty as Fit or a quick ice cream break at Sweet Cream Company. These small pauses add up during peak afternoon heat and help you keep the day moving.
When it’s time for a meal, opt for shaded dining during the hottest part of the day. GatherCOLA food hall has covered and shaded seating and a range of food options all in one stop, perfect for families or groups. Looking to grab a cold beverage while still enjoying the shade? Jake’s Bar & Grill is a local favorite, and it’s dog-friendly too! You can’t go wrong in our local food scene.
Sip & Chill at Local Breweries & Wine Spots
When the heat peaks, follow the locals to a brewery and grab a cold one. Order your favorite craft brew at Steel Hands Distilling and Brewing or Savage Craft Ale Works, where spacious interiors and outdoor shade make it easy to settle in. Newer spots like Three Notch’d Brewing Company and Ikie Lu Record Club are shaking up the scene in all the right ways.
Shop, Stroll & Stay Shaded
Columbia’s walkable districts make it easy to move at your own pace, ducking inside shops and cafés as needed to cool off.
Devine Street offers a polished mix of boutiques and restaurants, like LaRoque and Craft & Draft, while Five Points brings a more eclectic feel with stores like Revente and Papa Jazz Record Shoppe.
If you’re down on Main Street, you’ll want to stroll through the historic Arcade Building. Built in 1912, it was Columbia’s first indoor shopping center, and it’s a great place to get out of the sun while you browse shops like Raw Essence Natural Soaps & Bath Co.
Then, over at Trenholm Plaza, you’ll find a convenient mix of national brands like Anthropologie and J. Crew, plus nearby dining that’s ideal for a mid-afternoon reset.
Turn It into a Cool Summer Weekend Getaway
The easiest way to stay cool in Columbia? Stretch your plans across a few days. Enjoy an afternoon on the water, focus on indoor attractions and food stops one day, and finish off with neighborhood strolls and low-key exploring another. Add a nearby stay, and you’ve got a weekend that works perfectly for summer.