Cover photo: Capital City Lake Murray Country

Calling all water bugs and sun-worshipers - your perfect day is waiting for you in #RealColumbiaSC, and we want to help you plan. Whether you're boat-cruisin', zipping around on jet skis or clipping a padlock on the Love Lock Bridge with your boo, a trip to Lake Murray is the perfect way to live out a Southern summer. So grab your SPF and your sunnies + get going. We'll meet you by the dam. 

Dine, drink & dance to live music

Order up a burger and a beer and dance to live music at Liberty on the Lake, Rusty Anchor or the Frayed Knot Bar and Grill. You can expect: double decker patios, front-row sunset seats and even a Tiki Bar. 

 

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Pitch a Tent

Rally the troops and pitch a tent lakeside at Dreher Island State Park. We highly recommend late-night swimming, stargazing and s'mores....all the s'mores.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Water Adventures

Rent a speed boat or jet skis if you're seeking a thrill, or pile onto a pontoon if you're more of the cruisin' type. Up for a little exercise? Hop on a paddle board or kayak. Check out Better Boating or AquaFun Boat Rentals for water fun rentals. P.s. You can take sailing lessons (or rent a sailboat if you're already a pro!) from Lanier Sailing Academy

 

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Love Lock Bridge 

Are we in Paris or Lake Murray? Just like the City of Love, visitors of Lake Murray can clip a padlock to the fence on the Lexington side of the Lake Murray Dam. The tradition is to lock the padlock and throw the key in the water, symbolizing undying love. #swoon

 

Bird Watch

If you're boating around Lake Murray in July and August, keep an eye out for the Purple Martins. Tens of thousands of these delicate, beautiful birds fly over the lake, on their way to Bomb Island - the largest Purple Martin Sanctuary in North America. 

 

Take in the Views

We're kind of famous for our sunsets in #RealColumbiaSC. Pair these swoon-worthy skies with a stroll along the Lake Murray Dam for a dreamy summer evening. Picnics also encouraged.

 

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Swim + Sun bathe

On the Lexington side of the Lake, there's a beach that's perfect for swimming and soaking up the Carolina sun to perfect your summer tan. 

 

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Looking for more summer fun inspo in #RealColumbiaSC? Check out our summer bucket list