If your ideal Labor Day weekend involves more serenity than spectacle, Columbia, SC, has just the vibe you’re looking for. Nestled between rivers and shaded by pines, the capital city offers a refreshing blend of nature, wellness and cozy corners that are perfect for a low-key weekend that leaves you feeling restored.
Start With a Spa Day
How about easing into your long weekend with a little pampering? If you want to start with a little more bronze, make an appointment for a deluxe spray tan at Glowout, a chic salon in the Vista. For a more tranquil escape, OCCO Luxury Spa + Salon offers custom massages, facials and nail services in a serene setting. Book a package and enjoy all three. If you’re craving a skin refresh, The Beautique Skin Co. specializes in luxurious treatments using French skincare lines that will leave you glowing. While you’re there, enjoy a massage and a sauna.
Sip and Savor at Local Coffee Shops
Columbia’s coffee shop culture is cozy, creative and community-driven. “Indah” means beautiful, and Indah Coffee in the Cottontown neighborhood offers beautiful coffee drinks in a relaxed space. Loveland Coffee in Irmo offers a drive-thru and a two-story café perfect for slow mornings. Piecewise Coffee Co. in Cayce and on Devine Street is a neighborhood gem with seasonal drinks and a welcoming vibe. Bring a book, sip something warm and let the hours drift by.
Take a Nature Walk
Stretch your legs and clear your mind with one of Columbia’s many nature walks. Affectionately called “Sesqui,” Sesquicentennial State Park offers shaded trails, a peaceful lake, canoe rentals and camping. On 1400 acres, you’ll forget you’re so close to Columbia. Harbison State Forest is a favorite for hikers, bikers and geocachers with over 2,000 acres of forest to explore. For riverside views and ADA accessible paths, stroll the Three Rivers Greenway including the Saluda Riverwalk, where you might spot kayakers and herons as you wander. There are also gorgeous green spaces where you can sit and chat or read a good book.
Unwind in a Scenic Spot
Sometimes the best part of a low-key weekend is doing absolutely nothing. Columbia has plenty of scenic spots to simply sit and soak it all in. Lounge on the beach at Lake Murray or walk the dam for sweeping water views. The Columbia Riverwalk offers a peaceful path along the Broad River, perfect for a morning stroll.
Relax on a Rooftop
When the golden hour hits, seek out a cocktail at one of several rooftop lounges in Columbia. For a rooftop pint, there’s Savage Craft Ale Works, a veteran-owned brewery that also has great food and cocktails. Hendrix provides elevated cocktails and cuisine, and Black Rooster serves up delicious Italian dishes with southern hospitality. The Moxy specializes in craft cocktails and views of the South Carolina State House.These rooftop escapes pair perfectly with a slow sunset.
Read and Reflect
For book lovers, Columbia is a quiet paradise. Use the long weekend to dive into a new read from All Good Books, a charming indie bookstore with a leafy outdoor patio that practically begs you to stay awhile. For more literary inspiration, check out One More Chapter: A Bookworm’s Guide to Columbia, SC, and build your own reading retreat.
Plan A Restorative Labor Day Weekend
Whether you’re a local looking to unplug or a traveler seeking a slower pace, Columbia invites you to spend your Labor Day weekend your way — quiet, cozy and completely at ease. Book your stay, plan your spa day and let the city’s softer side welcome you in.