If there’s something about springtime that leaves you yearning for younger days with a full week off school, a full tank of gas and a road trip destination in sight, look no further than our Columbia SC spring break guide for grown ups. No matter what phase of life you are in, we have your destination plan for a getaway in Columbia SC that’s just a road trip away.

Untethered Adults

Perhaps you are road tripping with friends and/or a significant other, living life free and easy on a much-needed break from your office or WFH grind.

Even if you think you’ve “been there, drank that” at Columbia SC breweries, there’s always something new to explore. Located in a delightfully refurbished boiler room in Lexington’s Old Mill, Hazelwood Brewing Company offers plenty of outdoor seating and 10 creatively crafted beers on tap. Savage Craft Brewing in thriving West Columbia boasts a rooftop bar and outdoor beer garden with live music.

Grab your friends and rent a pontoon through Lake Murray Boat Rentals to cruise beautiful 50-acre Lake Murray with 650 miles of shoreline or just enjoy that lake life atmosphere at Rusty Anchor for live music, food and drinks.

Tube or kayak the Saluda River with packages from Palmetto Outdoors or Saluda Shoals Park.

Hop over to Home Team BBQ in Five Points to enjoy the BBQ Nachos and a Gamechanger (thank us later) on the patio. In the mood for Enjoy a Peruvian dining experience with sharable spall plates and tapas as well as inventive cocktails at Ratio in the Northeast Columbia area.

Family Time

If you’re making the trek with kids ranging anywhere from tots to teens, you’ll want that perfect mix of high energy and low key.

Swing Suites at the Main Course has interactive games from Zombie Dodgeball to 75 virtual golf courses Fullswing E6 Technology as well as great food and drinks in the 1600 block of the Main Street District.

Upscale Mexican is on the menu at Cantina 76 at both the Devine Street and Main Street locations. Order the popular Tres Hombres appetizer to share, or choose inventive taco selections and fresh salads.

Teach your kids about the fun of an old-school arcade at Transmission with games like Galaga, Indiana Jones and Ms. Packman. Kids are admitted between 4-7pm; after 7pm it’s 21 and up. In Five Points, Bang Back Pinball Lounge offers 16 professionally-maintained pinball machines paired with great food and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.

Discounted admission to Riverbanks Zoo, EdVenture and South Carolina State Museum is available with CoolPass. Each pass grants one time admission into each of the three attractions, and you have up to five days to visit all three.

Located in Cross Hill Market with plenty of shops to browse before you dine, Midwood Smokehouse offers barbeque, ribs, salads and happy hour drink specials in a relaxed setting.

Senior Years

Perhaps you're retirees or empty nesters looking for an engaging getaway with a little something for your mind, body and soul.

Dine at Hampton Street Vineyard, an American Brasserie in the Main Street District with an extensive wine list and cocktails as well as brunch, lunch and dinner in an intimate setting.

Broaden your horizon with Aerial Candlelight Yoga or Bungee Fitness at Fit Columbia, an award-winning yoga studio in the Five Points District. Sessions must be booked in advance on their website.

Purchase a CulturePass, which includes admission to South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art and a Historic Columbia House Museum * for one discounted price. Each pass grants one-time admission into each of the three attractions, and you have five days to visit all three.

Stop by Spotted Salamander for a cafe-style weekday lunch in the Historic House & Garden District with savory salads, sandwiches and Southern treats like deviled eggs and down-home desserts. Follow your lunch with a stroll through Historic Columbia’s Seibels House Gardens right next door.

 

And of course we know ages and stages mean less than your individual travel preferences, so obviously mix and match these options to create the perfect itinerary that’s fun for you and your spring break crew! Also, plan to make your stay multi-day by booking one of Columbia SC’s numerous hotels with a variety of price points in different neighborhoods and districts around the region.

*Reopening from COVID-related safety closings soon! Check the Historic Columbia website for details as you plan your trip.