Stumped on what to do in the Famously Hot city of Columbia during the not-so-famously chilly winter? Whether you’ve lived here all your life or you’re visiting for the weekend, we hope this guide inspires you to check out what the Columbia area has to offer!

But first, coffee

Who doesn’t love starting off a chilly winter day with some hot coffee? Luckily, Columbia has plenty of local spots. Our favorites are Indah Coffee, located in the Cottontown neighborhood, and The Hideout, located in the heart of West Columbia (and in walking distance of our tubing booth!).

Indah coffee coffee shop in Columbia sc, the hideout breakfast in west Columbia sc — Photos by Alan L; The Hideout

The best breakfast spots

Columbia has SO many great breakfast spots. Got a sweet tooth? Head to the famous Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli on Devine Street for out-of-this-world cinnamon rolls. If you prefer savory, Breakfast at Ruiz in West Columbia has mouthwatering home fries and other yummy breakfast staples.

large cinnamon roll held in front of the Devine cinnamon roll deli sign; breakfast at Ruiz restaurant front — Photos by @foodasogouda; The State

Get outside

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy the great outdoors. Palmetto Outdoor offers canoe tours of Congaree National Park year-round! We’re the only outfitter on Cedar Creek that exclusively uses canoes, which keep you way dryer, and therefore warmer, than kayaks. Plus, the open shape of canoes allows you to bundle up without feeling claustrophobic. If you have any questions, feel free to call or stop by our information station (and soon-to-be bike rental hub!) at 300 Candi Ln.

palmetto outdoor canoe tour on cedar creek in congaree national park — Photo by Palmetto Outdoor

Lunch in Columbia

You’re going to work up an appetite after all that paddling. If you didn’t eat lunch on the water, here’s what we recommend. For a delicious and low-price warm sandwich, head to Groucho’s Deli in Five Points. If you prefer cold sandwiches, Beezer’s is a must-try. Another great spot for lunch (or dinner) is Publico in Five Points.

large sandwich, pickles, and dip from Groucho's Deli; front of Publico restaurant — Photos by Sarah A; Publico

Other winter-friendly activities

Need another thing to do before you call it a day? The Columbia Museum of Art on Main St. and the South Carolina State Museum right before the famous Gervais St. Bridge are great ways to spend a few hours indoors. You could also check out one of the Columbia area’s many breweries.

family standing in front of interactive art exhibit in the Columbia Museum of Art; river rat brewery — Photos by Experience Columbia

Dinner

Columbia is known for its dining for good reason. There’s loads of great restaurants to choose from, but here are some local favorites:

- Menkoi, an authentic ramen house in The Vista

- Camon Sushi, the best sushi in Columbia, located on Assembly St.

- Cantina 76, a Mexican-inspired restaurant and bar on Main St.

- Boku Kitchen and Saloon, a lively Pan-Asian restaurant in The Vista

bowl of ramen from Menkoi Ramen House; from of Cantina 76 restaurant on Main Street — Photos by Menkoi Ramen House; Benton Henry

Spend the night

Need a place to crash after such a fun-filled day? We highly recommend DoubleTree by Hilton. They’ve got friendly staff, a gorgeous lobby, and spacious, clean rooms. Not to mention all the amenities you could ask for. They’re also famous for their Doubletree cookie, and trust us, it’s worth the hype.

We hope you enjoyed our guide on what to do in Columbia, SC in the winter! Look out for our spring, summer, and fall editions later this year.

January 20, 2023

How to Spend the Perfect Winter Day in Columbia