The best parks & outdoor spots in Columbia

4 parks & outdoor spots we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Parks & Outdoors · 4 places · showing the latest additions first

Sesquicentennial State Park

Parks & Outdoors

Sesquicentennial State Park is the low-stress way to hit reset this week, with a 30-acre lake for kayak or canoe rentals, a breezy 6-mile…

9564 Two Notch Rd · ✓ checked Jul 30

“Sesquicentennial State Park is the low-stress way to hit reset this week, with a 30-acre lake for kayak or canoe rentals, a breezy 6-mile bike loop, and 12 miles of pine-shaded trails. Bring the kids for the splash pad, then linger by the CCC-built spillway that feels like tiny waterfalls.”

From the Columbia newsletter, August 5, 2026

Website ↗

Saluda Shoals Park

Parks & Outdoors

400-acre park featuring a river observation deck, boat launches, picnic shelters & multi-use trails.

5605 Bush River Rd

“400-acre park featuring a river observation deck, boat launches, picnic shelters & multi-use trails.”

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Felton C. Benton Park

Parks & Outdoors

Park with a playground and splash pad, plus picnic areas and a public restroom.

2915 Platt Springs Rd (West Columbia)

“Park with a playground and splash pad, plus picnic areas and a public restroom.”

Website ↗

Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park

Parks & Outdoors

Relaxed park featuring a grassy field, playgrounds and a splash pad in a downtown spot.

Abbeville St

“Relaxed park featuring a grassy field, playgrounds and a splash pad in a downtown spot.”

Website ↗

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