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

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Saluda Shoals Park

Parks & Outdoors

Saluda Shoals Park is your close-to-home river escape with miles of trails to wander, kayak and canoe launches when the water calls, and a…

5605 Bush River Rd · ✓ checked Aug 14

“Saluda Shoals Park is your close-to-home river escape with miles of trails to wander, kayak and canoe launches when the water calls, and a disc golf course for friendly trash talk. Bring the crew for picnics, splash time, an inclusive playground, and a fenced dog park for the pups.”

From the Columbia newsletter, August 21, 2026

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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.”

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Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park

Parks & Outdoors

Need an easy breather close to downtown for a quick lunch break? Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park is that laid-back patch of green where kids can…

Abbeville St

“Need an easy breather close to downtown for a quick lunch break? Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park is that laid-back patch of green where kids can roam, you can actually finish a chapter, and everyone comes home a smidge sunnier.”

From the Columbia newsletter, September 10, 2026

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