The Daily Gamecock

Around Columbia: Nature Nooks

Columbia offers a wide array of natural spaces to spend the day in

1. Riverwalk

The Congaree River is nice, but you can’t walk on it. That’s where the Riverwalk comes in — with its lighting, benches and paved trails, the walk is furnished for comfort that goes right along the river. And after you’re done admiring the water, the Riverwalk Park has an amphitheater with family-friendly shows.

2. Finlay Park

Resting in the center of downtown Columbia, Finlay Park is the biggest around. The park hosts jazz shows on the weekends, offers scenic paths to walk or jog down and has swings on the hillside for old-fashioned fun with a view. The centerpiece is an elaborate fountain, complete with waterfalls that cascade down the hills. So when you’re looking for a city-based natural space with a lot of things to do, Finlay Park is waiting.

3. Sesquicentennial State Park

It’s short drive away from downtown Columbia, but there’s enough going on at Sesquicentennial State Park to make the trip worth your while. The park is home to over 1,400 acres of pines and full of high-energy activities, like kayaking and hiking, to burn off some steam. Whether you want to go camping or fishing, the Sesquicentennial State Park this weekend’s destination.

4. Botanical Garden

Though technically part of the Riverbanks Zoo, the Botanical Garden has plenty to offer on its own. With more than 70 acres and 4,200 plant species, it’s one of the top botanical gardens in the country, and it’s hidden away in our own back yard. Take a day to appreciate Columbia’s flora, and take a trip down to Riverbanks Botanical Garden this weekend.


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