Discover Columbia
54 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park offers a mix of industrial history and riverscape: calm canal reflections, arched bridges, the dam/lock, tree-lined promenades and skyline views of downtown Columbia. Ideal at sunrise or blue hour for reflections and soft light; golden hour along the riverbank for warm tones. Paved, mostly accessible trails and park parking make it easy to reach; no entry fee. Weekdays and early mornings reduce recreational-traffic; spring/fall give best foliage and migratory-b
500 Wildlife Parkway
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (500 Wildlife Parkway) combines animal exhibits, curated gardens and riverside views — ideal for captive wildlife portraits, macro plant studies and visitor-scene storytelling. Best light is early morning when animals are active and crowds are low, and late afternoon/golden hour in the botanical gardens. Paid entry and on-site parking; facilities and most paths are wheelchair accessible. Expect seasonal events and feeding demonstrations; avoid flash on animals and respect
Finlay Park
Compact downtown park centered on a tiered waterfall, reflecting pool and open lawns with the Columbia skyline as backdrop. Ideal for water motion studies, urban reflections, candid park life and event photography. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm light and city lights; weekday mornings are quieter. Accessible paths, no entry fee, street parking on Laurel St and nearby lots; popular for concerts and lunch crowds, so plan around events.
Architecture of Strength - Columbia City of Women
Public sculptural installation celebrating women’s strength along Main St in downtown Columbia. Shoot bold forms, textures and surrounding urban context—contrasting metal/stone against sky or city streets. Best at golden hour or blue hour for directional light and dramatic skies; weekday mornings have fewer pedestrians. On-street parking and nearby garages; generally accessible with no entry fee. Respect commemorative nature when composing portraits.
Memorial Park
Memorial Park sits on the Congaree Riverfront with river views, oak-shaded promenades, war memorials and skyline sightlines. Shoot sunrise/sunset reflections on the water, seasonal foliage and monuments. Park is free, has paved accessible paths and street/nearby lot parking; weekdays and early mornings minimize crowds. Low-light evenings offer moody river shots; summer afternoons can be humid.
Saluda Riverwalk
A low‑lying riverside boardwalk and trail along the Saluda River offering river reflections, marsh plants, small bridges and birdlife. Best at golden hour for warm light on water and backlit reeds; clear evenings for colorful sunsets. Easily accessible, paved sections and parking nearby at trailheads; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter and humid summers yield misty sunrises; fall brings stronger color contrast. Good for intimate waterscapes, leading lines from the boardwalk and wildlife/
Governor's Mansion
Late-19th/early-20th‑century neoclassical Governor's Mansion with grand columns, formal gardens and live oaks — great for architectural detail, façade symmetry, seasonal plantings and festive holiday lighting. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light on the columns; weekday mornings or late afternoons have fewer visitors. Grounds are publicly viewable; interior photography may be restricted and tours require booking. Street parking and small lots nearby; wheelchair accessible routes to ex
Main Street Mural
A large, colorful street mural on Main at Hampton — ideal for bold wide-angle shots and close-up texture studies. Visit early morning or late afternoon for soft side-light; evenings can work if nearby lights are on. Street parking and small lots nearby; pedestrian-friendly corner but watch traffic. No entry fees; respect private property. The mural reflects Columbia's local arts scene and makes a vivid urban focal point.
TS Martin Park
Small riverfront park on the Congaree with open lawns, tree-lined paths and river views — good for waterscape and city-edge compositions. Golden hour and blue hour bring warm light on the water and Columbia skyline reflections. Accessible paved paths and street parking on Edison St; flat terrain and no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quiet; summer afternoons can be humid and buggy.
Emily Douglas Park
Small riverside park on the Congaree with oak-lined trails, marshy shorelines and river views—great for reflections, intimate landscapes and wildlife (herons, turtles). Open public park with free parking and flat, mostly paved paths; accessible year-round. Best at golden hour—sunrise for calm water and mist in cooler months, sunset for backlit oaks. Weekday mornings are quieter; spring and fall bring richer colors and migrating birds.
Mann-Simons Site
A restored 19th‑century urban homestead and museum telling African American and Columbia history. Photographers can capture period architecture, textured brick facades, wrought‑iron details, compact garden/courtyard scenes and evocative interior vignettes. Best visited during golden hour or weekday mornings for warm light and fewer visitors. Interior photography may be restricted—contact staff before shooting. On‑street parking and nearby municipal lots; site is walkable from downtown Columbia.
Riverfront Park Amphitheater
Small riverside amphitheater on the Three Rivers Greenway offering river vistas, tree-lined paths, and a low-profile stage—good for combining human-scale event shots with waterscape and skyline reflections. Best at golden hour or blue hour for soft light and long exposures; weekends have concerts and festivals, weekdays are quieter. Easy access from nearby parking along the greenway, wheelchair friendly paths; no entry fee but check event schedules for restrictions.
South Carolina State Museum
The South Carolina State Museum offers diverse photo subjects: striking modern exterior and skyline frames, layered historical galleries, science and natural history dioramas, and the planetarium dome. Best visited weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds; golden hour flatters the façade and nearby riverfront. Museum is ADA-accessible, public parking and a nearby garage/meters available; paid entry and standard no-tripod/flash rules often apply—check front desk. Mixed interior light (
Columbia Museum of Art
Photograph the museum's striking modern facade, window reflections along Main Street, evolving interior galleries and sculptures in the courtyard. Visit weekday mornings for quieter galleries and late afternoon for warm side-light on the building; exterior looks dramatic at blue hour when lit. The museum is ADA-accessible, has paid street and nearby garage parking, and enforces in-gallery photo rules—ask staff about tripods/flash and special exhibit restrictions.
Owens Field Skate Park
Owens Field Skate Park offers concrete bowls, ramps, ledges and colorful graffiti—ideal for dynamic action shots, low-angle wide compositions, and environmental portraits of skaters. Best visited late afternoon to golden hour for warm side light and long shadows; weekday mornings are quieter for staged shots. Free entry with nearby street parking; bring sunscreen and respect local skaters. Compact layout makes it easy to scout lines and background elements.
Rosewood Nature Trail
Small, accessible nature trail through wetlands and mature trees offering close-up plant and birdlife, reflections on slow streams, and intimate woodland compositions. Best early morning or late afternoon for soft light and active birds; weekdays reduce foot traffic. Trail is flat and partially boardwalked (easy to walk, limited elevation), with street parking on Airport Blvd. No entry fee; expect bugs in warm months and bring waterproof shoes after rain.
Soda City Tours, LLC
Soda City Tours runs guided walking tours around downtown Columbia and the popular Soda City Market near 1100 Gervais St — great for lively street scenes, local vendors, historic architecture along Gervais St and the nearby riverfront. Best light is golden hour for warm facades and river reflections; Saturday mornings capture colorful market stalls and candid portraits but expect crowds. Downtown parking garages and street parking are available; tours require reservations. Respect vendors and be
Fort Jackson Greenzone Trail
A wooded, riverside greenway along Fort Jackson offering marsh views, boardwalks, pelicans and songbirds, and framed tree tunnels — great for intimate nature and landscape shots. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and reflections; autumn adds color. Accessible via Hill St parking; check Fort Jackson visitor access/ID rules as some areas border the base. Trail is mostly flat and walkable year-round; expect mosquitoes in summer and more birds in spring/fall.
Columbiana Tunnels
Columbiana Tunnels — a short historic pedestrian underpass and brick-lined tunnel system — offers moody architectural textures, leading lines, and contrast between natural light at entrances and shadowed interiors. Easy roadside access and free parking nearby; wheelchair access varies by section. Best visited at golden hour or overcast skies to balance highlights and deep shadows. Respect local rules; stay on public paths and avoid trespassing on private land.
Isaac McClinton Park
Small waterfront park on Lake Murray offering open shoreline, walking paths, mature trees and picnic areas — good for sunrise/sunset reflections, bird and seasonal foliage shots. Easy street parking at 1003 Howe St, no entry fee; accessible paths but uneven ground near the water. Best light is golden hour; weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. Bring insect repellent in warmer months.
Woodlands Park
Woodlands Park is a small, leafy park with winding trails, wooded ponds and boardwalks—ideal for intimate nature and waterscape shots, seasonal foliage and quiet wildlife. Best at golden hour or after rain for glassy reflections; weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. Easy access from Olde Knight Pkwy with on-site parking and no entry fee; trails are modestly groomed but wear waterproof shoes in wet weather. Neighborhood park vibe offers close-up flora, birdlife and layered forest light.
U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum
Small museum at Fort Jackson documenting U.S. Army Basic Combat Training with uniforms, artifacts, dioramas and outdoor displays. Best shot for documentary, detail and environmental portraits of training history. Visit weekdays in morning for fewer visitors; interiors need higher ISO or fast lens. Base access may require ID/visitor pass; free parking nearby. Check hours and special events (graduation days) for more dynamic photo opportunities.
McKissick Museum
McKissick Museum on the University of South Carolina campus offers classic collegiate architecture, exhibition galleries with cultural artifacts, and oak-lined campus approaches — good for architectural details, interior exhibit shots, and contextual campus scenes. Best at golden hour for warm light on the facade and late morning for interior clarity. Check museum hours and photo policy before visiting; campus parking is metered or in visitor lots and weekdays are quieter. The museum's focus on南
Pecan Orchard
Quiet rows of pecan trees offer strong leading lines, seasonal textures (spring buds, summer canopy, autumn yellowing, and nut clusters) and intimate macro subjects. Best at golden hour for warm side-light and long shadows; late fall during harvest brings color and activity. Likely private — contact landowner before shooting. Easy roadside parking in rural Columbia; terrain is flat and walkable, but bring insect repellent and closed shoes after rain.
Vista Greenway Lincoln Street Walking Biking Tunnel
A short pedestrian/bike tunnel under Lincoln Street offering strong leading lines, textured concrete, graffiti accents and framed views at each portal. Best in low sun or overcast for even tones; after rain for reflective puddles. Accessible from Vista Greenway trailheads with street parking nearby; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter; bring a tripod for low light shots.
The Charlie Tree
A standout specimen tree—photographers can capture dramatic trunk textures, sweeping limbs and dappled light ideal for environmental portraits and detail shots. Best at golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm side lighting and long shadows; weekday mornings have fewer visitors. Easy roadside access with limited street parking; no entry fees. Respect private property and local residents; tripod use is generally fine but be discreet.
Fort Jackson Post Flag
The Fort Jackson Post Flag is an imposing military flag display and parade-ground landmark—ideal for strong graphic compositions, patriotic scenes, and silhouette shots against dramatic skies. Best at sunrise or golden hour when low light backlights the flag and mast; stormy or windy days add motion to the flag. Note: Fort Jackson is an active U.S. Army base so public access is limited—photographers should plan to use viewpoints near the Visitor Control Center or public perimeter roads unless on
Fort Jackson National Cemetery
Fort Jackson National Cemetery offers formal rows of white headstones, memorials, manicured lawns and mature trees — ideal for solemn, graphic compositions and symmetry studies. Good for sunrise and late-afternoon light; soft light and long shadows emphasize rows and textures. The site is publicly accessible with parking nearby; observe posted hours and military/cemetery decorum (no droning without permission). Weekday mornings are quieter; avoid busy memorial ceremonies. Weather is humid subtro
Maxcy Monument
Small historic monument set in an urban plaza near Columbia's government corridor — good for close-up architectural details, contextual shots with surrounding streets/trees, and night illumination. Best at golden hour or after sunset for blue hour contrasts; weekday mornings are quieter. Street parking and nearby lots available; fully accessible on foot. Be respectful — it's a civic memorial and occasionally cordoned for events.
Gist Park
Small urban green space with lawns, mature shade trees and walking paths—ideal for environmental portraits, intimate landscape frames and community-life shots. Best at golden hour or late-afternoon for warm light and long shadows; weekday mornings are least crowded. Street parking on Gist St; no entry fee and generally accessible. Good for capturing local neighborhood character and seasonal foliage.
Hollywood Park
Small urban neighborhood park with mature oaks, open lawns, walking paths and a playground—great for environmental portraits, candid street-style shots, and intimate landscape compositions. Best at golden hour for warm light through trees or blue hour for quiet long exposures. Easy street parking; wheelchair-accessible paths in parts. Weekday mornings are least crowded. No entry fee; respect local residents and leash rules for dogs.
Ben Arnold Center Park
Ben Arnold Center Park is a small urban green space with mature shade trees, open lawns and paved paths—good for intimate environmental portraits, family/documentary scenes, and low-angle compositions that frame tree canopies against sky. Visit early morning or late afternoon for soft light and fewer people; weekends may host community activities. Easy street parking and accessible paths; no entry fee. Seasonal foliage and textured bark make it a compact spot for practice shots or as part of a V
Rosewood Park
Small urban park in Columbia’s Rosewood neighborhood offering broad lawns, mature oak canopies, walking paths and occasional flowering beds — good for intimate landscape, portrait and neighborhood-scene shots. No entry fee; street parking on S Holly and nearby side streets. Best light at sunrise or late afternoon for warm side-light through the trees; spring brings blooms, fall offers color. Weekday mornings are quieter; paths are mostly flat and wheelchair accessible.
Owens Field Park
Owens Field Park is a community green space with open lawns, mature trees and neighborhood views — good for intimate landscape and nature shots, seasonal foliage and golden-hour portraits. Park is public with free street or small lot parking off Jim Hamilton Blvd; no entry fee. Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for warm side light and fewer people; weekdays are quieter. Easy paths and flat terrain make gear transport simple.
Patriots Park, Fort Jackson
Patriots Park at Fort Jackson offers formal memorials, flag displays, manicured lawns and mature trees—strong subjects for patriotic, memorial and landscape photography. Lighting is best at golden hour for warm tones and long shadows; evenings can produce dramatic silhouettes against flags. The park is on an active Army base, so expect controlled access—visitors usually need base entry passes and photo policies vary. Parking is available nearby; weekdays and early mornings are quieter. Respect,肃
Maxcy Gregg Park
Small urban park near USC with sweeping live oak canopies, open lawns and tree-lined paths — great for close-up nature, environmental portraits, and golden-hour landscapes. Free entry, street parking and nearby university lots; paths are mostly wheelchair-accessible. Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for warm light and long shadows; weekdays are quieter. Seasonal color changes (spring blooms, autumn leaves) add variety.
South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
Indoor museum of Confederate and military artifacts—uniforms, weapons, flags, medals and interpretive displays—plus a stately brick façade on downtown Columbia's museum row. Photograph close-up textures, museum cases and dioramas for storytelling; capture the building exterior in golden hour light with the State House nearby for context. Visit weekday mornings for lower crowds; interior lighting is low and mixed — check camera/flash and tripod policies at entry. Street parking and public garages
EdVenture
EdVenture is a vibrant children's museum in downtown Columbia anchored by the oversized 'Giant Kid' sculpture and colorful interactive exhibits—great for playful close-ups, environmental portraits of families, and bold interior detail shots. Best visited weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds; interior lighting is mixed (bright exhibit lighting with pockets of dimness). Museum entry fee and bag checks apply; street parking and nearby paid lots are available. Expect active families—c
Perrin-Thomas Park Community Center
Small community park and center offering open lawns, playgrounds, tree-lined paths and a community building — good for environmental portraits, casual street-style scenes of local life, and green-space landscapes. Best light at sunrise/sunset for warm tones; weekday mornings are quieter. On-site parking and no entry fee; accessible paths but check event schedules for crowds. A practical spot for practicing composition and photographing community activities.
Flip Factory Zone
Indoor trampoline and gymnastics park offering dynamic action shots of jumpers, flips and candid family moments. Shoot fast-motion with dramatic body shapes against padded arenas and colorful walls. Best visited on weekday mornings or early afternoons for fewer crowds; expect mixed fluorescent lighting and bring permission/waiver for photographing minors. Free parking at the strip mall; accessible ground-floor unit. Great for sports/action portraiture and event coverage.
US Army Chaplain Museum
Small museum on Fort Jackson documenting U.S. Army chaplains with uniforms, medals, portraits, dioramas and a chapel/memorial outdoors. Interiors offer evocative close-ups of artifacts and storytelling displays; exterior chapel and memorials reward low-angle compositions at golden hour. Note base access—bring ID and check visitor hours; parking is on-site and the site is wheelchair accessible. Flash/tripod rules may apply and lighting inside is often dim.
Fort Jackson
Active U.S. Army base with a mix of military architecture, memorials, parade grounds and training areas. Photograph formal symmetry of the parade field, museum displays, memorials and ceremonies — attend public graduations/open houses for dynamic shots. Base access requires ID or a visitor pass from the visitor center; check Fort Jackson's website for current photography rules and scheduled public events. Weekday mornings and golden hour reduce harsh midday light; expect security checks and use驻
Frankie's Fun Park
Compact family amusement park with go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boats and neon-lit arcades — great for dynamic action, colorful close-ups and night shots. Best light: golden hour for warm portraits and soft shadows; after sunset for neon and motion trails. Easy on-site parking and public access; expect crowds on weekend evenings and school holidays. No special permits for casual shooting; check with management for tripods or commercial use.
Rev. Dr. Solomon Jackson, Jr. 4D Interactive Theater
A small, modern 4D interactive theater in Columbia’s downtown cultural strip — photograph the building’s facade, marquee and street-level activity at golden hour and after dark when signage and interior lights pop. Interior shoots are event-dependent; check show schedules and ticket/permission requirements. Street parking and nearby garages on Gervais St.; location is wheelchair accessible. Weekdays and early evenings are less crowded.
The Green Book of South Carolina
A small public monument/marker honoring The Green Book of South Carolina — shoot close-ups of engraved text and plaques, contextual shots that pair the marker with its Parklane Rd streetscape and mature trees, and environmental portraits of visitors to convey history. Visit mid-morning or late afternoon for soft side light; weekdays are quieter. Site is roadside with nearby parking; likely no entry fee but verify hours and be respectful of a memorial setting.
Valencia Park
Small neighborhood park with pond, tree-lined paths, open lawns and a playground — good for intimate landscape, waterscape and lifestyle shots. Best at golden hour or early morning for soft light and reflections; spring/fall add color. Easy street parking on Montgomery Ave, no entry fee, wheelchair-accessible paths in parts. Weekdays are quieter; expect local families and dog walkers.
Lester Bates Park
Small neighborhood park with mature shade trees, open lawns and paths—good for intimate nature, portrait and urban-edge shots. Best at golden hour for warm directional light and long shadows; weekday mornings reduce crowds. Easy street parking; no entry fee. Accessible paths suit tripods and low-light work. Local residential backdrop gives a quiet, community feel rather than dramatic vistas.
Fort Jackson Passage-PT-Section 3
A roadside/greenway section near Fort Jackson offering open views of pine forests, scrub, and stretches of Leesburg Road — good for low-key landscape and contextual shots hinting at military hinterland. Best at golden hour for warm light and long shadows; check nearby parking along Leesburg Rd. Verify access and any base restrictions; bring insect repellent in warmer months. Weekday mornings are quieter.
Keenan House Park
Small neighborhood park fronting the historic Keenan House offers a mix of mature shade trees, manicured lawn and a period residence — good for environmental portraits, architectural detail shots and intimate landscape compositions. Best light is golden hour (sunrise or sunset) when warm side-lighting enhances textures; spring and fall add color. No entry fee; limited street parking on Wildwood Ave. Park is easy to walk and suitable for quick visits or a short portrait session; expect light foot
Hardee Field
Hardee Field is a small athletic/grass field in suburban Columbia offering open-sky compositions, sideline action during local games, and minimalist landscape shots framed by nearby trees and utility lines. Best at golden hour or just after storms for dramatic skies. Easy roadside parking and public access make quick shoots practical; expect more activity evenings and weekends during sports seasons. No formal entry fees; watch for scheduled events.
Palmetto Falls Water Park
Palmetto Falls is a colorful family water park with twisting slides, splash pads and a lazy river — good for dynamic action, candid moments and bold graphic compositions. Best visited on weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid peak crowds; midday light is harsh so aim for golden hour for warmer tones and softer shadows. Site has paid entry, onsite parking and paved paths; expect seasonal hours (summer weekends busiest). Bring waterproof protection and respect lifeguard zones and guest lanes
1140 Matilda Evans Street
A residential/urban block named for Dr. Matilda Evans, offering classic early‑20th century South Carolina streetscape: mature live oaks, porches, brick sidewalks and period homes. Good for intimate architectural studies, environmental portraits and moody street scenes. Visit at golden hour or blue hour for warm light through the canopy; weekday mornings are quiet for unobstructed compositions. Curbside parking is generally available; no entry required to photograph exteriors. Dress respectfully—
Harbison Boulevard Tunnel
A short urban road/pedestrian underpass offering strong leading lines, textured concrete, and contrast between tunnel interior and bright exterior—good for moody urban compositions and night light trails. Easy roadside access with street parking nearby; visit at golden hour or after dark for dramatic light. Weekdays are quieter; watch traffic and respect private property.
US Forest Service, Francis Marion & Sumter National Forests, Supervisor Headquarters
The Francis Marion & Sumter National Forests Supervisor Headquarters is an accessible, low-key government site in Columbia useful as a starting point for forest shoots, maps and permits. Photograph the modest regional office architecture, interpretive signs and surrounding landscaped grounds. Best visited early morning or late afternoon for soft light; weekdays offer easy parking and public access. Use it as logistical base before driving to nearby trails and swamp/longleaf pine scenes.