Today: 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Blog / Around South Carolina

4 Can't Miss Attractions in Columbia, SC

Located where the Saluda and Broad Rivers converge to form the Congaree River, Columbia is the capital and largest city in South Carolina. Columbia is a modest sized city, but with its long history and riverfront geography, there is no shortage of interesting activities to enjoy. Whether you're a local or just visiting, be sure to check out these four must-see Columbia attractions.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Pay a visit to this remarkable facility and you'll quickly realize why it's a two-time recipient of the Governor's Cup for South Carolina's Most Outstanding Tourist Attraction. Featuring over 2,000 animals and 4,200 native and exotic plant species on a 170-acre site, the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is sure to keep visitors enthralled for hours. Don't miss the award-winning Birdhouse at Riverbanks exhibit, which features three varieties of penguins among several other exotic bird species. Admission to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is affordable at $13.95 for adults and $11.50 for children ages 2-12. Discounts are available for military members and senior citizens, and children under two get in free.

Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park

Take in some scenery and history with a visit to the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park. This park is the original site of Columbia's waterworks and the home of the first-ever electrically operated textile mill. Visitors can stroll along over two miles of scenic riverfront trail while learning about the history of the Columbia Canal, first built in 1824 with the labor of indentured Irish servants. Today, a memorial in the park recognizes the Irish workers who built the canal. The Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park are located just outside of Columbia's downtown business district, providing a convenient escape from the bustle of downtown. The park is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and admission is free.

Nickelodeon Theatre

Film buffs won't want to miss a chance to visit Columbia's Nickelodeon Theater. Founded in 1979, this nonprofit theater hosts independent films, curated series, and one-off screenings, and is the home of the Indie Grits Film Festival, an annual showcase of area DIY films. Screening attendees can engage in discussions with experts and community members before or after many screenings. The Nickelodeon is also home to the Helen Hill Media Education Center, which offers filmmaking workshops and educational opportunities for adults and children alike. Ticket prices for the Nick vary, but most screenings are $10. If you're a Columbia local, consider becoming a member of the Nickelodeon Theater to enjoy exclusive benefits like free tickets, discounted special screenings, and free popcorn.

Congaree National Park

When you need an escape to nature, look no further than Congaree National Park. Located less than 30 minutes from downtown Columbia, this national park is home of the largest expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the country. Visitors to the park can camp, fish, canoe, and kayak, or simply hike and take in the scenery of this unique floodplain forest. Admission to Congaree National Park is free, and the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether you're interested in nature, history, wildlife, or the arts, Columbia has something for you.
Posted in:

Related Posts

A 2024 Kia Forte photographed outdoors on a dirt road in the evening near Orangeburg, South Carolina

Kia Safety Features: Innovations for Your Protection

In today's Kia cars, you'll find a very comprehensive set of technology-based safety features called Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. The Kia safety features allow you to have more peace of mind while driving, as you know you have useful technology helping you watch out for collisions, monitor your surroundings, and much more. Let's explore the various features so you can see how they'll benefit you when you get your next Kia car. more Auto Emergency Braking Kia cars are equipped with sensors and radars that allow them to detect where other cars are around them. Whether you're in the city, on the highway, or even turning at a junction, your vehicle can detect when other motorists are so close that you may crash into them. The feature can also detect cyclists and pedestrians, making it even better at keeping you safer. First, you get a warning about a potential collision, ideally giving you enough time to stop. If you don't hit the brakes on time, then your car can do it for you in an attempt to prevent a crash. Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Your car doesn't stop monitoring the world around you when it's time to back into or out of a parking space. If there's something too close to the back of your car, then your Kia can automatically engage the brakes. This works whether you're about to hit any obstacle; it aims to prevent collisions with anything that's in your way. Blind Spot Collision Warning Seeing objects in your blind spot can be difficult while driving. Your Kia makes it a lot easier to stay safe, especially when changing lanes because it lets you know if you're in danger of colliding with another car that's in your blind spot. It can also redirect you to your previous course if you attempt to change lanes after your car tells you there's an object in your blind spot. View Monitors There are two types of monitors you may find in a Kia car: a blind spot view monitor and a surround view monitor. The blind spot view monitor lets you fully check your blind spots without having to look behind you. Meanwhile, the surround view monitor can be helpful when you're parking, as it helps you avoid obstacles and safely maneuver your car into smaller parking spaces. Swing by Burns Kia in Orangeburg, SC to see all the innovative Kia cars have to offer. If you have a question about a specific model, contact us online today!

A person standing in front of a yellow background while holding a set of car keys near Orangeburg, South Carolina

Navigating Kia's Extended Warranty Options: What's Covered?

Every brand new Kia automatically comes with a powerful factory warranty. After it expires, you can take advantage of even better coverage through the Kia extended warranty program, depending on your vehicle's age and mileage. As your Kia dealer, we can help you navigate which of these three plans is right for you. more Powertrain Coverage The most basic extended warranty plan from Kia is the Powertrain Protection Plan. This includes coverage for your engine, transmission, transfer case, drive axle, transaxle, and some internal components for hybrid, plug-in electric, and compressed natural gas vehicles. With this or any extended warranty from Kia, your vehicle may be covered for up to 150,000 miles. Gold Coverage A Gold Protection Plan is the next level up from the powertrain coverage. It includes everything in the Powertrain Protection Plan while offering coverage for more parts of your vehicle. This includes the electrical system, brakes, air conditioning, steering, front suspension, and rear suspension. Additional hybrid, plug-in electric, and compressed natural gas components like the battery, charging system, and more are also included. Platinum Coverage For the "Ultimate Peace of Mind" for your vehicle, you may be able to choose the Platinum Protection Plan. At this level, you have near bumper-to-bumper coverage for your vehicle. The only things not included in this plan are the listed exclusions. You can rest easy knowing you're taken care of if something happens to your Kia. Exclusions from coverage include: Negligence from lack of maintenance Damage from misuse Tires Brake drums, lining, and rotors Catalytic converters Heater and radiator hoses Air bags Glass Paint Upholstery Coverage for any of the available extended warranty plans is determined by the age, model, and mileage of your vehicle. A deductible will also apply when using your extended warranty. Roadside Assistance All of our protection plans include roadside assistance coverage, as well. You receive help paying for alternative transportation like a car rental or rideshare for up to 10 days when you experience a covered mechanical breakdown. If you're 100 miles or more from home during a covered breakdown, you'll also receive travel reimbursement for food and lodging. Towing and fluid replacement are also included in roadside assistance. Even if you haven't purchased a protection plan yet, you're still in luck. Roadside assistance is also available for new Kia owners during the factory warranty. When you purchase one of Kia's extended warranty plans, you can take your vehicle to any Kia dealership in the United States or Canada for service. Take advantage of this opportunity for peace of mind wherever you are on the road. Contact Burns Kia of Orangeburg, SC to choose the right protection plan for your Kia.

A woman taking a bag out of her 2024 Kia Telluride near Orangeburg, South Carolina

What Should You Keep in Your Vehicle’s Emergency Kit?

Unsure how to pack for the unexpected? Let's dive into the essentials you should keep in your car for emergencies. We'll break it down into three main sections: Tools, First Aid, and Food. Each section will include a brief explanation of why it's important to have these items in your car and some examples of what to include. more Tools When you're on the road, having the right tools can make a huge difference if you run into an unexpected service issue. Tools aren't just handy; they're a necessity for dealing with unexpected issues like a flat tire or a dead battery. Think about including things like a multi-tool, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, and reflective safety gear to keep you visible if you're stranded at night. First Aid A first aid kit is a very useful thing to always have at hand, and it can be easy to forget to prepare one until a need arises. Minor injuries or health issues can sometimes happen without warning. Your kit should have basics like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications that might be necessary in a pinch. A well-prepared first aid kit can help keep you and your passengers safe until you can get more assistance if needed. Food Lastly, keeping some non-perishable snacks and water in your car is a smart move, especially for longer trips or if you get stuck somewhere unexpectedly. Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits are great because they don't take up much space, and they can give you a much-needed energy boost when you’re tired. And don't forget about water—it's essential for staying hydrated, especially in hot weather or if you're waiting for roadside assistance to arrive. Putting together an emergency kit might seem like a bit of a chore, but it's one of those things you'll be glad to have if you ever need it. Visit us in Orangeburg today for a service appointment to help reduce the chances of unexpected car trouble.