The city of Columbia, South Carolina, offers many fun outdoor activities you and your dog can partake in during your visit. Columbia is the capital and largest city in South Carolina, with a population of 116,000. Many tourists come to Columbia to kayak, canoe, fish and check out the natural scenery.
Attractions
Historic Columbia Foundation Tours
From the months of March through February, this organization offers tours every Tuesday night at 6:30 PM. Otherwise, you can contact them for an appointment for a private tour of the historic part of the city. Friendly, leashed dogs are allowed to accompany you on this tour. There is one building that they cannot enter.
Congaree Swamp Canoe Tours
This is a giant floodplain forest located in Hopkins, South Carolina. It is one of the oldest forests in the country, and has some really tall trees, along with other interesting wildlife present. You can bring your leashed, well-behaved dog onto the tours that are held every other Sunday, as long as you make reservations at least 2 weeks in advance.
Parks
Sesqui Dog Park
This greater park contains an off-leash, fenced in dog run. You must pay to use this park, which is either a $25 annual fee or $4 day pass.
Finlay Park
Finlay Park is a great park that is 18 acres, and located in the middle of downtown Columbia. It includes 2 playgrounds, playing fields, a lake and waterfalls. Leashed dogs are allowed to accompany you in this park.
Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests
This area takes up 629,000 forested acres, with many different rich ecosystems and wildlife. There is a 36 mile hiking trail; other activities include paddling, fishing, birding and hunting. Dogs are allowed here on leash.
Towpath Trail and Park
This park is 167 acres, and hosts the site of Columbia’s original waterworks. It also has the world’s first electrically operated textile mill. Apart from the historical sites, there is a walking trail that is 2.5 miles and has great river views. Several concerts and events take place in this park throughout the year. Dogs are allowed to join you here on leash.
Restaurants
Z Pizza
This restaurant offers a fine selection of different pizzas, many of which are organic or internationally inspired. Dogs are allowed at their Columbia location at the outdoor tables.
Solstice Kitchen and Wine Bar
This restaurant serves American-style food, and many meat dishes and a wine cellar. Dogs are allowed to join you at the outdoor dining area.
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