2026 Columbia Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)
Essential Travel Information for Columbia
Columbia Today's weather
Mostly cloudy 22-36℃
Columbia weather for the next 2 days
9/8: 20-27℃, 9/9: 21-31℃
All Trip Moments about Columbia | Travel Experiences
definitely one of the nest stays I've ever had very nice rooms and comfortable beds. theyre very clean and they mind they're own business
#triplocal
Nikki33
9
#easytravelpost
Exploring Ho Chi Minh City? Don’t miss a chill break at Starbucks The Vista — one of the coolest, most peaceful café corners in town! ☕️🌿
Ho Chi Minh City has endless energy, but if you’re craving a smart escape for coffee, studying, remote work or just people-watching, here’s your spot: Starbucks The Vista! Nestled in The Oxygen Mall — Trung tâm thương mại The Oxygen, P1.07, 628C Võ Nguyên Giáp, An Khánh, Hồ Chí Minh 70000 — this branch stands out with leafy garden vibes, big windows, and a breezy atmosphere.
Why I recommend it: The space is open late (usually until 10pm), and unlike super-busy central locations, this one stays relaxed, with plenty of plugins and comfy seats. Huge win if you want to get some work done or just recharge with a frappe after a long day. The WiFi is strong and reliable, and there’s a mini terrace if you want some fresh air with your latte.
📝 Insider tip: Try their seasonal Vietnamese-inspired drinks (the iced coconut coffee is fire!), and head over late afternoon to enjoy golden hour light. It’s also super easy to grab a taxi or Grab here, or hop a bus along Võ Nguyên Giáp.
Getting around: Ho Chi Minh’s ride-hail apps are a lifesaver. Use Grab to zip around districts cheaply. Most drivers know The Vista, so no getting lost!
Cash or card: You can pay with both at this Starbucks, but have some VND handy for local bakeries nearby if you want to snack-hop.
Make The Vista your midday reset while exploring the best of Saigon! #SaigonCafes #HCMChill #DigitalNomadVietnam
Jen@travel
✈️ Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: Space and aviation in real-life scale
If you're in Washington, D.C., stop by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum—here you can see real airplanes, spacecraft, and artifacts related to the most important events in the history of aviation and space exploration.
One of the main exhibits is the Apollo 11 command module, Columbia, which returned Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins to Earth after the first manned lunar landing. Neil Armstrong's spacesuit is on display nearby.
Also of interest is the Early Flight exhibit, dedicated to the first decades of aviation. Among its exhibits is the 1909 Wright Military Flyer, which the Smithsonian calls the world's first military aircraft.
💡 Good to know before you visit:
· 🎟️ Admission to the museum is free. * 🎫 To visit the museum building in Washington, D.C., you must obtain a free timed-entry pass in advance.
· 🕙 Hours: Daily 10:00 AM–5:30 PM, except December 25th.
· 📍 Address: 650 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560.
· ⏰ With a ticket, you can enter any time after the stated time during the day.
Tip: Allow at least 2–3 hours for the museum and reserve a free timed-entry pass in advance. This way, you can easily see the most famous exhibits without wasting time waiting at the entrance.
Why you should go: This is a rare opportunity to see real airplanes, spacecraft, and objects directly related to the history of space flight and exploration, rather than museum replicas.
ASoto
Unforgettable Gold Country Adventure with Marc
Marc planned a private tour for us, turning the day into an incredible adventure! We explored the Gold Country, starting with Columbia, a living history gold-mining town. Next, we visited the stunning Mercer Caverns, Calaveras Tall Trees State Park, and capped the day off at Hinterhaus Distillery and Posterity Ciderworks. Marc shared fascinating stories, arranged sandwiches for our picnic, and paid attention to every detail. He’s highly recommended for an extraordinary day with family and friends!
_TI***gl
Nice experience in Cali, Columbia
Jennifer Iyiobi
When I had a chance to visit Columbia, South Carolina, I decided to take a slow walk around the USC campus.
I’m not a business student, but I walked past the Darla Moore School of Business. The modern architecture there and at the Koger Center for the Arts is really beautiful. As someone who draws, I found the clean lines, glass structures, and shadows very interesting. It actually gave me some ideas for background illustrations.
The campus is quite big but feels very peaceful. I spent some time sitting on the grass near a horse statue, just watching the breeze blow through the green trees. It felt like a scene from a calm, slice-of-life anime. If you like quiet places with nice modern buildings to walk around, I think you would really enjoy this campus.
📅 Itinerary
Day1:firefly games 10/10
Day2: more firefly games 10/10
Day3: even more firefly games 10/10
🏨 Accommodation baymont by Wyndham Columbia northwest 2/10
🍴 Food Recommendations Menkoi ramen downtown 10/10
📌 Tips
Logansue1013
Ngub
_TI***6d
#cambodiatrip
_TI***6d
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden 🇺🇸
#summerdestinations
Our visit to Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, South Carolina was a highlight of our trip! 🦒 The zoo is beautifully landscaped and offers a wide range of animals, including giraffes and lions, all in spacious, well-designed habitats. The entrance fee was $19.95 for adults, which felt like great value for the experience. We also enjoyed exploring the botanical gardens, which are a peaceful retreat. After the zoo, we headed to the nearby Congaree National Park for a relaxing nature walk. A perfect day out for nature and animal lovers! #trip #RiverbanksZoo #SouthCarolina #familyfun #wildlife #travel
FlorinM
look at those good looking people 😍
Robert Groomes
2
always tell you where I was at but I don't wa
I have never really been somewhere so exciting and funny I had a great time with how I will continue to try my best friend not missing when I leave I hope you visit anyone there with you and your family you will enjoy if maybe I'm really doing all this so I can get some points from my parents I can get free hotel room and Ranch trip was trying sometimes
Robert Groomes
2
voluntary I like it old hotel it looks just like the The Jetsons cartoon and I like it I hope you like it
Robert Groomes
2
this is a old hotel that looks like a alien space standing outside standing on the balcony is like your boxer fly off into space it's so old but so new definitely where the Jetsons met and f*** like anime
Robert Groomes
2
I hate fun I'm having with you Angie and your families and visit this place if possible Simulator for great prices since today app sometimes every time or rip me off though LOL and
Robert Groomes
2
I had really great time and I have no complaints about my stay, staff, or welcoming
#tigeryear2022 that’s the view in the very morning from. my window at Extended Stay America in Columbia SC#staycation
lavic franca
Sunrise in Columbia/SC
Address - 185 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia.
Ambiance/Facilities -
Highlights - Pearls Oyster Bar
Avg. Price per Person -
Rating -
lavic franca
#hotelstay
_GG***53
2
#tripaway
A nice city and state capital in South Carolina. Look at the se ducks we ran into. Aren’t they cute? If your coming here, come in the fall. It is so hot in the spring and summer. I love this city. It is so nice and friendly. Coe here for a fun time with a relaxing time! I sure did!
#tripaway
Alex Hotel Lover
1
Popular Destinations Near Columbia
2026 Charleston Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)
28 posts
2026 Charlotte Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)
16 posts
2026 Raleigh Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)