9 Amazing Places for Couples in Columbia, SC (2024)
There is no better place than Columbia in South Carolina, if you want to take your significant other on a traditional dinner date or go stargazing. The restaurants in Columbia alone offer a wide variety of romantic dining options, from Indian cuisine to seafood. This charming city will astound you with all there is to see and do.
9 Amazing Places for Couples in Columbia, SC
Enjoy these romantic places to create a memorable experience with your partner.
1. Sesquicentennial State Park
Known as “Sesqui” by locals, Sesquicentennial State Park is a state park surrounded by natural, lush greenery. It is located in the Sandhill region of downtown Columbia. Sesqui has 1400 acres of pines, nature trails, and a lovely lake. It is one of the best options in South Carolina if you want to spend some quiet and cozy time with your better half amidst nature. You can also enjoy a picnic or a lovely afternoon meal with them, as the park also offers a variety of picnic shelters. The Sesquicentennial State Park is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Columbia. You can bring your pets if you have one, as a separate park for dogs spans 2 acres of land where dogs can run off-leash.
Address: 9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223, United States
Distance from Main Street: 12.6 miles
2. Saluda Shoals Park
Saluda Shoals Park is a stunning, natural, and environmental-friendly riverfront park close to the Lake Murray Dam that welcomes visitors to discover the wonders of the Saluda River by offering exceptional recreational, educational, and cultural experiences.
This 400-acre regional park features a river observation deck, picnic shelters, a boat ramp, and a canoe/kayak launch in addition to an Exhibit hall and an Environmental Education Center, a state-of-the-art facility called the River Center, an inclusive playground called Leo’s Landing, and administrative offices. It also has some of the most beautiful running and biking trails in the nation. You and your partner can ride a bike along a path bordered by tall, lush trees in front of a fairly large lake that shines in the late-afternoon sun.
Address: 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212, USA
Distance from Main Street: 12.5 miles
3. Melton Memorial Observatory
Melton Memorial Observatory is always a good choice when looking for a romantic place to visit in Colombia at night. It is an astronomical observatory located on the University of South Carolina campus. The Observatory’s cutting-edge telescope provides a breathtaking view of the night sky. You can observe the moon, stars, planets, and everything else free of cost. It is undoubtedly among the most dreamlike dates you could go on with your significant other. The Observatory collaborates with the Midlands Astronomy Club on some Saturdays to host Sidewalk Astronomy, a time for stargazing in front of places like the Hunter-Gatherer Brewery or Mellow Mushroom. You can know the timings and everything else in detail on their website.
Address: 1429 Greene St, Columbia, SC 29208, United States
Distance from Main Street: 1.6 miles
4. Township Auditorium
Township Auditorium is a music venue and the best place for couples who are fans of musical performances. The Township has hosted many performers, entertainers, and local groups for graduations, dance recitals, and inaugural galas, among other events. Jerry Seinfeld, Bonnie Raitt, Earth, Wind & Fire, Tony Bennett, Martin Short, Bob Dylan, Smokey Robinson, Dave Chappell, Steve Martin, and many others have performed at the Township in just the last few years. The good news is it shows no signs of slowing down even after 90 years of operation.
“The Township” has left a lasting impression on the community since it was built. Up to 3,000 people can be seated in the auditorium. The Midlands have come together across cultural, religious, and socioeconomic divides thanks to a rich heritage of classical arts, rock and roll, and wrestling.
Address: 1703 Taylor St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States
Website: https://thetownship.org/
5. Nickelodeon Theatre
The Nickelodeon Theatre is ideal for couples eager to explore movie and, presently, documentary culture. In contrast to typical movie theaters, this Theatre is a non-profit venue that offers a carefully chosen selection of independent films, series, and unique community films. The University of South Carolina students who founded this Theatre, which is situated on Main Street, host several film festivals.
Nickelodeon frequently offers opportunities for discussion before and after screenings, bringing together professionals and community members as speakers and respondents. It is because they strongly believe in fostering more engaging movie-going experiences. It is the only theater in Columbia where you can watch the latest independent film, a special documentary, or a classic movie all over again while sipping your favorite beer or glass of pinot.
Address: 1607 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States
Website: https://nickelodeon.org/
6. Alodia’s Italiana Cucina
You must visit Alodia’s Italiana Cucina, an Italian restaurant known for its delicious authentic delicacies. All of the dishes are prepared on-site. The restaurant atmosphere is friendly and comfortable and makes you feel at home. You and your partner can drop by for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Additionally, they are available to cater private or business events.
The dessert options at Alodia’s include cannoli, the Italian Bomba, tiramisu, chocolate, creme brulee, and vanilla gelato served in a hard dark chocolate shell with a cherry almond center. A kid’s menu featuring cheese ravioli, fettuccine alfredo, spaghetti, and buttered noodles is also very popular. Their famous bowtie gratinata with sautéed shrimp in a special cream sauce continues to be customers’ favorite, apart from the eggplant parmesan, manicotti lasagna, spaghetti, ziti, and several others. The extensive appetizer selection at Alodia includes dishes like mini crab cakes, fried green tomatoes, and calamari fritti.
Address: 2736 N Lake Dr, Columbia, SC 29212, United States
Website: alodias.com
Distance from Main Street: 15 miles
7. Art Bar
Where to find extraordinary nightlife, an entertaining underground club scene experience, and live music altogether in Columbia? The answer is Art Bar, a quirky establishment. Art Bar provides a distinctive environment and is situated in the thriving Vista neighborhood. The mainstays of their live entertainment, comedy, karaoke, and open-mic improv, have expanded to include spoken word, dance performances, live music, and pop-up shop events.
Anyone at the bar can enjoy comedic performances on Tuesdays, sing along to Karaoke on Wednesdays, test their knowledge with Trivia on Thursdays, and keep the party going on the weekends with a DJ and live music. The setting is underground, which adds character to the area. Enjoy drinks with your partner while dancing to the music until the early morning hours.
Address: 1211 Park St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States
Website: https://www.artbarsc.com/
8. South Carolina State Museum
If you’re looking for an unusual date idea, go to the South Carolina State Museum. The museum is situated in downtown Columbia, housed in the iconic 1893 Columbia Mill textile building, and tells South Carolina’s history through various classic collections, traveling exhibits, and educational initiatives. You can find an observatory, a digital dome planetarium, four-dimensional interactive theaters, and four floors of permanent and changing exhibits at the state-of-the-art South Carolina State Museum. While using a telescope to view the planets and stars in the Observatory, you can make a wish for a shooting star. Enjoy 3D movies providing lively features like water sprayers, air blasters, leg ticklers, vibrating seats, and additional features in the 4D theater. Please visit the website for updated operating times and prices.
Address: 301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States
Website: http://scmuseum.org/
9. Curiosity Coffee Bar
The shop welcomes everyone and frequently maintains a running Community Card tab that kind customers fund for those who are struggling and need something to eat or drink. It has a name that oozes intrigue and an ambiance attracting people. Grab a bite of their famous bagel sandwiches and sip on the specialty drinks like a Rose Coffee Tonic or Campfire Cold Brew. Top off your coffee with their “Whip of the Week,” which is offered in flavors like Chocolate Hazelnut, Orange Cardamom, and Maple Cinnamon. They also sell craft beer and wine, so stock up on something to drink later. It would be a perfect place to sip coffee or alcoholic drinks with your partner while chatting and munching on some snacks on the weekends.
Address: 2327 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States
Website: https://www.curiositycoffeebar.com/
Conclusion
Make the most of your time with your partner by going on dates at different places every weekend. Spending a private and comforting time will help strengthen your relationship for the future. Visiting places where you can bond and have fun is the best romantic getaway. So if you are a Columbian or wish to visit the town soon with your partner, check out these amazing places throughout Columbia, South Carolina.
