Columbia · Richland County, SC

Best sunset spots in Columbia

Scout analyzed 92 Columbia places and surfaced the ones that actually fit sunset spots.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$35

Typical visit

1.5 hr

Scout-verified spots

Midtown - Downtown

Three Notch'd Brewery & Craft Kitchen - Columbia

This brewpub is suitable for a casual meal or drinks, either as a standalone outing or paired with nearby activities. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-50 per person on food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Midtown - Downtown

smallSUGAR

smallSUGAR is a good spot for a casual breakfast or lunch, especially on a weekend. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $15-30 per person.

FoodViewsRelaxed

$15–$30 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Black Rooster

Black Rooster is an Italian restaurant suitable for an evening meal, offering a comfortable dining experience that could be part of a date night or family outing. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and about $35-75 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$35–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Cottontown/Belleview

The War Mouth

The War Mouth is a good spot for a casual dinner out, perhaps after an afternoon activity or before seeing a show. Expect to spend $20-40 per person for an hour and a half meal.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$20–$40 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Dreher Island State Park

Dreher Island State Park offers a day of outdoor activities on Lake Murray, suitable for families or solo adventurers seeking nature and water. Expect to spend a few hours hiking or enjoying the lake for a low per-person cost.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$5–$15 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Timmerman Trail

Timmerman Trail is a free outdoor path suitable for a relaxed walk or run, often paired with a picnic. Expect to spend an hour or two enjoying the scenery.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Alston Trailhead - Palmetto Trail

This trailhead offers an outdoor experience suitable for a morning or afternoon hike, often paired with a picnic. Expect to spend a few hours here, and it is typically free to access.

OutdoorsSportsWellness

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Midtown - Downtown

Bourbon

Bourbon is good for an evening out or a weekend brunch, offering Cajun/Creole food and a whiskey menu. Expect to spend $35-75 per person and a visit length of 1.5 hours.

FoodCocktailsHistory

$35–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Harbison Place Walking Trail

This walking trail is suitable for a free, relaxed outdoor activity for an hour or two, pairing well with other activities in the Harbison area. Expect minimal cost for a straightforward walk.

OutdoorsRelaxedQuiet

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Midtown - Downtown

Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park

This park is good for a multi-hour outdoor excursion involving walking, biking, or picnicking. It costs nothing to enter and can be paired with other Columbia attractions after a visit.

OutdoorsHistoryViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Midtown - Downtown

Cola's Restaurant

Cola's is suitable for an upscale dinner outing, perhaps after a show or for a special occasion. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and $50-100 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Terra

Terra is a good choice for a dinner outing, especially for a date or celebration, offering Southern-leaning dishes and skyline views. Plan for about 1.5 hours and $40-80 per person for food and a drink.

FoodCocktailsViews

$40–$80 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Midtown - Downtown

Blue Marlin

Blue Marlin is a good choice for a sit-down Southern seafood dinner, suitable for a date or a family meal. Expect to spend 90 minutes and $40-75 per person for food and drinks. Reservations are recommended.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$40–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Saluda Riverwalk

The Saluda Riverwalk is a good option for a free outdoor stroll or bike ride, offering river views and potential wildlife spotting. Plan for 1-2 hours of walking or cycling, which pairs well with a picnic or a nearby casual meal.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Midtown - Downtown

Cool Beans Coffee Co

Cool Beans is good for a casual coffee break or a light meal, suitable for working, studying, or meeting friends. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person for coffee and a sandwich, making it a budget-friendly option.

FoodViewsRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater

This park is suitable for a free, relaxed outdoor activity, like a morning stroll or afternoon walk with family. It can be paired with a picnic or visiting nearby restaurants in West Columbia. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Shandon

Backstreets Grill

This is a good spot for a casual meal with elevated American fare, especially if you enjoy outdoor seating. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $20-40 per person for an entree and drink.

FoodOutdoorsRelaxed

$20–$40 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Lake Wateree State Park

This state park is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor escape, offering fishing, boating, and trails for a low entry fee. It pairs well with packing a picnic or bringing a cooler for a budget-friendly outing.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve

This nature preserve offers outdoor exploration and scenic views, making it suitable for a couple of hours as a standalone activity or paired with a picnic. It's a free outing where you'll spend on gas and potentially snacks.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is ideal for a half to full-day outdoor exploration, offering hiking and canoeing among large hardwood forests. Expect to spend little to no money for entry, though activities like canoeing may incur rental costs.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Five Points

Drip Coffee

This coffee shop is good for a casual solo stop or a relaxed meeting, potentially pairing with a walk through the Saluda Ave area. Expect to spend $5-15 per person for a visit lasting around 30 minutes.

FoodShoppingViews

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Five Points

Mr. Friendly's New Southern Cafe

Mr. Friendly's is a solid dinner spot for seasonal Southern cuisine, suitable for an evening meal. Plan for a 90-minute visit and a spend of $35-$75 per person. Reservations are advised.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$35–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Midtown - Downtown

Motor Supply Company Bistro

This upscale bistro is ideal for a focused dinner outing or a celebratory meal. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and $50-100 per person on a meal with drinks.

FoodCocktailsViews

$50–$100 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Midtown - Downtown

Market On Main

Market On Main is a versatile spot for a casual meal or drinks with friends, perfect for combining with a stroll downtown. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and about $25-$50 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking