Weekend Adventures in Columbia & Congaree National Park

We made a quick weekend getaway! Our recent weekend trip to Columbia, South Carolina, and Congaree National Park was just that—a perfect mix of city exploration and outdoor adventure.

We kicked off our weekend in Columbia, the vibrant capital of South Carolina. Strolling through downtown, we enjoyed the mix of historic charm and modern energy. We visited a few local spots, and found a tiki bar that made us feel like we were back at home: Urban Tiki. We met up with Colin and Omar later that night at Blue Marlin. It was so good to see them and we stayed at the cutest hotel: Hotel Trundle!

We started our next day kayaking Cedar Creek in Congaree National Park. Paddling through the slow-moving creeks, we navigated between massive cypress knees and reflected on the incredible biodiversity of the area. The sounds of birds and the occasional splash of fish made for a truly immersive experience. We saw a few snakes and a frog! It was the perfect way to see the park from a different perspective and appreciate its wild beauty.

We made our way to Congaree National Park Visitor Center for the Big Tree Hike. We joined park founder John Cely on an exploration to some of the park's big trees. From the boardwalk, we set off on the Big Tree Hike, eager to see some of the largest trees in the eastern U.S. The hike took us deeper into the floodplain forest, where we stood in awe beneath towering loblolly pines and bald cypress trees draped in moss. The sheer size of these ancient giants was humbling, and the quiet of the forest made it feel like stepping back in time. We got to see the National Champion

We made our way back to the Visitor Center hiking the Boardwalk Trail, an easy and scenic path that winds through the heart of the park. Elevated above the swampy terrain, the boardwalk allowed us to immerse ourselves in the towering hardwood forest while keeping our feet dry. The morning light filtering through the massive trees created a magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Columbia provided the perfect urban start, while Congaree National Park delivered an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Whether you’re into hiking, paddling, or simply soaking in nature’s beauty, this weekend getaway is one we’d highly recommend.

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Traveling with Danielle and Paige

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