Columbia’s best-kept garden secrets—have you explored them yet?

Posted on by Hannah Rye |

Inside: 6 beautiful gardens in Columbia, SC that you can explore with your family and friends. This list was assembled by a Columbia-area mom, and a team who visited many of these spots to get the info parents need.

Are you looking to add a pop of color to your day? Columbia has some beautiful gardens to explore. Most of them are free of charge! Pack a picnic lunch and get ready for a fun-filled day enjoying the beauty of nature!

Columbia, SC gardens

1. Clemson Sandhill Children’s Garden

The Clemson Sandhill Children’s Garden is a charming and educational outdoor space located at the Clemson Sandhill Research and Education Center. It serves as a hands-on learning environment for children and families, focusing on gardening, nature, and sustainability.

At the Sandhill Children’s Garden you’ll find interactive garden spaces, a reading garden, bluebird houses, a sensory garden, a gazebo, picnic areas, Mr. McGregor’s garden, Old MacDonald’s Farm, educational displays, seasonal plants and vegetables, and more! Visitors can explore the garden and surrounding areas, which include walking trails and scenic views.

Clemson Sandhill Childrens Garden

2. Riverbanks: Botanical Garden

Riverbanks: Botanical Garden is a stunning 70-acre garden right here in Columbia located across the Saluda River from the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. It features beautifully designed themed gardens, walking trails, waterfalls, and a vast collection of plants, including roses, perennials, and native species.

Some of the focal points of this garden are the Asian Garden, Walled Garden, Shade Garden, Old Rose Garden, Waterfall Junction, and more! Waterfall Junction includes a children’s garden, dino dig area, large green space for play, tree houses, more, and is a great place for littles to run around and splash in the water.

3. Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens

The Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens is a historic site in Columbia. The mansion has a rich and varied history. The gardens have been meticulously re-established and now include themed areas like the Henry Michael Powell Children’s Garden, the Hiram Powers Fountain Garden, and the Boyd Horticultural Center.

The gardens are open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m., while guided mansion tours run Wednesday to Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. All tours start from the Robert Mills Gift Shop at 1616 Blanding Street. The site also serves as a picturesque venue for events, blending history with natural beauty.

4. Robert Mills House and Gardens

The Robert Mills House and Gardens, also located in Columbia, is another historic gem managed by Historic Columbia. The gardens enhance the site’s charm with a large canopy of trees, boxwood parterres, seasonal blooms like camellias and azaleas, and more.

Open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m., with guided tours Wednesday to Saturday at noon and Sundays at 1:30 pm, the site also serves as Historic Columbia’s headquarters and a venue for events.

The Woodrow Wilson Family Home and Robert Mills House
Robert Mills House, Photo Credit: Jennifer H.

5. Swan Lake Iris Gardens

Swan Lake Iris Gardens is the only public park in the United States featuring all 8 swan species. This special place has a sensory trail, talking tree, beautiful blooms, and so much more! They have several annual festivals including the Iris Festival, Taste of the Garden, Fantasy Lights, and more. So whether you’re wanting to do a little bird watching, explore the various types of flowers, or simply enjoy being a part of nature, be sure to check it out. It’s open year around!

6. Wells Japanese Garden

Wells Japanese Garden in Newberry is a small but serene historical site that offers visitors a tranquil escape. The garden features authentic Japanese elements such as two ponds, concrete bridges (including a Moon Bridge), a Torii gate, and a teahouse with reclaimed materials from the Newberry Opera House. The garden is often described as an ideal spot for relaxation or reflection.

Bonus! Day Trip Gardens

Looking for more gardens to explore?

Gardens in Greenville, SC

See Gardens Near Greenville and the Upstate! Hop over to our sister-site for a list 15 Beautiful Gardens Near Greenville.

Gardens Near Charlotte, NC
Head on over to Charlotte too for even more options to explore! There are a lot of free public gardens to wander! Gardens in Charlotte, NC

About the Author
Hannah grew up in Murfreesboro, TN but has called Columbia her home for over 5 years now. She taught elementary school for 8 years before becoming a mom. Now her 5 year old and 3 year old keep her and her husband on their toes. They love camping, movie nights, game nights, and just being together. Spare time is hard to come by in this phase of life, but when it does, Hannah enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and watching old, classic television shows.

Comments are closed.