Welcome to Richland County

You’ll discover a fusion of flavors, from Southern classics to international cuisine at Richland County’s trendy restaurants, mom-and-pop classics, and farm-to-table eateries. Head into Columbia for tacos and margaritas at Cantina 76, or make your way to Irmo to dine on the waterfront patio of Liberty On the Lake. Blythewood offers BBQ classics at Doko Smoke, and Forest Acres serves unique cocktails and dishes at Tazza Kitchen.

Visit Historic Columbia and explore the early 19th century history of Columbia and Richland County. Take a tour and visit 5 historic houses, over 14 acres of gardens, and immerse yourself in the history that shaped South Carolina’s second state capital.

To the Stars! Explore the universe in the state-of-the-art Observatory at the South Carolina State Museum. Gaze at the 55ft digital dome Planetarium, where you can journey to the farthest reaches of the galaxy, revel in spectacular laser shows, take your movie-going experience to new levels in the 4D theater, and much more.

From strolling the Riverwalk to tubing or canoeing on the Congaree, Broad, and Saluda Rivers, Columbia offers a multitude of outdoor activities. Discover Richland County’s natural wonders as you stroll through many parks and gardens, including Congaree National Park. The park preserves the largest tract of old-growth bottomland, hardwood forest left in the United States. Congaree is also home to synchronous fireflies, a natural phenomenon seen in the park between May and June. From mountain biking in Harbison State Forest to hiking the Peak to Pomaria Passage of the Palmetto Trail to teeing off at Cobblestone Park Golf Club in Blythewood, Richland County is an outdoor recreation haven.