The acoustically engineered Koger Center for the Arts on the University campus, is the home of the University Symphony and Chamber Orchestras with numerous ballet, opera, and musical performances offered on a regular basis. Just 15 miles from downtown Columbia, Lake Murray , a 50,000 acre man-made lake offers boating, sailing and some of the nation's best fishing for largemouth bass. Within the Midlands area are located attractive city parks such as the unique Sidney Park and Sesquicentennial State Park, and the Congaree National Monument , the last significant stand of old river bottom hardwood forest. The Riverbanks Zoo has been named as one of the ten best zoos in the country. Columbia is also the home of the minor league team for the Mets.
Summers are typically hot with frequent afternoon thunder storms.
The foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with their excellent ski areas, as well as beautiful beaches and primeval coastal islands, are within a few hours drive from Columbia.