​If you’re craving a biscuit sandwich that could power you through the entire day, head to Vicious Biscuit. Their signature Fat Boy stacks crispy fried chicken, pimento cheese, and hot honey on a flaky buttermilk biscuit that barely fits in your hands. Pair it with a mimosa made from freshly squeezed orange juice, and you’ve got a breakfast worth fighting over.

Want a classic plate of pancakes and eggs? Original Pancake House won’t disappoint. The menu features just about every variety imaginable: blueberry, banana, Georgia pecan, pumpkin, and even cinnamon roll pancakes. The apple pancake is a winner (basically a pancake turned apple pie), but the French toast and waffles hit just as hard if you’re in the mood for something traditional.

Spend the morning at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, one of the region’s top family attractions. The 170-acre space is home to more than 3,000 animals and regularly ranks among the best zoos in the country. Start in the botanical garden, where paths wind through a quiet Asian garden, seasonal blooms in the Garden in Bloom, and the cactus-filled Dry Garden. Then head into the zoo to see everything from giraffes and otters to tropical birds, reptiles, and aquatic life.

The South Carolina State Museum is the largest in the state, housed in a former textile mill along the riverfront. Inside, exhibits cover art, science, natural history, and South Carolina’s cultural past. The planetarium is worth a stop for its immersive 4K shows. Galleries highlight everything from fossils found across the state to historic artifacts and even costumes worn by Disney characters.

Art lovers will want to make a stop at the Columbia Museum of Art. It’s the state’s only museum with a truly global collection, covering more than 5,000 years of history. You’ll find everything from Tang dynasty artifacts to European paintings and contemporary pieces, plus a few standout surprises, including a fresco attributed to Botticelli.

For a lively lunch with a modern Southern twist, head to Tupelo Honey. The bright dining room and patio give it an upbeat feel without being over the top. Go savory with the blackened mahi mahi and collard greens, or switch gears with the sweet potato pancake topped with spiced pecans, powdered sugar, and your choice of bacon, sausage, or chorizo.

Want to dig a little deeper into South Carolina’s history? Spend some time at the State House and its surrounding grounds. The 22-acre complex is filled with monuments, statues, and striking architecture, and free guided tours run every half hour. Inside, you’ll step into the chambers where state leaders still meet, with plenty of stories along the way, from Civil War history to how the building is used today.

If you’re ready to get outside, Congaree National Park is just a short drive from downtown Columbia. It protects the largest stretch of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the country, and the boardwalk trails make it easy to wander through towering trees and quiet wetlands. Go in late spring if you can, when thousands of synchronous fireflies light up the forest after dark.

Traveling with kids? EdVenture Children’s Museum is an easy win. It’s one of the largest children’s museums in the world, and the highlight is Eddie, a 40-foot-tall interactive human body kids can climb through, from brain to spine. Beyond that, there are flight simulators, a hands-on eco-garden, and plenty of exhibits built for exploring, playing, and burning off some energy.

For something a little different, book a table at The Hollow, where wild game takes center stage. Start with duck wings glazed in a pear-ginger bourbon sauce, then go for the elk filet with wild mushroom risotto and herb butter. It’s a fun switch from the usual dinner lineup, but if you’re not feeling adventurous, there are still plenty of steaks, burgers, and seafood to fall back on.