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    Finlay Park

    3.4 (32 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Lucas H.

    We spent some time at Finlay Park with Olivia, Joel, and Jordan, and it turned out to be such a fun and easy outing. The kids had an absolute blast sliding down the big grass hill, honestly, that alone kept them entertained for a while! The playground area was great for them to run around and burn off energy, and everything felt pretty open and relaxed. One of the highlights was definitely the waterfall, it added a really nice touch to the park and made the whole place feel a little more special.

    Cheryl T.

    Wow this renovated park was probably the nicest park that I have ever seen! There are ping pong tables, pickleball court, huge slides, multiple playgrounds for various ages, outdoor fitness area, stage, waterfall, sculpture garden, huge walking trail, and a fun 'amazon box top' hill sled. The bathrooms were also super clean and it appears that during the day you can also purchase food and rent equipment. One funny thing we did notice is that the signs stated that the kids areas are only for ages 2-12, and the fitness areas said you have to be 14+. So what do you do if you are 13 ??? Also note that the park has a 'clear bag' policy for safety. We took some cute family photos here, even at night. Wish that we had a beautiful park like this where I live!

    Anna L.

    I'm enchanted by the park renovations. It's now my new favorite park. There's so much life! People picnicking, playing pickleball, roller skating, sliding down grass, playing ping pong, people watching, strolling the art paths, etc. It's all amazing and feels very safe. There's a ranger station and security. The fountain is running again, and there's little waterfall features, stages, and plenty of open space. I would take visitors to this park and not be embarrassed. Definitely worth a visit!

    Leah C.

    The new renovations and absolutely phenomenal. Tons of space for picnics, pickleball, concerts, food trucks, roller blading/ bikes and running path as well. The bathrooms are clean and the architecture/landscaping is beautiful. I can't wait for my son to grow up coming here!!

    Fountain
    Bryan C.

    The newly renovated park looks amazing! We had so much fun and my kids are already begging to go back! From slides, to skating, to swings, and pickleball - I'm so excited that we can enjoy the park again!

    Waterfall

    Beautiful park and handicap friendly. Thank you Columbia! Pickle ball, rollerblade, walking track amazing

    Nicole S.

    Half of the park was beautiful & great to walk around but the other half is home to a large group of homeless people. I did not have any issues walking around but can see why this impacts the usefulness of the park. The water was pretty but on a hot summer day I did not stay long

    Family portrait at Finlay Park
    Elena T.

    Been there many times to enjoy lunch or just a weekend getaway outdoor with my 4 years old. IMHO the park got better over time with its gorgeous man-made waterfalls (also a very popular family photo back drop...see attached photos), lake surrounding pathways and much cleaner playgrounds and picnic areas. Yes there are still plenty of homeless people hanging around (as in any other city I've visited) but they will not bother you and they usually cluster in just few spots. Speaking of people without a home go visit the eye opening inspirational exhibit at the Columbia Museum of Art (two blocks away from Finlay Park)...

    View of Columbia's skyline from Finlay Park

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    6 months ago

    The park is so lovely with the upgraded facilities it offers. Excellent views and great family friendly facilities!

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    6 months ago

    Finlay Park redo is beautiful and has returned to it's original glory. Great park to visit and great place to spend an afternoon.

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    2 years ago

    Very good place to visit with family n friends. I have always enjoyed the experience. Up grades made so l must schedule a visit!!

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    Review Highlights - Finlay Park

    Tons of space for picnics, pickleball, concerts, food trucks, roller blading/ bikes and running path as well.

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    Sesquicentennial State Park

    Sesquicentennial State Park

    4.1(63 reviews)
    9.5 mi

    What a HIDDEN Gem near the city we headed there and entrance fee was $6 dollars per person and with…read moreso much to do what a great park to visit! If you're a local and will be coming here often I believe the annual pass is a better fit especially since it's not just this park but all state parks in SC First stop since we had the pup with us we headed to the gated dog park but we didn't want to deal with passes for the day so we opted for a hike by the lake and it was the best idea! The dog park here is pretty strict but at the end of the day safe for the pups There is also facilities for parties or a boathouse where you can rent out equipment and head to the water ‍

    Sesquicentennial state park is beautiful! They have 4 trails, including one trail (Sandhills trail)…read morethat loops around the lake, which makes for some great photos during sunrise or sunset. They have a little visitor center when you can buy a bunch of souvenirs, snacks, and can get a stamp in your SC state parks passport. If this review was solely on the trails and beauty, it would be a 5/5 but unfortunately the campsite brings it down a bit. The campsite is on the larger side, and has 3 bathhouses to accommodate the area (close to you). You are given the basics like a picnic table & fire ring. Sites 1-29 have 20/30/50 amps, and 36-84 have 20/30 amp electric hookups. Sites 1-9 are full service (also have sewer). These sites do not give you a lot of privacy, and it seems like they built as many sites as they could in a confined area instead of spreading the sites out a bit to give the camper a bit more privacy. The bathhouses are clean, but are very dated and are in desperate need of a renovation. If you are not a camper, you will be charged an entrance fee of $6 if you are an adult, $3.75 for seniors (65+), or $3.50 for children (6-15). Overall, a 5/5 for the beauty of the park and amenities outside of the campsite, but 2/5 for the campsite itself.

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    Sesquicentennial State Park
    Sesquicentennial State Park
    Sesquicentennial State Park

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    Lake Murray Dam - Beautiful.

    Lake Murray Dam

    4.6(10 reviews)
    11.0 mi

    Lake Murray Dam walkway, travel down Lake Murray Blvd will run into it…read more I come here to run occasionally as it is scenic, breezy, straight, and runners frequent. I just started parking on the Irmo side, parking to left of guard house is free. On a weekend I can see this lot filling up quickly it's not a lot of spaces free. I do think this side is more stretching friendly than the Lexington side. Speaking of Lexington side I always parked there with larger overflow lot but there was construction there last time that closed half the spaces. The walkway across dam is wide enough for about three people walking side by side but for runners it can get hard to pass the more populated. I've seen roller skaters out there, strollers, dog walkers although there is no grass only concrete so pick up the doo. The mileage is about 3.4 miles across and back; there isn't any man made shade except the short barrier wall between lake and walkway. If you come during the day will be in full sun so recommend morning or evening for shadier walks/runs. It's an easy run across, is windy certain spots so make sure hat is tight or you will lose it. Worth visiting.

    Beautiful public park next to a dam - today's local adventure. My fur friend Cleo and I were out…read moreand about exploring neighboring cities and happened upon this smaller park area. The lake views are gorgeous! There's a small pier people fish from. Although windy, some people were picnicking in a couple spots. Geese and butterflies greeted us as we strolled by the water for a bit. Was a lovely, relaxing morning in local nature before the storm rolled in.

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    Lake Murray Dam
    Lake Murray Dam - Parking lot on Irmo side

    Parking lot on Irmo side

    Lake Murray Dam - Walkway across dam

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    Walkway across dam

    Finlay Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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