6 Outdoor Spots in Columbia for Perfect Family Photographs

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Whether you have chosen a professional photographer or are equipped with your own point and shoot, finding the best place to take family photos can be a tall order. Luckily, Columbia has many outdoor options for creating fantastic photographs. Here is our list of six outdoor spots around the Columbia area for perfect family photographs.

Riverbanks Botanical Gardens

Featuring 70 acres of beautiful blooms, the Riverbanks Botanical Gardens provide a gorgeous backdrop for family photos. Spring and fall are the ideal times to take photos at the gardens, as the flowers and plants will be at their peak. However, there is always something in bloom to create a nice backdrop all year long. There is also a charming children’s garden and play area that can be used for great candid shots of your children at play.

Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Extended spring/summer weekend hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays

Location: 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia 29169 

Visit the gardens in the Spring and Fall for the lushest blooms and prettiest pictures.
Visit the gardens in the Spring and Fall for the lushest blooms and prettiest pictures.

University of South Carolina Horseshoe

Located in the heart of the USC campus, the horseshoe will lead itself to some truly lovely shots. Whether you opt to sit on the grass beside a stately tree or pose in front of the historic buildings surrounding the horseshoe area, your portraits will be steeped in the history of the university.

Hours: Open daily

Location: 902 Sumter Street, Columbia 29208 

The Rowan family posing for their family portraits on the USC horseshoe. Photography by Stacey Coats

South Carolina State House Grounds

Visit the State House grounds in November and early December, and you will find yourself in the company of many families looking for a Christmas card photo. The giant Christmas tree provides the perfect festive backdrop. Visit in the spring and you might run into some prom parties taking photos on the stairs. Regardless, you’ll be sure to capture some beautiful shots that are deep rooted in with our capital’s history.

Hours: Open daily

Location: 1100 Gervais Street, Columbia 29201 

My sweeties on the statehouse grounds during our family photo shoot Photography by Stacey Coats
My sweeties on the State House grounds during our family photo shoot. Photography by Stacey Coats

Columbia Canal/Riverfront Park

There are so many great places to take photos at the Canal and Riverfront Park! Canal side you have the old water works building with its fantastic big red barn door. Along the Riverfront there are gorgeous views of the Gervais and Blossom Street bridges.

Hours: Daily – dawn to dusk

Location: Canal side – 312 Laurel Street, Columbia 29201; West Columbia Riverfront – Corner of Meeting Street and Alexander Road, West Columbia 29201 

The West Columbia Riverwalk provides a gorgeous backdrop for photographs.
The West Columbia Riverwalk provides a gorgeous backdrop for photographs.

Irmo Town Park

Looking for a picturesque gazebo to pose your family in? Irmo Town Park has one! How about a bridge overlooking a small pond sprinkled with lily pads? It has that too! This shady park is small, but very quaint. Get there in late afternoon for the best natural light.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Location: 1249 Lexington Ave, Irmo 29063 

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Picturesque backgrounds include lots of greenery, a gazebo, bridge and pond – what more could you want?

The Peak Trestle

Nestled in the heart of the town of Peak and the Palmetto Trail is a beautiful trestle bridge overlooking the gorgeous river. The perfect picturesque nature location for photographs. It’s kind of a drive so make an afternoon of it! A great time to photograph is fall but it is lovely all year long. 

Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset

Location: The Peak to Prosperity Passage of the Palmetto Trail can be accessed via three trailheads: Alston Trailhead, Hope Station Trailhead and Pomaria Trailhead. Directions to all three can be found at this link.

6 Great Places for Family Photos Around Columbia - Columbia Mom
The bridge is a great location for photos in the fall (and all year long)! Photography by Paige Phillips Photography

Have you chosen one of these six spots for a family photo shoot? Is there another place in Columbia you recommend?

11 COMMENTS

  1. Thanks – these are great spots, and it’s about time for me to get pics of the kids done again! 🙂 I think we’ll do Horseshoe.

    One other great place I’d add is the Children’s Garden over at the Clemson Rd. Extension near the Sandhills.

  2. We have done photos at Riverbanks Botanical Gardens and at Irmo Park (the one with the gazebo) and loved the backdrop of both! I would love to do the State House as well, eventually. 🙂

  3. I shoot at Irmo Town Park often! It offers great photos! I have done family, prom, engagement, ect. Findlay is a great park as well, have shot many Senior casual pictures there as well!

    A couple other great places (although not in Columbia) are Edisto Gardens and Aiken Gardens. I definitely did not think about the Horseshoe, but will try it sometime!

    Thanks!

    Stacy

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