Saluda Shoals Park - a park with a wooden play structure surrounded by trees
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Saluda Shoals Park

4.7
·1k reviews·Columbia, United States

A 400-acre natural oasis with an inclusive playground, splash pad, river access, and scenic trails for all to enjoy.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds at Leo's Landing

CrowdLow
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Saluda Shoals Park - a park with a wooden play structure surrounded by trees

Saluda Shoals Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds at Leo's Landing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 400-acre natural oasis with an inclusive playground, splash pad, river access, and scenic trails for all to enjoy.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"Great place to spend the day with parks, trails, tubing, splash pad, and picnic areas."

Vertical photo
TIP

Splash Pad Water Shoes

Bring water shoes for the splash pad at Leo's Landing! They're a must for comfortable play.

All-Day Park Pass

The $5 entry fee covers the whole day, so you can explore multiple areas of the park.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Leo's Landing Inclusive Playground

Leo's Landing Inclusive Playground

Saluda Shoals Park

A vibrant, accessible playground designed for children of all abilities. Perfect for a fun-filled family outing.

Splash Pad Fun

Splash Pad Fun

Leo's Landing

Beat the heat with this fantastic splash pad, a guaranteed hit for kids during warmer months. Water shoes recommended!

River Observation & Trails

River Observation & Trails

Saluda River

Explore miles of paved and unpaved trails, enjoy river views, and launch kayaks or tubes for a scenic adventure.

Holiday Lights on the River

Holiday Lights on the River

Saluda Shoals Park

A dazzling drive-thru Christmas light display that brings festive cheer to the entire family. A must-see during the holidays.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds at Leo's Landing

Leo's Landing, the inclusive playground at Saluda Shoals Park, is a huge hit with families. To enjoy the splash pad and play structures without the peak crowds, aim for weekday mornings, especially during the summer. Arriving right when it opens is your best bet for a more relaxed experience. TikTok+1

Seasonal Magic: Holiday Lights

Saluda Shoals Park transforms into a winter wonderland with its 'Holiday Lights on the River.' This popular drive-thru event draws significant crowds, particularly on weekends. Book tickets in advance and consider visiting on a weeknight for a smoother experience. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the crowds at Leo's Landing
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Splash pad is a lifesaver!
Crowd
High
When
Weeknights (Nov-Dec)
Why
Less crowded holiday lights
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We had a BLAST at the splash pad today !! #saludashoalspark #parksincolumbiasc #kidactivitiesincolumbiasc #splashpadsincolumbiasc
@_hotgirlzee
3.6K likes • 85.1K views

Splash Pad Water Shoes

Bring water shoes for the splash pad at Leo's Landing! They're a must for comfortable play. Instagram

All-Day Park Pass

The $5 entry fee covers the whole day, so you can explore multiple areas of the park. TikTok+1

Leo’s landing located at Saluda Shoal’s park in Columbia SC 5605 Bush river road Columbia SC 29212 #columbiasc #thingstodoincolumbiasc #fyp #inclusiveplayground #columbia
@dejavublack
138 likes • 2.3K views
nature and my love are hands down my favorite ways to spend time And yes I will strut annnyywhereee 💃🏽😝 Grab you some water shoes and go visit @saludashoalspark for that much needed quality time ❤️ #Nature #dateideas #southcarolina #strut #mylove #saludashoalspark #adventurous #couplesthatadventuretogetherstaytogether
big__zee
42 likes • 819 views

Inclusive Playground

Leo's Landing is designed for all abilities, making it a fantastic spot for every child to enjoy. TikTok+1

Kayak & Tube Launch

Utilize the upper and lower landings for kayaking or tubing on the Saluda River. Reddit

Pair a Saluda Shoals Park Pass with an Adventure Backpack and turn an ordinary day into an unforgettable experience. Explore the trails, observe the wildlife and let nature inspire you. 🦆 🌳 🐇 Park passes and backpacks are available at all 10 locations for one-week checkout. Holds cannot be placed on these items or any other Adventure Passes. **Description of reel: A library worker checks out a S...
lexcolibrary
53 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Splash Pad Water Shoes

Bring water shoes for the splash pad at Leo's Landing! They're a must for comfortable play. Instagram

All-Day Park Pass

The $5 entry fee covers the whole day, so you can explore multiple areas of the park. TikTok+1

Inclusive Playground

Leo's Landing is designed for all abilities, making it a fantastic spot for every child to enjoy. TikTok+1

Kayak & Tube Launch

Utilize the upper and lower landings for kayaking or tubing on the Saluda River. Reddit

Holiday Lights Tickets

Purchase tickets in advance for the Holiday Lights on the River to save time and guarantee entry. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Saluda Shoals Park for its diverse activities, from the inclusive Leo's Landing playground and splash pad to its extensive trails and river access. The park is generally well-maintained with friendly staff, making it a great spot for family outings and outdoor adventures. However, some guests have noted issues with the upkeep of specific amenities like the disc golf course.

"I only come here for the disc golf course. Last time I came 6 months ago there appeared to be course improvements happening, those have obviously been abandoned. The course appears to be abandoned and forever neglected. No tee pads, massively overgrown, majority of the course is unplayable, and the rest is miserable because of the overgrowth. You would think that they would keep up with it since it’s a pay to play course. 0/10 recommend. Do not play until they properly maintain and finish the course."

Clair Neel

"Great place to spend the day. They have parks, trails, tubing, splash pad, picnic areas, and more. Love it there."

PR Reviews

"Great park, well-maintained, friendly staff. There's lot to do. We biked the paved trails and kayaked from the upper landing to the lower. If you take your time and explore the creek that goes into the park, it's about an hour and a half of paddling. The playground is amazing - large and spread out with ample parking. The picnic shelters offer clean, covered spaces for get togethers. They're all close to the paved trails."

Lee Gandy

What People Like

Inclusive playground
Splash pad fun
Well-maintained trails

What People Dislike

Disc golf course maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Saluda Shoals Park is located at 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available throughout the park. TikTok

Yes, Saluda Shoals Park is often associated with Irmo, SC, though its official address is in Columbia. It's conveniently located near the Bush River Road area. TikTokInstagram

Information on public transportation options to Saluda Shoals Park is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access. TikTok

The park has multiple access points, including the main entrance for general access and specific points for river launches and trailheads. Leo's Landing and the splash pad are centrally located. TikTok

Yes, there is ample parking available throughout the park, especially near popular areas like Leo's Landing and picnic shelters. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The general admission fee is $5 per person for an all-day pass, which grants access to most park amenities. TikTok+2

Yes, annual passes are available for frequent visitors, offering a cost-effective option for year-round access. TikTok

The splash pad is included with the general park admission fee. No separate ticket is required. TikTok

Ticket prices for the Holiday Lights on the River event vary. It's recommended to check the official website for current pricing and to purchase tickets in advance. TikTok+1

Yes, the Lexington County Library offers park passes that can be checked out for access to Saluda Shoals Park, allowing for free entry. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Saluda Shoals Park offers a wide range of activities including an inclusive playground (Leo's Landing), a splash pad, miles of walking and biking trails, river observation decks, boat launches, picnic shelters, and disc golf. TikTokReddit+1

Leo's Landing is an inclusive playground designed for children of all ages and abilities, making it very suitable for toddlers with various play structures and sensory elements. TikTok+1

Yes, Saluda Shoals Park provides access for tubing and kayaking with upper and lower river landings. The park is a good starting point for river activities. Reddit

Absolutely! The park features numerous clean, covered picnic shelters that are great for family gatherings and are conveniently located near trails. TikTok

This popular drive-thru event features millions of sparkling lights and animated displays along a three-mile route, creating a magical holiday experience for families. TikTok+1

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, Saluda Shoals Park offers beautiful natural scenery, river views, and seasonal events like the Holiday Lights, making it a great location for photography, including weddings and large events. TikTokInstagram

The river observation deck, the trails winding through nature, and the vibrant Leo's Landing playground offer diverse photographic opportunities. During the holidays, the light displays are spectacular. TikTokInstagram

Yes, you can take photos during the Holiday Lights on the River event, but it's a drive-thru experience, so capturing stills from your vehicle is the primary method. TikTok

Generally, personal photography is allowed. For commercial photography or large-scale events, it's advisable to check with park management for any specific permits or guidelines. Instagram

The park boasts diverse flora and fauna along the Saluda River and its tributaries, offering opportunities to photograph wildlife, scenic landscapes, and seasonal foliage. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Saluda Shoals Park is a paradise for families! Leo's Landing, the inclusive playground, is a huge hit, offering fun for children of all abilities. TikTok+3 Don't miss the splash pad for a perfect way to beat the summer heat – just remember to bring water shoes! TikTok+1 The park also boasts picnic shelters, making it easy to enjoy a full day of family fun with packed lunches. TikTok

🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts & Outdoor Adventurers

With 10 miles of paved and unpaved trails, Saluda Shoals Park is ideal for hiking and biking. TikTok The park's location along the Saluda River also makes it a prime spot for kayaking, tubing, and enjoying river views. Reddit Pack a picnic and spend the day exploring the natural beauty, or simply relax by the water. TikTokInstagram

📸 Photographers & Event Planners

The park's scenic beauty, from the riverbanks to the lush trails, provides a stunning backdrop for photography, including engagement shoots and weddings. Instagram [^Review Summary] The Holiday Lights on the River event offers unique, festive photo opportunities during the winter months. TikTok+1 Its well-maintained picnic shelters and open spaces also make it a suitable venue for large-scale events. [^Review Summary]

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Leo's Landing and the Splash Pad

Leo's Landing is a standout feature at Saluda Shoals Park, celebrated for its inclusive design that welcomes children of all abilities. This playground offers a variety of equipment, from swings and slides to sensory play areas, ensuring that every child can find something to enjoy. TikTok+4

Adjacent to Leo's Landing is the popular splash pad, a perfect spot to cool off during the hot South Carolina summers. Visitors often recommend bringing water shoes for comfort and safety while navigating the water features. TikTokInstagram+1 The combination of an engaging playground and a refreshing splash pad makes this area a top destination for families with young children. TikTok

Adventures on the Saluda River

Saluda Shoals Park offers excellent opportunities for river recreation. With designated upper and lower landings, it's an ideal starting point for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing adventures on the Saluda River. Reddit The park's description highlights boat launches, suggesting easy access for watercraft. Instagram

Travelers have enjoyed paddling from the upper landing to the lower landing, noting that taking time to explore the creek can extend the trip to about an hour and a half. [^Review Summary] This provides a scenic way to experience the natural beauty of the area. Remember to check water levels and conditions before heading out on the river. Reddit

The Magic of Holiday Lights on the River

During the holiday season, Saluda Shoals Park hosts the highly anticipated Holiday Lights on the River event. This popular drive-thru attraction transforms the park into a dazzling spectacle of millions of sparkling lights and animated displays. TikTokInstagram+1

It's a cherished tradition for many families, offering a festive way to create lasting memories. TikTok+1 While the event is a major draw, it can attract significant crowds, especially on weekends. To enhance the experience and avoid long waits, visitors often suggest purchasing tickets in advance and considering a visit on a weeknight. TikTok+1

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