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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds at Leo's Landing
Saluda Shoals Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds at Leo's Landing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 400-acre natural oasis with an inclusive playground, splash pad, river access, and scenic trails for all to enjoy.
"Great place to spend the day with parks, trails, tubing, splash pad, and picnic areas."
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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
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
Saluda Shoals Park
A dazzling drive-thru Christmas light display that brings festive cheer to the entire family. A must-see during the holidays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Leo's Landing
Seasonal Magic: Holiday Lights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
Inclusive Playground
Leo's Landing is designed for all abilities, making it a fantastic spot for every child to enjoy.
Kayak & Tube Launch
Utilize the upper and lower landings for kayaking or tubing on the Saluda River.
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.
All-Day Park Pass
The $5 entry fee covers the whole day, so you can explore multiple areas of the park.
Inclusive Playground
Leo's Landing is designed for all abilities, making it a fantastic spot for every child to enjoy.
Kayak & Tube Launch
Utilize the upper and lower landings for kayaking or tubing on the Saluda River.
Holiday Lights Tickets
Purchase tickets in advance for the Holiday Lights on the River to save time and guarantee entry.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Information on public transportation options to Saluda Shoals Park is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
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.
Yes, there is ample parking available throughout the park, especially near popular areas like Leo's Landing and picnic shelters.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The general admission fee is $5 per person for an all-day pass, which grants access to most park amenities.
Yes, annual passes are available for frequent visitors, offering a cost-effective option for year-round access.
The splash pad is included with the general park admission fee. No separate ticket is required.
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.
Yes, the Lexington County Library offers park passes that can be checked out for access to Saluda Shoals Park, allowing for free entry.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
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.
Absolutely! The park features numerous clean, covered picnic shelters that are great for family gatherings and are conveniently located near trails.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
The park boasts diverse flora and fauna along the Saluda River and its tributaries, offering opportunities to photograph wildlife, scenic landscapes, and seasonal foliage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts & Outdoor Adventurers
📸 Photographers & Event Planners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Leo's Landing and the Splash Pad
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. The combination of an engaging playground and a refreshing splash pad makes this area a top destination for families with young children.
Adventures on the Saluda River
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.
The Magic of Holiday Lights on the River
It's a cherished tradition for many families, offering a festive way to create lasting memories. 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.
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