Getting ready for a big presentation while a pile of laundry looms large? You’re not alone; working from home presents its own challenges. Sometimes, a change of scenery is necessary for productivity. Fortunately, studies show that working outdoors can significantly enhance your productivity.

In light of this, we sought out the best outdoor workspaces in Soda City. Spoiler alert: success achieved!

Coffee and Tea Shops

If you’re facing a heavy workload, caffeine can be your best ally. Grab your favorite playlist and dive into your tasks at one of these local spots:

• The Hideout in WeCo, 118 State St., West Columbia
  Hours: Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Sun: Closed
  Wifi: Yes | Covered: Yes
  Relax under umbrellas on the patio; just don’t miss the 1:30 p.m. closing on weekdays.
• Indah Coffee, 2238 Sumter St., Columbia
  Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sat: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  Wifi: Yes | Covered: Partially
  Enjoy an iced coffee while sitting beneath several umbrellas.
• Knowledge Perk, 1527 Gervais St., Columbia
  Hours: Mon-Sat: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  Wifi: Yes | Covered: Yes
  Choose from ample seating on the wraparound porch for a cozy experience, rain or shine.
• Loveland Coffee, 7475 Carlisle St., Irmo
  Hours: Mon-Sat: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sun: Closed
  Wifi: Yes | Covered: Partially
  Find shaded spots on the patio, moving indoors if needed due to heat or rain.
• Piecewise Coffee Co., 2001 State St., Cayce
  Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: Closed
  Wifi: Yes | Covered: No
  A variety of outdoor seating options await, though it lacks umbrellas.
• smallSUGAR, 709 Gervais St., Columbia
  Hours: Daily 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  Wifi: Yes | Covered: Yes
  Check out their full patio for a shaded breakfast, and don’t miss the flavors of their breakfast pastries.

Restaurants and Bars

When the weather is pleasant, these restaurants offer inviting outdoor settings perfect for work and refreshment:

• WeCo Bottle and Biergarten, 626 Meeting St., West Columbia
  Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  Covered: Yes and no
  Choose from a fully covered patio or outdoor seating; check out their food truck lineup.
• Craft and Draft, 2706 Devine St., Columbia
  Hours: Mon-Thu: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri-Sat: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sun: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  Covered: Yes
  The patio is a great spot, especially during events like the upcoming Deep Space 9th Anniversary Party.
• Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce
  Hours: Mon: Closed; Tue-Wed: 3 to 8 p.m.; Thu: 3 to 10 p.m.; Fri-Sat: 12 to 11 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  Covered: Yes and partially
  Ideal for enjoying a post-work beer under the sun.
• Savage Craft Ale Works, 430 Center St., West Columbia
  Hours: Mon: Closed; Tue-Thu: 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Fri-Sat: 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sun: 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  Covered: Yes, No, Partially
  Discover picnic tables, fire pits, and a rooftop bar for a unique experience.

Parks and Public Spaces

Nothing beats the clarity of mind that comes with fresh air. Here are some great outdoor spaces to work:

• Richland Library, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia; Various locations
  Hours: Mon-Thu 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Fri-Sat 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun 2 to 6 p.m.
  Restrooms: Yes | Covered: Yes
  Various branches offer outdoor seating; enjoy the fresh air with a good book.
• The Riverwalks, Various locations
  Hours: Daily until dark
  Restrooms: Sometimes | Covered: No
  This scenic greenway is perfect for a relaxed yet productive work session.
• Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd.
  Hours: March 12-September 15: Daily 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  Restrooms: Yes | Covered: Yes, No, Partially
  With extensive trails and picnic areas, it’s an excellent wouldn’t miss spot for a working day.
• Finlay Park, 930 Laurel St.
  Hours: Year-round
  Restrooms: Yes | Covered: Yes, No, Partially
  Offering sun or shade, Finlay Park provides the ideal outdoor atmosphere for your working hours.
• SOCO, Multiple locations
  Hours: 24/7 access for members
  Restrooms: Yes | Covered: Partially
  This coworking space features various options for outdoor seating and private meeting areas.