If you are traveling to this beautiful city for the first time, you will be delighted to discover that there are many fascinating things to do in Columbia (MD).
Located in central Maryland, Columbia is a planned community established in 1967 and home to over 100,000 people.
It is also the fourth largest city in the state.
Columbia has a thriving IT industry, and plenty of fun things exist.
It boasts of summers, proximity to several schools and universities, and access to Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
It is well known worldwide in the IT industry and boasts of being a popular tourist destination with beautiful parks and impressive museums.
From here, you can also take day trips to Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Columbia is one of the best places to live in Maryland, and it’s easy to see why: the city has something for everyone, from keen shoppers to outdoor enthusiasts.
Below are the best things to do in Columbia, MD.
Fun Things to Do in Columbia (MD)
1. Don’t Miss a Concert at the Merriweather Post Pavilion
This is a world-renowned concert venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in music.
Merriweather Post Pavilion is located in Symphony Woods. The venue is surrounded by 40 acres of lush woodland and has a capacity of 19,000.
The pavilion also hosts a full calendar of events, including popular fairs, concerts, and festivals.
Renowned unconventional architect Frank Gehry originally built the Merriweather Post Pavilion.
It’s also eco-friendly, with solar home lighting, composting, and building standards that meet the highest environmental standards.
This pavilion provides an unrivaled experience for bands and fans alike, with a great sound system and massive video screens.
2. Go on a Boat Ride at Lake Kittamaqundi
Lake Kittamaqundi is a man-made freshwater lake in downtown Columbia.
Its name comes from the first Native American colony in Howard County, meaning “meeting place.”
The lake was built during the development of Colombia and today is a popular recreational spot for locals and visitors alike.
You can run, walk or bike around the perimeter of the 27-acre lake on a 2.5-mile paved multi-use trail.
There are also various private picnic areas, drinking fountains, and clean public restrooms along the road.
If you need a more giant loop, there are several alternate trails branching off the main route.
Restaurants, shops, and businesses surround the lake, and on the shores of the lake, you’ll find a boat launch and a wooden pier where you can go paddleboarding or kayaking.
3. Don’t Miss a Timeout at the Supreme Sports Club
Supreme Sports Club is a full-service fitness center that offers a variety of amenities, such as group fitness classes, personal training, basketball courts, and more.
Located on Centennial Lane in Columbia, it has a pool, sauna, and steam room, making it the perfect place to get in shape or stay in shape.
The Supreme Sports Club allows visitors to pay a daily rate, giving them access to all the facilities and equipment for the day.
Membership in the Sports Club is also available for those who regularly wish to join the club.
Kids and teens can also enjoy the Supreme Sports Club as its amenities include a KidSpace, ice rink, youth arena, basketball and volleyball courts, racquetball courts, and much more.
The Supreme Sports Club is a great place to relax or exercise.
Things to Do in Columbia (MD) at Night
1. Grab a Bottle at Lost Ark Distilling Company
At Lost Ark Distilling Company, they offer uniquely crafted and delicious all-American spirits that are sure to blow your mind.
The distillery also offers guided tours of the production area on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays to visitors and locals, regardless of age.
Lost Ark Distilling Company was founded by Brad as a platform to bring his passion and creativity to life.
This distillery offers educational tours where visitors can see firsthand the beginning and end of the distillation process, including tasting some of the famous company’s products.
Lost Ark Distilling Company produces a wide variety of specialty spirits made based on historical events in Maryland history.
At Lost Ark Distilling Company, they offer uniquely crafted and delicious all-American spirits that are sure to blow your mind.
The distillery also offers guided tours of the production area on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays to visitors and locals, regardless of age.
Lost Ark Distilling Company was founded by Brad as a platform to bring his passion and creativity to life.
This distillery offers educational tours where visitors can see firsthand the beginning and end of the distillation process, including tasting some of the famous company’s products.
Lost Ark Distilling Company produces a wide variety of specialty spirits made based on historical events in Maryland history.
2. Taste Some Locally Brewed Beers at Sapwood Cellars Brewery
Sapwood Cellars Brewery is the place to chill and enjoy a chilled bottle of beer with friends.
Sapwood Cellars Brewery is owned and operated by passionate individuals who understand the science of brewing.
They are committed to making some of the best beers that will tickle your taste buds and that you won’t find anywhere else.
Sapwood Cellars Brewery is owned by Scott and Micheal, who have extensive experience in the beer industry, both brewing and writing about it in various publications.
In producing various beers, they use the best and locally grown ingredients, which are composed of a minimum amount of alcohol with a unique taste at an affordable cost.
Sapwood Cellars Brewery has a tasting room, usually open Wednesday through Sunday, where they can try different products.
3. Try a Japanese Cuisine at Sushi Sono
For more outdoor dining with loved ones, add dining at Sushi Sono to your list of things to do in Columbia, MD.
Sushi Sono is the number one place in town to serve the best and well-prepared Japanese cuisine.
They provide a casual yet unique atmosphere in the restaurant and offer sushi lovers a fantastic taste treat.
Sushi Sono has a beautiful and more traditional interior with a comfortable environment and a picturesque view of Lake Kittamaqundi.
They serve dishes like Dobin Mushi, Osuimono, Ebi Assorted Tempura, Shabu-shabu, Chicken Teriyaki, Salmon Shioyaki, Kushi Yaki Combo, Sushi Moriawase, Pork Shoga Yaki, Salmon Shioyaki, Beef Negi Maki, Oshinko and many more.
Things to Do in Columbia (MD) For Couples
1. Learn More About the Environment at James and Anne Robinson Nature Center
The James and Anna Robinson Nature Center is a nature education center on 18 acres of parkland near the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area.
The center is an excellent place for those who love nature and want to learn more about the environment.
It offers environmental education programs for all ages, animal exhibits, a butterfly garden, and an educational trail.
James and Anne Robinson managed the property for decades and prevented its dilapidation.
They will eventually transfer it to Howard County, Maryland, for public use.
The Robinson Nature Center is also home to the Howard County Conservancy, which offers trails, educational programs, and events.
2. Test Your Golf Skills at the Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club
The Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club par 72-course is built through and around the woods of Maryland,
Howard Magazine readers voted Hobit’s Glen the best golf course in Howard County for 2020.
It features rolling terrain, streams, ponds, and wooded areas.
The Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club is located in the heart of Columbia, a short distance from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Hobbit’s Glen, which has hosted Champions Tour events, measures just over 7,100 yards from the back tees and 5,400 yards from the front tees.
Golfers will appreciate the area’s fresh green fairways and natural elements, which offer an unforgettable golfing experience.
Turn House Kitchen and Drink, a restaurant and bar with sweeping views of the golf course and an outdoor dining and entertaining area with a fire pit, are inside its clubhouse.
3. Go for a Massage at Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa
This massage and spa parlor is open seven days a week and offers the best spa services at affordable prices.
The moment you enter the spa, soothing sounds and aromas envelop you, and you immediately feel relaxed.
Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa also offer a variety of massages such as Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue, and many more.
They also offer a private sanctuary package specifically for couples massage, be sure to ask about their signature hot stone massage.
Hand and stone massages and Facial Spa are open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 10 pm, Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm.
A visit to the Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa is one of the best things to do in Columbia (MD).
Things to Do in Columbia (MD) For Kids
1. Take Them to the Blandair Regional Park
Blandair Regional Park is a 300-acre oasis of wooded land and manicured lawns.
The park offers various playgrounds for children, including the Blandair Park Challenge Course, divided into three courses, each with three or four elements to overcome.
Most of the elements are suitable for children aged five and over.
Blandair Regional Park is also home to Laura’s Place, a massive fenced playground with a double gate system.
The playground has separate areas for different age groups, and the main center has a massive play structure with several slides.
Other areas include a dinosaur area where children can dig for fossils and play on dinosaur-themed play structures; a farm-themed place for younger children; and a variety of exciting shade structures, including one designed as a butterfly.
This wonderful park is an excellent place for a children’s day in Colombia.
2. Let Them Have Fun at Sky Zone Trampoline Park
This unique entertainment venue offers a variety of trampolines and activities such as dodgeball and basketball.
It is ideal for active fun with your children or friends.
The Park features a foam pit, ninja court, and also Sky Slam court where visitors can take their game to totally new levels.
The Sky Zone Trampoline Park also offers a variety of birthday party packages, making it a great place to host parties or other events such as corporate events and team-building exercises.
Check out Sky Zone Trampoline Park if you want to have fun, exercise, or host an event.
3. Spend a Weekend With the Kids at the Columbia Inn at Peralynna
A fantastic place that offers nothing but a home-away-from-home feeling, the Columbia Inn at Peralynna should be on your list of things to do in Columbia, MD.
Nestled on private property in Howard County, the Columbia Inn at Peralynna offers stunning style and charm.
This luxury boutique hotel has beautifully appointed suites ranging from Continental Living Rooms and Long Stay Suites to Renaissance Rooms and Grand Spa Suites.
Suites include private bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, walk-in showers, makeup mirrors, bathrobes, plush towels, and more.
Columbia Inn at Peralynna offers guests a delicious continental breakfast each morning, including cereal and yogurt, sweet and savory treats, fresh fruit and juices, freshly baked pastries, and more.
Some rooms have separate dressing rooms and massage areas.
In contrast, others have spacious living and dining areas with comfortable furniture, high ceilings, large windows, plush sofas and crackling fireplaces, and private balconies overlooking the gardens.
The Inn offers many other activities, such as a game room with billiards, an outdoor picnic area, and a beautiful venue ideal for receptions, weddings, and other events.
Indoor Activities to Do in Columbia (MD) For Adults
1. Go on a Tour of the Historic Oakland Manor
Historic Oakland Manor is a beautiful two-story 19th-century home with gorgeous gardens and an expansive outdoor deck large enough for a 40′ x 60′ tent.
Located near downtown Columbia, The Manor is ideal for hosting events such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, and holiday parties.
Tours of the castle are possible by appointment.
Visitors can learn about the house’s history and explore the stone-walled Bishop’s Garden, Magnolia Room, Ballroom, and original period furnishings.
Historic Oakland Manor is a beautiful venue for any occasion.
Its modern furnishings, crystal chandeliers, and warm hardwood floors encourage guests to enjoy the comforts and conveniences of today while glimpsing the elegance of a bygone era.
The cozy Manor is ideal for those who appreciate history.
2. Don’t Miss a Show at Toby’s Dinner Theatre
Toby’s Dinner Theater is the perfect place to enjoy a good show while indulging in delicious food.
This theater has been entertaining audiences for over 40 years.
Toby’s Dinner Theater first opened its doors in downtown Columbia, near the Merriweather Post Pavilion and Lake Kittamaquindi.
It has a capacity of 300 seats.
The dinner theater hosts Broadway-style musicals and plays and offers an all-you-can-eat buffet with various appetizers, salads, and desserts.
With stunning performances and seating that puts every customer close to the stage, this unique theater offers every guest a dynamic participatory entertainment experience.
Toby’s Dinner Theater features a 25-item salad bar, a carving station, an extensive buffet specially selected by their chef for each performance, and desserts.
Visitors can also enjoy a cocktail, beer, wine, or Toby’s Dinner Theater’s unique show drink served in a souvenir glass to take home at the full-service bar.
Toby’s Dinner Theater is also one of the few surrounding theaters with a live orchestra, making it the perfect place to enjoy an evening with family or friends.
3. Go Shopping at the Mall in Columbia
Regardless of the season, a visit to the Mall of Colombia is always a good idea.
This massive shopping complex contains over 200 stores, making it a great place to find everything you need.
The Mall in Columbia is anchored by department stores such as Macy’s, JCPenney, and Nordstrom and retailers such as H&M, Forever 21, and Gap.
The mall has been renovated and expanded and now features a food court with various options and a cinema.
Whether you want to shop or stroll, the Mall in Columbia is worth a visit.
Romantic Things to Do in Columbia (MD)
1. Check Out the Calm Waters of Wilde Lake
The Columbia Association developed Wilde Lake, a 22-acre man-made lake, in 1967 from a low-lying, rugged grassy meadow with a small stream.
Wilde Lake varies in depth from 13 feet at the back of the dam to nearly eight feet in the middle.
Wilde Lake features a dam that is 15 feet high and 200 feet wide, with a dam face formed by four cast concrete steps adorned with logs that enhance the beauty of the cascading water.
You can also explore the 1.3-mile Wilde Lake loop trail and enjoy 29 minutes of quiet concentration as you complete the course.
Although this is a popular trail for bird watching, paddling, and jogging, it can be quiet at certain times of the day.
2. Admire the Waters of Lake Elkhorn
This is a 37-acre reservoir in the Owen Brown neighborhood in Columbia, Maryland.
It is the third and largest lake in Columbia. The main features are a small dam, a park with a picnic pavilion, and a two-mile walking trail around the lake.
The man-made lake is located in Colombia’s heart and has a watershed of about 2,500 acres.
Lake Elkhorn, which averages eight feet deep and is 15 feet deep at its deepest point, is stocked with trout every spring.
3. Visit the Columbia Art Center
The Columbia Art Center in the historic Long Reach Village Center is a great place to explore local artwork.
The Columbia Art Center has been in business since 1983 and offers programs like “Learn to Draw Comics.”
The Gallery Shop also sells handmade and affordable artwork, some by students, and traditional art, from practical ceramics to decorative glass pieces.
In case of greater interest in the artworks, gallery tours are available during regular business hours.
Enjoy these works of art through the Columbia Art Center’s rotating exhibitions.
Columbia Art Center also offers classes and workshops for all skill levels, so everyone is welcome.
Field activities such as Creative Journey and Operation Bedroll are also located at this facility.
Free Things to Do in Columbia (MD)
1. Check Out the Columbia Maryland Archives
The Columbia Maryland Archives is a great place to learn about the history of this city.
Located in the Main Street District, the archives contain more than 1,000 linear feet of material documenting the history of Columbia and its founding families.
The Columbia Maryland Archives welcomes locals and tourists interested in learning as much as possible about Columbia’s past, present, and future.
The Columbia Maryland Archives aims to collect, preserve, and share with the public the early history and current development of Columbia.
2. Visit the Washington Kali Temple
The Washington Kali Temple is open to everyone and is ready to educate visitors about Hinduism throughout the year.
You can also learn and participate in the culture of spiritual enlightenment during services open to the public.
The Washington Kali Temple hosts several community services, such as languages for children; Temple hours are 9:00 am to 8:00 pm on weekends and 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday to Friday.
3. Visit the Historic Ellicott City
Ellicott City’s historic district offers unique shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Visit the Ellicott City B&O Railroad Station Museum to learn about railroad history and stop at the Thomas Isaac Log Cabin to learn more about the mill town that dates back to the 18th century.
Enjoy antique shopping and dining at one of Howard County’s finest restaurants.
Cheap Things to Do in Columbia (MD)
1. Check Out the Columbia Museum of Art
The Columbia Museum is a great place to learn about the history of this city.
The Columbia Museum of Art brings vibrant energy and inspiration to the city through its internationally acclaimed collection and exhibitions.
More than 150,000 art enthusiasts visit the Columbia Museum of Art each year to experience the highly regarded museum.
This 21st-century museum believes art should be shared, not just looked at.
The Columbia Museum of Art presents a new, unique traveling event or exhibition every few months.
However, the museum’s permanent collection is simply breathtaking.
This worldwide collection, one of the largest in the southeastern United States, contains an extraordinary variety of pieces from different centuries.
2. Visit the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area
The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area is a beautiful place to spend a day outdoors because it is a natural environmental area that is “preserved forever.”
It is the largest park in Howard County Parks, with 1,021 acres of vast open space and natural resource areas.
Nestled between the cities of Columbia and Clarksville, the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area offers activities such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, and picnicking.
Approximately 150 species of birds, over 40 animals, and many amphibians, reptiles, fish, butterflies, plants, and other creatures live here.
Several kilometers of trails wind through different habitats in the environmental area, making it an ideal place for a walk or hike.
Whether you want to spend the day hiking or learning more about the environment, the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area offers a lot.
3. Go on a Winetasting Tour at the Iron Bridge Wine Company
Iron Bridge is one of the Columbia region’s most popular and highly recommended restaurants.
It offers a calm and soothing atmosphere for customers who come to enjoy delicious wines and fantastic culinary skills.
They are an award-winning restaurant known for offering an extensive collection of specially selected wines from various parts of the world.
Some drinks served at Iron Bridge Wine Company include Ponzi pinot gris, Raeburn pinot noir, Saint Hilaire cremant, Fred & ginger, twisted cosmo, big apple, fall in Maryland, and many more.
Iron Bridge Wine Company offers various delicious food and beverage options such as Iron Bridge’s Signature Creme Brulee, Brussels Sprouts, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Grilled Spanish Octopus, Chocolate Ganache, Seafood Pancake, Duck Confit, Poached and more.
Cool Places to Visit in Columbia (MD)
1. Sushi King
This is a family-owned and operated Japanese restaurant that has served Columbia for over thirty years.
They offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals using unique and best locally grown ingredients to ensure healthy and tasty meals.
Sushi King offers an impressive menu with a wide variety of special rolls prepared by the best chefs on site from the freshest fish.
The restaurant offers Sushi Special Platters, Spicy Grilled Roll, Sashimi Deluxe Boat, Salmon Lunch Special, Salmon Skin Hand Rolls, Eastern Shore Roll, Tonkatsu, Sushi Assortment, Salmon Teriyaki with Kushi Chicken, Mango Shrimp Salad, Sashimi Moriawase and coming soon.
Sushi King is located in the Columbia Mall, and the staff is friendly and helpful; they are committed to providing visitors with a fantastic experience.
2. Aida Bistro and Wine Bar
Whenever you crave delicious Italian cuisine, visit Aida bistro and wine bar.
Aida Bistro and Wine Bar is a fantastic Italian restaurant and offers you the chance to experience the best culinary experience.
The restaurant includes three heated and shaded outdoor terraces for added comfort for customers who want to sit and enjoy.
Bistro and wine bar Aida prepares every meal according to unique recipes and from the freshest locally sourced ingredients.
They have delectable treats like Goat Cheese Salad, Spaghetti, Seafood Linguine, Sweet Potato Fries, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Lobster Shrimp, and Crab Linguine, Braised Beef Short Rib, Aida Cannoli 3, Cranberry Orange Pudding, Crispy Pork Belly, etc.
Aida Bistro and Wine Bar have a full-service bar offering draft wines, cocktails, and craft beers.
They also have private spaces that can serve as a venue for small group lunches and dinners, holiday events, private parties, and business events.
3. Frisco Tap House and Brewery
This brewery was founded in 1996 as a small Burrito Bar in Columbia but officially opened as Frisco Tap House in 2010.
The small business grew and flourished after adding a draft beer bar and became a favorite spot for beer fans.
Frisco Tap House and Brewery offer an excellent selection of over a hundred rotating craft beers and an on-site brewery.
Their restaurant offers the best Fire Grilled Wings, Pepperoni Pizza, Hummus Platter, Homemade Soft Pretzels, Com Dusted Calamari, Chorizo Queso Dip, Burritos, Lamb Naan Sandwich Bites, Cheesesteaks, Crab Cakes, Fajitas, etc.
The Frisco Tap House and Brewery offer a comprehensive draft list featuring the best and most amazing brews, such as Woods & Waters Maine IPA, Peabody Heights 5 Acres IPA, Schlafly Pumpkin Ale, Weed Killer IPA, and many more.
Guests can enjoy live musical entertainment every weekend while enjoying their chilled drinks and delicious food.
Conclusion
Columbia is a must if you want an exciting, relaxed, and educational experience.
With everything the city offers, you’re sure to have fun here.
Start planning your trip already and check these items off your bucket list of things to do in Columbia (MD).