Things to do in Columbia

Activities, attractions and tours

Aerial panorama of single family homes and town house neighborhoods around Lake Elkhorn, a manmade lake in Owen Brown village in Columbia Maryland USA
Aerial panorama of single family homes and town house neighborhoods around Lake Elkhorn, a manmade lake in Owen Brown village in Columbia Maryland USA
Stairs and grasses along the shore of Wilde Lake in Columbia, Ma
Evening reflections at Wilde Lake in Columbia, Maryland.
An early morning walk in the misty woods
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What to do in Columbia

Popular places to visit

Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina featuring a bay or harbor, a sunset and a park

Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina

A diverse array of attractions and entertainment venues makes this beautifully renovated waterfront one of the city's most frequented areas.

Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina
Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Watch Baltimore’s beloved baseball team play on their home field, located inside a groundbreaking stadium famous for blending classic and modern design elements.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards
National Aquarium in Baltimore showing a river or creek and night scenes

National Aquarium in Baltimore

Discover underwater habitats from around the world at this mammoth attraction in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor district.

National Aquarium in Baltimore
Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University

Enjoy the collegiate vibe with a visit to Johns Hopkins University, a well-known college in Baltimore. Amble around this vibrant area's waterfront or attend a sporting event.

Johns Hopkins University
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Baltimore Convention Center

Learn about the events happening at Baltimore Convention Center during your trip to Baltimore. Amble around this vibrant area's waterfront or attend a sporting event.

Baltimore Convention Center
M&T Bank Stadium

M&T Bank Stadium

Catch an event at M&T Bank Stadium during your trip to Baltimore. Amble around this vibrant area's waterfront or experience its fascinating museums.

M&T Bank Stadium
Arundel Mills Mall

Arundel Mills Mall

During your trip to Hanover, you can do some window-shopping at Arundel Mills Mall. Amble around this vibrant area's waterfront or experience its fascinating museums.

Arundel Mills Mall
Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore

Johns Hopkins Hospital

Though Johns Hopkins Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Baltimore while you are here.

Johns Hopkins Hospital
Merriweather Post Pavilion

Merriweather Post Pavilion

You can make plans for a show at Merriweather Post Pavilion on your trip to Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music.

Merriweather Post Pavilion

Areas of Columbia

Centennial Park is a Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks' public park located in Ellicott City, Maryland.

Harper's Choice

While there might not be top attractions in Harper's Choice, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Mall in Columbia and Merriweather Post Pavilion.

Harper's Choice

Frequently asked questions

Is Columbia worth visiting?
Columbia offers a unique blend of culture, local charm and attractions. Whether you're into nature, history or local cuisine, there's a lot you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Columbia?
Start your adventures with a visit to B&O Railroad Station Museum and TagParty RECON. Then, explore other areas of Columbia for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Columbia?
The top tourist attraction in Columbia is Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Columbia?
Three days in Columbia is plenty of time to enjoy the city's key attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. Maryland Museum of African Art, TagParty RECON and Howard County Center of African American Culture are top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Washington.
Is Columbia a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Columbia, like Maryland Museum of African Art and Howard County Center of African American Culture, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 0.32 kilometers from central Columbia is Town Center and Harper's Choice is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Columbia with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Columbia with kids.
What to do in Columbia for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Columbia, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House or Jailbreak Brewing Company.
Are there free things to do in Columbia?
From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Columbia. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Centennial Park is a top spot for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.