Columbia Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Maryland, Columbia is a vibrant and diverse census-designated place that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities. With its picturesque landscapes, bustling shopping centers, and a rich history, Columbia is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience.

Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the lush green spaces that dot the landscape of Columbia. The renowned Columbia Lakefront Park is a tranquil oasis where visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, have a picnic, or simply relax and take in the stunning views. The park also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, making it a hub of activity and excitement.

For those who appreciate art and culture, Columbia is home to several exceptional museums and galleries. The Columbia Art Center showcases the works of local artists and offers classes and workshops for aspiring creatives. The African Art Museum of Maryland is a hidden gem that displays a stunning collection of African art, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the continent.

Shopping enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise at The Mall in Columbia, a premier shopping destination that boasts a wide array of high-end stores, boutiques, and dining options. From fashion-forward clothing to unique gifts and accessories, this sprawling shopping center has something for everyone. After a day of retail therapy, visitors can indulge in a delectable meal at one of the many renowned restaurants scattered throughout the area.

History buffs will delight in exploring the historical sites and landmarks that tell the story of Columbia's past. The Historic Oakland Manor, a beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion, offers guided tours that take visitors on a journey through time. The Blandair Park, with its historic farmstead, provides a glimpse into the agricultural heritage of the region.

Alternative names: Population: 103.7 thous.Area: 32.18 mi²Elevation: 295 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 39°12'40"N, 76°51'19"W

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MarylandUnited States

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Columbia Top Attractions

Columbia Attractions - What to See and Explore

Columbia offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Wilde Lake, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Robinson Nature Center, Howard County Center of African American Culture. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Village • Nature • Natural attraction
Wilde Lake
Wilde Lake is a man-made drainage reservoir dug in 1966 and also named after the surrounding "village" of neighborhoods located in Columbia, Maryland, just north and west of Columbia Town Center.
Music and shows • Nightlife • Concerts and shows
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Merriweather Post Pavilion is an outdoor concert venue located within Symphony Woods, a 40-acre lot of preserved land in the heart of the planned community of Columbia, Maryland.
Nature and wildlife • Park • Trail
Robinson Nature Center
The James and Anne Robinson Nature Center is a nature education facility situated on 18 acres of park land adjacent to the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area.

Museum • History museum
Howard County Center of African American Culture
The Howard County Center of African American Culture is located in Columbia, Maryland. The museum host exhibitions and event about African American history.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Kittamaqundi
Lake Kittamaqundi is a man made 27-acre reservoir located in Columbia, Maryland in the vicinity of the Mall in Columbia as well as Merriweather Post Pavilion. It is also adjacent to offices and visible from US-29. The lake was created by The Rouse Company in 1966 during the development of Columbia.
Church • Owen Brown
Christ Church Guilford
The Christ Church Guilford, historically known as the "Old Brick Church," is an historic Episcopal church located about one mile from Guilford, now part of Columbia, in Howard County, Maryland. The small Georgian church was completed in 1809.
Historical place • Architecture • Event space
Oakland Manor
Oakland or Oakland Manor is a Federal style stone manor house commissioned in 1810 by Charles Sterrett Ridgely in the Howard District of Anne Arundel County Maryland. The lands that became Oakland Manor were patented by John Dorsey as "Dorsey's Adventure" in 1688 which was willed to his grandson Edward Dorsey.
Library • Downtown Columbia
Howard County Public Library
Howard County Library System, established in 1940, is a public library system located in central Maryland. HCLS delivers equal opportunity in education to students of all ages in Howard County, Maryland.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Elkhorn
Lake Elkhorn is a 37-acre reservoir located in the Owen Brown area of Columbia, Maryland. It is Columbia's third and largest lake. Its main features are a small dam and a park with a picnic pavilion and a two-mile walking path around the lake. The path was built in 1982and is surrounded by a park and townhouses.
Synagogue • Hickory Ridge
Beth Shalom Congregation
Beth Shalom Congregation is a Conservative synagogue in Columbia, Maryland. It is the only Conservative congregation in Howard County, Maryland.
39°12'49"N • 76°51'23"W
Haven on the Lake
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Playground • Park
Blandair
Blandair, also known as Blandair Farm, Blandair Park, and Blandair Regional Park, is 300 acres of former slave plantation located in Columbia, Maryland. The Blandair Foundation estate of Mrs. Smith was purchased by Howard County, Maryland in the late 1990s and is in the process of being developed as a regional park.
39°7'18"N • 76°55'45"W
Washington Kali Temple
Sacred and religious sites • Temple
Church • Hickory Ridge
Locust United Methodist Church
The Locust United Methodist Church is a historic African-American church in Columbia, Maryland. The building was constructed in a predominantly African-American community known as Freetown.
39°12'24"N • 76°52'57"W
The Hawthorn Center
Park • Hickory Ridge
Neighbourhood • Harpers Choice
Harper's Choice
Harper's Choice is one of the ten villages that comprise Columbia, Maryland, United States. It lies in the northwest part of Columbia and consists of the neighborhoods of Longfellow, Swansfield, and Hobbit's Glen and had a December 1998 population of 8,695.
39°14'25"N • 76°50'23"W
Simpsonville Mill
The Simpsonville Mill is a historic pre-colonial mill complex in Simpsonville, Maryland, part of the Columbia, Maryland land development.
39°11'24"N • 76°50'35"W
Dasher Farm
The Dasher Farm is a historic farm located in Columbia, Howard County, Maryland, now part of the Rouse Company land development. Hammond Dorsey operated Elkhorn plantation on the site.
Neighbourhood • Hickory Ridge
Hickory Ridge
Hickory Ridge is one of the 10 villages in Columbia, Maryland, United States, located to the west of the Town Center with a 2014 population of 13,000 in 4,659 housing units. The village overlays the former postal community of Elioak. It was first occupied in 1974.

Day trips

Columbia – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Columbia, it's worth seeing attractions such as: White House (Washington D.C.), National Gallery of Art (Washington D.C.), Washington Monument (Washington D.C.).

24 milesSW
Iconic home of America's president
White House, Washington D.C.
The White House, the iconic residence and workplace of the President of the United States, is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington D.C. Not only does it serve as the official seat of presidential power, but it also stands as a living museum of American...
24 milesS
American and European art in 2 buildings
National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
The National Gallery of Art, a monumental presence in the heart of Washington D.C., stands as a testament to the importance of art in national culture. This prestigious institution, nestled on the National Mall, is a beacon for art enthusiasts and historians alike.
24 milesSW
Towering tribute to George Washington
Washington Monument, Washington D.C.
Rising to an impressive 554 feet and 7 11/32 inches, the Washington Monument is an iconic obelisk that dominates the skyline of Washington D.C., the capital of the United States. This towering memorial was built to honor George Washington, the nation's first President...
24 milesS
Exhibit-filled trip across the universe
National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C.
The National Air and Space Museum, an iconic institution in Washington D.C., United States, serves as a testament to the human quest for flight and the exploration of the cosmos. As part of the Smithsonian Institution, the museum houses the world's largest collection...
24 milesSW
Memorial
National World War II Memorial, Washington D.C.
The National World War II Memorial is a solemn tribute to the American soldiers who served in the Second World War, as well as the millions who supported the war effort from home. Situated in the heart of Washington D.C., between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington...

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Best Time To Visit Columbia

Learn when is the best time to travel to Columbia weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Columbia?

The top attractions to visit in Columbia are:

What is the best time to visit Columbia?

May, June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.