57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland

Columbia is located in Howard County, Maryland, and is situated about 20 miles south of Baltimore. With a population of over 100,000, it offers its residents an easy suburban lifestyle.

There are various activities to keep you busy and entertained. For example, strolling around, cycling, or kayaking while enjoying the city’s scenic views.

Not to mention the beautiful nature and wildlife here for you to admire. Columbia has something for everyone!

Discover the best and most fun things to do in Columbia, Maryland, in our list below

The 57 Most Popular Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland

57. Patuxent Branch Trail

4.5 ★★★★★(2 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (1)

Credit: Mark M, Google Maps

56. Scotts Cove

4.5 ★★★★★(2 reviews)

Location: 14501 Sweitzer Ln Laurel MD

Web Address: http://patuxentwatertrail.org/launches/451/

55. Howard County Center of African American Culture Columbia 2017

4.0 ★★★★☆(6 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (2)

Credit: Myk Crypt, Google Maps

Location: 5434 Vantage Point Road Columbia MD

Tel: 410 715 1921

Web Address: http://hccaac.org/

54. Pavilion D

4.8 ★★★★★(6 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (3)

Credit:(vincent desjardins), License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Ellicott City MD

Tel: 410 313 4682

Web Address: https://howardcountymd.gov/CentennialPark

53. Oxbow Lake Nature Preserve

4.4 ★★★★☆(11 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (4)

Credit: Chinedu Nwabuisi, Google Maps

52. Centennial Park Pavilion G

4.9 ★★★★★(16 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (5)

Credit: 星哥, Google Maps

Location: Ellicott City MD

51. Triadelphia Reservoir

3.8 ★★★★☆(22 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (6)

Credit: Taegon Hibbitts, Google Maps

50. I-95 North Welcome Center

4.2 ★★★★☆(26 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (7)

Credit: POPTOGRAPHIX, Google Maps

Location: I 95 Savage MD

Tel: 301 490 1333

Web Address: https://visitmaryland.org/

49. Rocky Gorge Reservoir

4.2 ★★★★☆(28 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (8)

Credit: Pamela Cooper, Google Maps

48. Brown’s Bridge

4.6 ★★★★★(28 reviews)

Location: 2220 Ednor Road Silver Spring MD

Tel: 301 206 7485

Web Address: https://wsscwater.com/watershed

47. African Art Museum of Maryland (AAMM)

4.3 ★★★★☆(35 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (9)

Credit: Chrissie, Google Maps

Location: 8775 Cloudleap Ct Suite 112 Columbia MD

Tel: 410 740 7411

46. Bollman Iron Truss Bridge

4.5 ★★★★★(43 reviews)

Location: Laurel MD

45. Centennial Lake

4.5 ★★★★★(50 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (10)

Credit:Jstuby, License, Wikimedia commons

44. DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

4.6 ★★★★★(61 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (11)

Credit: Jennifer Malloy, Google Maps

Location: 8775 Cloudleap Court Center Suite 1 Columbia MD

Tel: 301 778 0616

Web Address: http://doodlehatch.com/

43. Supplee Lane Recreation Area

4.6 ★★★★★(61 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (12)

Credit: jing tian, Google Maps

Location: 16904 Supplee Ln Laurel MD

Web Address: http://wsscwater.com/watershed

42. The Shrine of St. Anthony

4.8 ★★★★★(70 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (13)

Credit: Willis Aybar, Google Maps

Location: 12290 Folly Quarter Road Ellicott City MD

Tel: 410 531 2800

Web Address: http://shrineofstanthony.org/

41. Orchid Gaming & Smoking Patio

4.0 ★★★★☆(80 reviews)

40. Color Burst Park

4.4 ★★★★☆(140 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (15)

Credit: Color Burst Park, Google Maps

Location: 6000 Merriweather Dr Columbia MD

Web Address: http://merriweatherdistrict.com/

39. Rockburn Skills Park

4.8 ★★★★★(151 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (16)

Credit: Erin La, Google Maps

Location: 6105 Rockburn Branch Park Road Elkridge MD

Tel: 410 313 4455

38. Provinces Park

4.4 ★★★★☆(163 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (17)

Credit: Michael Young, Google Maps

Location: 1742 Disney Road Severn MD

Tel: 410 602 6898

Web Address: http://aacounty.org/locations-and-directions/provinces-park

37. Jessup Dorsey Park

4.4 ★★★★☆(170 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (18)

Credit: Jonathan Gadson, Google Maps

Location: 7486 Race Road Hanover MD

Tel: 410 222 7317

Web Address: https://aacounty.org/locations-and-directions/jessup-dorsey-park

36. High Ridge Park

4.4 ★★★★☆(180 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (19)

Credit: Chun-Hsien Wu, Google Maps

Location: 10100 Superior Ave Laurel MD

Tel: 410 313 4700

Web Address: https://howardcountymd.gov/HighRidgePark

35. Scotts Cove Recreation Area

4.5 ★★★★★(188 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (20)

Credit: Jeremy Gordon, Google Maps

Location: 11004 Harding Road Scaggsville MD

Tel: 301 206 7485

Web Address: https://cityoflaurel.org/

34. Belmont Manor & Historic Park

4.8 ★★★★★(195 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (21)

Credit: Tim Pruss, Google Maps

Location: 6555 Belmont Woods Road Elkridge MD

Tel: 410 313 0200

Web Address: http://belmontmanormd.com/

33. Brighton Dam Azalea Garden (WSSC Water)

4.6 ★★★★★(215 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (22)

Credit: Avinash Konkani, Google Maps

Location: 2 Brighton Dam Road Brookeville MD

Tel: 301 206 4386

Web Address: https://wsscwater.com/azaleas

32. Middle Patuxent Environmental Area

4.6 ★★★★★(231 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (23)

Credit: Bryce Blair, Google Maps

Location: 5795 Trotter Road Clarksville MD

Tel: 410 313 4700

Web Address: https://howardcountymd.gov/MPEA

31. Centennial Park Pavilion H

4.7 ★★★★★(233 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (24)

Credit: Robyn Brown Photography, Google Maps

Location: 4760 4770 Woodland Road Ellicott City MD

Tel: 410 313 7271

Web Address: http://howardcountymd.gov/Centennialpark

30. Guilford Park

4.4 ★★★★☆(233 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (25)

Credit:License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 9900 Guilford Road Jessup MD

Tel: 410 313 4700

29. Waverly Woods Golf Club

4.6 ★★★★★(249 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (26)

Credit: Waverly Woods Golf Club, Google Maps

Location: 2100 Warwick Way Marriottsville MD

Tel: 410 313 9182

Web Address: http://waverlywoods.com/

28. Terrapin Adventures

4.7 ★★★★★(263 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (27)

Credit: Terrapin Adventures, Google Maps

Location: Fair St and Washington St Savage MD

Tel: 301 725 1313

Web Address: http://terrapinadventures.com/

27. Schooley Mill Park

4.6 ★★★★★(273 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (28)

Credit: Josh Schwartz, Google Maps

Location: 12975 Hall Shop Road Highland MD

Tel: 410 313 4700

Web Address: https://howardcountymd.gov/SchooleyMillPark

26. Wincopin Trails

4.7 ★★★★★(283 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (29)

Credit: E L, Google Maps

Location: 9299 Vollmerhausen Road Jessup MD

25. Waterloo Park

4.5 ★★★★★(286 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (30)

Credit: Dana White, Google Maps

Location: 6951 Old Waterloo Road Elkridge MD

Tel: 410 313 4700

Web Address: https://howardcountymd.gov/Waterloo-Park

24. Centennial Park West

4.7 ★★★★★(326 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (31)

Credit: Tammy Blake, Google Maps

Location: 4651 Centennial Ln Ellicott City MD

Tel: 410 313 4700

Web Address: http://howardcountymd.gov/Centennialpark

23. Cedar Lane Park

4.6 ★★★★★(430 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (32)

Credit:License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 5081 Cedar Ln Columbia MD

Tel: 410 313 7285

Web Address: https://howardcountymd.gov/CedarLanePark

22. Long Gate Playground

4.7 ★★★★★(472 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (33)

Credit: Waqas Malik, Google Maps

Location: 5001 Meadowbrook Ln Ellicott City MD

Tel: 410 313 2727

Web Address: http://howardcountymd.gov/meadowbrookpark

21. Wilde Lake Park

4.7 ★★★★★(506 reviews)

Location: 10002 Hyla Brook Road Columbia MD

Tel: 410 715 3000

Web Address: https://columbiaassociation.org/venue/wilde-lake-park/

20. Savage Park

4.5 ★★★★★(539 reviews)

Location: 8400 Fair Street Savage MD

Tel: 410 313 4700

Web Address: https://howardcountymd.gov/SavagePark

19. Meadowbrook Park

4.6 ★★★★★(693 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (34)

Credit: Finding Your Center, Google Maps

Location: 5001 Meadowbrook Ln Ellicott City MD

Tel: 410 313 4700

Web Address: https://visithowardcounty.com/listings/meadowbrook-park-and-athletic-complex/2315/

18. National Cryptologic Museum

4.7 ★★★★★(749 reviews)

Location: 8290 Colony Seven Road Annapolis Junction MD

Tel: 301 688 5849

Web Address: https://nsa.gov/about/cryptologic-heritage/museum/

17. Rockburn Branch Park

4.6 ★★★★★(843 reviews)

Location: 6105 Rockburn Branch Park Road Elkridge MD

Tel: 410 313 4700

Web Address: https://howardcountymd.gov/RockburnBranchPark

16. Lake Elkhorn Park

4.7 ★★★★★(863 reviews)

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Credit:JoshuaDavisPhotography, License, Flickr

Location: Parking lot Patuxent Branch Trail Columbia MD

Tel: 410 715 3000

Web Address: https://columbiaassociation.org/explore-columbia/get-outside/lakes/

15. Clark’s Elioak Farm

4.5 ★★★★★(1,829 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (36)

Credit: Clark’s Elioak Farm, Google Maps

Location: 10500 Clarksville Pike Ellicott City MD

Tel: 410 730 4049

Web Address: http://clarklandfarm.com/

14. Sky Zone Trampoline Park

4.2 ★★★★☆(2,540 reviews)

Location: 7175 Oakland Mills Road Columbia MD

Tel: 410 834 5717

Web Address: https://skyzone.com/columbia

13. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

4.6 ★★★★★(3,117 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (37)

Credit: Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Google Maps

Location: 7000 Arundel Mills Cir Hanover MD

Tel: 888 935 6878

Web Address: https://medievaltimes.com/

12. Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events – Baltimore, MD-BWI

4.5 ★★★★★(3,601 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (38)

Credit: Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events – Baltimore, MD/BWI, Google Maps

Location: 8251 Preston Ct Jessup MD

Tel: 410 880 0010

Web Address: http://autobahnspeed.com/

11. Centennial Park

4.7 ★★★★★(3,656 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (39)

Credit:Karol Olson, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 10000 Clarksville Pike Ellicott City MD

Tel: 410 313 7256

Web Address: http://howardcountymd.gov/centennialpark

10. Dutch Country Farmer’s Market

4.7 ★★★★★(4,167 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (40)

Credit: Dutch Country Farmer’s Market, Google Maps

Location: 9701 Fort Meade Road Laurel MD

Tel: 301 421 1454

Web Address: http://laureldutchmarket.com/

Our Top picks

9. Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods

4.0 ★★★★☆(2 reviews)

Location: Columbia MD

8. Lake Kittamaqundi

4.7 ★★★★★(82 reviews)

7. Lake Elkhorn

4.7 ★★★★★(160 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (41)

Credit:Patrick Gillespie, License, Wikimedia commons

6. Robinson Nature Center

4.7 ★★★★★(572 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (42)

Credit:FlugKerl2, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 6692 Cedar Ln Columbia MD

Tel: 410 313 0400

Web Address: http://howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/RobinsonNatureCenter

5. Blandair Regional Park West Playground

4.7 ★★★★★(1,714 reviews)

Location: 5750 Oakland Mills Road Columbia MD

Tel: 410 313 4700

Web Address: https://howardcountymd.gov/BlandairPark

4. Toby’s Dinner Theatre

4.7 ★★★★★(1,727 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (43)

Credit: Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Google Maps

Location: 5900 Symphony Woods Road Columbia MD

Tel: 410 730 8311

Web Address: http://tobysdinnertheatre.com/

3. Merriweather Post Pavilion

4.5 ★★★★★(4,674 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (44)

Credit:Famartin, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy Columbia MD

Tel: 410 715 5550

Web Address: https://merriweathermusic.com/

2. Patapsco Valley State Park – Hollofield Area

4.6 ★★★★★(5,955 reviews)

Location: 8020 Baltimore National Pike Ellicott City MD

Tel: 410 461 5005

Web Address: http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/central/patapsco.aspx

1. Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland

4.2 ★★★★☆(10,024 reviews)

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (45)

Credit: Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, Google Maps

Location: 7002 Arundel Mills Cir Streete 7777 Hanover MD

Tel: 443 842 7000

Web Address: https://maryland.livecasinohotel.com/

Final Words:

Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Columbia, Maryland! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!

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57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (2024)

FAQs

What is special about Columbia, Maryland? ›

Located in the heart of Howard County and home to great schools, a thriving arts and cultural scene, a plethora of pristine parks, trails and lakes, and a focus on sustainability, Columbia is a community that blends nature, culture and innovation.

Read The Full Story ›

Is there anything interesting in Maryland? ›

Top Attractions in Maryland

One of major league baseball's newest stadiums, the Orioles' home field has the intimate feel and charm of an old-fashioned park. Historical naval heritage site with guided tours, providing insights into officer training and traditions.

Is Columbia Maryland a good place? ›

Columbia is in Howard County and is one of the best places to live in Maryland. Living in Columbia offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Columbia there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Columbia and residents tend to lean liberal.

View Details ›

Is Columbia Maryland affluent? ›

With a median family income of $114,000, Columbia is one of the wealthiest cities in America.

Why is Columbia so popular? ›

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields.

Know More ›

What is unique in Columbia? ›

With its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, commitment to research and innovation, celebration of cultural and intellectual diversity, and unique location in the dynamic city of New York, Columbia offers students an unparalleled educational experience.

Learn More ›

What is the happiest town in Maryland? ›

Ranked top ten “Happiest Cities in America” for 2024.

Learn More ›

What are 3 cool facts about Maryland? ›

Famous Facts About Maryland

William Nuthead started the first printing business in St. ...
The Maryland Gazette founded in 1727 is the oldest continuously published newspaper in the United States.
Charles Mason and Jeremiah surveyed the Mason-Dixon Line in 1763 to determine the border between Pennsylvania and Maryland.

More items...

Where's the cheapest place to live in Maryland? ›

#1: Baltimore

With a median home sale price of $217,000, Baltimore lands the number one spot on our list as the most affordable place to live in Maryland. There are about 585,700 residents living in this city.

What billionaire lives in Maryland? ›

The richest Marylander is Annette Lerner, the 93-year-old heir of Lerner Enterprises. With a net worth of $6.5 billion, she is the 151st richest person in America, according to Forbes.

Get More Info ›

Is Columbia the safest city in Maryland? ›

Columbia was named the safest city in Maryland by WalletHub in its recent “Safest Cities in America” report.

Show Me More ›

What salary is needed to live comfortably in Maryland? ›

$29,100 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $39,800 is the 75th percentile.

Read The Full Story ›

What is Columbia special for? ›

Columbia University is the home of the Pulitzer Prize, an award for achievements in newspaper, magazine and online journalism, literature, and musical composition.

Get More Info ›

What is Columbia state known for? ›

Columbia State is known for excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Our athletics program includes women's soccer, women's and men's basketball, softball and baseball. We are a member of the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association (TCCAA).

Learn More ›

Why is Maryland so special? ›

Maryland was home to the first railroad, the first dental school and the first umbrella factory. And Maryland inventors gave us the gas light, the linotype machine and the refrigerator.

Find Out More ›

57 Best and Fun Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland - Touristwire (2024)

The 57 Most Popular Things To Do In Columbia, Maryland

57. Patuxent Branch Trail

56. Scotts Cove

55. Howard County Center of African American Culture Columbia 2017

54. Pavilion D

53. Oxbow Lake Nature Preserve

52. Centennial Park Pavilion G

51. Triadelphia Reservoir

50. I-95 North Welcome Center

49. Rocky Gorge Reservoir

48. Brown’s Bridge

47. African Art Museum of Maryland (AAMM)

46. Bollman Iron Truss Bridge

45. Centennial Lake

44. DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

43. Supplee Lane Recreation Area

42. The Shrine of St. Anthony

41. Orchid Gaming & Smoking Patio

40. Color Burst Park

39. Rockburn Skills Park

38. Provinces Park

37. Jessup Dorsey Park

36. High Ridge Park

35. Scotts Cove Recreation Area

34. Belmont Manor & Historic Park

33. Brighton Dam Azalea Garden (WSSC Water)

32. Middle Patuxent Environmental Area

31. Centennial Park Pavilion H

30. Guilford Park

29. Waverly Woods Golf Club

28. Terrapin Adventures

27. Schooley Mill Park

26. Wincopin Trails

25. Waterloo Park

24. Centennial Park West

23. Cedar Lane Park

22. Long Gate Playground

21. Wilde Lake Park

20. Savage Park

19. Meadowbrook Park

18. National Cryptologic Museum

17. Rockburn Branch Park

16. Lake Elkhorn Park

15. Clark’s Elioak Farm

14. Sky Zone Trampoline Park

13. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

12. Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events – Baltimore, MD-BWI

11. Centennial Park

10. Dutch Country Farmer’s Market

Our Top picks

9. Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods

8. Lake Kittamaqundi

7. Lake Elkhorn

6. Robinson Nature Center

5. Blandair Regional Park West Playground

4. Toby’s Dinner Theatre

3. Merriweather Post Pavilion

2. Patapsco Valley State Park – Hollofield Area

1. Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland

Final Words:

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FAQs

What is special about Columbia, Maryland? ›

Where's the cheapest place to live in Maryland? ›