If you are looking for a city with perfect weather for an exquisite experience, you’ll appreciate a visit to Columbia, MD.
Many people feel Columbia, MD is just a little suburb town with nothing to do, but you’ll be astonished when you visit because the city is a little haven with many exciting tourist activities.
Located in Howard County lies the little community of Columbia; The town contains 10-self villages that make up the bulk of Howard County.
In 2020, Columbia ranked #5 on Money Magazine’s ”Best Places to Live” in the United States list.
Currently, the fourth largest city in Maryland, Columbia, is a city with residents of about one hundred thousand plus.
One notable feature that keeps tourists visiting the city is its IT industry.
Columbia also boasts a famous tourist site featuring excellent museums, lovely parks, recreational facilities, restaurants, shops, and wildlife.
Famous places to visit in the state include Sapwood Cellars Brewery, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Mall in Columbia, Lake Kittamaqundi, and many more.
Interested in all Columbia has to offer? Here’s a list of the best and most fun things in Columbia, MD.
Things to Do in Columbia, MD
1. Dine at Sushi Sono
Credit: SushiSono / Facebook
If you require a place to buy lovely Japanese cuisine, you’ll appreciate visiting Sushi Sono.
Sushi Sono is an outdoor dining eatery that serves Japanese cuisine in Columbia, MD.
The atmosphere at the restaurant is cosy and calm and offers sushi lovers a fantastic taste treat.
Sushi Sono features a traditional interior with a remarkable setting and scenic views of Lake Kittamaqundi.
Their menu includes Chicken Teriyaki, Oshinko, Dobin Mushi, Ebi Assorted Tempura, Osuimono, Kushi Yaki Combo, Salmon Shioyaki, Pork ShogaYaki, Beef NegiMaki, and other lovely meals.
The staff at Sushi Sono is amiable, so ensure to plan your trip with a visit to Sushi Sono on your bucket list.
Location: 10215 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD 21044, United States
2. Purchase Chilled Beer at Sapwood Cellars Brewery
Credit: SapwoodCellarsBrewery / Facebook
Are you a beer lover looking for a place to relax and have chilled beer with friends in Columbia, MD?
If yes, visiting Sapwood Cellars Brewery shouldn’t skip out on your checklist.
Sapwood Cellars Brewery is a drinking pub to chill and enjoy a bottle of beer with family and friends.
Operated by a group of passionate individuals who understand the science of brewing, Sapwood Cellars Brewery serves some of the best beers that will tickle your taste buds.
Sapwood Cellars Brewery uses locally sourced ingredients in its beer production, which gives it a unique taste.
Beers at the pub are cheap and affordable, and the pub also features a tasting room that usually opens from Wednesday to Sunday.
Location: 8980 MD-108, Suite MNO, Columbia, MD 21045, United States
3. Watch Shows at Toby’s Dinner Theatre
Credit: Toby’sDinnerTheatre / Facebook
If you need a place that offers unmatched fun to friends and family, you should consider visiting Toby’s Dinner Theatre.
Toby’s Dinner Theatre is an excellent place to relax, dine, and watch good shows in Columbia, MD.
Existing for more than forty years, Toby’s Dinner Theatre has a seating capacity to accommodate over three hundred people.
The theatre features a carving station, a 25-item salad bar, and an extensive buffet carefully chosen by its chef for every dessert and show.
They also feature Broadway-style musicals and dramas that offer a unique entertainment experience.
They run a full-service bar that serves chilled beers, wines, and cocktails. And don’t forget to order Toby’s Dinner Theatre special show drinks served in a take-home souvenir glass.
Location: 5900 Symphony Woods Rd, Columbia, MD 21044, United States
4. Explore Lake Kittamaqundi
Credit: LakeKittamaqundi / Facebook
If you need a place to visit and be alone with your thoughts, then you should consider spending time at Lake Kittamaqundi.
Lake Kittamaqundi is a famous recreational spot for locals and tourists in Columbia.
Lake Kittamaqundi has a 2.5-mile paved multipurpose trail around its perimeter, ideal for running, cycling, and walking.
There’s also a reserved picnic area with a pavilion, water fountains, and well-maintained restrooms.
Location: Lake Kittamaqundi, Columbia, MD 21044, United States
5. Try Italian Cuisine at Aida Bistro and Wine Bar
Credit: AIDABistro&WineBar / Facebook
Are you craving some delicious Italian cuisine? If yes, ensure you visit Aida Bistro and Wine Bar, as they serve some of the best Italian cooking in Columbia, MD.
Aida Bistro and Wine Bar is a superb Italian eatery that offers guests a chance to have the best culinary experience in Columbia.
Aida Bistro and Wine Bar has three heated and shaded outdoor patios that foster comfortability for customers who would love to sit and enjoy.
They use locally sourced ingredients and unique recipes to prepare each meal. They offer mouth-watering dishes like spaghetti, Goat Cheese Salad, Sweet Potato Fries, Seafood Linguine, Braised Beef Short Rib, Crispy Pork Belly, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, and others.
A full-service bar also serves wines on tap by the glass, craft beers, and cocktails.
There are also several private spaces for group dinners and lunches, business events, private parties, and holiday events.
Their menu is inexhaustible, with numerous meals to give you the perfect Italian experience.
Location: 6741 Columbia Gateway Dr, Columbia, MD 21046, United States
6. Tour Round Robinson Nature Center
Credit: RobinsonNatureCenter / Facebook
If you’re looking for a place to spend time away from family and friends, you should consider visiting Robinson Nature Center.
Robinson Nature Center is a nature education facility that offers innovative and educational activities for adults and children.
Robinson Nature Center spans over eighteen acres of land close to the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area.
Robinson Nature Center is a nature haven that nature lovers in Columbia would enjoy visiting;
The center features a nature trail, animal exhibits, and a butterfly garden. There’s also a Discovery Zone where kids play and dress up while enjoying the aquarium and touch tank.
Also present at the center is a planetarium that hosts excellent shows for all ages. The environment at the center is friendly, and the entry fee is also cheap and affordable.
Location: 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044, United States
7. Relieve Regional History at Columbia Maryland Archives
Credit: ColumbiaAssociation / Facebook
Are you a historian?
Would you love to learn about the culture and history of Columbia? If yes, prioritize visiting Columbia Maryland Archives on your itinerary list.
The Columbia Maryland Archives is a site that contains more than one thousand linear feet of material documentation of Columbia’s history.
Columbia Maryland Archives is the perfect place to learn about Columbia’s past, present, and future.
The archive contains documentation that helps preserve and share Columbia’s history with locals and tourists.
Visitors at Columbia Maryland Archives can participate in tours, programs, talks, exhibitions, and other exciting events.
Location: 6310 Hillside Ct. Columbia, MD 21046 United States
8. Outdoor Fun Experience at Merriweather Post Pavilion
Credit: MerriweatherPostPavilion / Facebook
Merriweather Post Pavilion is one of the best and most fun places to visit in Columbia, MD.
Merriweather Post Pavilion is an outdoor recreational pavilion that spans over forty acres of land in Columbia.
In 2010, Billboard magazine ranked the pavilion as the second-best theater in the United States.
Merriweather Post Pavilion is vast enough to contain nineteen thousand persons at once and meets the highest environmental standard.
The pavilion has solar-powered lighting making it perfect for festivals, concerts, and popular events. Their sound system is superb, and several large Tv screens give guests a fantastic experience.
Location: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044-3503 United States
9. Taste Delicious All-American Spirits at Lost Ark Distilling Company
Credit: LostArkDistillingCompany / Facebook
Lost Ark Distilling Company is one of the best and most fun places in Columbia, MD.
Lost Ark Distilling Company is a distilling company that serves crafted and delicious all-American Spirits in Columbia.
Established by Brad as a platform to bring out his creative prowess, Lost Ark Distilling Company serves an extensive range of unique spirits made based on historical events in Maryland’s history.
Aside from their signature Spirits, they also offer guided tours at the production center from Friday through Sunday.
During these tours, visitors and locals can watch the distilling process from start to finish and taste some of the company’s popular products.
Location: 9570 Berger Rd, Suite L, Columbia, MD 21046, United States
10. Catch a Pirate Class at Supreme Sports Club
Credit: SupremeSportsClub / Facebook
If you’ve ever craved catching a pirate’s class, here’s a chance to bring your wish to reality.
Supreme Sports Club is a sports training program for fitness lovers and those who wish to burn excess calories.
The sports club contains a pool with many equipment suitable for those who want to learn how to swim.
Supreme Sports Club is home to sports like volleyball, racquetball, and basketball.
Supreme Sports Club also features an indoor running track, kids walking pool, lockers, and exercise classes for fitness enthusiasts.
Location: 7080 Deepage Dr, Columbia, MD 21045, United States
11. Go Shopping at The Mall in Columbia
Credit: TheMallinColumbia / Facebook
If you’re a seasoned traveller, then you’ll value the importance of shopping during vacations.
Vacation is a time to visit new places, relax with family and friends, and shop for new items.
Columbia is a city with numerous shopping venues, but no one beats the feeling of shopping at The Mall in Columbia.
The Mall in Columbia is a mall built to cater to the needs of the residents of Columbia, with various vendors offering different forms of goods and services.
The mall contains more than two hundred specialty shops and department stores, including restaurants, boutiques, and others.
Famous shops at the mall include Macy’s, JCPenney, Nordstrom, and many others. In addition, kids can enjoy engaging in fun sessions like build-a-bear workshops and cookery classes.
Location: 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044, United States
12. Relax at Lake Elkhorn
Credit: LakeElkhorn / Facebook
You should prioritize stopping by Lake Elkhorn on your bucket list if you need a place to relax and escape the city’s busy areas.
Lake Elkhorn is the biggest lake in Columbia, with a reservoir of about thirty-acre and a watershed of about two thousand five hundred.
The lake has a two-mile walking trail perfect for walking and running while enjoying the scenic view of the lake.
Lake Elkhorn also features a small dam and park with a picnic pavilion for visitors who wish to hang out with friends and loved ones.
If you’re lucky, you may spot Dragonflies and damselflies like slaty skimmer, the black saddleback, eastern Amberwing, and twelve-spotted skimmer in the region.
It’s always fun spending time at Lake Elkhorn because the atmosphere helps you relax and admire the wonders of nature.
Make sure you plan your visit to Columbia with a trip to Lake Elkhorn on your bucket list.
Location: 7200 Dockside Ln, Columbia, MD 21045-5019 United States
13. Spend Time With Kids at The Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Credit: SkyZone / Facebook
If you need a place to have fun in Columbia with kids, then you’re lucky because Sky Zone Trampoline Park has all you need.
The Sky Zone Trampoline Park is a family-friendly recreational park in Columbia, MD.
The park features various trampolines and exciting events for people of all ages. Basketball lovers can explore their basketball skills at the basketball court in the park.
Dodgeball lovers will also enjoy playing dodgeball at the park.
The Sky Zone Trampoline Park features a sky slam court, a ninja course, and a foam pit. Fitness enthusiasts can also enroll in fitness programs at the park.
The park is also perfect for birthday celebrations as they offer special birthday packages.
There’s always something for everyone to do in Columbia, so make sure you include it on your checklist.
Location: 7175 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia, MD 21046, United States
14. Body Treat at Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa
Credit: NextDoor / nextdoor.com
The last thing you want to experience while on vacation is feeling sick and worn out, so you must include Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa on your checklist in Columbia.
Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa offer the best spa services at an affordable cost in Columbia.
The ambiance of the environment at the center is calm and cozy. Their massage services vary from sports, deep tissue, Swedish, and many others.
They also offer private massage sections for singles and couples. If you need something nice and relaxing, you can opt for their signature Hot Stone massage.
Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa are open from Monday to Friday from 9 am-10 pm, Saturday from 8 am-8 pm, and Sunday from 10 am-8 pm.
Location: 6455 Dobbin Rd Unit 50, Columbia, MD 21045, United States
15. Learn about Hindu Religion at Washington Kali Temple
Credit: WashingtonKaliTemple / Facebook
If you’re looking for something less touristy, you may want to consider visiting Washington Kali Temple.
Washington Kali Temple is a Hindu temple open to adults and kids. The temple seeks to educate visitors and locals about Hinduism throughout the year.
Visitors also get a chance to learn and participate in the culture of spiritual enlightenment during the devotional services open to the public.
Washington Kali Temple hosts various community services like languages for the children and many others.
The temple opens on weekends from 9 am-8 pm and Monday to Friday from 9 am-1 pm.
Location: 16126 New Columbia Pike Burtonsville, Columbia, MD 20866, United States
16. Eat at Sushi King
Credit: SushiKing / Facebook
If you need a place to relax and eat delicious meals, you should consider adding Sushi King to your checklist.
Sushi King is a family-owned Japanese restaurant located in the Columbia business center.
The restaurant offers various meals such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. In addition, they use the best locally grown ingredients to ensure that they serve healthy and tasty meals.
Sushi King offers an enticing meal menu with dishes prepared by the best chefs in the city. Their enticing menu features mouth-watering dishes like Spicy Grilled Roll, Salmon Lunch Special, Sushi Special Platters, Eastern Shore Roll, and Salmon Teriyaki with Chicken Kushi Age.
Other notable meals like Sashimi Moriawase, Mango Shrimp Salad, and Sushi Assortment also feature on their menu.
Serving the city of Columbia for more than thirty years now, Sushi King is one the best when it comes to the business of serving delicious dishes in Columbia, MD.
Location: 6490 Dobbin Road, Columbia, MD 21045, United States
17. Meal Treat at The Iron Bridge Wine Company
Credit: IronBridgeWineCompany / Facebook
Are you a lover of delicious meals and fine wine?
Do you crave a place to eat fantastic meals and drink delicious wine in Columbia?
If your answer to the above question is yes, then you should look no further than Iron Bridge Wine Company.
The Iron Bridge Wine Company is a famous restaurant in Columbia. They serve some of the best wines in the city.
The atmosphere at the restaurant is calm and soothing, coupled with their delicious wine and excellent culinary skills.
The Iron Bridge Wine Company drink menu features drinks like Raeburn pinot noir, twisted cosmo, Ponzi pinot gris, Fred & ginger, autumn in Maryland, and the big apple.
Suppose you are not a fan of drinks. In that case, you can check out their mouth-watering meal menu, which contains Brussel sprouts, Iron Bridge’s Signature Creme Brulee, Chocolate Ganache, Duck Confit, and Seafood Flatbread Pizza, to mention a few.
You can’t run out of what to eat and drink at Iron Bridge Wine Company, so endeavor to visit this fantastic restaurant in Columbia.
Location: 10435 State Route 108, Columbia, MD 21044, United States
18. Book a Tee Time at The Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club
Credit: VisitHowardCounty / visithowardcounty.com
Are you a golfer?
Do you need a place to showcase your golfing prowess and compete with other professional golfers in Columbia? If so, a visit to Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club would suffice.
Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club is a par-72 golf course in Maryland woods.
In 2020, Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club won the award for the best golf course in Howard County, a prize organized by Reader of Howard Magazine.
The golf center hosts a series of championship tour events, over 7 100 yards from the back and 5, 400 yards from the front tees.
The vast area has lush green fairways and natural elements, including streams, wooded areas, terrain, and ponds.
If you feel famished, you can try out fantastic dishes at the on-site restaurant and bar known as the turn house kitchen.
Don’t forget to grab a glass of wine and relax at the golf course’s outdoor eating and entertainment space.
Location: 11130 Willow Bottom Dr, Columbia, MD 21044, United States
19. Explore Blandair Regional Park West Playground
Credit: Blandair / Facebook
Blandair Regional Park West Playground is one of the best and most fun places to visit in Columbia, MD.
Blandair Regional Park West Playground is a park that spans over three hundred acres. The park features three lighted multipurpose synthetic turf fields, a shade structure, bleachers, and press boxes.
Other notable park features include bucket swings, a beautiful playground with long slides, a bridge, climbing structures, synthetic, and monkey bars.
A separate area for kids with synthetic turf makes the playground safe for kids to explore. Also available at the kid’s site are a dinosaur-themed play structure and a farm-themed place.
With Blandair Regional Park West, you don’t have to bother about finding a place to have fun with kids because they have all you need and more.
Location: 5750 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia, MD 21045, United States
20. Frisco Tap House and Brewery
Credit: FriscoColumbia / Facebook
Founded in 1996, Frisco Tap House and Brewery is a small Burrito Bar in Column that opened officially as the Frisco Tap House in 2010.
The small business grew after it included a bar serving beers on tap, and its fame grew across the city as one of the best brew houses in Columbia.
Visitors to the brewery can enjoy a remarkable selection of crafted beer at the brewery.
Frisco Tap House and Brewery feature a variety of mouth-watering dishes like Hummus Plate, Chorizo Queso Dip, Grilled Wings, Dusted Calamari, Homemade Soft Pretzels, Cheesesteaks, fajitas, Lamb Naan Sandwich Bites, and others.
They also offer an extensive list of drinks, including Peabody Heights 5 acres IPA, Maine beer woods & waters IPA, wicked weed pernicious IPA, Schlafly pumpkin ale, and other fantastic beverages.
If you’re lucky to visit during weekends, you shouldn’t miss out on their live music sessions while eating delicious meals.
Location: 6695 Dobbin Rd, Columbia, MD 21045, United States
21. Visit Historic Oakland
Credit: HistoricOakland / Facebook
If you’re searching for a place to relax and enjoy beautiful sceneries in Columbia, you should look no further than Historic Oakland.
Located in the center of downtown Columbia, Historic Oakland is a two-story structure that boasts natural attractions.
Built in the early 18th century, Historic Oakland still ranks as one of the most significant structures in Howard County, Maryland.
Historic Oakland was formerly home to Charles Sterrett Ridgely, the Maryland House of Delegates speaker.
Historic Oakland features a large outdoor patio and beautiful gardens that can accommodate a large number of visitors.
The center is also perfect for social events like business meetings, wedding receptions, bridal showers, family celebrations, birthdays, and many more.
Guests also learn about the home’s history and explore all corners of the building, including the ballroom and the original period furnishing.
Location: 5430 Vantage Point Rd, Columbia, MD 21044, United States