Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Columbia, Maryland. #Top Attractions

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Columbia, Maryland, offers a lot to its visitors! Check out our curated list of the best things to do in Columbia, Maryland and the best places to visit in Columbia, Maryland, below. Wondrous Drifter, a Web 3.0 travel startup, hopes to have a significant impact on the world.

Aida Bistro and Wine Bar

Aida Bistro and Wine Bar, Columbia, Maryland
Aida Bistro and Wine Bar is one of the best places to go in Columbia, Maryland

Aida Bistro and Wine Bar is the restaurant to eat at in Columbia if you are craving Italian cuisine.

This restaurant is famous for serving Italian delicacies with a range of wines to pick. It is the place to have an up-market home-style Italian meal served with wine by the glass.

The AId Bistro is known to have its delicious food made with fresh, locally grown ingredients.

If you are curious about what is inside the indoors of this restaurant, expect the atmosphere to be casual, and Aida Bistro even has an outdoor patio for anyone to dine on during nice weather. 

The restaurant is open Monday through Friday for lunch and Monday to Saturday for dinner.

As for its menu, the restaurant has built its business on being either dine-in or to-go. Depending on the time or season of the year, the menu changes, such as having a date night menu, an all-day menu, a special seasonal themed menu, or even a seasonal charcuterie box.

It is a must-visit to savor delicious Istrian food and fine-drinking wine.

Address: 6741 Columbia Gateway Dr, Columbia, MD 21046, United States

African Art Museum of Maryland

African Art Museum of Maryland Columbia Maryland
African Art Museum of Maryland, Columbia, Maryland / Elvert Barnes / Flickr

The African Art Museum of Maryland is one of the top attractions in Maryland.

Wondering if it’s possible to tour an African museum in the United States?

One in the community in Columbia, the African Art Museum of Maryland, showcases the art of Africa.

Columbia has three known museums dedicated to showcasing the art of Africa. The African Art Museum of Maryland is the first of a kind museum, established in Columbia in 1980. 

This museum has had 40 years of service, showcasing the art of Africa to the public. 

If you want to learn about African art, this museum showcases the culture and art to visitors through exhibits, activities, and events.

The museum also offers tours, lectures, workshops, videos, community outreach programs, and programs that reach out to schools to teach and inform people about the art of Africa.

This museum is something you have to visit to learn about African art in its purest form.

Address: 8775 Cloudleap Ct Suite 112, Columbia, MD 21045, United States

Columbia Art Center

Columbia Art Center Columbia Maryland
Columbia Art Center, Columbia, Maryland / Joe Ross / Flickr

To have a unique artistic experience, the Columbia Art Center is the place to see anybody interested in art.

This art center has managed by the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation. It is a place that can be used as an open studio or to hold multiple classes simultaneously.

It is known for offering art classes and is dedicated to bringing an artistic experience to anyone of all ages and interests in visual art, which is how diverse it is.

Visitors can go around the Columbia Art Center, such as the gallery gift shop, rotating gallery exhibitions, studio rentals, art birthday parties, a children’s summer art camp, a Japanese garden, and more.

The Columbia Art Center has a retail gallery to buy any work from any instructor, member, or anyone associated with this art center.

If you want to buy anything for memory’s sake, you can buy their affordable and handcrafted artworks made by instructors and teachers.

Visit the center’s art and other unique attractions.

Address: 6100 Foreland Garth, Columbia, MD 21045, United States

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Columbia Ice Rink

Columbia Ice Rink Columbia Maryland
Columbia Ice Rink, Columbia, Maryland / kris krüg / Flickr

For anyone wanting to have a thrilling ice skating experience, the Columbia Ice Rink is the place to visit in Columbia.

The Columbia Ice Rink is known for having public skating lessons daily all year. The Columbia Association is the group operating the Columbia Ice Rink.

This place is known for its ice skating because it serves as a venue for public sessions, hockey, figure skating, birthday parties, lessons, and private rentals. People even host parties or partake in ice shows.

For beginners wanting to learn, this sports complex has a special thing called the “walker” for any adult or child of any size to use when gliding or skating.

If visitors need to take a break, onlookers or skaters can buy snacks at the snack bar. There is also free WIFI for anyone who wants to do something other than watch people skate in this sports complex.

If you’re planning a trip to Columbia and want to go ice skating, the Columbia Ice Rink is the place to go.

Address: 5876 Thunder Hill Rd, Columbia, MD 21045, United States

Frisco Tap House and Brewery

Frisco Tap House and Brewery, Columbia, Maryland
Frisco Tap House and Brewery is one of the best places to go in Columbia, Maryland

To taste some of the finest breweries in Columbia, the Frisco Tap House is a must-visit as a tap house and brewery to have a sovereign experience.

The Frisco Tap House initially began as a small burrito bar in 1996. However, when they included a broad selection of beers on tap, this place was said to have gained loyal customers who were beer lovers. 

In 2010, the Frisco Tap House got reinstated as a taproom and restaurant with a brewery on-site, now serving more than 100 different craft beers.

This establishment is even home to the “Reckless Ale Works,” the first craft brewery in Howard County.

Besides just drinks, they have delicious food to taste, like their pizzas, burritos, sandwiches, their various selection of fajitas, and many other dishes. 

Some of its featured entrees to eat on the food side include their favorite jambalaya, crab cakes, and slow-cooked ribs. 

You have to visit this place to enjoy a fine brewing experience.

Address: 6695 Dobbin Rd, Columbia, MD 21045, United States

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Historic Oakland Mansion

Historic Oakland Mansion, Columbia, Maryland
Historic Oakland Mansion is one of the best places to go in Columbia, Maryland

The Historic Oakland Mansion is a place you have to visit as it is one of the oldest buildings in Columbia. 

In 1811, this mansion was a country home owned by a former speaker of the house of delegates in Maryland, Charles Sterrett Ridgely.

For any architectural enthusiast out there, this mansion may spark your interest as they built this mansion by combining different eras of architecture, such as during the Greek Revival, the Colonial Revival Period, and the Federal. 

Nowadays, the Historic Oakland Mansion serves as a venue for hosting events such as celebrations, weddings, and many other special occasions. On the first and last Saturday of each month, the people host a twice-monthly afternoon tea in this mansion.

If you are curious about what else to see, the mansion has formal gardens with many plants that make this mansion well-known for what they initially built it.

The mansion is a sight to behold as a work of architecture and among the oldest buildings.

Address: 430 Vantage Point Rd, Columbia, MD 21044, United States

Horowitz Performing Arts Center

Horowitz Performing Arts Center, Columbia, Maryland
Horowitz Performing Arts Center is one of the best places to go in Columbia, Maryland

If you want to appreciate the artistic and performing arts of Columbia, you have to visit the Horowitz Performing Arts Center.

This art center is famous in Columbia as the leading visual and performing arts facility in the city. 

The Horowitz Performing Arts Center opened in 2006 during the fall season and quickly grew as a cultural hub for the city of Columbia and Howard County.

This center has showcased performances and exhibitions every year and has welcomed more than 50,000 patrons. It even served as a production and educational venue to offer its community members the chance to be engaged with art as students and as patrons. 

The Horowitz Performing Arts Center has several instrumental spaces, art galleries, three performance venues, and two dance studios.

This place will show many things related to theater, music, dance, visual arts, film, academic programs, literature and lectures, ARTsites, and other special events.

This art center is worth visiting if you want to view the culture and performing arts this place offers.

Address: Campus Dr, Columbia, MD 21044, United States

Lost Ark Distilling Company

Lost Ark Distilling Company, Columbia, Maryland
Lost Ark Distilling Company is one of the best places to go in Columbia, Maryland

Do you want to drink high-quality American distillery?

Then come to the Lost Ark Distillery Company to taste and see how they make one of the best distilleries in America.

The Lost Ark Distilling Company is known for making spirits and cocktails from scratch by hand so that customers can have a great time drinking.

It began with a man named Brad, who created this company because he wanted the hand-made spirits to reflect the history and goals of the state of Maryland.

For any visitor wanting to tour the Lost Ark Distilling Company, they provide distillery tours to host and provide their guests information about the history and process of how they go about making their distillery among its most popular products today.

People who want a guided tour of the company’s production facility can do so on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

It is the place to visit to learn the tricks, trade, and even taste the savory drinks this company offers.

Address: 9570 Berger Rd, Suite L, Columbia, MD 21046, United States

Lake Elkhorn Park

Lake Elkhorn Park
Lake Elkhorn Park is one of the best places to go in Columbia, Maryland

Located in the Village of Own Brown, Lake Elkhorn Park is the largest and third-known lake in Columbia.

Lake Elkhorn Park was built in 1974 by the Columbia Association with over 2,500 acres of watersheds. 

Today, the lake is as big as over 37 acres, which is an ideal lake for anyone who loves any outdoor activity. 

The depth of this lake is over 8 feet, with its deepest point around 15 feet. 

It has a lake loop trail of over 1.9 miles for anyone wanting to take a stroll in the park or do trail running. This route is known to be easy and would take an average of 41 minutes for someone to complete.

For anyone who wants to take a moment and sit down for a while, Lake Elkhorn Park has a picnic pavilion within the 23-acre park.

This lake park is an iconic place to stroll around and enjoy its beautiful scenery.

Address: Parking lot, Patuxent Branch Trail, Columbia, MD 21045, United States

Lake Kittamaqundi

Lake Kittamaqundi, Columbia, Maryland
Lake Kittamaqundi is one of the best places to go in Columbia, Maryland

The Lake Kittamaqundi is one of the best things to do in  Maryland.

Are you into looking at the blue waters of any lake?

If yes, you have to visit Lake Kittamaqundi, filled with a beautiful lake and stunning scenery.

This lake is now a recreational area for visitors and residents to enjoy this outdoor lake in Columbia. 

If you want to stroll around the lake, you can try out the 2.5-mile multi-use trail that stretches around Lake Kittamaqundi over 27 acres.

Aside from simply strolling through the park, there is a wooden pier and boat landing where anyone can prepare themselves in a kayak or paddle.

For the convenience of its guests or residents, the lake has several areas such as water fountains, public toilets, and secluded picnic areas for anyone to relax and enjoy themselves.

But wait, there is more, as the lake is home to several shops and restaurants in an area around the shores of the lake. 

This lake is worth visiting to enjoy going around and seeing what this lake has to offer.

Address: Columbia, MD 21044, United States

Merriweather Post Pavilion

Merriweather Post Pavilion Columbia Maryland
Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, Maryland / Theresa C. Sanchez / Flickr

If you are looking for concerts to go to in Columbia, the Merriweather Post Pavilion is something you have to see for yourself to enjoy.

The Post Pavilion is in the central area of Columbia, with over 40 acres of forest.  

It is an outdoor concert venue that offers an ideal outdoor setting for concerts during the summer and is a top destination for any music lovers.

This Post Pavilion has a calendar full of concerts for anyone to hear vast and diverse music such as pop, jazz, rock, country, alternative, classical, electronica, hip-hop, and rhythm and blues.

If you have any musical admirers, The Merriweather Post Pavilion has built its reputation for more than 50 years. It is even where some famous singers have started their musical careers, like Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Kanye West, and other famous singers.

It is the place to go if you want to hear real live music.

Address: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044, United States

Robinson Nature Center

Robinson Nature Center, Columbia, Maryland
Robinson Nature Center is one of the best places to go in Columbia, Maryland

Are you looking for an ideal place to be closer to nature with your family?

If so, the Robinson Nature School is a great place to enjoy and for people to realize the beauty of nature.

The Robinson Nature Center is a nature-education facility in Columbia with activities for children and adults.

The facility of this center has a modest entry fee and is environmentally friendly for anyone visiting and exploring the Robinson Nature Center.

If you are planning to bring any children along, they may love going to the Discovery Zone, which has a touch tank and an aquarium where children can play, dress up, and enjoy themselves during their stay.

Some of its amenities include outdoor trails, natural play areas, rental spaces, a gift shop, indoor exhibits, and a planetarium for its guests to enjoy.

It is worth the trip to take in the natural splendor of Columbia.

Address: 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044, United States

Sapwood Cellars Brewery

Sapwood Cellars Brewery, Columbia, Maryland
Sapwood Cellars Brewery is one of the best places to go in Columbia, Maryland

The Sapwood Cellars Brewery is a brewery you must visit if you want to have a cozy tasting room with some of the best-specialized drinks you can find elsewhere.

Sapwood Cellars, located in the heart of Columbia, is known for specializing in barrel-aged mix-fermentation beer and fresh hop-forward ales.

This brewery started with owners named Michale and Scott, who were passionate about the science of brewing and the idea of creating the best beer around in the city of Columbia. 

This business is now focused on the passion of creating delicious flavors, improving producing its crafted beers, brewing science, and brewing its beers to be aromatic, drinkable, and balanced for anyone to enjoy without leaving a taste of sourness or bitterness. 

They offer drinks said to be moderate alcoholic beverages, priced reasonably, and delicious above anything else.

They also invite visitors to visit their tasting room or brewery, whichever is available from Wednesday to Sunday.

This place is a must-visit to have a savory brewery-drinking experience.

Address: 8980 MD-108, Suite MNO, Columbia, MD 21045, United States

Supreme Sports Club

Supreme Sports Club, Columbia, Maryland
Supreme Sports Club is one of the best places to go in Columbia, Maryland

There is no better venue to participate in physical activity in Columbia than the Supreme Sports Club.

This sports club opens 24/7 and is a destination where anyone can train and enjoy their favorite sports, such as roller-skating, palate classes, and swimming in a pool. 

It is considered a five-star club among the best destinations to bring your family and friends to experience wellness, health, and recreational activities inside this sports club.

The Supreme Sports Club is known for bringing families along to enjoy and providing something suitable for everyone, whether to keep you trimmed and fit or something involving hard-core training.

It has friendly staff, various equipment, and even a whirlpool and swimming pool to accommodate what you need to train and have a great time at this sports club.

This sports club is a must-visit if you want to challenge yourself and train in your favorite sport.

Address: 7080 Deepage Dr, Columbia, MD 21045, United States

Sushi King

Sushi King Columbia, Maryland
Sushi King, Columbia, Maryland / Edsel Little / Flickr

For over 30 years, this family-owned restaurant called the Sushi King has served to please Columbia with its palate.

Since it opened in 1987, this Japanese restaurant has served food in Columbia and the surrounding area with great food and service.

Meet regular customers at Sushi King. They will usually tell you that this restaurant offers brilliant food and friendly service. 

If you check their menu, they have a range of specialty rolls prepared with the freshest fish available in the market that you have to order. This restaurant has gluten-free options for any customers wanting a healthy meal. It is now cooking healthier choices with its finest ingredients.

Before you order one of the many sashimi or sushi dishes on the menu, you should try one of their appetizers like yakitori, gyoza, or tempura.

This is the place to go if you’re looking for a unique Japanese dining experience.

Address: Sushi King, 6490 Dobbin Road, Columbia, MD 21045, United States

Sushi Sono

Sushi Sono Columbia Maryland
Sushi Sono, Columbia, Maryland / takaokun / Flickr

Are you a sushi lover?

If you are, Sushi Sono is the place to go for its exceptional Japanese cuisine that is worthwhile eating in the region.

This restaurant is famous for its high-end fare, features traditional decor, and even has a stunning view of Lake Kittamaqundi.

It is a cornerstone in the community of Columbia since it has friendly staff, good service, and exquisite Japanese cuisine.

The restaurant is known for its sushi and sashimi, but it also has a tasting menu with salads, tempura, soups, teriyaki, and dishes served in bowls.

The restaurant accommodates its meals per guest with a selection of local and Japanese beers and wines, whether drinking from a glass or bottle. 

If you can come and order at the restaurant, they advise booking a table in advance since it opens daily.

This restaurant is the place to get the best, freshest sushi in the city.

Address: 10215 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD 21044, United States

The Iron Bridge Wine Company

The Iron Bridge Wine Company, Columbia, Maryland
The Iron Bridge Wine Company is one of the best places to go in Columbia, Maryland

For any wine lover out there, the Iron Bridge Wine Company is both a restaurant and a company producing fine wine in Columbia. 

It is a famous restaurant for its delicious delicacies, tasty wines, and location for any wine lover to relax and enjoy.

The Iron Bridge Wine Company is known as an award-winning restaurant for serving a vast range of wines chosen and made from many small production vineyards around the globe. 

It was started in 2002 by two people, Rob and Steve Wecker. These two people initially opened this business on the outskirts of Columbia as a little wine shop and cafe.

Soon after a few decades, their modest concept approach became a hotspot, even being listed in the Top 50 Restaurants in Baltimore Magazine eight times. 

To anyone wondering what to expect at this place, this restaurant offers a world-class dining experience with an atmosphere that is casual, unpretentious, and unassuming.

It is a must-visit as a restaurant to eat at and have a worthwhile wine-drinking experience in Columbia.

Address: 10435 State Route 108, Columbia, MD 21044, United States

The Mall in Columbia

The Mall in Columbia Maryland
The Mall in Columbia, Maryland / John Brighenti / Flickr

Come to the Mall of Columbia to keep yourself occupied while shopping, where you’ll discover a range of shops and attractions.

The Mall of Columbia has a lot to offer in terms of having high-end stores and districts to shop in, such as its small boutiques, restaurants, movie theaters, department stores, and more to buy.

This mall is in the heart of Columbia’s urban development plan to serve as a gathering area and community center.

If you are a shopaholic, be aware that the Mall of Columbia is known for having more than 200 specialty shops to give its customers a lot of places to shop while they enjoy the open-air setting of this mall.

If you want to bring any children along, some events and activities will amuse them, such as family-fun days, cookery classes, and build-a-bear workshops.

This mall is a must-go-to for a thrilling shopping experience in Columbia.

Address: 10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044, United States

Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Columbia, Maryland
Toby’s Dinner Theatre is one of the best places to go in Columbia, Maryland

Among the few dinner theaters with a live orchestra, Toby’s Dinner Theatre is the place to bring your friends and family.

This theater is in downtown Columbia and near the Lake Kittamaquindi and Merriweather Post Pavilion. 

Toby’s Dinner Theatre has been entertaining its guests for 40 years with a 300-seat theatre for customers to watch up close and gives a thrilling entertainment experience. 

As a dinner theatre, visitors can watch Broadway-style plays and musicals while offering their customers an all-you-can-eat buffet. Their dinner has different salads, main courses, and desserts to serve all of their guests.

This dinner theater offers a lot to accommodate its guests by having a carving station, live orchestras, Broadway musicals, seven main-course buffets, a 25-item salad bar, and a sundae bar for each show.

Toby’s Dinner Theatre is a place for anyone to enjoy great shows while having delicious food at the same time.

Address: 5900 Symphony Woods Rd, Columbia, MD 21044, United States

Washington Kali Temple

Washington Kali Temple, Columbia, Maryland
IWashington Kali Temple is one of the best places to go in Columbia, Maryland

The Washington Kali Temple is one of the best places to visit in  Maryland.

If you want to expand your knowledge of the Hindu way of life, the Washington Kali Temple awaits and is the place to go.

Besides just being a temple, the Washington Kali Temple is an Indian cultural and religious center for anyone to deepen their spiritual experience with their worshipped god. 

It welcomes people from all faiths as a means of encouragement to partake in the many festivals and activities.

In 2002, they built this temple as a place of happiness, peace, and a safe place to pray to the many Hindu gods and goddesses.

Its opening hours from Monday to Friday are from 9 am to 1 pm, while during the weekend, the temples have open hours of around 9 am to 8 pm. 

But hold on, there’s more as the temple holds devotional and spiritual services every year that even visitors can attend to watch.

This temple is where visitors can learn about and witness the culture of Hinduism. 

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Are you still on the fence about visiting Columbia, Maryland? Visit reasons to visit Columbia, Maryland, at least once in your lifetime here.

Address: 16126 New Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD 20866, United States

 

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