Best Things to do in Columbia | Must-see attractions 2025

Robinson Nature Center

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

6692 Cedar Ln

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Robinson Nature Center in Columbia, Maryland, features 18 acres of interactive exhibits, walking trails, and a digital planetarium focusing on local ecosystems.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Sandy Spring Museum

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Museum

17901 Bentley Rd

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Sandy Spring Museum highlights community history through the arts. Founded in 1981, it features local artifacts and hosts cultural events in Maryland.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Patuxent River Park

7:00 AM–dusk

Park

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Patuxent River Park in Columbia offers outdoor activities like canoeing amid natural scenery along the Patuxent River, ideal for families and nature enthusiasts.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Free. Canoeing rentals may incur additional fees.

Historic Oakland Mansion

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Event hall

5430 Vantage Point Rd (Little Patuxent Pkwy)

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Historic Oakland Mansion in Columbia, US, features impressive 19th-century architecture and rich history, showcasing beautiful gardens and cultural artifacts.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require paid tickets.

The Shrine of St. Anthony

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

12290 Folly Quarter Rd

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The Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City, Maryland, is a Roman Catholic shrine dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, located within the St. Joseph Cupertino Friary.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated.

The Mall in Columbia

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Mall

10300 Little Patuxent Pkwy (at Gov Warfield Pkwy)

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The Mall in Columbia features over 200 stores, diverse dining options, and entertainment venues like a cinema, making it a central shopping destination in Maryland.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Costs may apply to special events and activities.

Kahler Hall

9:00 AM–11:00 PM

Event hall

5440 Old Tucker Row (in Harpers Choice Village Center)

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Kahler Hall in Columbia, USA, is a versatile venue suitable for various events, featuring modern architecture, ample space, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Duration: 1 to 3 hours, depending on the event.

Varies by event type; general access is typically free for open events.

The Meeting House

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Event hall

5885 Robert Oliver Pl

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The Meeting House in Columbia, USA is a historic gathering place founded in 1868, renowned for its distinctive architecture and cultural significance in the community.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated during events.

The Other Barn

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

5851 Robert Oliver Pl (in Oakland Mills Village Center)

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The Other Barn in Columbia, Maryland, serves as a community hub, offering arts, education, and event spaces while preserving local history.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Merriweather Post Pavilion

10:00 AM–11:00 PM

Event hall

10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy

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Merriweather Post Pavilion is an outdoor concert venue in Columbia, Maryland, known for hosting major musical artists in a wooded setting.

Duration: 3-5 hours including concert time.

Varies. General admission tickets typically range from $30 to $150 depending on the artist and event.

Kittamaqundi Community Church

5:00 PM–7:00 PM

Church

5410 Leaf Treader Way

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Kittamaqundi Community Church in Columbia, Maryland, offers a welcoming Christian community with engaging services and family-oriented activities.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed during services.

Holiday Hills Park

7:00 AM–8:00 PM

Amusement Park

10524 Vista Rd (6915 Newberry Drive)

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Holiday Hills Park in Columbia, Maryland offers extensive green spaces, recreational facilities, and nature trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Duration: 2 hours.

Free.

Chrysalis

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Theater

Columbia

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Chrysalis is a premier performing arts theater in Columbia, SC, featuring diverse performances from ballet to contemporary music. A hub for cultural events and community gatherings.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Tickets range from $15 to $70. Discounts for students and seniors available.

Wilde Lake Interfaith Center

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

10431 Twin Rivers Rd

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Wilde Lake Interfaith Center in Columbia, MD, offers spiritual services and community programs, fostering interfaith dialogue and cultural understanding in a serene environment.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events and workshops may have associated fees.

Columbia Art Center

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Gallery

6080 Foreland Garth (Tamar Drive)

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Columbia Art Center in Columbia, US, offers diverse art classes, exhibitions, and community events, promoting creativity and cultural awareness.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some workshops may have a nominal fee associated.

St John Evangelical Lutheran Church

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

6004 Waterloo Rd (Old Montgomery Rd)

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St John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Columbia offers a blend of traditional worship and community involvement, established in the 19th century and distinctive in architecture.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free.

The Church at Covenant Park

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

4550 Centennial Ln

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The Church at Covenant Park, located in Columbia, SC, is a community-focused church known for its modern architecture and vibrant congregational activities.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Special events may require registration or a fee.

Linden-Linthicum United Methodist Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

Clarksville

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Linden-Linthicum United Methodist Church, located in Columbia, Maryland, has been fostering community and faith since 1840 with its historic architecture and inclusive services.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

First Presbyterian Church of Howard County

Office Closed

Church

9325 Presbyterian Cir

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First Presbyterian Church of Howard County in Columbia, MD offers vibrant community worship and rich historical significance since its founding in 1965.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed for special events and services.

Columbia Presbyterian Church

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

10001 State Route 108

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Columbia Presbyterian Church, founded in 1844, is a historic place of worship known for its Gothic architecture and active community programs.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed for specific events and programs.

Locust United Methodist Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

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Locust United Methodist Church in Columbia offers a historic worship space, known for its architectural elements and community involvement.

Duration: Around 1 hour.

Free. Donations are welcome during services and events.

Christ Memorial Presbyterian Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

Columbia

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Christ Memorial Presbyterian Church in Columbia, USA, is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and community-centered activities, welcoming all visitors year-round.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Donations welcome during special events.

New Hope Lutheran Church

5:00 PM–7:00 PM

Church

8575 Guilford Rd

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New Hope Lutheran Church in Columbia offers a welcoming atmosphere for worship and community engagement, featuring modern architecture and vibrant programs.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for special events and programs.

South Columbia Baptist Church

6:00 PM–8:00 PM

Church

Guilford Rd

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South Columbia Baptist Church, located in Columbia, United States, is a vibrant community church founded in 1990, known for its modern architecture and outreach programs.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are accepted to support various church programs.

St Matthew's Orthodox

9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

7251 Eden Brook Dr

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St Matthew's Orthodox in Columbia, United States, is a historic church known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed for maintenance and community activities.

Glen Mar United Methodist Church

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

4701 New Cut Rd. (at Montgomery Rd.)

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Glen Mar United Methodist Church in Columbia, Maryland, offers worship services, community events, and a beautiful sanctuary surrounded by nature, welcoming all believers.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for special events.

Long Gate Shopping Center

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Mall

4470 Long Gate Pkwy (btw MD 100 & Montgomery Rd)

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Long Gate Shopping Center in Columbia, US offers diverse retail options, dining choices, and entertainment facilities, catering to all shopping needs.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free to enter. Individual stores and restaurants may have separate pricing.

Johns Hopkins University School of Education

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

6740 Alexander Bell Dr

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Johns Hopkins University School of Education in Columbia, MD, is dedicated to transformative educational practices, research, and training educators for future challenges.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some workshops and events may require a registration fee.

Howard County Department Of Recreation & Parks

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Public Building

7120 Oakland Mills Rd

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Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks promotes outdoor activities, community events, and recreational programs, serving Columbia, Maryland residents and visitors.

Duration: 1-3 hours depending on activities.

Free for normal park access; some specialized programs may have fees.

Long Reach Village Center

10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Mall

8775 Cloudleap Ct

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Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, MD, features retail shops, restaurants, and community spaces, enhancing local shopping and leisure.

Duration: About 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special events may require tickets.

Alberta Gary Memorial United Methodist Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

9405 Guilford Rd

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Alberta Gary Memorial United Methodist Church in Columbia is a historical place of worship, known for its community outreach and beautiful architecture.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are encouraged for community programs.

Cornerstone Community Church of God

6:00 PM–8:00 PM

Church

7277 Eden Brook Dr (Guilford Rd)

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Cornerstone Community Church of God in Columbia provides spiritual guidance and community support, emphasizing inclusivity and service in its mission.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcome for ongoing community programs.

St John The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

5885 Robert Oliver Pl (in Oakland Mills Interfaith Center)

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St John The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Columbia, USA, is a hub of faith with rich history and beautiful architecture dating back to 1940.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance and support of church programs.

Hobbits Glen Golf Course

6:30 AM–7:00 PM

Golf Course

5150 Harpers Farm Rd. (at Willow Bottom Dr.)

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Hobbits Glen Golf Course in Columbia, MD, offers a challenging yet enjoyable 18-hole layout surrounded by nature, designed for golfers of all skill levels.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Variable. Green fees apply, with discounts for juniors and seniors available.