Location: Columbia
Top Things to do in Columbia
The 8 Best Free Things to do in Columbia, Maryland (MD)
Columbia is a census-designated place in Howard County, Maryland, United States, and is one of the principal cities of the Baltimore metropolitan area. It is a planned community consisting of 10 self-contained villages. It began with the idea that a city could enhance its residents' quality of life. Creator and developer James W. Rouse saw the new community in terms of human values, rather than merely economics and engineering. Opened in 1967, Columbia was intended to not only eliminate the inconveniences of then-current subdivision design, but also eliminate racial, religious, and class segregation.
Restaurants in Columbia
1. Lost Ark Distilling Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
A Maryland artisan distillery using local grains that are mashed, fermented, distilled, & bottled by hand. Whiskey & rum - handcrafted from farm to bottle! Join us for free tours and tastings!
Reviewed By AMNYC1988 - New York City, United States
Fantastic rums hazelnut coffee is the best the other flavors are also wonderful Definitely worth the trip to visit
2. Lake Kittamaqundi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By 996vivianf - Columbia, United States
I've lived in Coumbia for many, many years and I am so glad that Jim Rouse was the force behind the planning. Open trails, lakes, open space, great shopping and easy to reach.
3. Lake Elkhorn Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By dddorosan - Columbia, United States
My daughter lives in one of the townhouses. I can be found on the Lake at least twice daily when I visit, which is often. Very pleasant walk. Lots of shade.
4. Patuxent Branch Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Thomas-GenevieveH
The Patuxent Branch Trail links Lake Elkhorn to Savage Mill. Multiple parking areas exist along the 4.2 mile total length of the trail (although the final 0.7 miles between Vollenhausen Rd and Savage Mill is non-paved trail). The free parking area that directly is associated with this review (at Guilford road) is located not-quite in the center of the trail (it is 2 miles from Lake Elkhorn and 2.2 miles from Savage Mill). The major landmark at this parking area is the old rail bridge, which is well worth a few pictures! Overall, you can easily get 10-12 miles by doing an out and back in each direction and adding the 1.9 mile Lake Elkhorn loop.
5. Hysteria Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Established 2017. Well-crafted beer in Columbia, Maryland, Hysteria is dedicated to the mad pursuit of beer that's not afraid to be beer. Our taproom, like our beers, draws on innovation, intrigue, collaboration, and community. Playing off of café culture and the English-style pub, our taproom offers a welcoming, friendly, and engaging taproom experience. We aim to collaborate with our friends and neighbors across Maryland and create truly unique beers distinct to the state we call home.
Reviewed By Bobby980 - Washington DC, United States
Need a pick me up due to the blah weather and Covid-19?? Look no further! Make a reservation to ensure you have a table ready when you get there. We spoke to Chuck, he was super helpful with everything. Told us about BYOF...food that is. Homesylce isn’t far away so we swung by on our way to Hysteria and picked up some pizzas but he also told us they deliver to the brewery!! The ambiance worked well together and the staff was knowledgeable and friendly (thanks Shannon). They aren’t doing flights currently but they have plenty of cans or crowlers to go too. Shannon helped my fiancé and I choose the best beers and we can’t wait to go back with our dogs which we were told are welcomed inside the brewery. Hysteria prob had 15 or so beers to choose from, some rotate so if you fall in love with something seasonal make sure to take some with you. Thanks again Hysteria, can’t wait to return
6. Ale House Columbia
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 30 reviews
7. The Mall in Columbia
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By P5180UMdebbiem - West Berlin, United States
Overall a wonderful experience. My children and I love the layout of the mall and having a bowling alley in the mall is a terrific idea. The choice for fine dining is impeccable and to top that the restaurants for a quick bite included inside the mall is another beautiful idea. The decor for Christmas took the cake. For us it was a tremendous experience and a breathtaking one as well. My children got back to their hotel and was asking to be returned to the mall. Great end to our road trip stop in Colombia Maryland.
8. Black Flag Brewing Co
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By meepwad - Manahawkin, United States
They have 2 pumpkin beers which was the reason for our stop, given my mom is a pumpkin beer lover. She liked the Basic Bee pumpkin beer. I enjoyed the Citra Bomb the most, although the Imperial DIPAs here are notable and enough to draw attention to. Come visit this place and check out their beers on tap! They have good seasonal beers to try
