Columbia, MD is known on a national level as one of America’s top cities to live. In 2024 & 2025, Columbia received numerous accolades, including being ranked the #1 Best City for Women, #5 in Best Cities to Raise a Family, #8 of Safest Cities, #7 in Top 100 Best Places to Live in America.
Residents of Columbia can confirm that a great place to live is also a great place to visit! Here are the top 5 reasons why you should visit Columbia for your next weekend trip and explore what makes this community special.
Delicious Dining in Columbia, MD
Columbia, Maryland has some of the most diverse restaurants and incredible dining that can be found in the DMV. No matter what you’re craving you can taste it here! Whether you are looking for fast, casual, unique or upscale, there's going to be a restaurant in Columbia to please your palate.
Find incredible meals and bites at The Food Market - Columbia, where the environment is down to earth, but the food is out of this world. Try stopping by on Saturday or Sunday to kick off your weekend with friends with their fantastic brunch menu.
Xenia Greek Kouzina offers an exceptional experience every time, and some of the best Mediterranean cuisine in Maryland. Enjoy this hidden Greek gem for your next special occasion, and enjoy delicious dining accented by live music and a beautiful ambiance.
Find farm-to-table dining at Blackwall Barn & Lodge in the Merriweather District, where a warm and inviting space awaits you. Their menu features locally sourced products prepared into delicious seasonal meals. Perfect for date nights and family dinners!
Plan a shopping adventure to The Mall in Columbia, and end it with a lunch or dinner featuring the rich flavors of Italian-American dining at Maggiano’s - Columbia. Find perfectly cooked dishes inspired by authentic Italian recipes that will leave you smiling and satisfied.
Columbia is Maryland’s Live Performance Capital
Catch a concert and see some of music's biggest stars under the stars at Merriweather Post Pavilion! Expect legendary performances and an unforgettable night at one of the nation’s most recognizable venues.
Toby's Dinner Theatre has been producing award winning dinner theatre for over 45 years, and has received over 100 Helen Hayes Award nominations for the excellence of their musical productions. In 2025, they were nationally ranked by USA Today’s 10 Best as the #2 Best Dinner Theatre in the United States. Enjoy dinner and a show you won’t forget!
Throughout the summer you can enjoy free entertainment in the Merriweather District and at the Columbia Lakefront. Fill your summer with dynamic music and live performances designed to bring the community together.
Explore Outdoor Beauty in Columbia, MD
Howard County is conveniently located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and with close to 100 miles of paved trails, Columbia is easy to explore on foot or two wheels.
Discover unique parks like Lake Elkhorn Park, where you can enjoy a paved walkway and interactive exercise stopping points. For more adventures, explore the trails and experiences that surround Robinson Nature Center, or visit Blandair Regional Park for swings, mega slides, a spider web climber, and baby-friendly zones.
Golfers can enjoy hitting the greens at award-winning golf courses like Fairway Hills and Hobbit's Glen Golf Club.
Wine in the Woods - Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods
Columbia’s Incredible Annual Events
Columbia is home to some of the most beloved and exciting events in the DMV. Find an event celebrating every interest! From family-friendly festivals to wine-tasting events you’ll discover the perfect celebration in Columbia, MD.
In spring, join book enthusiasts in the Merriweather District for Books in Bloom. This book themed event celebrates local authors, diverse voices, and the love of literacy.
Mark your calendar for May to enjoy unlimited tastings at Wine in the Woods - a beloved Columbia tradition in Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods.
Celebrate art in all its forms at the Columbia Festival of the Arts: Lakefest! Join in a whole weekend of free summer fun as public art displays, vendors, performers, and crafts fill the Columbia Lakefront with color and music.
In June visitors and musicians from all over the country flock to Merriweather Post Pavilion for the Capital Jazz Fest. Enjoy a multi-day celebration of all-things jazz!
Columbia Lakefront - Lake Kittamaqundi
Easy Access Without the Crowds
Columbia is under an hour drive from D.C., Baltimore, and much of the DMV, but it feels worlds away from the traffic and noise of the city.
Enjoy all the perks of life in Columbia without worrying about lines and parking. Plus with thoughtfully planned roads and walkways you’ll be able to explore at your own pace. Columbia, Maryland is the kind of place where a spontaneous weekend trip actually feels relaxing!
Ready to plan your stay? Find your perfect home away from home at one of Columbia's top notch hotels!
