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Columbia is a planned community of about 105,000 people in Howard County, Maryland, between Baltimore and Washington. Developer James Rouse designed it in the 1960s as a model town of ten villages, each with its own center, schools and parks, linked by miles of paths and set around man-made lakes.
Merriweather Post Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater designed by architect Frank Gehry, has hosted legendary concerts since 1967 and sits in Symphony Woods at the heart of town. Lake Kittamaqundi and the Columbia Lakefront host summer concerts and fireworks, and the former Rouse Company headquarters, also by Gehry, overlooks the water.
Wilde Lake and Lake Elkhorn are ringed by walking trails, and more than 90 miles of pathways connect the villages through woods and parks such as Cedar Lane Park. The Mall in Columbia is a major shopping center, and Howard Community College and historic sites like the Dasher Farm springhouse add to the mix.
Outdoor amphitheater designed by Frank Gehry that opened in 1967 in the woods of Symphony Woods. It hosts major rock, pop and indie concerts from spring to fall, with covered seats and a big sloping lawn. Bring a blanket for the lawn and plan extra time for parking after shows.
Long-running dinner theater in Columbia where Broadway-style musicals are staged in the round, so every seat is close to the action. Tickets include a buffet dinner before the show and dessert at intermission. Book ahead for popular productions and holiday shows, which often sell out.
Striking green, shell-like outdoor stage that opened in 2017 in Symphony Woods next to Merriweather. It hosts free concerts, festivals, movie nights and family events, and the park around it has shaded paths and art. Check the events calendar, as many summer shows here cost nothing.
Community art center in the Long Reach village with a gallery of changing exhibits by local artists, plus classes in painting, pottery, drawing and more for kids and adults. Gallery shows are free to browse. Look for its summer camps and workshops if you want to try making art yourself.
Lake at the heart of Downtown Columbia, ringed by a paved walking path and the Lakefront plaza with the famous People Tree sculpture. It is the setting for the Fourth of July fireworks. Visit at sunset for calm water views and easy strolls.
Lake in Columbia's first village, Wilde Lake, with a loop path through woods, a fishing pier and quiet coves. It connects to Columbia's network of pathways, so walkers and cyclists can continue for miles. Park at the small lot near the dam and go counterclockwise for the best views.
Lake in the Owen Brown village with a popular paved loop of about two miles, a fishing pier, playgrounds and picnic spots. It is one of the best places in Columbia for jogging, birdwatching and family walks. Weekend mornings are busy, so arrive early to find parking near the dock.
Howard County nature center on the Middle Patuxent River with hands-on exhibits about local wildlife, a small planetarium and wooded trails. The building is a green design with a living roof and rain gardens. Check the schedule for planetarium shows and guided walks, which fill quickly.
Large Howard County park with sports fields, a big playground, tennis and pickleball courts, picnic pavilions and a walking loop around ponds. It is a favorite for weekend games and family picnics. Pavilions can be reserved for groups, and the paths are easy for strollers and bikes.
Regional park built on a former family farm in east Columbia, with sports fields, a large themed playground, tennis courts and trails through meadows. More phases have been added over time. It is a good stop for kids, and the open fields are popular for kite flying on breezy days.
Modernist building by Frank Gehry on the shore of Lake Kittamaqundi, built in 1974 as the headquarters of the company that planned Columbia. It now houses a Whole Foods Market, with lake views from the windows and terrace. Grab lunch inside and eat by the water on the lakefront.
Large enclosed regional mall in Town Center that opened in 1971, with department stores, a wide mix of shops, a food court and sit-down restaurants. It is the main shopping stop for the area and easy to combine with a lakefront walk. Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit.
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