//
Planned community in Maryland, United States
Photo: Powerhawk5k, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Columbia is a planned city in Howard County, Central Maryland. It differs strongly from most notions of what constitutes a "city," as the planner divided the densely populated, but decidedly suburban in character, city into ten "villages," each of which are divided into several neighborhoods, leaving the city with a less obvious center.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
James and Anne Robinson Nature Center
Lake with walking trail around it.
1.9 mi paved walking trail around it. Good fishing for bluegill, crappie, golden shiner and largemouth bass. MD DNR stocks it with trout each spring.
A large amphitheater that hosts many concerts and festivals.
Musicals, with dinner.
Kabobs, that is, kebabs.
Vegetarian Indian food. Daily lunch buffet and delivery.
Great selection of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods.
Upscale Indian restaurant. Popular and often crowded, so call ahead.
Sushi restaurant and has absolutely delicious specialty rolls.
Sushi restaurant.
Good Mexican food, great atmosphere. Lots of tequila.
This hotel offers easy access to I-95 and I-70. Each suite offers 450 to 750 square feet and features complimentary wireless access, fully equipped kitchen and separate living room.
Suites with microwave, mini-fridge, large work desk, free internet, flat screen TV. Guests have access to free parking, free hot breakfast, indoor pool and fitness center.
A nifty little used book store in the same shopping center as the MVA Express. You'll find books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl.
one of the largest malls in the area and sports several higher-end department stores such as Nordstroms and Lord & Taylor. Great for fine gifts and luxery items. Also attached to a movie theatre and several restaurants.
By car
Columbia is easily accessible from both I-95 and US-29, which run parallel to each other near Columbia. From either of these roads, exit at either Route 32, Route 175, or Route 100.
By train
C. and Baltimore. Amtrak also services the train station from several major cities in the Northeast.
By bus
RTA offers hourly bus service on its Silver Route from the Mall in Columbia to BWI Airport and the BWI Rail Station, where further connections are available to Washington DC and Baltimore.
By car
Travel within Columbia is largely by auto, although the city was originally planned as a pedestrian and bicycle friendly group of villages.
By bicycle
Streets are winding and hilly; cyclists should bring their eighteen-speeds.
By bus
RTA operates several bus routes through the villages and connect to some adjacent communities. Most bus routes are hourly, with limited service on weekends.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Baltimore · International · BWI
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Columbia (Maryland) and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.