This planned community between Baltimore and DC has 80 miles of connecting paths, three lakes, and ten distinct villages anchored by the Frank Gehry-designed Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Columbia, Maryland sits 20 miles from Baltimore and 25 miles from Washington D.C. Walk through 80 miles of paths connecting ten distinct villages, stop to watch herons fishing in Lake Kittamaqundi, catch a summer concert at the Frank Gehry-designed Merriweather Post Pavilion, or examine traditional masks and textiles at the African Art Museum of Maryland.
Getting to Columbia
You can reach Columbia via I-95 or US-29, with three main exits: Route 32, Route 175, and Route 100. The closest airport is Baltimore-Washington International (BWI), 16 miles away. RTA buses run hourly between Columbia and BWI Airport, while Dillon Bus Service connects to Washington D.C. during weekday rush hours. The BWI Rail Station links you to major East Coast cities through Amtrak and MARC Train services.
Ten Villages of Columbia
Each village in Columbia has its own shopping center, schools, and community spaces. At Harper's Choice Village Center, you'll walk through original 1960s buildings with distinctive mid-century design elements. The Wilde Lake Village Center sits next to a 23-acre lake, with local shops and cafes spread along waterfront walking paths.
Lakes and Recreation
Three lakes define Columbia's landscape. Walk the 1.4-mile trail around Lake Kittamaqundi, where great blue herons wade in the shallow waters. Fish for largemouth bass and bluegill at Lake Elkhorn, which receives fresh trout stock each spring from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. At Wilde Lake, rent kayaks and canoes from the dock. The Columbia Association maintains 23 outdoor pools, five indoor pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, and an equestrian center.
Arts and Performance Venues
The Merriweather Post Pavilion amphitheater holds 19,000 people between its covered seating and lawn area. National touring acts perform here weekly from April through October. At Toby's Dinner Theatre, you'll eat dinner while watching Broadway musicals performed in the round. Visit the Columbia Art Center to see monthly exhibitions and take classes in ceramics, painting, and sculpture.
Walking and Biking Network
The Columbia Pathway system weaves through forested areas and around lakes, connecting all ten villages. Walk or bike on paved trails past 148 playgrounds to reach village centers, schools, and parks. The path from the Mall in Columbia to Lake Kittamaqundi takes about 15 minutes, with dedicated walkways that bypass all road crossings.
Shopping and Town Center
The Mall in Columbia houses over 200 stores and a 16-screen movie theater. Each village center has its own mix of independent businesses and restaurants. In the newer Merriweather District, Color Burst Park hosts free concerts in summer months and transforms into an ice skating rink during winter.
