RECREATION & TOURISM

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, action and adventure, or a bit of both, limitless activities await you in Howard County. Take an afternoon hike, enjoy a world-class shopping experience, spend a day at the park, discover the area’s rich history, pick your own produce, play a round of golf, or simply relax at one of our numerous premier spas. There’s something for everyone to see and do in Howard County.

• Power shop in the newly renovated and expanded Mall in Columbia that boasts a multitude of trendy and upscale shops, restaurants and state-of-the-art movie theater
• Enjoy an evening of premiere live entertainment at Toby’s Dinner Theater or Merriweather Post Pavilion
• Escape to centuries ago and stroll along Main Street in Ellicott City or historic Savage Mill, today’s destinations for antiques, cafes, home décor and more
• Spend a day in the great outdoors hiking and biking well-worn trails that wind through foliage and ancient rocks beside the churning Patapsco River
• Take a detour from America’s most successful planned community, Columbia, to picturesque farmland dotted with horses and grazing cattle
• Check out Howard County’s newest farm attraction, Clark’s Elioak Farm, equipped with a fantastic petting zoo.
• Are magnificent mansions more your style? Tour lovingly restored Mt. Ida, Waverly and Oakland mansions, each decorated with period furnishings and antiques. Wander through the elegant gardens or make a reservation for Afternoon Tea. Oakland Mansion also proudly houses the African Art Museum of Maryland, and nearby you’ll also find the Howard County Center of African American Culture.
• The Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks and The Columbia Association offer residents and visitors lovely lakes, parks, tot lots, over 80 miles of pathways, community centers, a visual arts center, swimming pools, tennis clubs, an ice rink, an equestrian center and a new sports park with miniature golf, batting cages and skateboard facility! Howard County offers six regional parks, 24 community parks, seven golf courses, five lakes, and over 200 miles of walking, hiking and biking trails. It’s easy to see why Sports Illustrated voted Howard County “The Best Hometown in America” for sports.

For more information on activities, history, restaurants, hotels and events, contact the Howard County Tourism Council.