Are you looking for a great place to take a family weekend trip in Georgia? Columbus is one of the largest cities in Georgia. Packed with outdoor adventures, fascinating museums, delicious restaurants, and plenty of free attractions, Columbus is a Georgia city well worth a visit. You can easily spend a weekend and feel the need to go back.
The Chattahoochee River creates a great backdrop for this vibrant city. Located on the western border at the Alabama state line. You can drive across the bridge and be in Alabama in about 5 minutes.
I have been to Columbus and the surrounding area several times. There is a wonderful hot dog place in Columbus that we love. If you also enjoy a good local hot dog joint, see this list of places in Georgia to get one. There are two in Columbus that I recommend.
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Things to Do
Outdoor Adventure
1. White Water Rafting
Whitewater Express is the place to go for serious outdoor adventure. You will find white water rafting for every skill level, kayaking, and even Zip-lining. They even offer Fly Fishing on the Chattahoochee River.
2. Bike Rental
Want to enjoy the outdoors but maybe not on a zip line? You can rent a bike at Whitewater Express to explore the River Walk.
Rideonbikes is another bike rental place in Columbus. They offer fair prices with your choice of bicycles to suit your needs. They have a large selection of bicycles that includes a pull-behind for the little ones. Rideonbikes also has trail information and trips for bike riding through the trails. If you time it right, you can even do a moonlight ride.
More Outdoor Adventure
3. Stroll the 15-mile Chattahoochee River Walk
4. Zip Line from Georgia to Alabama across the Chattahoochee River
5. Spend the day at Standing Boy State Park for Hiking, Biking, Fishing, & Birding
6. Visit Historic Linwood Cemetery, established in 1828
7. Visit the grave of the inventor of Coca-Cola at Linwood Cemetery
8. Visit Heritage Park near the River Walk
Explore Nature
Botanical Garden
9. Visit the Columbus Botanical Garden if you share our love for flowers, trees, shrubs, and all growing things. Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens or enjoy one of the many special events throughout the year. The Daylily festival occurs in late May.
Environmental Learning Center at Riverwalk
10. Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center is a collaboration among Columbus Water Works, Columbus State University, and the City of Columbus. The Center provides exhibits, displays, and nature trails, and also offers formal and informal programs about the ecology and natural history of the region. Located at the southern end of the Columbus RiverWalk, the Center offers a view of the ecoregion of West Central Georgia and the Chattahoochee Valley and provides access to samples of the area’s rich communities of plants and animals.
Museums
National Civil War Naval Museum
11. The National Civil War Naval Museum is located at 102 Victory Drive in Columbus, overlooking the Chattahoochee River. A must-see for Civil War history buffs. The ironclad is amazing to see in person.
Admission is fair, and there are discounts for military personnel, seniors, and students. Additionally, if you visit during any of the special events they host throughout the year, like the 4th of July, admission is even lower.
National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
12. The National Infantry Museum showcases the history of the U.S. Army Infantry. Voted by USA Today as the nation’s Top Free Museum. There is a fascinating collection of artifacts, monuments, and interactive exhibits. Dating back to 1775, they take us through infantry history up to the present in the Eras of Infantry exhibits.
Do you have what it takes to do the Virtual Reality exhibits? Skydive into unknown terrain via the VR experience or return enemy fire in a ground battle.
If you are a U.S. history buff with an interest in our war participation history, don’t miss this museum. Admission is free with a suggested donation of about $5 per person. This museum is located at Port Columbus, just outside Fort Benning. Fort Moore one one-station unit training graduation ceremonies take place nearly every Thursday and Friday morning on Inouye Field adjacent to the National Infantry Museum. You are welcome to attend this graduation ceremony. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will remember.
Coca-Cola Space Science Center
13. Established in 1996, the Coca-Cola Space Science Center is Georgia’s only science center and museum facility dedicated to providing experiences for students and public visitors in astronomy and space science. There is plenty to do, including the planetarium show, a tour of Georgia’s largest collection of NASA Space Shuttle artifacts, interactive exhibits, Apollo memorabilia, and so much more.
Admission is reasonable, with discounts available for Seniors, Military Personnel, and Children.
More Museums and Art Galleries
15. Visit Columbus Collective Museums, including The Lunchbox Museum and The Georgia Radio Museum
16. Visit the Ma Rainey House (The “Mother of Blues”)
Performing Arts
17. The Springer Opera House
The rich historic Springer dates back to the post-Civil War era. Originally opened by a local grocer who expanded his entrepreneurial spirit and contributed to the cultural growth of Columbus. Throughout history, live entertainment gave way to the big screen. These days, we have learned to appreciate the culture of our beginnings with gorgeous places like the Springer.
If you love live entertainment, plan your trip to Columbus around the Springer Schedule. There is always some form of entertainment going on. Live music or live plays, and even tours of the historic building. Take the ghost tour if you dare!
18. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts
There is always a live performance to enjoy at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Check the schedule before you go. You can buy your tickets online. The 2,000-seat theatre is home to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Performances include all genres of music and live performances. Many names you will recognize perform at this venue. You can place a nice weekend trip to Columbus around the schedule at the RiverCenter.
They are located uptown close to the Chattahoochee River. If you are staying at a downtown hotel, you can probably walk to the theater. There is also free parking at the River City parking garage.
Food in Columbus
19. Market Days are held on Saturdays from April through October on Broadway. Three blocks of outdoor shopping for food and crafts.
20. See the 13 Best Places To Eat in Columbus
21. 5 Best Coffee Shops in Columbus, Ga.
More Family Travel Ideas in Georgia
- The 7 Natural Wonders of Georgia You Can Visit
- The Ultimate Guide To Driving Through Atlanta, Georgia
- Tybee Island Bed & Breakfast Surf Song Review
- 13 Restaurants In Dublin, Ga. Where The Locals Eat
- 9 Great Places to Spend Christmas in the South
- 10 Haunted Places In Georgia You Can Visit
