By the Backseat View
If you’re looking for a Georgia getaway that has a little bit of everything, Columbus, Georgia, makes a surprisingly fun weekend destination. Located along the Chattahoochee River, 90 minutes from Atlanta, Columbus offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, a charming downtown, local shopping, great food, baseball, and some genuinely impressive museums.
Columbus GA Travel Guide
Columbus, GA Attractions
We recently spent a weekend in Columbus and packed a lot into a few days. We went zip-lining over the river, explored the downtown shops along the river, had lunch at The Black Cow, and cheered on the Columbus Clingstones. We also made time for two very different museums and discovered plenty of ways to extend the trip.
Best Things to do in Columbus, GA
If you’re planning a Columbus, Georgia weekend getaway, here’s how I’d do it.
Day 1: Adventure, Downtown & Baseball
1. Start with a little adrenaline: ziplining across the Georgia/AL border
For Downtown parking, drive to the Whitewater Express, which has a big lot. The city’s big playground and Kadie the Cow of Columbus Statue are also here.
Our Columbus adventure started with one of the city’s best features — its outdoors. We went zip-lining across the river, which was such a fun way to get a feel for the Chattahoochee River. And if zip-lining isn’t enough excitement for you, Columbus has another option that’s hard to beat: whitewater rafting.
Columbus GA with Teens
2. Whitewater Rafting on the Chattahoochee
Columbus is home to Whitewater Express, which offers whitewater rafting on the Chattahoochee River. Where else can you spend the morning rafting through rapids and then be downtown for lunch?
Whitewater Express does both: zip lining and whitewater rafting.
The river is really the heart of Columbus, and the number of outdoor activities centered around it is one of the things that makes this city different from other Georgia weekend destinations. You don’t necessarily have to choose between rafting and zip-lining. If you’re visiting during the right season and have an adventurous group, you could easily make your first day all about the river.
3. Where to eat in Columbus, GA
After all that activity, you’ll be ready for lunch. We walked a few blocks to The Black Cow, a longtime Columbus favorite. It was a great place to slow down, enjoy a good meal, and recharge before spending the afternoon exploring the city. The chicken and waffles were absolutely divine with the bacon topping.
And downtown Columbus is definitely worth exploring on foot. Downtown is marketed and called Uptown Columbus by locals.
Downtown (Uptown) Food Options:
- Banks is next door to the Whitewater Express, a unique food hall.
- The Cannon for a regular, nice bar atmosphere.
- Hank’s for hot dogs.
- Bodega is a Latin-American café and fusion restaurant.
- My Boulange & Tower Pizza
The Pearl
- The Pearl is a gastropub with a dessert case filled with delicious bakery items.
- For a donut snack, try Veri Best Donuts or the Golden Donut.
- Freeze Frame is a cute, self-serve yogurt shop.
- Iron Bank is the place to go for coffee.
4. Shop Downtown Columbus, GA
One of my favorite surprises about Columbus was the downtown shopping.
We loved wandering through the local boutiques, especially Burning Red and Sissy. The Peach Shoppe is a creative space filled with local artists’ products. These are the kinds of independent shops that make exploring a downtown area fun because you never quite know what you’ll find.
Rather than rushing from attraction to attraction, I’d leave yourself some time to simply wander around downtown Columbus. Browse the shops, look at the historic buildings, grab a coffee, and enjoy the atmosphere.
5. Walk Along the RiverWalk
The 22-mile paved trail follows the Chattahoochee River, offering an easy way to get outside without committing to a major hike. You can walk, bike, take photos, or simply sit for a while and watch the river.
We especially liked that the RiverWalk fits so naturally into a day downtown. You can have lunch, shop at local boutiques, and then walk down to the river without having to get back in your car. Whitewater Express also rents bikes so you can ride the RiverWalk. Ride On Bikes is another close-by option.
The Chattahoochee is such a big part of Columbus that spending some time beside it really helps you appreciate the city.
6. Columbus Clingstones Baseball
After a day of adventure and exploring downtown, head to a Columbus Clingstones baseball game. This was our favorite way to end the day. There’s something about a summer evening at a baseball game that just feels like a vacation. Grab some ballpark food, find your seats, and settle in for a few innings. You don’t have to be a die-hard baseball fan to enjoy a minor league game. It’s casual, fun, and a great evening activity for couples, families, or friends. Synovus Park is so clean, nice, and friendly.
7. Columbus River Dragons
The Columbus River Dragons are a hockey team in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL). Hockey is a fast-paced, exciting sport. If a game isn’t scheduled, you can spend your time ice skating at the Columbus Ice Rink.
8. Opera House
The Springer Opera House was built in 1871 and is the official State Theatre of Georgia located in the heart of downtown. The National Historic Landmark hosts a robust number of productions along with tours. Y’all, this place does not get enough recognition. It’s gorgeous.
9. The RiverCenter for the Performing Arts
The RiverCenter for Performing Arts is the city’s new arts and entertainment district. This 2,000-seat theatre hosts the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Broadway shows, concerts, and conferences.
Day 2: Military History, Space & More
After a busy first day, we spent our second day exploring a completely different side of Columbus.
10. National Infantry Museum
Start your day at the National Infantry Museum, one of Columbus’s most impressive attractions. The museum tells the story of the American infantry through artifacts, photographs, exhibits, and immersive displays. Even if you’re not someone who normally seeks out military museums, this one is worth your time. The exhibits aren’t simply about battles and dates. They tell the stories of the soldiers who served and place American military history in a much broader context. Plan to spend several hours here. There is a lot to see, and this isn’t a museum you’ll want to rush through.
11. Coca-Cola Space Science Center
After the National Infantry Museum, head back toward downtown for something completely different: the Coca-Cola Space Science Center. The Space Science Center focuses on astronomy, space exploration, and science, with interactive exhibits and planetarium experiences.
I like the combination of these two museums for a Columbus itinerary because they couldn’t be more different. One takes you through American military history, while the other sends you toward the stars. It’s also a particularly good combination if you’re traveling with kids or a mixed-age group with different interests. The next museums also hold their own appeal.
12. National Civil War Naval Museum
The National Civil War Naval Museum offers impressive displays of naval history, including recovered ironclad ship remains and artifacts. The museum is entertaining, with cannons and ships.
13. The Columbus Museum
The Columbus Museum (COMU) is the second-largest general museum in Georgia. It blends American history with regional history in its art displays. There’s also a large children’s gallery and play area. The museum is free and a great place to relax and enjoy its gardens.
14. The Columbus Collective Museum
The Columbus Collective Museum is a collection of 8 world-class museums housed in a restored warehouse built in 1946. The museum is recognized by the Smithsonian, with The Lunch Box Museum being the largest in the world, with over 5,000 metal lunch boxes. The museum also hosts a Car, Folk Art, Folk Fair, and Peanut museum.
15. Ma Rainey House & Blues Museum
Ma Rainey was born in Columbus and became a foundational figure in the blues. Her original piano sits inside the house with her Grammy Award. The house is closed for renovations in 2026. We can’t miss a National Historic Landmark, so let’s stop by the Bradley Museum next.
W.C. Bradley Museum
The W.C. Bradley Museum is housed inside an 1880s cotton warehouse along the river, with original brick and an art collection. The building is a National Historic Landmark filled with art and a chapel nearby. While we are off the beaten path, let’s stop over at The Do Good Fund.
The Do Good Fund
The Do Good Fund is a nonprofit arts public gallery dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing 900 museum-quality photographs from the American South. There’s something moving about photographs that capture real everyday life. Admission is free, and the gallery rotates throughout the year.
For Columbus outdoor options:
16. Bike Dragonfly
Bike up the mostly flat Dragonfly Trails to Fort Moore. The trail features 30 miles of interconnected, multi-use paved paths linking Uptown Columbus, neighborhoods, and the Chattahoochee RiverWalk. Ride on Bikes is located at 1036 Broadway in Uptown for local gear rentals.
17. Oxbow Meadows
Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center has walking trails and a suspension bridge. It’s conveniently located at the southern end of the Columbus RiverWalk with educational displays, classes, and a few animals. They ask for a $5 donation. This pairs well with the National Infantry Museum since they’re close together.
18. Standing Boy Trails
Standing Boy Trails are a new natural-surface trail system along the Chattahoochee and Lake Oliver with hiking, mountain biking, and more adventurous downhill terrain. There are 30 miles of trails.
19. Columbus Botanical Garden
This urban oasis on forty acres has beehives, a butterfly garden, and a quiet walking trail. Another restful idea is Flat Rock Park.
Flat Rock Park has a local feel with huge rock formations, a creek, and little cascades.
Dinner Along the River
If you didn’t get enough of the Chattahoochee RiverWalk on your first day, this is a good time to explore a little more before dinner at the Animal Farm or the more upscale Salt Cellar. The RiverWalk stretches along the river and provides an easy way to enjoy some fresh air after spending the morning indoors. Even a short stroll is worthwhile. This is one of those Columbus attractions that doesn’t require a ticket, reservation, or much planning — and sometimes those are the best attractions on a trip.
20. Columbus, GA Murals
If you are dressed up, you might as well find the murals for a couple of photos.
- The Hense Mural is on 1211 Broadway.
- The Spirit of the Chattahoochee is along the RiverWalk Terrace below 11th Street and Bay Avenue.
- Mrs. Columbus is a towering five-story mural painted on the side of Heritage Tower.
- 11th Street Underpass Mural is a fluid riverscape spanning roughly 8,000 square feet along the railroad viaduct between 7th Avenue and 10th Avenue.
- The Food Mill Mural is at 3718 2nd Avenue.
- Pasaquan is 30 miles southeast in Buena Vista with 900 feet of painted walls over a 7-acre visionary art environment.
Columbus, GA Adventure Parks
Since I travel with guys who couldn’t care less about murals, let’s look at the adventure park options.
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park – serves food along with an obstacle course
- Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park– zip lines, bumper cars, VR, and slides
- Launch Family Entertainment– pizza and a trampoline park
- Caddyshack Miniature Golf– 18-hole mini golf, arcade, laser tag, and a roller rink.
- Stars and Strikes– bowling, arcade, and bumper cars
- Treadstone Climbing Gym– indoor rock climbing
- Exodus Escape Games- work as a team to solve puzzles
- Hollywood Connection Family Fun Center for roller skating, mini-golf, & arcade.
Day 3: Take a Day Trip Outside Columbus
If you have three full days, I’d spend the last day exploring beyond Columbus. Several excellent options exist, depending on whether you want hiking, gardens, animals, or a relaxing day.
Explore Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon
Providence Canyon
For an outdoor adventure, head to Providence Canyon State Park, known as Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon. Located roughly an hour and a half from Columbus, Providence Canyon is one of those places that makes you do a double take. The colorful canyon walls — with shades of red, orange, pink, and purple — look surprisingly dramatic for Georgia. Erosion created the canyons, and the park offers several ways to experience the landscape.
Just remember that Georgia summers can be hot. Bring plenty of water, wear good shoes, and check current trail conditions before heading out.
Pine Mountain, GA
If you’d rather have a more relaxed third day, head toward Pine Mountain, where you can shop Pine Mountain’s downtown, then combine two very different attractions: Wild Animal Safari and Callaway Resort & Gardens.
The Wild Animal Safari
The Wild Animal Safari is a drive-through wildlife park where you can feed animals from the comfort of your own vehicle. It’s a fun and unusual stop, especially if you’re traveling with kids. But don’t be surprised if the adults in your group enjoy it just as much. Tip: Buy more food than you think you will need.
Spend the Afternoon at Callaway Gardens
After the safari, continue to Callaway Resort & Gardens. Callaway offers beautiful gardens, walking and biking trails, recreation, and plenty of opportunities to simply slow down and enjoy the scenery. After two active days in Columbus, this can be a wonderful way to finish the trip at a more leisurely pace.
You could easily spend most of the day at Callaway, or combine it with the safari for a full Pine Mountain day trip. In fact, I have it planned for you in Pine Mountain & Warm Springs, GA Travel Guide.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Columbus?
Columbus is particularly appealing in the spring and fall, when temperatures are generally more comfortable for outdoor activities like the RiverWalk, zip-lining, and exploring nearby attractions.
Summer is a fun time for baseball and water activities, but Georgia’s heat and humidity can make hiking more challenging.
Where to Stay in Columbus
- City Mills Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel set in a restored historic mill right on the river.
- Hotel Indigo Columbus at Riverfront Place by IHG is perfect for modern design, river views, and walkability. It’s on the river with the rooftop Eighteen85, Denium & Oak restaurant, and complimentary bikes to explore the Riverwalk and Uptown.
- For affordability with a great location, there’s the Hampton Inn Columbus Downtown.
And That’s a Wrap on Columbus
Before visiting, I didn’t realize just how much there was to do in Columbus. The city offers an appealing mix of outdoor adventure and a walkable downtown, and the Chattahoochee River is the thread that ties it all together. So if you’re looking for a weekend getaway in Georgia that combines adventure, history, shopping, food, and plenty of things to do, don’t overlook Columbus. It may just surprise you.
More Weekend Adventures
Thank you for stopping by, and I appreciate you. Here are a few more weekend trip ideas. The 15 Best Kept Travel Secrets in Alabama explores caves, beaches, forest, canyons and historical towns for an Alabama Adventure off the beaten path.
The Ultimate Georgia Travel Guide explores Iconic Attractions, Hidden Gems, natural wonders, beaches, and the mountains.
The Ultimate Guide to Tuscaloosa: Best Things to Do, See, and Eat. Have breakfast at the same restaurant as Bear Bryant and explore all the local favorites.
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