Location: Columbus
Top Things to do in Columbus
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What to do and see in Columbus, Georgia (GA): The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
This bustling riverfront town offers good old-fashioned Southern hospitality, old-world charm and a treasure trove of discoveries for Civil War buffs. To really get the feel of another era, stroll through the National Historic District, a 28-block stretch of restored Victorian homes, gardens and gazebos, and tour the house museums in Heritage Corner. Situated on the Chattahoochee River, Columbus offers a mixture of old and new with the lovely 12-mile Columbus Riverwalk, which includes the Chattahoochee Promenade, a walking tour of historical markers. A chief supplier for the Confederate Army, the town's Civil War history is on display in myriad museums and historic sites like Port Columbus Civil War Naval Center, which contains some of the Civil War's most important artifacts. But it's not all just war memorabilia: Columbus boasts a rich cultural side, with opera, symphony and a performing arts center. And for family fun, head to the Coca-Cola Space Museum for a simulated flight and a look at the first Coke machine used in outer space.
Restaurants in Columbus
1. National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,233 reviews
The National Infantry Museum emphasizes the values that define the Infantryman, as well as the nation he protects: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. It preserves and displays one of the greatest collections of military artifacts in the world, but it is a museum of people, not things. As a visitor, you will meet the Infantryman face to face and join him on his journey. You will come to understand why an Infantryman does what he does, why he puts himself in harm’s way in defense of an idea and you will leave transformed, just as the Infantry transforms the man into the Soldier. The 190,000-square-foot museum opened in June 2009 on a 200-acre tract of hardwoods and pines just outside the gates of the Fort Benning Maneuver Center of Excellence.
Reviewed By A3278NLdeborahp
As an Army daughter born at Ft. Benning Army Base, the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center was a bonus for me visiting my birthplace. It makes you proud of your veteran and all the American veterans. Plus it's free. I definitely recommend this tour.
2. Columbus Symphony Orchestra
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Founded in 1855 by Mendelssohn’s student, Herman S. Saroni, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra became the second orchestra formed in the United States. The symphony disbanded during the Civil War and both World Wars, but always reorganized during times of peace. In 1949, the organization as we know it today, was formed and has performed for 69 consecutive years. The CSO has been a professional orchestra since the late 1970’s and employs as many as 90 musicians for any given concert. Long recognized as one of the southeast’s finest musical ensembles, the CSO currently performs at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.
3. Columbus Visitor's Center
4. Escape This Live: Columbus
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Escape This Live is an interactive adventure game where you and your team must put your wits to the test in order to find all the clues, solve all the puzzles, unlock all the locks and escape the room in time. We have different themed rooms to choose from! Our escape rooms are great for personal entertainment for friends and family, as well as wonderful team building for corporate groups!
Reviewed By shdynasty8 - Nashville, United States
I was going to leave 4 stars, but then I realized that the customer service was excellent. The rooms were pretty bare as far as decorating goes. I think that is to lower the price of admission. The Clue themed room was quite linear. We were able to escape in 48 minutes with 2 advanced and 1 beginner. Pros: owners are chill, clean, easy to get parking, easy to make a reservation, challenging puzzles. Cons: recently moved so my friend got lost, room decorations are at a minimum.
5. Vicinity Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
Tours of Columbus, Georgia offered: 1) Foodie Tours: A delicious taste of what our area has to offer! 2)Downtown Columbus: Historic Districts full of worldwide influential achievements. 3) Sin City Tour; 4) Art & Antebellum Tour; 5) Local Black Heritage Tour; 6) Native American History Tour. 7) Chattahoochee Brews & Views Tour 8) Seasonal tours. Methods for your tour experience, 1) Walking; 2) Tour Guide rides with you in your car, van, or bus; 3) Shuttle or Bus Tours: You ride with us. Available for up to 55 people.
6. National Civil War Naval Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 510 reviews
By telling the stories of the navies of the Civil War, we connect people with the past; giving them a better sense of place and time. Located in Columbus, Georgia, the National Civil War Naval Museum overlooks the Chattahoochee River. We house the largest surviving Confederate warship, the CSS Jackson, as well as the wreckage of the CSS Chattahoochee. Other exhibits include a full scale ship replica of the USS Water Witch, a replica of the USS Hartford with its berth deck, ward room and captain’s cabin, an actual cutter or "ship's boat" from the USS Hartford, a full scale replica of the USS Monitor’s famous turret, and an immersive panoramic dockside exhibit recreating Plymouth, North Carolina, complete with an exterior and interior view of the CSS Albemarle. Among our many artifacts, we have the largest collection of Civil War Naval-related flags on display in the country. The collection includes various flags from ships and coastal forts, signal flags and Admirals’ pennants.
Reviewed By msgttop - Tallahassee, United States
Must see if you are a Civil War buff or interested in American history. This is dedicated to ships and battles of the Civil War. There were a lot more iron clads on both sides than I realized. Highly informative with perfect displays documenting the conflict from both sides. Enjoy.
7. Columbus Eats Food Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Where Food Meets History! Put on your walking shoes for a fun, delicious way to learn about Columbus, GA. You’ll discover the best local restaurants and stores in Uptown Columbus. Of course we’ll also sprinkle in a bit of history, architecture and culture to round out a perfect afternoon. Let the adventures begin!
8. Columbus Riverwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,056 reviews
Reviewed By Ed0379 - Loganville, United States
My wife and I chose to stay at the Courtyard by Marriott in Phenix City, Alabama because it was the only hotel on the Riverwalk and a stone’s throw from the 14th Street Pedestrian Bridge, crossing the Chattahoochee River and state line. On this part of the Chattahoochee River, the Riverwalk is on both sides of the river. My wife and I walked a little on both sides around dusk. In the morning, I ran on both sides – probably one of my most scenic runs ever. I crossed the Hooch and state line twice, ran along river rapids, past mill ruins, two amphitheaters, several fishermen, Columbus State University, and take out points for rafts and kayaks. The River Walk is a real gem for the community.
9. Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By drucillah - Columbus, United States
Historical Atttraction that mixed modern with age old design intermingled together (stunning features). Wonderful dining facility with excellent food and service. What a wonderful time we have sharing old memories and creating new memories in a beautiful environment. This treasured facility is located in a nice area in downtown (uptown) Columbus Georgia
10. Hollywood Connection Family Fun Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By 400karynp - Albany, United States
So, I wanted to do a surprise party for my oldest son who turned 13, on the 18th of January. We live in a small town that TO ME, has subpar standards. So.... what’s a mom to do? I’ll tell you, figure it out and pray. I was checking places out online and found Hollywood connections, I sent an email request for more information and received an email back for a gentleman named Dalton. He was GREAT, I called after I got the email and he was just getting ready to leave, he allowed me to ask all of my questions before he left for the day and when he called me back, well, I called him back because I am impatient, anyway he had all the answers I needed. See, I also have a 10yr old that is very mentally delayed, on the spectrum and has a rare disorder. It is for those reasons that I am always concerned. Dalton walked me through every step and was always kind and patient with me. I booked the party a week or two before I needed the room and invited EVERYONE, we had a very good turnout 10 kids, 7 adults that played like they were children (me included) and 6 more adults those one acted like adults. K-Lyn was our party host and I have to tell you, as a micro-managing mom, K-Lyn was fantastic, made sure the cake had candles, everyone ate (including me), double checked to make sure we didn’t forget anything, and when we left my youngest’s shoes upstairs K-Lyn brought them to us. As the mother of special needs children, yes my oldest is on the spectrum as well, I don’t often feel comfortable leaving my 10yr old, anywhere. Here I did and I did let him skate and had friends keep an eye on him so that I could also play with my brand new teenager. Thank you K-Lyn, Dalton and Sarah you made this party a breeze and we will be back!!!!
