Top Attractions

With its rich history, commitment to the arts and culture, and gorgeous outdoor landscapes and features, Columbus, Georgia, is a destination that delivers a truly well-rounded travel experience. There’s no shortage of activities, whether you’re a thrill-seeking adventurer who loves the outdoors, an arts and culture enthusiast, or a history buff who wants to view the artifacts you’ve heard about in real life. Experience all Columbus has to offer through its unique attractions, exhibitions, parks, and more:

The Great Outdoors of Columbus

Perhaps the heart and soul of Columbus is its most iconic natural landmark, the Chattahoochee River.

Serving as an epicenter for activity, walking along the banks of the rushing river is a worthwhile activity all on its own, but the Chattahoochee RiverWalk makes it even more special. Stretching 22 miles, the RiverWalk is an accessible urban trail that lets visitors take in picturesque views of the Chattahoochee, along with local restaurants and bars, historical sites, and more, with easy-to-find benches and restrooms along the way. Tourists and locals alike gather on the RiverWalk each day to walk, bike, rollerblade, and ride scooters with family members and friends, both human and four-legged alike!

The Chattahoochee River is also home to Whitewater Express, the longest urban whitewater rafting course in the world! Whitewater rafting isn’t the only water sport Columbus is renowned worldwide for, the city was also recently named the first-ever U.S. Freestyle Canoe Center of Excellence by the International Canoe Federation (ICF). In 2028, Columbus will host the 2028 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup, and in 2029, the ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championship!

Believe it or not, Columbus visitors can also enjoy the gorgeous Chattahoochee River high in the sky, and briefly visit a different state, all with the same activity. Positioned 45 feet above the Chattahoochee, the Blue Heron Adventure Zipline runs 1,200 feet, and adventurers who complete each of its ziplines can travel all the way from Columbus, Georgia, to Phenix City, Alabama, and back, in the air!

Beyond the Chattahoochee, Columbus is full of outdoor activities and adventures, with miles of trails for walking, biking, and more, including the Dragonfly Trails, Standing Boy Trails, and the Joann Holt Walking Trail in the Columbus Botanical Garden. In March 2026, the International Mountain Bicycling Association recognized Columbus, Georgia, as an inaugural Trail Town because of our commitment to trail infrastructure. Read more about Columbus’ thrilling outdoor adventure options here.

Exploring The Arts

The arts scene in Columbus, Georgia, is easily described as both robust and unique, offering a variety of experiences that won’t be found in any other city.

Fine art connoisseurs will enjoy the expansive selection of fine art galleries and exhibitions throughout the city. The Bo Bartlett Center, an 18,425-square-foot interactive gallery space housed in a former textile warehouse along the Chattahoochee River. Designed by acclaimed architect Tom Kundig, the center functions as both a cultural hub and experiential learning environment with six to eight annual rotating exhibitions featuring regional, national, and international artists. The Scarborough Collection includes a series of works by Columbus native Bo Bartlett, along with an extensive archive offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the artist’s creative process. Together with the neighboring Ilges Gallery at Columbus State University, it anchors a growing arts district that continues to elevate Columbus’ presence on a national stage.

The Columbus Museum, adds another layer, blending American art with regional history to create a sense of place. The experience extends beyond the galleries with the interactive Children’s Gallery and Garden designed for hands-on exploration, and the Bradley Olmsted Garden, a serene outdoor space with seasonal blooms and winding paths.

Led by two sisters, Highland Galerie honors the legacy of Mary Passalaigue, a key figure in Columbus’ art scene. It offers an intimate experience showcasing regional talent and Southern perspectives.

Arts-minded visitors can also visit Gallery on 10th, Georgia’s first artist-owned art cooperative. Gallery on 10th is fully staffed and owned by its membership of local and regional artists, who also display their work in the gallery.

Columbus’ Do Good Fund Gallery is another must-visit in the city. Categorized as a public charity, the fund displays a collection of over 900 images taken in the American South since World War II.

Columbus is also home to a thriving performing arts scene. Visitors are invited to experience performances at the Springer Opera House, the State Theatre of Georgia, the community-focused Family Theatre, Columbus State University’s Riverside Theatre Complex, as well as the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, the centerpiece of the city’s arts and entertainment district and home of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the second oldest orchestra in the United States.

For those looking to explore beyond the city center, Pasaquan is described as a “Mock-Precolumbian Psychedelic Wonderland,” located less than an hour outside of Columbus, Georgia. The seven-acre visionary art environment features six notable structures with interior spaces adorned with intricate mandala murals and over 900 feet of elaborately painted masonry walls. Full of vibrant colors and maximalism, Pasaquan is recognized as one of the most significant visionary art environments in the United States and is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Images don’t do Pasaquan justice; it’s a destination that must be experienced in person!

History Hubs, Museums, Interactive Educational Sites, and More

In Columbus, history, culture, and discovery are woven into every corner, offering visitors a wide range of museums, heritage sites, and interactive educational experiences. From nationally recognized military institutions to hands-on science centers and living history environments, Columbus invites visitors to explore the stories that have shaped the region and the nation.

Another unique Columbus gem is The Columbus Collective Museum, which brings together eight museums in one location, creating a convenient and engaging way to experience a variety of exhibits and perspectives. Visitors can experience the Lunchbox Museum, featuring more than 5,000 lunchboxes, trays, and thermoses; the Georgia Radio Museum, which honors the men and women of broadcasting in Georgia; and the Car Museum, highlighting a collection of classic cars and rare vehicles.

For an immersive step back in time, Westville Village offers a living history experience that brings the 19th century to life. Set within an authentic village of preserved buildings, visitors can explore at their own pace, moving through historic churches, trade shops, and homesteads while engaging with costumed interpreters. With traditional crafts, hands-on workshops, and seasonal events, it provides a dynamic and visually rich complement to Columbus’ broader museum offerings.

Military history plays a central role in the city’s identity. The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center offers an immersive look at the history of the American soldier through powerful exhibits and life-size galleries. Visitors can also explore the National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus, which houses one of the most significant collections of Civil War naval artifacts in the country, and take a meaningful day trip to the Andersonville National Historic Site for a broader perspective on Civil War history.

For hands-on learning and exploration, the Coca-Cola Space Science Center offers interactive exhibits, simulators, and a planetarium that make space science accessible and engaging for all ages. Nature and environmental education take center stage at the Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center, where visitors can explore local ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and conservation efforts. Guests can view what’s blooming at the Columbus Botanical Garden year-round and attend educational workshops and seminars.

Columbus’ cultural legacy is also deeply rooted in music and storytelling. The Gertrude “Ma” Rainey House & Blues Museum honors the life and impact of Ma Rainey, the Columbus native known as the “Mother of the Blues.” The museum also highlights Columbus’ influence on American music history.

Together, these destinations showcase the depth and diversity of Columbus’ identity, blending outdoor adventure, cultural heritage, military significance, history, and education into a collection of experiences that are both enriching and memorable.