Columbus, GA Road Trips

Columbus is a great example of a true river city, once a major center for textile manufacturing. Founded in 1828, Columbus is also known for being the site of the last battle of the Civil War, where Columbus ranked second to Richmond in the manufacture of supplies for the Confederate army. Columbus was also one of the most important industrial centers of the south in the early 1900s. Its historic elements remain while it possesses all the aspects of a modern city. Its small town feel is still kept intact despite being Georgia's third largest city with a population of 195,000 (2018). Columbus has a humid subtropical climate. Daytime summer temperatures often reach highs in the mid-90°Fs. Average heat indices are around 97 °F (36 °C) and 74 °F (23 °C) at night during the summer months, though a sweltering summer day with high heat and humidity can send heat indices upwards to 109 °F (43 °C), with overnight lows not going below 78 °F (26 °C).

Bradley Theater: Opened to the public by Paramount Pictures in 1940, this theater was named after the founder of the Columbus-based W.C. Bradley Co. The theater was designed in the grand tradition of the Golden Age of motion pictures using neo-classical and art deco architecture. It possesses one of the most impressive stages and proscenium arches in the country. The theater hosts concerts, corporate functions, theater performances, and a variety of other special events. Located on Broadway in downtown. 1 Columbus Civic Center, Victory Drive (downtown). This 10,000-seat arena opened in 1996. It is home to the Columbus Cottonmouths ice hockey team and the Columbus Lions indoor football team, as well as the Auburn University ice hockey team. It is also used for concerts, other sporting events, and stage performances. Liberty Theater, on 8th Avenue in downtown. Built in 1924, this theater is important to Columbus' history because it was the first Black theater in the city and, at the time of its construction, it was the largest movie house in the city, giving Caucasian theaters a run for their money. Today, the theater is used as a Performing Arts Cultural Center, hosting musical events and plays. 2 RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, on Broadway in downtown. Opened in 2002, this 2,700-seat modern performance center is the centerpiece of the city’s new arts and entertainment district, hosting many musical and theatrical performances throughout the year. It is also home to a magnificent $1,000,000 Jordan concert organ.

Take a walk or bike ride along the Chattahoochee Riverwalk, 15-mile paved trail that hugs the banks of the Chattahoochee River. Walk through Oxbow Meadows, a place where nature can be itself. Visit Hollywood Connection, a large entertainment complex a skating rink, as well as its own movie theater. Tour the historic homes located in the Columbus Historic District in downtown. See a Cottonmouths or Lions game at the Civic Center. Take a tour of Midtown on an authentic streetcar. Tour historic Lindwood Cemetery, resting place of Coca-Cola founder Dr. John Pemberton, as well as Dr. Edwin Degraffinreid, who helped to design the city of Columbus.

1 Cannon Brew Pub, 1041 Broadway (downtown), ☏ +1 706-653-2337. A popular spot in a historic building. (updated Sep 2016) Country's BarBeQue. It's Southern BBQ at its finest at this city-famous restaurant with 3 locations in Columbus. Located in downtown at 1329 Broadway, in Midtown at 3137 Mercury Drive, and in North Columbus at 6298 Veterans Parkway. Dinglewood Pharmacy: On the outside, it looks like your typical small town pharmacy. But you may not know that on the inside, this pharmacy contains a lunch counter. Dinglewood is famous for its scramble dog (a hot dog covered with chili, cheese, onions, pickles, and oyster crackers). In the eyes of the locals, this is the best hot dog on the planet. Located in Midtown at 1939 Wynnton Road. Wicked Hen Restaurant, 1350 13th Street (Midtown), ☏ +1 706-984-7215. It's fine dining with casual dress at this upscale cafe known for its deli classics. Peluso's Italian Restaurant. Only the finest truly authentic Italian cuisine is served at this unique restaurant with two locations: in Midtown at 4519 Woodruff Road and in North Columbus at 5600 Milgen Road. 2 Ruth Ann's Restaurant, 941 Veterans Pkwy, ☏ +1 706-221-2154. Operating since 1957, this classic restaurant is known for its southern charm and classic southern dishes. Also a popular spot for breakfast. Located in downtown. (updated Sep 2016) 3 The Black Cow, 115 12th St (downtown), ☏ +1 706-321-2020. A mixture of contemporary American dishes with classic Southern cuisine at this upscale restaurant.

Days Inn by Wyndham Columbus-North Fort Benning, 3452 Macon Rd, ☏ +1 706-561-4400. 1 Quality Inn, 3443 Macon Road, ☏ +1 706-568-3300, fax: +1 706 563-2388. Comes with a Mexican restaurant and bar. 2 Microtel Inn & Suites Columbus/Near Fort Benning, 3930 St Marys Rd, ☏ +1 706-685-2305, toll-free: +1-800-771-7171. Fountain Court (Lot #8). (updated Sep 2016) 3 Staybridge Suites Columbus, 1694 Whittelsey Road, ☏ +1 706 507-7700, fax: +1 706 507-7710. (updated Sep 2016) 4 Wingate by Wyndham Columbus / Fort Benning, 1711 Rollins Way, ☏ +1 706 225-1000. (updated Sep 2016) 5 Days Inn By Wyndham Phenix City Near Fort Benning, 3560 Hwy 280, Phenix City, ☏ +1 334-468-5828. An outdoor pool exists. 6 Columbus Marriott, 800 Front Avenue, ☏ +1 706 324-1800, toll-free: +1-800-455-9261, fax: +1 706 576-4413. In Columbus' downtown historic district near the beautiful Chattahoochee River and Riverwalk. Built around the original Empire Mills Grist Mill, the hotel combines 19th-century charm with 21st-century amenities. Within walking distance of the Columbus Georgia Convention and Trade Center. (updated Sep 2016) 7 Courtyard Columbus, 3501 Courtyard Way, ☏ +1 706 323-2323, fax: +1 706 327-6030. (updated Sep 2016) 8 Fairfield Inn & Suites Columbus, 4510 East Armour Road, ☏ +1 706 317-3600, fax: +1 706 317-2400. (updated Sep 2016) 9 Residence Inn Columbus, 2670 Adams Farm Drive, ☏ +1 706 494-0050, fax: +1 706 494-0065. (updated Sep 2016) The Hampton Inn & Suites, 620 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, ☏ +1 334 664-0776.

From the north: I-185 is easily accessible and leads from North Columbus through Midtown and ends in South Columbus by Fort Benning. Downtown is accessible by taking exit 10 from 185 to J.R. Allen Parkway (U.S. Route 80). From the south: U.S. Route 27 goes through Fort Benning, into South Columbus, then directly to downtown. From the east: U.S. Route 80 turns into J.R. Allen Parkway in East Columbus and leads to downtown. From the west: U.S. Route 431/U.S. Route 280 crosses the Chattahoochee River into downtown before turning merging U.S. Route 27. 1 Columbus Metropolitan Airport (CSG IATA). American: from Dallas/Fort Worth, Delta: from Atlanta. It was redesigned to reflect the city's modern feel. From the main terminal, downtown Columbus' skyline can be seen in the background. Many rental car companies, METRA transit, local taxis, and other ground transportation are on the lower level to take you to other places in Columbus. 2 Greyhound, (bus stop) Sunoco @ 4108 St Marys Rd (East of St Marys Rd Jct with I-185 (Exit #3), next to Food Locker.), ☏ +1 706 323-5417, toll-free: 800 231-2222. Provides bus service to Columbus from many locations throughout the southern United States. (updated Jul 2021)

Metra Transit System offers a Monday-Saturday bus service with routes that run throughout Columbus and its metro area. Metra also offers a historic streetcar that runs throughout Midtown. The major north-south street through Downtown is Broadway, and the major east-west street is 13th Street. The parking meters in downtown can be frustrating and challenging, but there are several public parking garages. However these garages usually charge a fee from $2-5 to use their garage. Edgewood elementary. (updated Apr 2026) Downtown Columbus is a good area to see in the daytime by simply walking. Downtown is roughly one mile by one mile, bounded in the north by 15th Street, the south by Victory Drive, the east by 10th Street, and the west by Front Avenue and the Chattahoochee River. Horse and carriage is a relaxed option for seeing the city at a more leisurely pace and is abundant throughout downtown.