Columbia · Boone County, MO

Things to do this weekend in Columbia

Scout analyzed 51 Columbia places and surfaced the ones that actually fit this weekend.

Places analyzed

51

Matches

24

Typical spend

$25

Typical visit

1.3 hr

Scout-verified spots

The Grind Coffee House - South

Food & Drink

The Grind Coffee House - South

The Grind Coffee House is suitable for a quick stop for coffee or a quiet place to work for an hour or two. Expect to spend $5-15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking
The Grind Coffee House - North

Food & Drink

The Grind Coffee House - North

A typical coffee shop for a casual stop. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-15 per person for coffee and a light snack.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking
Grindstone Nature Area

Outdoors

Grindstone Nature Area

This park is suitable for a 1.5 to 2-hour outdoor activity, such as hiking with family or dogs, with no cost involved. It pairs well with a picnic or can be part of a longer day of outdoor exploration.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Addison's - An American Grill

Food & Drink

Addison's - An American Grill

Addison's is a solid choice for a casual dinner or lunch, especially if you're in the mood for American fare and want a lively atmosphere. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and around $25-50 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Beet Box

North Central Columbia

Beet Box

Beet Box is a casual, affordable spot for Middle Eastern breakfast or lunch, suitable for a quick solo meal or a family outing. Expect to spend under $25 per person for a visit lasting under an hour.

FoodRelaxedSocial
$10–$25 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Just Love Coffee Cafe

Food & Drink

Just Love Coffee Cafe

This is a good spot for a casual breakfast or lunch, offering coffee and light fare. Expect to spend about an hour and $10-25 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$10–$25 typical45 min visiteasy parking
Capen Park

Outdoors

Capen Park

Capen Park is ideal for a 1-2 hour outdoor hike with scenic bluffs and a creek, costing nothing for entry. It pairs well with a picnic or a post-hike meal nearby.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
The Roof

Food & Drink

The Roof

The Roof offers a chic atmosphere with city views, suitable for an evening drink or small plates. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $30-75 per person for food and cocktails.

FoodCocktailsViews
$30–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Lakota Coffee Company - Downtown

Food & Drink

Lakota Coffee Company - Downtown

This downtown coffee shop is a good stop for a quick drink or light bite, suitable for a relaxed solo visit or a casual meet-up, typically costing under $15 per person for about 30 minutes.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking
Sophia's

Food & Drink

Sophia's

Sophia's is a casual Italian restaurant with a patio, suitable for a relaxed meal. Expect to spend $20-40 per person for a 90-minute visit.

FoodOutdoorsRelaxed
$20–$40 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

Food & Drink

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

Cheddar's is suitable for a straightforward family meal or a casual lunch. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $15-30 per person for comfort food and possibly a drink.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$15–$30 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking
Ozark Mountain Biscuit & Bar

North Central Columbia

Ozark Mountain Biscuit & Bar

This is a good spot for a casual breakfast or lunch featuring comfort food. Expect to spend about an hour and $10-20 per person for a satisfying meal. It pairs well with a morning of errands or a relaxed weekend start.

FoodRelaxedSocial
$10–$20 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking
Barred Owl Butcher & Table

Food & Drink

Barred Owl Butcher & Table

Barred Owl Butcher & Table is a good choice for an evening meal or drinks, offering elevated pub fare and cocktails. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, with an average cost of $40-75 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$40–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Ernie's Cafe & Steak House

North Village Arts District

Ernie's Cafe & Steak House

Ernie's Cafe is a classic diner suitable for a casual, affordable meal. It's a good stop for breakfast or lunch, expecting to spend around an hour and $10-25 per person.

FoodRelaxedSocial
$10–$25 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking
Murry's

Food & Drink

Murry's

Murry's is a solid dinner spot for an evening out, especially for live music. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and $30-70 per person on food and drinks. It pairs well with a pre-show drink or a post-dinner stroll nearby if available.

FoodLive musicCocktails
$30–$70 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking
Flyover

Food & Drink

Flyover

Flyover is a good spot for a modern dinner or drinks outing, pairing well with a show or event afterwards. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $40-75 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$40–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
C C's City Broiler

Food & Drink

C C's City Broiler

C C's City Broiler is a good choice for an upscale dinner outing, fitting for date nights or special occasions. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and roughly $50-$100 per person.

FoodCocktailsViews
$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Outdoors

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is suitable for a few hours of outdoor exploration, offering hiking and cave viewing. It's a free activity for families or solo adventurers looking for nature.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Katy Trail - Rocheport Trailhead

Outdoors

Katy Trail - Rocheport Trailhead

This trailhead provides access to the Katy Trail for walking, running, or biking, suitable for a 1-2 hour outdoor excursion. It is a free activity best enjoyed during daylight hours, weather permitting.

OutdoorsViewsSports
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Fretboard Coffee

North Village Arts District

Fretboard Coffee

Fretboard Coffee is a casual spot for a solo coffee break or a low-key weekend outing with friends or family. Expect to spend about an hour and $5-$15 per person on coffee and a snack.

FoodShoppingLive music
$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking
Flat Branch Pub & Brewing

Nightlife

Flat Branch Pub & Brewing

Flat Branch is a classic brewpub for a casual meal or drinks, ideal for lunch or dinner with friends or family. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and about $20-40 per person for food and a drink.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors
$20–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Toasty Goat Coffee Co.

Food & Drink

Toasty Goat Coffee Co.

Toasty Goat Coffee Co. is suitable for a relaxed start to the day or an afternoon pick-me-up, offering coffee and light bites for around $5-$15 per person. It pairs well with a solo work session or a casual meet-up, typically lasting 30-60 minutes.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking
44 Canteen

Nightlife

44 Canteen

44 Canteen is a good spot for a casual meal or drinks, pairing well with downtown activities. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $15-30 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$15–$30 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Finger Lakes State Park

Outdoors

Finger Lakes State Park

This state park is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor adventure, especially if you enjoy ATVs, motorbiking, hiking, or fishing. Expect to spend a minimal amount on entry or activities, but potentially more for camping, making it a good weekend trip.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals
$0–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Worth the splurge

When the night needs to land.

What Scout found

  • 47 of the 51 analyzed Columbia places fit this weekend.
  • 36% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
  • 68% have easy parking.
  • Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Playful, Adventurous, Scenic, Quiet.

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