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Howard County Welcome Center

8267 Main Street · Ellicott City, MD

Why you should go…

Howard County Tourism, Inc. is the destination marketing organization for Howard County, Maryland, and it runs a walk-in welcome center in historic Ellicott City that distributes maps and the Howard County Visitor Guide. The county spans the historic Ellicott City mill town, the planned community of Columbia and the Merriweather Post Pavilion concert venue. Staff at the center answer trip-planning questions on dining, shopping and events countywide.

  • #visitor center
  • #history
  • #shopping
  • #day trip
  • #travel info

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Howard County Welcome Center, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Theatre & Events
    Date Night

    Toby's Dinner Theatre

    $50+

    An in-the-round dinner theatre in Columbia serving a full meal alongside professional musical productions.

    5.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Baltimore, Maryland

    Free

    Maryland's largest city, known for its historic Inner Harbor, rowhouse neighborhoods, and blue-crab dining scene.

    10 mi awayMore like this

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Miss Shirley's Café

    Under $25

    A Baltimore-born breakfast-and-brunch restaurant known for crab cake Benedicts and creative pancakes.

    10 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Conrad's Seafood Restaurant

    $25–$50

    A Baltimore-area seafood restaurant known for its raw bar and steamed crabs.

    21 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Anacostia Trails Heritage Area

    Free

    A Maryland-certified heritage area promoting historic sites, trails and cultural attractions across Prince George's County.

    23 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

    Free

    Maryland's historic capital region on the Chesapeake Bay, home to the Naval Academy and a walkable colonial downtown.

    26 mi awayMore like this