Quakers established Columbia in 1726. The construction of Wright's Ferry in 1730, which gave the township one of its first names, helped Columbia grow. The Civil War took its toll on Columbia, but the tight-knit community rebuilt with an economy based around transport and manufacturing.
While other towns grew, Columbia's population has been relatively stable at around 10,400 since the late 20th century. Not that the locals mind — other towns progress, but Columbia nurtures its small-town feel and relaxed pace. Enjoy the serenity on your next Pennsylvania vacation.
When are the best times to visit Columbia, PA?
It's hard to resist the allure of Columbia in the summer. With average temperatures in the low to mid-80s, the local weather is warm without being hot. If you do start feeling sweaty, you can always cool off in the Susquehanna River. Columbia is at its busiest during this season though, so be prepared for higher-than-average accommodation prices, if you can find accommodation at all.
Early fall has similar weather conditions without the high hotel prices. September temperatures sit in the mid-70s before they fall away to the mid-60s in October. Late spring is also warm, but with more rainfall than any other month, showers can put a damper on a May vacation.
You'll need a thick skin to enjoy a winter getaway in Columbia, with temperatures hovering around the 40-degree mark daily throughout the season. While there are some great hotel deals after the festive season, most agree the freezing conditions are reason enough to postpone.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Columbia, PA:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average price patterns by star rating class in Columbia, PA. Analyze these line graphs to calculate the best months to make a reservation in Columbia for your upcoming travels.
Where are the luxury hotels near Columbia, PA?
4 Star Average Prices: $201.86
When you want to feel pampered, head to one of the luxury hotels in the Columbia area. These high-end establishments treat guests to the very best rooms, facilities, and service money can buy.
The Inn at Leola Village, 14 miles away, will make you feel like a VIP the moment you step through the door. Each room and suite has its own character. Plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and microwaves and fridges in most rooms help you feel right at home. Sweat it out in the on-site gym or enjoy a more relaxed challenge in the billiards room. Breakfasts are made to order each morning in Osteria Avanti. This friendly Italian restaurant also serves comfort food for lunch and dinner. For something more refined, visit the hotel's other acclaimed restaurant, Te.
Lancaster Arts Hotel is a more contemporary alternative for travelers who enjoy the finest things in life. It began life as a tobacco warehouse and still retains an edgy, industrial vibe. Original artworks and handcrafted furnishings help soften the brick walls and exposed beams of each guestroom. Tech lovers will appreciate the iPod docking stations, flat-screen high-definition TVs, and Wi-Fi access. Partnerships with local farms and dairies help the on-site restaurant John J. Jeffries serve some of the area's most beautiful seasonal dishes.
What affordable hotel options are around Columbia, PA?
3 Star Average Prices: $141.61
From household names to unique boutiques, the Columbia area has several great hotels for budget-conscious travelers. When you need little more than a clean space to spend the night, you'll appreciate these low-cost accommodation alternatives.
Heritage Hotel Lancaster, around 4.5 miles outside Columbia, is a charming boutique hotel with more features than you might expect for the money. Its recently renovated rooms feature microwave ovens, refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, and in-room Wi-Fi access. Enjoy a light snack and beverage at Lobby Coffee Bar or indulge in heartier fare at Loxley's Restaurant, a unique two-story eatery with an alfresco patio area and tree house. With an exercise room and outdoor pool on-site, working off those vacation calories is a cinch. Well-behaved pets under 40 pounds are always welcome, although a small nightly fee applies.
Rodeway Inn & Suites Amish County, also in Lancaster, doesn't have quite as much character but it's a reliable choice for travelers who prefer staying with a familiar accommodation brand. The décor in its rooms is a little dated, but they have everything you need including modern TVs, microwaves, fridges, and coffee makers for your early-morning caffeine fix. There's more coffee downstairs in the lobby and in the breakfast area, where hotel staff lay out a complimentary continental buffet each morning. Visit during summer to enjoy splashing about in the seasonal outdoor swimming pool.
