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Westwood Plaza in Columbia: Shops, Dining, and What to Expect

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What Westwood Plaza offers and where to find it

Westwood Plaza is a neighborhood shopping center in Columbia located on Devine Street near the Five Points area, one of the city's most walkable and established districts. The center draws a steady mix of local shoppers, students, and professionals who value its convenient location and the variety of independent and regional businesses housed there. Unlike larger malls, Westwood Plaza has the feel of a traditional strip center where you can park once and move between shops on foot.

The plaza sits in a part of Columbia that has developed steadily over decades, with Five Points itself known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Westwood Plaza complements that character by hosting tenants that range from everyday services to specialty retail. The center is accessible by car from multiple directions and sits near public transit routes, making it reachable whether you're coming from downtown, the university area, or residential neighborhoods nearby.

Key Takeaways

  • Westwood Plaza is a neighborhood shopping center on Devine Street in Columbia's Five Points area, offering a mix of local shops and services within walking distance of each other.
  • The center includes retail, dining, and service businesses that cater to both everyday needs and specialty shopping, with ample parking and easy access from surrounding neighborhoods.
  • The Five Points location means you can combine a Westwood Plaza visit with dining and entertainment at nearby restaurants and venues in the broader district.
  • Hours and specific tenant information change seasonally and with business openings or closures, so calling ahead or checking individual business websites before your visit is wise.

Retail and specialty shops at the center

Westwood Plaza houses a rotating mix of retail tenants that typically includes clothing boutiques, home goods stores, and specialty shops focused on particular interests or communities. The specific businesses change over time as leases turn over and new owners move in, so the center's character evolves. Rather than chain stores found in larger malls, many Westwood Plaza tenants are independent operators or regional businesses that give the center a distinct local flavor.

The retail mix tends to appeal to shoppers looking for something beyond mass-market options—whether that means vintage or secondhand clothing, locally made goods, or niche products you won't find in big-box stores. Because the center is smaller and more intimate than a traditional mall, browsing from shop to shop is straightforward, and staff at individual businesses often know their regular customers by name.

Dining and food options

Westwood Plaza typically includes at least one or two food-focused tenants, ranging from casual lunch spots to coffee shops to restaurants with table service. The exact options depend on current leases, but the center's location in Five Points—an area known for its food scene—means you have many choices within a short walk if the plaza's own restaurants don't suit your mood.

Five Points itself is home to established restaurants, cafes, and bars that have served Columbia for years, so a trip to Westwood Plaza can easily extend into the broader neighborhood for dining or drinks. Many visitors use the plaza as a starting point for exploring the district's full range of food and entertainment options.

Parking and accessibility

Westwood Plaza offers surface parking typical of neighborhood shopping centers, with spaces distributed around the buildings. Parking is generally easy to find, especially compared to downtown or mall environments, and the lot is well-lit and maintained. The center is designed for walk-through shopping once you've parked, so you won't need to move your car between stores.

The plaza is accessible by car from Devine Street and nearby residential streets, and public transit routes serve the Five Points area. If you're coming from downtown Columbia or the university, the drive is short—usually under ten minutes depending on traffic. The neighborhood setting means you can also walk or bike to Westwood Plaza if you live or work nearby.

When to visit and what to bring

Westwood Plaza operates year-round, though individual business hours vary. Most retail tenants keep standard business hours during the week and may have reduced hours on Sunday or close one day per week. Calling ahead or checking a specific business's website before your visit ensures you don't arrive to find a shop closed.

The center is busiest during lunch hours on weekdays and on weekend afternoons, so if you prefer a quieter shopping experience, weekday mornings or early evenings may suit you better. The outdoor parking and walkways mean weather matters—bring an umbrella on rainy days, and note that the plaza has limited covered walkways between stores.

Nearby attractions and the Five Points neighborhood

Westwood Plaza's location in Five Points connects you to one of Columbia's most established and walkable neighborhoods. Five Points itself centers on the intersection of Devine, Harden, and Sumter Streets and has been a gathering place for students, artists, and longtime residents for generations. The district is known for its independent bookstores, vintage shops, galleries, and restaurants that reflect Columbia's creative community.

A visit to Westwood Plaza can easily become a longer exploration of Five Points. You might browse the plaza's shops, then walk to a nearby restaurant for lunch, visit a gallery or bookstore, or simply sit at one of the neighborhood's outdoor seating areas. The area has a distinctly local character that appeals to visitors interested in seeing how Columbians actually live and shop, rather than visiting only chain stores and tourist attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What stores are currently at Westwood Plaza?

The specific tenants at Westwood Plaza change as businesses open and close. Your best option is to call the plaza's management office or search online for current business listings, or simply visit in person to see what's there. Individual business websites and social media pages also show their current locations and hours.

Is Westwood Plaza a good place to spend an afternoon?

That depends on what you enjoy. If you like browsing independent shops, trying local restaurants, and exploring a neighborhood with character, yes—especially if you combine the plaza with time in the broader Five Points area. If you're looking for a large selection of chain stores or a full day of entertainment under one roof, a traditional mall might suit you better.

Can I walk between stores at Westwood Plaza?

Yes, the plaza is designed for walking between shops once you've parked. However, there are limited covered walkways, so weather matters. On rainy or very hot days, you may find yourself moving quickly between the car and stores rather than lingering outside.

How far is Westwood Plaza from downtown Columbia?

Westwood Plaza is roughly two to three miles from downtown Columbia, depending on which part of downtown you're measuring from. The drive typically takes five to ten minutes depending on traffic and the time of day. It's close enough for a quick trip but far enough to feel like a distinct neighborhood destination.

Is there public transportation to Westwood Plaza?

Yes, public transit routes serve the Five Points area where Westwood Plaza is located. Check the COMET (Columbia's public transit system) website or app for current routes and schedules, as service changes seasonally and routes are updated periodically.