Things to do in Columbus
Late spring and early fall bring warm, comfortable days ideal for patios, parks, and walkable districts. Summers are humid and lively with festivals, while winters are cold and gray but quieter and cheaper.
Best months: May, June, September, October
What is worth your time in Columbus
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical GardensDo not miss
A glass Victorian conservatory and sprawling gardens with rainforest, desert, and Chihuly glass collections, plus seasonal butterfly and light shows.
Park · 2.8 hr4.8
Columbus Museum of ArtDo not miss
A welcoming art museum strong in early modernism and contemporary work, with a sculpture garden and a light-filled central hall.
Museum · 2.3 hr4.7
North MarketDo not miss
A beloved historic public market and food hall where Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams was born, now home to dozens of local vendors and global eats.
Market · 1.5 hr4.7
Scioto MileDo not miss
A landscaped riverfront promenade with fountains, gardens, and skyline views connecting downtown to the Scioto River and its trails.
Park · 1.4 hr4.7
The Ohio State University OvalDo not miss
The grassy heart of one of America's largest campuses, framed by historic halls and the towering Thompson Library.
Landmark · 1.4 hr4.7
Topiary ParkDo not miss
The world's only topiary interpretation of a painting, recreating Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte in living shrubbery.
Park · 53 min4.6
Ohio StatehouseDo not miss
One of the nation's finest Greek Revival capitols, with free tours, a grand rotunda, and landscaped grounds in the heart of downtown.
Historic Site · 1.5 hr4.5
COSI (Center of Science and Industry)Do not miss
One of the country's top science centers, packed with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and a dinosaur gallery built with the American Museum of Natural History.
Museum · 3.3 hr4.4
German VillageDo not miss
A meticulously preserved 19th-century neighborhood of brick streets, restored cottages, beer gardens, and bookstores just south of downtown.
Neighborhood · 2.3 hr
Short North Arts DistrictDo not miss
Columbus's vibrant creative spine along High Street, lined with galleries, murals, boutiques, patios, and the iconic lighted arches.
Neighborhood · 2.3 hr
Grange Insurance Audubon Center
A riverside Audubon center at Scioto Audubon with birding overlooks, wetlands exhibits, and family nature programs.
Nature · 1.1 hr4.8
Highbanks Metro Park
Forested ravines, shale bluffs above the Olentangy River, and ancient earthworks make this northern metro park a favorite for hikers.
Nature · 2.3 hr4.8
Hocking Hills State Park
An hour southeast lies Ohio's most spectacular natural area, with sandstone gorges, waterfalls, and the cliffside trails of Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave.
Day Trip · 8 hr4.8
Inniswood Metro Gardens
A tranquil 123-acre nature preserve in Westerville with themed gardens, boardwalks, and a whimsical Sisters' Garden.
Park · 1.5 hr4.8
And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Columbus is spread out and car-friendly, so plan to drive or rideshare between districts like German Village, Short North, and Easton.
- Time your visit around an Ohio State football Saturday only if you want the full game-day spectacle, since traffic, parking, and hotel prices spike sharply.
- Many of the best museums and gardens offer free or discounted admission on select days, so check hours before you go.
- The Short North hosts a popular Gallery Hop on the first Saturday of each month with open galleries, street art, and crowds.
- Pack layers in spring and fall, as days can swing from warm afternoons to chilly evenings on patios and riverside trails.