​Things to do in Columbus, Ohio

Wherever you're staying in Columbus, you're going to have a great trip. The world-class Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a delight any time of year. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens brings horticulture and art together with a spectacular glasshouse, a stunning community garden campus and sculpture sprinkled throughout. The Columbus Museum of Art ( see below) recently added a new modern art wing, complete with sunny galleries and an outdoor sculpture garden. COSI mixes science and fun for kids and adults. New parks, like the Scioto Mile, connect the city to nature, and dozens of miles of multi-use trails span Columbus.

If you're more of a sporty type, you'll find professional and collegiate games and matches all year long. From Columbus Crew SC to the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets to the MLB AAA Columbus Clippers, you're going to find something to cheer for. Find great brand-name shopping at Easton Town Center and Polaris Fashion Place or peruse the boutiques of the Short North Arts District, Grandview, and German Village. 

With a cultural scene to rival any in the nation, you have your pick of live music, art exhibitions, concerts, and theater. And be sure to grab a cup of coffee, because you're going to want to stay out late.

PLACES TO EAT

Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants

Restaurants Near the Hotel

PLACES TO VISIT

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A favorite bunny lover's site to see is the Dancing Hares sculpture in Dublin, Ohio. Located in Ballantrae Park in the northwest suburb of Dublin, Ohio is this whimsical sculpture - a perfect place to visit for one of a kind photography backdrop. The sculpture was commissioned in 2001 by Edwards Golf Communities. The sculpture serves as the Ballantrae's entry park and is on loan to the City of Dublin. Click here for more information about Ballantrae Park and the Dancing Hares Sculpture.
Columbus Museum of Art’s galleries are filled with works that manifest creativity. Our collection includes outstanding late nineteenth and early twentieth-century American and European modern works of art. We house the world’s largest collections of works by beloved local artists Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson, Elijah Pierce, and George Bellows; and acclaimed collections such as The Photo League and the Philip and Suzanne Schiller Collection of American Social Commentary Art. A commitment to contemporary art, folk art, glass, and photography continues the Museum’s dedication to showcasing art of our time.
The Scioto Mile
​Located in the heart of downtown Columbus, the Scioto Mile is an urban oasis comprised of more than 175 acres of lush parkland. Stretching along the riverfront from the vibrant Arena District to the natural beauty of the Whittier Peninsula, the Scioto Mile reconnects downtown to the Scioto River through an integrated system of parks, boulevards, bikeways, and pedestrian paths.
Fostering some of our City’s most celebrated features—a stunning 15,000 square-foot interactive fountain, the country’s largest free outdoor climbing wall, and the tranquil beauty of the 120-acre Scioto Audubon, a magnet for shore birds and birds of prey—the Scioto Mile has something for everyone.
Historic Old Worthington
In our beautiful, historic town that is steeped in New England tradition, you will find a progressive, vibrant community that is bustling with today’s latest experiences and activities. Beautiful tree-lined streets, American flags on every downtown lamppost and quaint charm greet every visitor to Worthington and continue to attract families and businesses who call Worthington home. Worthington is located in the center of the state at Ohio’s crossroads – the intersection of U.S. State Route 23 and State Route 161 and affords easy access to all parts of Ohio and the nation.

​SHOPPING IN COLUMBUS ​

Columbus is rising as a fashion mecca and has become fashion’s best kept secret. As headquarters to retail giants like L Brands, Express, DSW, and Abercrombie & Fitch, Columbus also has the third highest concentration of fashion designers behind only New York and Los Angeles.

Many of Columbus’ neighborhoods offer chic boutiques from independent fashion retailers and designers. The Short North Arts District is full of one-of-a-kind shops for men and women alike. Homage features screened vintage sports and civic logos from around the nation and carries only the best and softest t-shirts. The Candle Lab, in Worthington and the Short North Arts District offers hand-poured candles in more than 120 fragrances, pour-your-own custom scented candles, customizable home fragrance products, and small-batch natural bath and body products.

Easton has stores like Tiffany & Co., Nordstrom and Louis Vuitton and is just 15 minutes east of downtown. This indoor/outdoor shopping center with its unique village setting and broad assortment of restaurants, entertainment and retailers is a fashion guru’s dream.

Polaris Fashion Place features an indoor/outdoor mall and close by stores such as Cabelas and IKEA. Just north of Columbus is Tanger Outlets, Ohio’s outlet mall with more than 90 name brands.
The Ohio State University
For 147 years, The Ohio State University's campus in Columbus has been the stage for academic achievement and a laboratory for innovation. It's where friendships are forged. It's where rivalries and revelry are born.

The university's main campus is one of America's largest and most comprehensive. As Ohio's best and one of the nation's top-20 public universities, Ohio State is further recognized by a top-rated academic medical center and a premier cancer hospital and research center. As a land-grant university, Ohio State has a physical presence throughout the state, with campuses and research centers located around Ohio.
​The Short North Arts District
Known as the art and soul of Columbus, the culturally rich Short North Arts District is a pioneer in the urban revitalization of Central Ohio. Visitors are invited to explore our vibrant neighborhood known for its wide variety of amazing art, dining, nightlife, fashion, home décor, and unique gifts.