Ohio’s state capital of Columbus is an exciting and growing destination for visitors and the 15th largest city in the country. Take a tour inside the Ohio Statehouse and walk the surrounding outdoor complex on capital square to see statues and commemorations of Ohio’s history.
Stick around downtown to catch a Broadway show at the restored Ohio or Palace theaters or plan an afternoon at the riverfront science complex Center of Science and Industry (COSI) along the picturesque Scioto Mile.
For a fun way to see the Columbus skyline, you can rent a kayak and float along the Scioto River. This is the best view to see how Columbus’ historic past has been repurposed into modern-day elegance, with warehouses transformed into condos and historic skyscrapers that light up with color in the night.
Some of the best experiences in Columbus happen in the Arena District, where you can catch a Columbus Clippers baseball game at Huntington Park or cheer on the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL hockey team at Nationwide Arena. Before your visit, see what festivals might be happening on the downtown riverfront, which is alive most weekends, especially in the summer with cultural, arts, and food extravaganzas.
Grab some ethnic eats in the Short North Arts District, or stop by the North Market to shop the stalls of local vendors selling everything from spices and flowers to coffee and baked goods. A nice day out for families visiting Columbus is a visit to the always-changing landscape at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, which has keeper-led programs and demonstrations throughout the day.
The suburban centers that surround the central city are also worth visiting for the day or for an evening out. Dublin, Powell, Worthington, German Village, Westerville, Grove City, and Gahanna are just a few of the suburbs with unique restaurants, shopping, and social scenes.