There’s nothing quite like summer in Columbus, and we want to help get your trip inspiration flowing. We asked our Instagram followers to vote on their favorite ways to explore our city in the summertime.  

Here’s what they said… 

Le Meridien The Joseph

Check-In Before You Head Out

Columbus is home to some of the most unique hotels in the Midwest and Le Meridian Columbus, The Joseph is no exception. Located in the heart of the Short North Arts District with modern architecture and one-of-a-kind art pieces donning every wall, The Joseph is much more than just a place to rest your head.

See a complete list of our area hotels here and get free attraction tickets when you book a two-night stay! 

Coffee bags from One Line

Fuel Up for a Day of Exploration

Start your summer day off in the most caffeinated city in the U.S. with a cold brew on ice from One Line Coffee. One of 24 stops on the Columbus Coffee Trail, One Line offers fair-trade, organic coffees to assure that their specialty coffee is good for both farmers and customers.

Download the Columbus Coffee Trail passport here and get to sipping!

Girl kayaking on the Scioto River in Columbus

Get Active

Summer is the best time to get out and active in Columbus. Choose from unforgettable experiences like paddleboarding or kayaking on the Scioto River with Windrose Outdoor and take in views of the iconic skyline. Or try your hand at rock climbing on the largest free-standing outdoor climbing wall in the country at Scioto Audubon Metro Park (one of 20+ in the Greater Columbus area).

Consider hitting the trails with help from the Columbus Outdoor Trails Pass. Check-in at each trailhead for a chance to win gift cards to your favorite Columbus restaurants.

Friends Enjoying Drinks at Lindey's Patio in Columbus

Brunch It Up

There’s no shortage of spectacular brunch places in Columbus, but if it’s your first time in our city, you have to try brunch on the patio at Lindey’s in German Village. Served every Saturday and Sunday from 11 – 3, Lindey’s offers your brunch favorites like Eggs Benedict and Huevos Rancheros, but also gets creative with dishes like Salmon Tartine and Pancakes Foster. Top it off with one of their specialty cocktails on their multi-level, lush patio.

easton farmers market

Shop Local, Sustainable & Fresh

Summer is the season of farmer’s markets in Columbus. Almost any day of the week, you can find fresh produce, locally made goods and fun times at one of our neighborhood farmer’s markets. If you’re in town for the weekend, we recommend checking out North Market’s, held Saturdays in the summer from 8-12 pm. View the full list of markets and schedules here.

Columbus also has some of the best antique and thrift stores in the region. Browse through history at the Grandview Mercantile or shop vintage clothing at Flower Child (a self-proclaimed museum and antique shop).

Whether you like perusing antiques or sourcing fresh ingredients, Columbus is a perfect destination to shop your heart out!

Skyline from Goodale Station Rooftop

Level Up as You Wind Down

Columbus is quickly becoming a prime destination for rooftop bars and restaurants, and there’s no better way to elevate your dining experience than with dinner and happy hour at Goodale Station. Resting atop the Canopy by Hilton hotel in the Arena District, Goodale Station offers handcrafted cocktails and small plates to fill you up as you wind down in Ohio’s capital city.

Click here for a list of more rooftop bars and restaurants in Columbus.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in the Short North Arts District in Columbus, OH

Time for Dessert

In Columbus, there’s always room for dessert. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Each flavor is carefully created by Founder and Chief Creative Officer Jeni Britton, a Columbus native who opened her first Jeni’s location inside the North Market 20 years ago. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams prides itself on its community involvement and zero-waste initiatives.

Find more ways to sweeten your trip to Columbus here.

Summer truly is the best time to experience Columbus! Start planning your trip today and share your memories with us using #LiveForwardCbus.