From rooftop cocktails to gardens in full bloom, we’ve put together ideas for the perfect summer date in Columbus. Whether you’re strolling scenic trails, catching a movie under the stars, exploring local patios, or cheering on the home team, here’s how to enjoy the city all season long.
Check out VASO Rooftop Lounge at sunset.
Dine and Soak Up the Skyline
Patio season is the perfect time for a dinner or drinks date. Head to The Wine Bistro in Upper Arlington or Understory directly off the Olentangy Trail for scenic patio seating. If you’re looking for dog-friendly options, try Condado Tacos or Pecan Penny's. For an elevated experience, you can’t go wrong with a rooftop patio like Astra downtown or VASO in Dublin.
Trail Dates and Sunset Walks
For those searching for an active date night, Columbus is filled with trails for hiking, biking, or walking. Lace up your shoes for a day at Quarry Trails Metro Park (complete with a giant waterfall) and grab a coffee from Bada Bean Bada Booze along the trail to caffeinate your day.
If you’re really looking to be adventurous, try the Canopy Walk at Blacklick Woods Metro Park in Reynoldsburg. The free experience offers a 40-foot-high boardwalk with rope bridges.
If you want to keep things simple, head to The Scioto Mile, with a trail along the riverfront and greenery nearby that’s perfect for a picnic.
Enjoy summer evenings at Huntington Park.
Game On: A Sports-Lover’s Date
If you’re a sports fan, you can’t beat a summertime game in the Arena District. Take your date out to the ball game — the Clippers baseball season runs from March to September and is packed with activations for fans. Try a 10-cent hot dog every Tuesday home game for Dime-A-Dog Night or drink specials on Thirsty Thursdays.
If soccer is more your style, a date night at Lower.com Field to cheer on the Columbus Crew is worth the hype. Grab a hot dog inside the stadium from Dirty Franks, a cheeseburger from Swensons, or pizza from Donatos.
If you’re looking for pre- or post-game entertainment, there are plenty of Arena District bars and restaurants to try. Plus, DORA is activated three hours before the start of every game.
The Conservatory is in full bloom in the summertime.
Stop and Smell the Roses
Nothing captures summer romance quite like gardens of flowers. Plan a date at the Columbus Park of Roses to see 7,500 rose specimens across the 13-acre park. Keep in mind that peak bloom typically happens in the second week of June.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens also features outdoor gardens with perennial beds, daylilies, and coniferous plants within the 88 acres of Franklin Park. If it’s a rainy summer day, you can stay inside the Conservatory and see 400+ plants in the glass greenhouses.
Movies Under the Stars
Grab a blanket or chair for NightLight 614’s 21+ outdoor movie series. Get there early for a bite from a local food truck and then cozy up for a classic film with a downtown skyline view. The series typically runs from June-October — stay tuned for the upcoming lineup.
If a drive-in theater is more your style, check out The South Drive-In Theatre, where tickets are $12.50 daily.
Spend the day at Gravity Experience Park at Land-Grant Brewing Company.
Laid-Back Love at Land-Grant
Land-Grant Brewing Company is jam-packed with summer activities you and a date can enjoy. On Tuesdays you can play pop culture trivia and stick around for an outdoor movie in the beer garden, or on Thursdays you can play music trivia. If you’re looking to get active, head to the Gravity Experience Park to play basketball, cornhole, or pickleball — just make sure you reserve a court in advance.
If you’re planning a group date, reserve a private cabana or a beer garden booth by the fire. This is the perfect place to sit and sip some Land-Grant beer.
Shop, Sip, and Stroll
Spend an afternoon shopping at Easton Town Center before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many restaurant options. Sit on the patio and try a wood-fired pizza from Napa, grab a glass of wine from Cooper’s Hawk, or stick to dessert with a scoop of ice cream from Jeni’s.
Enjoy these summer date ideas in Columbus and share the love with us using #yesColumbus. Find more inspiration here.
