A Crowd-Sourced Summer Weekend Itinerary in Columbus

There’s nothing quite like summer in Columbus. To help inspire your next trip to the 614, Experience Columbus asked its Instagram followers to vote on their favorite ways to explore the city in the summertime.  

Here’s what they said… 

Check-In Before You Head Out

Columbus is home to some of the most unique hotels in the Midwest and The Junto is no exception. Located in the new Peninsula neighborhood, this 198-room, independent lifestyle hotel is the perfect place to stay during your visit. Learn more and book your room.

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

Fuel Up for a Day Full 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 in Franklinton. One of 29 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 pass and get to sipping!

Get Active Outside

Summer is the best time to get out and active in Columbus. Choose from unforgettable experiences like stand up 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 or attractions.

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. Learn more.

Shop Local, Sustainable and 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 the German Village Farmers Market held Saturdays in the summer from 9 am to 1 pm. View the full list of markets and schedules here. 

Columbus also has some of the best boutique, antique and thrift stores in the region. Browse designer fashions in the Short North Arts District at Alex Vinash or pick up a piece of history at the Grandview Mercantile and 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.

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 Lincoln Social. With stellar views of Columbus’ Short North Arts District, Lincoln Social offers handcrafted cocktails and small plates to fill you up as you wind down in Ohio’s capital city.

Find a list of more rooftop bars and restaurants in Columbus.

Treat Yourself to 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 more than 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. and don't miss out on all the summer fun.