Whether you’re hoping to impress with a beautiful first date or looking for a new date night idea for your one and only, choosing a romantic spot can be tough. Don’t worry though, Columbus has plenty of wildly beautiful and inspiring locations that will certainly bring you and your date closer together. Here are 14 romantic spots, perfect for any autumn romantic day, that are sure to make you fall in love again and again.
1. The Boat House at Confluence Park
How would you like to enjoy a scrumptious meal, followed by handcrafted cocktails, while enjoying the scenic flow of the river and the sparkling lights of downtown in the background? The Boat House is the perfect destination for a romantic dinner. The menu focuses on seafood and fresh and modern flavors. You might expect prices to soar like the view, but they are quite decent.
The Boat House Restaurant is located at 679 W Spring St., Columbus, OH 43215.
2. The Scioto Mile & Genoa Park
For a gorgeous scenic evening stroll, head straight downtown to The Scioto Mile. You can park near Genoa Park (in front of COSI) and walk north through the park, pausing to sit on the lit steps and enjoy Columbus's skyline. From there, cross the Broad Street bridge and enjoy a walk via the Scioto Promenade along Civic Center Drive. You will find fountains and swings within the colonnade. Finally, you can make your way back via the incredible arched Main Street bridge.
Genoa Park is located at 303 W Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215.
3. Alum Creek Beach
Sitting by the water is one of those things that just seems to put everyone into a calm and happy mood. For a romantic getaway, head to Alum Creek Beach, where you can enjoy some swimming, the gentle sound of waves, and a beautiful sunset. Pack a picnic to make it even more special.
Alum Creek Beach is located at 3400 Lewis Center Rd., Lewis Center, OH 43035.
4. Whetstone Park of Roses
Conveniently located just off of North High Street, the Whetstone Park of Roses has long been a favorite place for couples: for dates, engagement photos, and weddings. With 13 acres of carefully maintained and beautifully fragrant roses, this is a super romantic place to spend time with that special someone.
The Whetstone Park of Roses is located at 3901 N High St., Columbus, OH 43214.
5. German Village and Lindey's
Lindey's Restaurant & Bar has long been a favorite for couples. The establishment prides itself on blending elegance with a relaxed and comfortable style. Here you can enjoy a sophisticated cocktail or come as you are for late night bite. Located in the charming German Village, this outing is sure to make your evening romantic. Take in the charm of this unique neighborhood; the brick houses and cobblestone roads are sure to make you feel as if you have been transported to a fairy tale.
Lindey's is located at 169 E Beck St., Columbus, OH 43206.
6. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Yet another favorite location for Columbus weddings, the Franklin Park Conservatory provides seasonal floral and art installations. Here you will find exquisite plant displays with exotic species. A visit to the conservatory and its gardens can be a unique romantic getaway from the busy city.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is located at 1777 E Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203.
7. Bicentennial Park
In part of the Scioto Mile area of downtown right next to the Main Street bridge you will find the Bicentennial Park. The park features beautiful fountains that light up at night and offer endless fun for kids. It's a wonderfully romantic spot for adults as well. When the evening weather sets in and the city quiets own, you will love sitting next to the fountains and enjoying the sound of the water. You can also enjoy the view from the Milestone 229 restaurant located right next to the park.
Bicentennial Park is located at 233 S Civic Center Dr., Columbus, OH 43215.
8. Basi Italia Restaurant
A little advertised but well known restaurant, Basi Italia provides great food and a wonderfully romantic atmosphere. Basi complements their excellent Italian cuisine with a comfortable, unique setting. The restaurant is in an old Victorian house with a patio in the backyard. Visitors love the romantic European feel of the patio and the whole experience.
Basi Italian is located at
811 Highland St., Columbus, OH 43215.
9. Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus
There are a few restaurants in Columbus with the most incredible historic charming decor. One of them is the Elevator. One of the older breweries in Columbus, the Elevator has a full menu and an incredible atmosphere. Stepping into this establishment, you will feel like have been transported to a different, even more romantic time.
Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus is located at 161 N High St., Columbus, OH 43215.
10. A Concert at the Ohio Theatre
For a really beautiful romantic night, take your loved one to a performance by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra at the Ohio Theatre. The classical music will delight your senses, and you will be in awe of the beauty of the theatre. Treat yourself to a glass of champagne during the intermission, and make sure to check out all the beautiful levels of the theatre for a truly romantic experience.
The Ohio Theatre is located at 39 E State St., Columbus, OH 43215.
11. South Drive-In
If you're looking for a old-fashioned type of romantic evening, this is for you. Yes, here in Columbus, you can still go to a drive-in movie theatre. Park under the stars and enjoy a movie. You can stay in your car or bring lawn chairs to enjoy the movie outdoors. Since this is not a true movie theatre setting, you can feel free to chat with your date during the movie (sh!).
South Drive-In is located at 3050 S High St., Columbus, OH 43207.
12. Wine on High
If you both happen to be into wine (what are the odds, right?), you'll probably have a very pleasant romantic evening at Wine on High. A wine shop with shelves upon shelves of wines at different price points, Wine on High puts big emphasis on the tasting of wines. At the shop you can try many of their wines or handcrafted cocktails, accompanied with a plate of charcuterie or cheese. Your taste buds will love it and so will your date.
Wine on High is located at 789 N High St., Columbus, OH 43215.
13. Goodale Music Series
Perhaps laying in the grass and listening to free live music is your top choice for romance? Then visit the Goodale Park gazebo for one of the six annual performances organized as part of the Goodale Music Series. You can bring chairs or blankets to sit on, up to you. Food trucks are generally around also.
Goodale Park is located at 120 W Goodale St., Columbus, OH 43215.
14. "The Long Walk"
Legend has it that a couple who completes "the long walk" will find eternal love and happiness. This walk must begin at the statue of William Oxley Thompson by the Thompson Library on Ohio State's campus. The couple must hold hands during the entire walk as they make their way from the statue across The Oval all the way to the Ohio State seal by College Road. Standing on the seal, the couple should "seal" it with a kiss. The Long Walk is no joke. Do it right, and your love will last forever.
The Thompson Library is located at 1858 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43210.
Don’t be shy now, make that call and have a wonderful romantic evening! What are your favorite romantic spots in Columbus?
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