Is there any time more beautiful in Columbus than sunset?
Even on the most challenging days, a bright, colorful sunset can change your whole outlook on things. You know the days I’m talking about. The ones where everything is sort of stressful or overwhelming and you’re just looking for a little clarity. Then, just when you need it most, the clouds seem to clear away just in time to watch the sky light up.
Columbus is the place to find whatever sort of sunset you’re searching for. There are beautiful countryside vistas and majestic woodlands and everything in between. Honestly, sunset in Columbus is the time to take in the beauty around town and spend some time in self-reflection. Here are some of our favorite spots to watch the sun go down.
The Scioto Mile
Location: 233 S Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215
Scioto Audubon Metro Park
Location: 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Location: 1775 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, OH 43119
Griggs Resevoir
Location: 2565 Riverside Dr, Columbus, OH 43221
Whetstone Park of Roses
Location: 3901 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210
Walnut Woods Metro Park
Location: 6723 Lithopolis Rd, Groveport, OH 43125
Hoover Resevoir Park
Location: 7701 Sunbury Rd., Westerville, OH 43081
Antrim Park
The quarried lake at Antrim gives you a full 360° of open sky — no trees or buildings in the way, and benches around the lake loop to settle into. Park in the lot farthest from the entrance and take the path under Route 315 to the water.
Location: 5800 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43235
Prairie Oaks Metro Park (Darby Bend Lakes)
Open lakes, open prairie, and a wide-open western horizon over Big Darby Creek. Use the Darby Bend Lakes entrance for the best water views — the free lot puts you right by the beach area.
Location: 2755 Amity Rd., Hilliard, OH 43026
Alum Creek State Park Beach
Ohio’s largest inland state-park beach happens to sit on the west shore of the reservoir, which means the sun sets straight across the water. Free day-use lot near the visitor center.
Location: 3615 S Old State Rd., Delaware, OH 43015
O’Shaughnessy Reservoir
The picnic tables on the hill above the parking area face the reservoir and the Home Road Bridge — an elevated, west-facing vantage that lights up at golden hour. Plenty of free parking near the dam.
Location: 6060 Home Rd., Powell, OH 43065
Riverside Crossing Park (Dublin)
The riverfront green space along the Scioto in Dublin, with the Dublin Link pedestrian bridge as your foreground. The path is free and public; parking is in the Bridge Park garages or on the street.
Location: 100 Riverside Dr., Dublin, OH 43017
VASO Rooftop Lounge
The paid option on this list, and worth it: VASO sits atop the AC Hotel in Dublin looking west over the Scioto River valley. Order a cocktail, grab a rail seat, and let the sky do the work.
Location: 300 Bridge Park Ave., Dublin, OH 43017
Looking for a more urban sunset viewing experience? How about grabbing a drink at one of The Best Rooftop Bars In Columbus.
