A Guide to Ohio State Buckeyes Football in Columbus

Attending a game at Ohio Stadium, known as “The Horseshoe,” is a true Columbus tradition, with Saturdays in the fall filled with scarlet and gray as fans gather to cheer on the Buckeyes. Tickets can be purchased through the Ohio State Athletics website or trusted third-party sites like StubHub and SeatGeek, and it’s smart to check the schedule early since home games between September and November sell out. Parking near the stadium is challenging and fills up quickly, but convenient bus service is available to help fans avoid the hassle. Arriving early not only makes transportation easier but also lets you enjoy the vibrant tailgating scene, where grills, music, and camaraderie create a festive atmosphere long before kickoff.

Beyond the game itself, visiting Columbus for an Ohio State football weekend is also about soaking in the atmosphere of the city. The neighborhoods around campus buzz with activity, especially High Street, where bars and restaurants spill over with fans in jerseys. Short North, just a short ride away, adds another layer with its lively dining scene and art-filled streets, making it a fun place to explore before or after the game. Everywhere you go, conversations circle back to plays, rankings, and rivalries—it’s like the whole city is speaking the same language.

The Scioto Mile is Columbus’s riverfront gem—a stretch of parkland and trails that hugs the downtown banks of the Scioto River and gives travelers a perfect mix of city views and green space. Whether you’re strolling along the wide promenade, renting a bike, or just pausing to watch fountains splash at Bicentennial Park, the Mile makes it easy to slow down in the middle of an urban trip. Locals love it for jogging and festivals, but visitors often find themselves surprised by how peaceful and scenic it feels, especially at sunset when the skyline glows over the water. Cafés and restaurants nearby make it a natural spot to linger, turning a simple walk into one of the highlights of a Columbus visit.

The Columbus Museum of Art is a must-stop for travelers who enjoy culture and creativity, offering a collection that blends European and American modern works with contemporary pieces and rotating special exhibitions. The museum feels approachable and inspiring rather than overwhelming, with bright galleries that invite you to linger and explore. Outside, the sculpture garden and café provide relaxing spots to pause, while inside you’ll find interactive spaces that encourage hands-on creativity—something that makes it a fun stop whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family. Just steps from downtown, it’s an easy way to add a thoughtful and art-filled break into a Columbus itinerary.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is one of Columbus’s most enchanting spots, where travelers can wander through lush indoor biomes filled with exotic plants, seasonal blooms, and even a dazzling collection of glass art by Dale Chihuly woven throughout the gardens. The conservatory offers a sense of escape year-round—tropical greenery in winter, colorful outdoor gardens in spring and summer, and special exhibitions that change with the seasons. It’s a place where you can slow down, breathe in the fresh scents, and enjoy both nature and art under one roof, all just a short drive from downtown.

• ZenCha Tea Salon in the Short North offers a cozy, globally inspired space where travelers can sample over a hundred varieties of tea paired with creative, tea-infused dishes.

• North Market is a lively public market in the Short North where travelers can taste foods from around the world, shop local specialties, and soak up the city’s community spirit under one roof.

• Northstar Café in the Short North is a bright, modern spot where travelers can enjoy fresh, organic dishes—from hearty brunch plates to healthy bowls—alongside a laid-back, local vibe.

• Thurman's Cafe in German Village is a legendary stop for travelers craving over-the-top, giant burgers served in a no-frills, lively atmosphere that’s been a local favorite for decades.

• High Banks Distillery in Grandview blends a modern industrial vibe with award-winning craft spirits, making it a great stop for travelers to enjoy creative cocktails and hearty, locally inspired fare.