Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Columbus, United States
1. Scioto Mile
A 145-acre park along the Scioto River offering various waterfront activities such as boating, fishing, and kayaking. It also features bike trails and outdoor concerts.
- Urban Park: Located in the heart of Columbus city.
- Diverse Activities: Offers a mix of water and land-based activities.
- Events Venue: Hosts multiple events including concerts, festivals, and sports competitions.
2. Columbus Rowing Center
A facility offering rowing lessons and boat rentals on the Scioto River, perfect for both beginners and experienced rowers.
- Rowing Lessons: Offers guided instruction for those new to rowing.
- Boat Rentals: Provides single and double kayaks, as well as rowboats, for rental.
- Scenic Location: The river's scenic beauty provides a unique setting for water activities.
3. Blacklick Metro Park
A park featuring Blacklick Creek, offering opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and hiking. It also includes picnic areas and playgrounds.
- Natural Setting: Offers a more natural environment compared to urban parks.
- Outdoor Activities: Provides activities like fishing, canoeing, and hiking for visitors.
- Family-Friendly: Features playgrounds and picnic areas suitable for families.
4. Highbanks Metro Park
A park located on the Scioto River offering scenic views, hiking trails, and a variety of picnic areas.
- Scenic Views: Boasts beautiful vistas of the Scioto River.
- Hiking Trails: Provides hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Picnic Areas: Offers multiple picnic areas for relaxation and family gatherings.
5. Alum Creek State Park Beach
A state park with a sandy beach along Alum Creek offering swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities.
- Sandy Beach: Features a sandy shoreline for swimming.
- Water Activities: Offers fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities.
- Camping Facilities: Provides campgrounds for overnight stays.
6. Whipkey AuSable State Forest
A forested area along the AuSable River offering opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
- Forested Setting: Offers a forested environment with riverside views.
- Water Activities: Provides activities like fishing, canoeing, and exploring the AuSable River.
- Hiking Trails: Features hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Glacier Ridge Metro Park
A park offering scenic views of the Olentangy River, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
- Scenic Views: Boasts beautiful vistas of the Olentangy River.
- Hiking Trails: Provides hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Picnic Areas: Offers multiple picnic areas for relaxation and family gatherings.
8. Three Creeks Metro Park
A park with three interconnected creeks offering opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
- Interconnected Creeks: Provides three interconnected waterways for exploration.
- Water Activities: Offers activities like fishing, canoeing, and creek exploration.
- Hiking Trails: Features hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
9. Scioto Audubon Metro Park
A park featuring the Scioto River, offering opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and bird watching.
- Riverside Setting: Provides access to the Scioto River.
- Water Activities: Offers activities like fishing, canoeing, and boating.
- Bird Watching: Attracts various bird species for avid bird watchers.
10. Schiller Park
A park on the Scioto River offering fishing opportunities and a historic carousel.
- Riverside Setting: Provides access to the Scioto River for fishing.
- Historic Carousel: Features a historic carousel dating back to 1926.
- Picnic Areas: Offers multiple picnic areas for relaxation and family gatherings.
11. Grandview Beach
A beach located on the Big Walnut Creek offering swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
- Creek Setting: Situated along Big Walnut Creek.
- Swimming Opportunities: Provides a shallow area suitable for swimming.
- Picnic Areas: Offers multiple picnic areas for relaxation and family gatherings.
12. Delaware River Scenic Byway
A scenic drive along the Delaware River featuring historic sites, parks, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Scenic Drive: Offers a picturesque road trip experience.
- Historic Sites: Includes various historical sites and landmarks.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities for wildlife observation along the river.
13. Stratford Ecological Center
A nature preserve offering hiking trails, bird watching, and educational programs.
- Nature Preserve: Offers a natural environment for exploration.
- Hiking Trails: Provides hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs on the local ecosystem and wildlife.
14. Circleville Pumpkin Show
An annual event featuring pumpkin-themed activities, parades, and competitions.
- Annual Event: Takes place every October.
- Pumpkin-Themed Activities: Includes activities, parades, and competitions centered around pumpkins.
- Community Event: Brings together the community for a festive celebration.
15. Hocking Hills State Park
A park offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks.
- Natural Setting: Offers a more natural environment compared to urban parks.
- Hiking Trails: Provides hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Scenic Views: Boasts beautiful vistas of waterfalls and scenic overlooks.