With a car at your disposal, you can tick off Columbus’s diverse attractions at your own pace. Start with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell — a short drive from downtown. AAA highlights that this 1927-founded zoo “is home to more than 7,000 animals,” and has been named one of the best zoos in the country aaa.com. Adjacent to the zoo, your kids can cool off at Zoombezi Bay water park (seasonal) or play mini-golf at Safari Golf.
In the heart of the city, downtown Columbus offers family and culture hubs. The Columbus Museum of Art features works by American and regional artists. It even has free admission on Sundays aaa.com. Just across the street is COSI (Center of Science and Industry), a hands-on science center that kids and adults love. Nearby, the Ohio Statehouse invites you to tour its historic Greek Revival building at no cost aaa.com. For a scenic park experience, drive along the Scioto Mile riverfront, stopping at parks and fountains that kids can splash in.
Don’t miss charming neighborhoods reachable by car. German Village (south of downtown) is “one of the most idyllic neighborhoods in the country… defined by its brick homes and shops, as well as brick-lined streets” experiencecolumbus.com. Stroll Schiller Park or browse the Book Loft’s nooks. To the north, the Short North Arts District buzzes with galleries, shops and murals rubyaba.com. Both districts have convenient parking and are a short drive from any car rental pickup point.
East of downtown, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers a green escape. Its conservatory houses “exotic plant collections, special exhibitions, and Dale Chihuly artworks,” making it a colorful stop en.wikipedia.org. Even if you just drive past, you’ll see blooms, fountains and a butterfly exhibit (plus the kids’ Children’s Garden). For shoppers, Easton Town Center is a drive-away shopping village with stores, restaurants, and a mini lake – ideal to mix shopping and strolling.
Each of these highlights is easily accessed with a rental car in Columbus, saving you time. (Public transit is available downtown, but a car gives you flexibility — Columbus is “car-dependent” for many attractions aaa.com.) For budget-savvy travelers, consider some free or low-cost options: walk or bike the Scioto Mile, or plan a Sunday museum visit.
After exploring Columbus attractions your way, be sure to pick up or drop off your car with The Pluto LLC. Our affordable car rental Columbus Ohio services make it easy to visit these spots without fuss!