Ohio sunsets are truly magical. The state’s flatness is it’s premier advantage, which allows for completely unobstructed views of the sun hitting the horizon, creating some of the most beautiful reds, oranges, and purples you’ll ever see.
And sometimes, you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.
Case in point, when I moved to New York City in 2022, I was immediately heartbroken at the fact that I never saw the sun past 4 PM. The sun was completely blocked by buildings in the evenings. Plus, living on the east side of Manhattan, sunsets were few and far between.
During my first visit back to Ohio that fall, I saw my first sunset in months, and it was at that moment that I knew I wanted to move back to Columbus. Here’s the picture:
10 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Columbus and Central Ohio
Scioto Mile
233 S Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215
This downtown gem stretches along the Scioto River, offering stunning sunset views against the Columbus skyline. We might be a bit biased, but there’s really nothing prettier than the LeVeque Tower during golden hour. So whether you’re a seasoned photographer or someone whose sunset shots always seem to capture more thumb than sky, Scioto Mile’s breathtaking vistas won’t disappoint. Just make sure you look up from your phone long enough to actually enjoy the sunset.
Hoover Reservoir Park
7701 Sunbury Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
If expansive water views are your thing (as they should be), Hoover Reservoir Park in Westerville is the freakin’ jam. You’ll find peace, tranquility, and the perfect setting to ponder why you didn’t become a professional sunset chaser. The way the golden light bounces off the water is *mwah* (that’s the sound of me kissing my finger tips like a chef). Don’t worry if your Instagram feed is 90% selfies, this sunset will make it worth diversifying.
Columbus Park of Roses
3901 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
Nestled in Clintonville, the Columbus Park of Roses provides colorful gardens and a peaceful atmosphere for sunset viewing. It’s the kind of place where even the flowers seem to turn towards the setting sun, and where you can feel cultured just for being there. If you thought the Park of Roses couldn’t get any better, just experience it during a sunset.
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Rising Park
1100 N High St, Lancaster, OH 43130
Hike up to Mount Pleasant, the park’s famous hill, and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic view that makes you forget about the thigh burn you endured to get there. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the town and the surrounding landscape, you’ll find yourself in a moment of pure zen. The sunset from Rising Park is seriously well worth the effort.
Highbanks Metro Park
9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Perched atop the high bluffs overlooking the Olentangy River, Highbanks Metro Park offers sunsets that make you forget about your Fitbit’s low step count for the day. With the sun perfectly reflecting off the water, it’s one of those moments you’re extra proud to live in Ohio.
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
1775 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, OH 43119
Home to vast prairies and a bison herd, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park provides a unique sunset backdrop. Watching the sun dip below the horizon here might make you feel like you’re in a majestic Western, even if you arrived in a minivan and not on horseback. The view of the sun setting over the prairie here is one for the books.
Antrim Park
5800 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43085
With its tranquil lake surrounded by walking trails, Antrim Park offers beautiful sunset views over the water. But the sun won’t be the only thing reflecting on the water… Antrim Park is the ideal spot for reflecting on life’s big questions, like why your sunset photos never do the real thing justice. Spoiler: it’s not the park’s fault.
Alum Creek State Park
2911 S Old State Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
Located north of Columbus, Alum Creek State Park’s marina and beach areas provide perfect, unobstructed sunset views over the lake. Bring a blanket, a friend, or just your favorite snack to enjoy a spectacular display of nature’s nightly finale. Pro tip: no one’s judging your cheese puff addiction here. Plus, any cheese residue on your face will blend in with the reflection of the sky on your face, so get after it all you want.
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Scioto Audubon Metro Park
400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215
This urban oasis is a former industrial site turned into a lush park, complete with wetlands, climbing walls, and a cool boardwalk that looks awesome in photos. As the sun sets, the sky reflects off the park’s ponds and wetlands, creating a mesmerizing mirror effect that even your most photo-phobic friends will want to capture. Whether you’re into bird watching, rock climbing, or just looking for a perfect place to ponder why your evening jogs never last more than ten minutes, Scioto Audubon offers a sunset experience that’s hard to beat.
Edison Brewing Company (Gahanna)
785 Science Blvd, Gahanna, OH 43230
What pairs better with an awesome sunset than an ice cold beer? Edison’s awesome back patio offers a stunning, panoramic view of the Columbus skyline from afar, making it an ideal spot to unwind as the day fades away. It’s the kind of scene that makes you appreciate the finer things in life—like hops, barley, and perfectly timed sunsets. Cheers to that!
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