Valentine's Day Ideas For Columbus Ohio

Love is in the air in Columbus, Ohio.

Whether you're planning a romantic evening with your partner or celebrating with friends, Central Ohio offers wonderful options for Valentine's Day. From established suburbs to walkable town centers, there's something here for every lifestyle. I've lived and worked in this area for years, and I've seen how our local businesses create special experiences this time of year.

The best part? You don't have to travel far to find something memorable.

Romantic Dining Experiences

Columbus has earned national recognition for its restaurant scene. Four local restaurants made OpenTable's Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants list for 2025: Mitchell's Ocean Club, Cento, Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, and Lindey's.

That's more than almost any other city in the country.

Dublin is known for its dining scene and walkable Bridge Park area, making it a favorite for couples planning a night out.

Butcher & Rose is one of downtown Columbus's newest additions. The stunning interior features pink and purple floral arrangements. They specialize in expertly seared steaks with a modern twist. It's located right on Broad Street.

The Refectory has been a Columbus favorite for over 40 years. The restaurant sits in a historic 18th-century church with hand-hewn beams and candlelit ambiance. They offer French-inspired cuisine with multi-course tasting options. Live music plays each night, from jazz to classical.

Chouette brings authentic French bistro charm to Columbus. The warm, inviting space blends timeless tradition with modern comfort.

Mitchell's Ocean Club at Easton features fresh seafood and prime steaks. The vibrant energy and stunning setting make it perfect for both intimate dinners and celebrations. Easton is a popular destination for date nights and celebrations, with restaurants, shopping, and entertainment all in one place.

Stories on High is Columbus's tallest rooftop bar. It towers 28 stories over High Street with panoramic downtown views. The upscale lounge serves contemporary and classic cocktails with small plates. Reservations are encouraged, though walk-ins are welcome at the bar and terraces.

VASO Rooftop Lounge in Dublin offers one of the most memorable Valentine’s experiences in Central Ohio. Known for its heated rooftop igloos, VASO pairs skyline views with modern Mediterranean-inspired small plates and craft cocktails. Each private igloo creates an intimate setting, even in February, overlooking the Scioto River and the Dublin Bridge Park area. Reservations are required and typically book early for Valentine’s weekend, making this a great option for couples planning ahead who want something elevated and unique.

Unique & Adventurous Dates

Some of the most memorable dates break from tradition.

The Kitchen hosts a Valentine's Day Participatory Dinner Party on February 14, 2026. You and your partner cook together in their communal kitchen. The menu includes prosciutto flatbread, herbed filet mignon with mushroom risotto, and fudgy brownies. Each course comes with wine pairings. It's hands-on, interactive, and delicious. The event runs from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Cultural & Creative Experiences

Columbus's arts scene shines during Valentine's season.

Columbus Museum of Art celebrates Valentine's Day with multiple events from February 9-16. The #HeartsforArt campaign lets visitors place hearts around their favorite artwork. A Candlelight concert features romantic music under gentle candlelight on February 15. The museum offers free admission on Sundays, and only $5 on Thursday evenings from 5-9 PM.

Pinot's Palette in the Short North Arts District offers Valentine's-themed painting classes throughout the week. Supplies and instructions are included. No experience required. It's a relaxed way to create something together.

Other paint and sip events happen across the city, some include karaoke for added fun. Check Eventbrite for the latest options.

Candlelight concerts at the Columbus Museum of Art create magical atmospheres. String quartets perform love songs from artists. Tickets start at $39.

Cozy & Intimate Activities

Sometimes the best dates are the quietest ones.

Franklin Park Conservatory offers a romantic walk through beautiful plant collections and indoor biomes. The conservatory often hosts special Valentine's events. Check their website for cocktail evenings and garden tours. The lush botanical gardens have served as wedding backdrops for years.

Vella & Co. is Columbus's latest retail candle shop. They offer candle pouring workshops throughout February. Pick up Valentine's gifts and get a free 8 oz Hearts Candle with any $25 purchase. Their candles are clean-burning, long-lasting, and made in Ohio.

Winter Fun Together

Columbus offers plenty of cold-weather activities for couples.

OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks have locations across Central Ohio. Hit the rink for a skate date. It's affordable, active, and fun. Check their website for public skate times.

Mad River Mountain is Ohio's largest ski resort. It's less than an hour from Columbus. If you're looking for a scenic day trip for couples on Valentine's Day, skiing, snowboarding, and tubing make great winter date ideas.

Weekend Getaway Options

Columbus has excellent bed and breakfasts if you want to stay close to home.

Bexley Bed & Breakfast sits at 519 S Drexel Ave in Bexley, OH 43209. The beautiful B&B blends modern design with comfort. Guests rave about the rooms, food, and excellent location in online reviews.

50 Lincoln Short North B&B is perfectly located to explore the Short North Arts District. It's also close to the Italian Village and Victorian Village. The highly-rated B&B puts you in the heart of Columbus's most vibrant neighborhood.

The Timbrook Guesthouse brings a tropical paradise vibe to northwest Columbus. It's minutes from downtown Columbus but feels miles from reality. The peaceful escape offers a unique getaway without traveling far.

If you want to venture a bit further, several romantic getaways sit within two hours of Columbus.

Classic Columbus Romance

Some date ideas never go out of style.

The Short North Arts District comes alive after sunset. You'll find music, lights, galleries, and street musicians. The area's charm and energy make it a must-see during any romantic getaway in Columbus.

Goodale Park in the heart of Columbus offers a scenic escape. Stroll along winding paths, relax on grassy lawns, or find a peaceful bench. The park's flower beds and towering trees create a lovely backdrop for conversation.

Plan Ahead

The best Columbus Ohio Valentine's Day events fill up quickly. Don't wait to make your plans.

Popular restaurants book weeks in advance. Unique experiences like helicopter tours and themed hotel suites need early reservations. Even casual spots get busy around February 14.

I've helped many clients discover what makes Central Ohio special. The romantic options here surprise people. You don't need to drive hours or spend a fortune to create memorable moments.

Columbus offers something for every couple, whether you prefer adventurous dates or quiet evenings together.

Happy Valentine's Day from the Columbus area. May your celebration be filled with love, laughter, and wonderful memories.