Best Places to Visit in Ohio
Planning a trip to Ohio but not sure where to start? I’ve got you covered with our favorite destinations and what to do in each. I’ve crisscrossed the Buckeye State on a recent four week road trip, from the shores of Lake Erie to the foothills of Appalachia... These are the destinations and experiences that I’ve truly enjoyed, and I hope you will too.
1. Cleveland
This is one of my favorite cities to visit in Ohio because it gives you a little bit of everything - lakefront views, world-class art, and lots of amazing food!
We flew just under 3 hours from Austin and checked into into a room with two Queen beds and a view of the city at Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade. Over three days, I enjoyed strolling along Flats East Bank, visiting Cleveland Museum of Art which completely wowed me (and is free to visit!), and I in University Circle.
We ate at Barrio Tacos where we enjoyed scent of smoky grilled meats and fresh cilantro filling the air, and ordered a soft flour shell stuffed with spicy chorizo, queso fresco, and pineapple salsa.
Afterwards, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was another highlight — not just for the memorabilia, but for the electric energy of standing where legends are celebrated.
In historic Ohio City, I found foodie heaven at the West Side Market, sampling pierogies, cannoli, and smoked meats from century-old stalls.
In the evening we headed to Marble Room where I had the filet mignon, charred on the outside, buttery and tender inside, resting beside garlic mashed potatoes that came steaming, rich, and whipped impossibly smooth.
Evenings were also for craft beer at Great Lakes Brewing Co. and catching live blues at The Music Box Supper Club.- Location: On the southern shore of Lake Erie in northeastern Ohio
- Size: Approximately 82 square miles (213 square km)
- Location Map
What I loved best:
My favorite highlight was watching a sunset from Voinovich Bicentennial Park, all pink skies and shimmering reflections over Lake Erie.
2. Cincinnati
I loved visiting this scenic Ohio city in late November, especially wandering through the hilly streets of Mount Adams for gorgeous skyline views. We drove about 4 hours from Cleveland and checked into The Cincinnatian Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, a AAA Four Diamond award winner where we enjoyed all the comforts in our King Bed room with a Whirpool Bath.
We took our son to the zoo where the Admission + Rides Package ($18 - $34) gave us unlimited rides on the train and carousel for the day which added to the fun.
Afterwards, we picked up a snack at The Queen City's Findlay Market and enjoyed walking around on a warm sunny day.
We spent the afternoon at Cincinnati Museum Center which is home to the Cincinnati History Museum ($24.25 for adults, $17 for kids), Museum of Natural History & Science, and the Duke Energy Children's Museum.
Next day, we stepped inside the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and I felt the quiet weight of history settle over me while sunlight streamed through tall glass windows, catching on exhibits that told stories of courage and flight.
We ended the our Saturday at Newberry Bros. Coffee is a unique café and bistro that is home to the Prohibition Bourbon Bar that features the largest collection of bourbon and rye whiskeys in the world.
- Location: In southwestern Ohio, near the borders of Kentucky and Indiana
- Size: Approximately 80 square miles (207 square km)
- Location: Location Map
What I Loved Most: Crossing the Roebling Suspension Bridge (free) was very scenic and my personal highlight. Afterwards I had a local beer in Over-the-Rhine which was a standout.
On another trip, I ate at Maplewood Kitchen and Bar (the Citrus Crunch Salad and a side of truffle fries was my favorite).
3. Columbus
Ohio’s capital was such a refreshingly modern gem, a city that hums with creativity, that it quickly became one of my favorite stops in the "The Buckeye State".
We drove 1 hour and 40 minutes from Cincinnati, and I based myself at the 4-star Hotel LeVeque for four days, a glamorous 1920s Art Deco landmark in the heart of downtown. I loved the sweeping city views from the hotel and a celestial-inspired design (it's a AAA Four Diamond award winner so you can count on great service!). From there, I wandered through the romantic German Village and browsed indie bookstores like The Book Loft. Chris and I had a romantic dinner on the patio at Lindey’s which was pure delight, complete with candlelight and amazing flavors.
We exploringed the Short North Arts District, and spent a sunny morning at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens ($24 admission), walking through butterfly exhibits, before heading to the Scioto Mile downtown.
Dinner was at Brassica, where Mediterranean flavors shine - I had the falafel bowl with pickled vegetables, hummus, and warm pita.
- Location: In central Ohio along the Scioto River
- Size: Approximately 226 square miles (586 square km)
- Location: Location Map
What I loved best:
My favorite highlight was getting lost among the cozy book-lined rooms of The Book Loft in German Village, with its maze of 30+ rooms filled with literary treasures.
4. Toledo
For me, this was a captivating city, set on the banks of the Maumee River near Lake Erie, with creative energy, and riverfront beauty. I love visiting on a day trip from Cleveland (just 1 hour 50 minutes by car) but this time I based myself at the 4-star Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel for two days, a sleek, design-forward spot right on the river. I began exploring in the Toledo Museum of Art, followed by a stroll through the Warehouse District, and lunch at Hannon's Block Restaurant where I ordered delicious lamb chops.
- Location: In northwestern Ohio along the western end of Lake Erie
- Size: Approximately 84 square miles (217 square km)
- Location: Location Map
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was a sunset stroll through Middlegrounds Metropark with the skyline mirrored in the Maumee River.
5. Dayton
Set along the Great Miami River, this is one of our favorite low-key outdoor escapes near Cincinnati and Columbus. Why? Dayton offers miles of riverfront recreation trails, and open green spaces where our son likes to run. In addition, the "Birthplace of Aviation" has a relaxed vibe that feels refreshingly removed from bigger metropolitan areas.
I based myself at the 3-star Marriott at the University of Dayton for five days with my husband and son. We started with the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (free) which was extraordinary, not just for aviation buffs, but anyone with a sense of wonder.
Afterward, I wandered into the Oregon District, Dayton’s oldest neighborhood, a charming tangle of brick streets, 19th-century architecture, and bohemian energy.
- Location: In southwestern Ohio along the Great Miami River, about 50 miles (80 km) north of Cincinnati
- Size: Approximately 56 square miles (145 square km)
- Location: Location Map
What I loved best:
We had a banana walnut pancakes at Butter Café for breakfast, my personal highlight.
6. Sandusky
Stretching along the shores of Lake Erie, this is one of the most fun small cities I’ve visited in the Midwest.
Sandusky was especially fun to visit with my son because of Cedar Point roller coasters. After spending hours of fun on (nearly) every ride, we checked into 3-star Hotel Breakers for two relaxing days.
We also had a great time strolling around Sandusky’s historic downtown, lined with Italianate and Victorian facades, and plenty of cozy cafes to choose from like Mr. Smith's Coffee House and Vita Sandusky.
- Location: On the southern shore of Lake Erie in north-central Ohio, between Cleveland and Toledo
- Size: Approximately 21 square miles (54 square km)
- Location: Location Map
What I loved best:
The Maritime Museum of Sandusky was a standout and gave us a fascinating peek into the area’s storied connection to Lake Erie and its shipbuilding past.
7. Berlin
This is my favorite place to visit in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country! Why? First off, it feels like a step into a quieter world, surrounded by rolling farmland and horse-drawn buggies. In addition, it’s a place where tradition and simplicity take center stage. Handmade craftsmanship, home-style cooking, and scenic country roads define the experience in Berlin, making it both grounding and uniquely memorable.
- Location: In northeastern Holmes County, east-central Ohio, within the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country
- Size: Approximately 2.3 square miles (6 square km)
- Location: Location Map
I based myself at the 3-star Berlin Grande Hotel for two days, and I found the town to be peaceful and enriching, a destination that reminds you to slow down, appreciate the details, and connect with a way of life rooted in simplicity and tradition.
What I loved best:
The countryside itself was a standout, dotted with barns, fields, and covered bridges. I thought it was just as much a part of the local charm as the Berlin town center.
8. Grand Rapids
If you are in the mood for small town vibes, this is a hidden gem that makes a great side trip from Toledo (just 30 minutes by car!). I found it perfect as a day trip, and I spent my morning wandering down Front Street, the village’s heart, a postcard row of antique shops, cafés, and old-fashioned storefronts like local maple syrup at Garden View Flowers, and had early dinner at Wild Side Brewing Company, which doubles as a cozy community hub and craft beer haven.
A walk along the Towpath Trail was pure peace, a wooded riverside path where the only sounds were rustling leaves and birdsong.
- Location: In northwestern Ohio along the south bank of the Maumee River
- Size: Approximately 0.9 square miles (2.3 square km)
- Location: Location Map
What I loved best:
Crossing the Providence Dam, watching the water tumble below as the late-afternoon light turned everything golden.
A downside? Parking filled quickly on Saturday afternoon, and I circled longer than I wanted before settling into the rhythm of the town.
9. Rockbridge State Nature Preserve in Autumn
This place is my absolute favorite place for fall foliage in Ohio! It was pure autumn enchantment! Hidden away in the Hocking Hills region of southeastern Ohio, Rockbridge is one of those landscapes that feels almost otherworldly — a masterpiece carved by time and softened by the season’s golden touch.
- Location: In southeastern Ohio near the Hocking Hills region
- Size: Approximately 182 acres (74 hectares)
- Location: Location Map
What I loved best:
The natural rock bridge itself is incredible, Ohio’s largest, stretching nearly 100 feet long and 10 feet wide across a wooded ravine.
10. Marietta
I thought this place in southeastern Ohio was one of the best places to visit on a romantic trip. Why? Marietta is one of those quietly beautiful towns that feels like stepping into another century, where the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers meet, and where cobblestone streets, gaslit lamps, and graceful steeples tell stories of the past. If you love history like I do, you'll be fascinated to learn that Marietta is the state’s first permanent settlement, and yet it feels timeless — a river town filled with warmth, history, and quiet sophistication.
I based myself at the 3-star Lafayette Hotel for two days, a grand 1918 landmark perched right on the riverbank.
- Location: In southeastern Ohio at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, near the West Virginia border
- Size: Approximately 8.8 square miles (23 square km)
- Location: Location Map
Mornings began with a stroll along the brick-lined streets of downtown, where elegant 19th-century architecture and leafy parks create a sense of calm dignity. I wandered through Marietta's Front Street, stopping at antique stores, art galleries, and cozy cafés like The Busy Bee, where locals sipped coffee and lunched on farm-to-table dishes.
What I loved best:
For me, Marietta is one of the best spots in Ohio. It's romantic, peaceful, and a favorite escape I can’t wait to return to!
I loved returning to our Queen Junior Suite at Lafayette Hotel with its spacious layout and bathroom with a bathtub at the end of a busy day exploring.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
