Best Places to Visit in Ohio
Planning a trip to Ohio but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with our favorite destinations and what to do in each. This Midwestern state may be landlocked, but it brims with charm, history, and natural beauty. I've always loved how Ohio blends bustling cities with small-town Americana.
From lively cultural hubs to peaceful parks, 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
I thought Cleveland was one of America’s most underrated cities, a place where industrial grit meets lakefront charm, and where art, music, and soul flow through every historic brick and modern mural.
I checked us into a room with a view of the city at Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade for the night and since it wasn't busy and I was able to use my Loyalty points for our stay. Over three days, I explored the city’s contrasts, strolling from the buzzing Flats East Bank, where the Cuyahoga River sparkles beside chic restaurants and rooftop bars, to the Gordon Square Arts District, full of indie theaters and colorful street art.
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.
The Cleveland Museum of Art completely wowed me, a world-class collection that’s completely free to visit, and I lingered in University Circle, wandering between leafy park paths, historic buildings, and cozy cafés. 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, and evenings were for craft beer at Great Lakes Brewing Co. and catching live blues at The Music Box Supper Club.
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.
- Location: Location Map
What I loved best:
My favorite highlight was watching the sunset from Voinovich Bicentennial Park, all pink skies and shimmering reflections over Lake Erie.
2. Cincinnati
Next day we took a train from Cleveland to Cincinnati ($110), and it was a great way to admire the scenery without having to worry about driving.
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 Cincinnati'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. We only had time to the Cincinnati History Museum on this trip, so we came back months later.
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.
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What I Loved Most: Crossing the Roebling Suspension Bridge (free) was very scenic, and afterwards I had a local beer in Over-the-Rhine, where historic architecture meets indie creativity.
On another trip, I ate at Maplewood Kitchen and Bar, where the California vibes meet Midwest comfort, and I had the Citrus Crunch Salad and a side of truffle fries. Bright, modern, and delicious.
3. Columbus
Columbus, Ohio’s capital, was such a refreshingly modern gem, a city that hums with creativity and warmth, where old neighborhoods meet new energy and every corner feels alive with possibility, truly one of the best places to visit in Ohio, especially on a family vacation.
I based myself at the 4-star Hotel LeVeque for four days, a glamorous 1920s Art Deco landmark in the heart of downtown, with sweeping city views and a celestial-inspired design, as well as a AAA Four Diamond award winner so you can count on great service. From there, I wandered through the romantic German Village and indie bookstores like The Book Loft, and dinner on the patio at Lindey’s was pure delight, complete with candlelight and amazing flavors.
Afternoons were for exploring the Short North Arts District, a colorful, mural-filled stretch of boutiques, galleries, and cafés, all buzzing with locals who clearly adore their city.
I spent a sunny morning at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens ($24 admission), wandering through palm-filled glasshouses and butterfly exhibits, before heading to the Scioto Mile, where fountains, parks, and river views make downtown feel bright and walkable.
Dinner was at Brassica, where Mediterranean flavors shine, and I had the falafel bowl with pickled vegetables, hummus, and warm pita.
- 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, Toledo was a quietly captivating city, set on the banks of the Maumee River near Lake Erie, with creative energy, and riverfront beauty.
I based myself at the 4-star Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel for two days, a sleek, design-forward spot right on the river, and began in the Toledo Museum of Art, followed by a stroll through the Warehouse District, and lunch at Blue Point Grille where we had amazing seafood.
- 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
Known as the birthplace of aviation, Dayton’s a place that soars on history, and innovation, nestled along the Great Miami River, and has this mix of industrial heritage and natural beauty, where aviation museums meet leafy bike trails and historic neighborhoods hum with local pride. For me, Dayton was one of the best family-friendly destinations!
I based myself at the 3-star Marriott at the University of Dayton for two days, overlooking the river and 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.
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I had a banana walnut pancakes breakfast next day at Butter Café, where everything felt made with love.
6. Sandusky
Sandusky was especially fun to visit with my son because of Cedar Point roller coasters and after spending hours of fun on (nearly) every ride, we checked into 3-star Hotel Breakers for two days.
We also had a great time strolling around Sandusky’s historic downtown, lined with Italianate and Victorian facades, boutique shops, and cafés spilling out onto the sidewalks, and I loved the easy rhythm of it with friendly locals, clinking glasses, the faint echo of seagulls in the distance.
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The Maritime Museum of Sandusky gave a fascinating peek into the area’s storied connection to Lake Erie and its shipbuilding past.
7. Berlin
Berlin, in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, feels like a step into a quieter world, surrounded by rolling farmland and horse-drawn buggies, 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.
The countryside itself, dotted with barns, fields, and covered bridges, is as much a part of the charm as the Berlin town center.
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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.
8. Grand Rapids
If you are in the mood for small town vibes, Grand Rapids, Ohio is a hidden gem that makes a great side trip from Toledo (just 30 minutes by car) so it's perfect as a day trip and I think it's one of the best places to visit in Ohio.
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, and later I crossed the Providence Dam, watching the water tumble below as the late-afternoon light turned everything golden.
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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
Rockbridge State Nature Preserve was pure autumn enchantment, a place where the world slows down, the air smells like woodsmoke and fallen leaves. 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.
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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 Marietta 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.
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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.
Conclusion
In Ohio, every place gave me something different: inspiration, peace, excitement, or a new flavor I’m still thinking about.
That’s what I love most about traveling through Ohio, that the state is so approachable, and full of wonder, whether you’re road tripping with friends or sneaking off for a quiet weekend, you’ll find a corner of this state that speaks to exactly what you need.
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.
