Best Day Trips in Ohio
Ready to unplug from the daily routine and take a day trip from the city? I discovered some incredible places while exploring the state we recenly explored for four weeks. Here are the Ohio day trips I recommend and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
Dayton - 1 hour 10 minutes from Columbus
For me, this is one of the most unexpectedly charming day-trip destinations, a place that feels quietly romantic in a way you don’t see coming (my #1 day trip in Ohio).
We started at Carillon Historical Park, enjoying tree-lined paths, historic buildings, and the Great Miami River.
My favorite part was walking near the water, side by side, as the breeze moved through the trees and the city noise faded away.
Downtown Dayton surprised me with its warmth next. The streets felt lived-in and welcoming, especially around the Oregon District, which I thought had real personality.
We stopped for dinner at a cozy local spot, and the food felt like pure comfort—simple, hearty, and perfect to share. Sitting across from each other, talking without distractions, made it one of those meals you remember more for how it felt than what you ordered.
Next, I loved browsing the small shops and galleries, discovering local art and little handmade finds that felt personal rather than polished. Each place invited us to slow down and actually look.
A quiet highlight was ending the afternoon at RiverScape MetroPark, watching the river catch the evening light as the city softened around us.
We also dipped into Dayton’s aviation and innovation history, which gave the city a sense of depth and pride that made the experience even richer.
What I loved best:
As the sun set and the lights came on downtown, walking hand in hand through the Oregon District was my favorite highlight.
Canton - 2 hours from Columbus
We started our weekend getaway early driving into this beautiful city near Akron and Cleveland, and right away it felt like an underrated gem with calm streets and that small city magic. Canton is my #2 day trip in Ohio.
First thing we did was head to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which was honestly the best experience and a dream stop for us, even if you are not a huge sports fan.
Walking through the exhibits felt exciting and joyful, and we kept saying this is one of the coolest and most interesting museums in Ohio.
After that we grabbed lunch downtown near Market Avenue, which is close by and affordable, and it ended up being one of my favorite meals of the trip.
Next we explored the Canton Museum of Art, which is a hidden and unique spot that felt like an amazing underrated experience with creative energy everywhere.
Later in the afternoon we drove over to the McKinley National Memorial.
Before sunset we checked out Gervasi Vineyard, one of my favorite romantic weekend getaways in Ohio.
Chagrin Falls - 2 hours 20 min from Columbus
We decided to do a day trip to a waterfall, and it ended up being one of the most underrated and charming experiences we’ve had.
Located just about 30 minutes east of Cleveland, Chagrin Falls (my #3 day trip in Ohio) felt like the perfect weekend getaway without going far.
First thing we did was park near the downtown area and immediately hear the sound of the waterfall, which felt like magic.
Walking toward the falls was exciting, seeing people gathered and taking photos, it already felt special.
The waterfall itself is the absolute best part, a spectacular hidden gem right in the middle of town.
We stood there for a while just watching the water rush down, it was calming and joyful at the same time.
After that we walked across the bridge to see different angles, which was my favorite spot for photos.
Next we explored the small downtown shops, and everything felt unique, local, and full of character.
We stopped into a café for coffee and pastries, which made the experience feel cozy and affordable.
Sitting outside and people watching was interesting and relaxing, especially with the falls nearby.
Later we walked along the riverside paths, which felt peaceful and a little romantic too.
The mix of nature and small-town vibes made Chagrin Falls feel like an amazing balance.
We grabbed lunch at a nearby restaurant, nothing fancy but still one of the best meals of the day.
In the afternoon we wandered more neighborhoods and admired the architecture, which felt classic and charming.
Before leaving we went back to the falls one last time, because it really is the most beautiful part.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park - 2 hours from Columbus
Nestled between Cleveland and Akron, this is one of the most underrated escapes in Ohio. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (my #4 day trip in Ohio) felt like the perfect low-key nature getaway that never demanded too much of us.
We started the day wandering along the Towpath Trail, where the gentle path beside the canal made it easy to walk hand in hand and take our time soaking in the quiet beauty around us.
Stopping at Brandywine Falls felt magical—the rush of water framed by forested cliffs gave us a moment to pause, breathe, and just appreciate being there together.
Later, we explored wooden boardwalks through wetlands, watching birds skim across the water and laughing as turtles popped their heads up near the trail.
One of my favorite moments was hopping on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, letting the countryside roll by while we talked, relaxed, and enjoyed the slower pace.
We took a break for a picnic near Beaver Marsh, sharing snacks and listening to the sounds of nature—it felt simple, peaceful, and perfectly unplanned.
As the afternoon stretched on, we ducked into nearby Peninsula, browsing small shops and grabbing coffee, which gave the day a charming small-town balance to all the outdoor exploring.
I loved how Cuyahoga Valley never felt crowded or overwhelming—it was calm, accessible, and quietly beautiful, like a hidden pocket of nature designed for lingering.
What I loved best:
For me, Cuyahoga Valley National Park was one of my favorite Ohio day trips.
The way the park blended gentle adventure with moments of stillness, making it feel less like a checklist destination and more like a shared experience we could savor together.
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, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
