Enhance your days with a little adventure on Ohio’s best day trips.
For those of us who enjoy traveling through a variety of landscapes, Ohio’s vibrant landscapes are appealing. From the enchanting tales of the Covered Bridge Scenic Byway to the adrenaline-pumping tales of Cedar Point, Ohio’s landscape paints a picture that leaves us itching to step.
Imagine driving down picturesque side streets in awe of the wonders of Ohio, leaving memories at every stop. Join us as we share our curated list of unforgettable Ohio day trips to places everyone wants to explore.
Best Day Trips in Ohio
Ready to load up your car and head off in search of Ohio’s most fun-filled day trips? Even when I’m looking at wrecked car inventory To get a great deal on your dream car, you’ll find great places within driving distance in Ohio.
Join one (or more) of these unforgettable day trips and start creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Where to go on a road trip in Ohio?
Ohio is a treasure trove for road trippers.
Start at Cleveland’s iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and relax on the tranquil shores of Lake Erie. Travel the culturally rich Amish Country Byway and experience the breathtaking Hocking Hills Scenic Byway. Columbus is family-friendly and a wonderland with plenty of kid-friendly stops.
Whether you’re looking for nature, culture, or a simple getaway, Ohio has it all.
Ohio Day Trips for Couples
Looking for a romantic day trip in Ohio?
Combining scenic beauty with rich culture, Ohio offers an idyllic getaway for couples on their doorstep. Imagine driving the Covered Bridge Scenic Byway where historic bridges meet tranquil scenery.
For cultural immersion, the Amish Country Byway reveals a world of simplicity and glamor. Destinations await, from Hayden Falls to Brandywine Falls, if the sound of the falls invites you.
Covered Bridge Scenic Byway
Couples will enjoy a romantic drive. Covered Bridge Scenic Byway.
This route has 4 covered bridges and lots of quiet countryside and natural beauty. Don’t forget to check out the Lynnard Bridge! This 106-mile route is open year-round. The Covered Bridge Scenic Byway is an easy day trip from Columbus.
Ohio Falls Road Trip
Ohio has many beautiful waterfalls that make for great road trips. Here are some of Ohio’s most popular waterfalls and some of our favorites.
Depart from Columbus and check out Hayden Falls (Dublin). Great location in a scenic valley with boardwalks and viewing areas. From there, visit Indian Run Falls, also in Dublin, Ohio.
Head north and east, just past Akron, be sure to stop at Brandywine Falls. It features a stepped waterfall that can be enjoyed from the boardwalk. The area includes Great Falls at Tinder Creek (a suburban waterfall in Viaduct Park), Chagrin Falls (easily accessible near the main street of the town of Chagrin Falls), and the cascading Columbia Beach Falls. , there are countless waterfalls to check out. Ocean. If you’re looking for a little hike, check out Buttermilk Falls. Accessible by hiking trails.
West of Columbus is the beautiful Charleston Falls in the Charleston Falls Nature Preserve, with hiking trails, nature trails and restrooms.
Southeast of Columbus, visit the more remote Cedar Falls, with shallow pools between cliffs and caves. Don’t swim here, but most people don’t stop swimming.
Amish Country Byway
If you’re into a little bit of culture, the Amish Country Byway is for you.
In addition to Farmer’s Product Auctions during the growing season, be sure to check out the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center and Yoder’s Amish Home. Enjoy fun tours, fine dining and a relaxed atmosphere at any time of the year. A 126-mile drive in northeast Ohio.
Family-Friendly Ohio Day Trips
Ohio day trips for kids make for an interesting mix. From the serene atmosphere of Seneca Lake to the educational corner of the COSI Center in Columbus, here’s what you can expect. Find something that fits your family’s travel style.
Seneca Lake Loop
The Seneca Lake Loop is a family-friendly Ohio day trip.
Swimming, boating, fishing, and spending time by the lakeside are just some of the things kids and adults can do here. It’s a short dive of just 35 miles, so it’s perfect for kids with short attention spans. Don’t miss Seneca Lake Park, Kennonsburg and the West Shore Cottage Area. It’s a great year-round trip, with ice skating in the winter.
Fun Activities to do with Kids in Ohio
Most kids don’t necessarily like travel time, so here are some of our favorite activities to do with kids in Ohio. Depending on your starting point, use these as inspiration for a kid-friendly day trip.
Here are some recommendations for kids.
- Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky
- Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
- The Wilds Safari, Cumberland
- Kings Island Amusement Park (Mason)
- Cleveland Children’s Museum
- COSI Center for Science and Industry, Columbus
- National United States Air Force Museum, Dayton
- Ohio Caverns, West Liberty
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Castaway Bay Indoor Water Park, Sandusky
- A Christmas Story House, Cleveland
- Veterans Spray and Play (aka Dinosaur Park), Delaware
- Works: Ohio Center for History, Arts and Technology, Newark
- Smiley Park Children’s Garden, Van Wert
- Spangler Candy Company, Brian
- Velvet Ice Cream Factory, Utica
- Olentangy Indian Cave, Delaware
- Cuyahoga Gorge Scenic Railway
Columbus, Ohio Day Trip
Columbus, Ohio’s capital and largest city, makes a great base for a great day trip.
Beautiful waterfalls such as Hayden Falls are a short drive away. Within a few hours in any direction you’ll find big cities like Newark, Cleveland and Cincinnati, as well as smaller towns like Millersburg. For nature lovers, Columbus is an easy drive from Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hocking Hill State Park.
What are the best scenic routes from Columbus, Ohio?
Uncover Ohio’s greatest secret as you walk the beautiful Hocking Hills Scenic Byway. This road trip promises more than just a change of scenery, it’s an escape from the mundane.
Hocking Hills Scenic Byway
Looking for Ohio’s most scenic highway? The Hocking Hills Scenic Byway is generally considered the most scenic drive from Columbus.
The intersection of State Route 374 and State Route 33 in Rockbridge provides access to the start of the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway. The 30-mile drive takes you through many of Ohio’s attractions, including canyons, rolling hills, meadows and charming small farms. This drive can be done all year round.
The Hocking Hills are known as one of the most beautiful day trips from Columbus, but there are plenty of other options.
cleveland
Cleveland is a bustling city on Lake Erie, just over a two-hour drive from Columbus.
This is where you can rock and roll in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or record jam sessions in the garage. The family-friendly Christmas Story House and West Side Market are a great way to end your itinerary.
Cincinnati
Just an hour and a half from Columbus, Cincinnati has a lot to offer, whether it’s sports, performing arts, culture or great food and drink.
Check out the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Cincinnati Art Museum, and Findlay Market. Baseball fans will love the Great American Ball He Park.
millersburg
Want to check out Amish country?
Millersburg is a quiet town, perfect for exploring Amish culture. Be sure to visit Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery, the Guggisberg Cheese Factory, and the Village Antique Emporium.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Why don’t you go outdoors and spend time in nature?
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a beautiful park less than two hours drive from Columbus. Hiking abounds, from groomed trails to adventurous treks. Be sure to check out the stunning Brandywine Falls. Kids love the Cuyahoga Gorge Scenic Railroad, but there are wine tasting train trips for adults too.
Looking for an even more spectacular day trip from Columbus? Wayne National Forest, Mohican State Park, Dayton, Newark, Yellow Springs or Hamilton may be your ticket.
Ohio seems to offer something for everyone, from scenic side streets that promise great views to amusement parks that will keep your teens engaged. We are excitedly rebuilding our Ohio to-do list and can’t wait to dive into the experiences that lie ahead.
Any suggestions for this list of the best day trips in Ohio? Let us know!
