7 Most Beautiful Cities In Ohio

Ohio’s cities are packed with recreational opportunities and punch way above their weight. You can tour glittering glass galleries in Cambridge, geek out at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, and ride roller coasters at Cedar Point in Sandusky, all in the same state.

This list is your shortcut to Ohio’s most lovable smaller stops. Think Salt Fork State Park and the Great Guernsey Trail when you need fresh air, and riverfront strolls along the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers in Marietta when you want postcard vibes. Add in all that the rest of these cities have to offer, and you’ve got an Ohio road trip that’s equal parts charming and seriously worth the detour.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a city in and county seat of Guernsey County in the Appalachian foothills in southeastern Ohio. The city has a population of about 10,000 and is well known as the center of glass making industry. The "S" shaped bridges are another popular fascination in the city dating back to their origins of the building of the National Road in 1828.

For those interested in this pretty town’s history, check out the National Museum of Cambridge Glass and the Mosser Glass Factory. In addition, the city’s iconic main street includes friendly restaurants, fun activities, and intriguing stores. There is always something to try out such as the city’s fun events like the Cambridge Main Street Farmers Market which is open from May through October. This is a great opportunity for people to relish in the locally grown produce and the Cambridge Classic Cruise-In Car Show event. For nature lovers, there is the closeby popular Salt Fork State Park or The Great Guernsey Trail.

Canton

The northeastern Ohio city of Canton is the county seat of Stark County and is the center of the metropolitan area that includes the cities of North Canton, Massillon, and the village of East Canton. The city has a population of about 70,500 and hosts an abundance of attractions, the most popular one being the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Among the many amazing things to do, and places to visit in this beautiful city, you can choose a combination of indoor and outdoor activities. There are art galleries and museums, live music, public art, theatre, concerts, festivals, wineries, distilleries, breweries, trails, parks, lakes, and much more. The city’s top attractions include McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, a library, and a museum in honor of US president William McKinley, Canton Palace Theatre, a historic movie place downtown, First Ladies National Historic Site, a well-preserved historic site dedicated to American first ladies, Gervasi Vineyard, and Downtown Canton Arts District area.

Marietta

Situated in southeastern Ohio, Marietta is a city in and the county seat of Washington County, located at the banks of two rivers, the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, opposite Williamstown city in West Virginia thus sharing its border with the state. With a population of about 13,500, the city is an iconic riverboat town with a rich history dating back to 1788. Famous for its European feel and small-town charm, the city’s beauty includes its majestic brick streets with Victorian houses, local restaurants, unique boutiques, and a historic yet lively downtown scene.

With a rich history, an amazing charm, and activities like Ales Festival, trails, and its rivers, it is no surprise that National Geographic has named this city as one of America’s Best Adventure Towns. The city’s popular attractions include the Campus Martius Museum, The Castle, The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption, the Ohio River Museum, the Marietta River Trail, and the Riverside Artists Gallery.

Oberlin

Located in northern Ohio, Oberlin lies about 35 miles southwest of Ohio’s significant city, Cleveland. Oberlin is a small city with a population of about 8,250, and this small yet vibrant city belongs to Lorain County. Best known for Oberlin College, a private liberal arts college founded in 1833, the college made history when it became the first American higher education institute to grant admission to black students as well as admit female students. The community is close-knit with a lively arts and culture scene, historic homes, an underground railroad, and monuments that enhance its attractiveness.

Voted by the Ohio Magazine in 2012 as being among the state’s best hometowns, this quintessential college town has some rich history along with its scenic beauty. Some of the city’s popular attractions tell beautiful stories of its history such as the Oberlin Heritage Center, the Monroe House, and the Allen Memorial Art Museum. Other amazing places to visit include the Weltzheimer-Johnson House Frank Lloyd Wright Building, a ranch-style house built in the 1940s, Tappan Square, a place amidst nature with wide open spaces amidst animals and nature, and the Little Red Schoolhouse, an 18th-century one-room schoolhouse.

Sandusky

Sandusky is a city and the county seat of Erie County in northern Ohio, situated along the Sandusky Bay on Lake Erie. With around 24,800 residents, it features stunning downtown architecture, lovely parks, and a rich history, including its involvement in the Underground Railroad. Known for its family-friendly attractions such as water parks, wildlife parks, and amusement parks, it earns the nickname "Best Coastal Small Town in America." The city is also called Ohio's Water Park Capital due to year-round indoor water parks like Cedar Point Amusement Park, famous for its roller coasters. Other notable attractions include Kalahari Waterparks, Castaway Bay Waterpark, the historic Sandusky State Theatre, and the Merry-Go-Round Museum, which displays restored wooden animals and features a working antique carousel. Ghostly Manor Thrill Center offers sports and adventure activities, while Shoreline Park and Lagoon Deer Park provide outdoor experiences. Firelands Winery offers fine wines, and the Maritime Museum showcases exhibits on shipwrecks, boatbuilding, and ice harvesting.

Tipp City

Tipp City is a city in Miami County, situated in west-central Ohio along the Miami River, approximately ten miles north of Dayton and 57 miles north of Cincinnati. With a population of around 10,000, it emphasizes local employment. Its historic downtown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features a lively mix of old craft stores, distinctive shops, beautiful parks, and cozy restaurants, making it a favorite for both tourists and locals. Visitors often enjoy touring the downtown area, which is a notable highlight of the city. Tipp City also hosts several local events, including the well-known Canal Music Fest in mid-June and the Tipp City Mum Festival, held annually since 1959 in late September. Major attractions include Charleston Falls Preserve, Honey Creek Preserve, Patriot Antique Shoppe, and the Tippecanoe Family Aquatic Center.

Waterville

Waterville, a city in Lucas County and a suburb of Toledo, is situated along the Maumee River near Lake Erie’s western edge and the Michigan border in northwest Ohio. Renowned for its rich history, charming small-town atmosphere, and local parks, shops, and businesses, the city offers a lot to visitors and residents alike. Although Europeans first settled there in the late 18th century, the town's origins date even further back.

With a population of around 6,000, Waterville is famous for its remarkable historic buildings that draw tourists and highlight its heritage. A key landmark is the 1828 Columbian House, which has served as an inn, restaurant, tavern, and trading post over the years. Additionally, the rocky outcrop called Roche de Boeuf along the Maumee River was once a meeting site for Native American councils, making it another notable spot. The Roche de Boeuf festival, held annually, is a beloved event. Other notable sites include parks such as Baer Park, Conrad Park, Memorial Park, and the historic Ohio Electric Railroad Bridge, also known as the Interurban Bridge.

Be it the stunning natural beauty and history of Cambridge, or the beautiful 1800s architecture of Marietta, to the picturesque Sandusky with its outdoor activities, and relaxation on the banks of the Maumee River at Waterville, these cities have endless fun and unique attractions. Whether visitors are looking to make the most of summer on the shores of the beautiful lakes, admire the historic buildings and museums, or just enjoy nature, these beautiful Ohio cities are waiting for you to explore.