11 Amazing Ohio Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive
In Ohio, the best kind of day starts with a full tank and a road-trip plan that ends somewhere exciting, like the coaster skyline of Sandusky, a ferny gorge in Cuyahoga Valley, or Lebanon’s brick Main Street and the storied Golden Lamb. Starting in Cleveland, you’re never far from a choose-your-own-adventure escape, big thrills at Cedar Point, a quick waterfall-and-woods reset, or a slow stroll past antiques, cafes, and history.
Ahead are the best day trips within roughly 30 minutes to two hours of a large city, national park waterfalls, top-tier museums, and even a ferry ride to the Lake Erie Islands. For each one, you’ll get the "do-this-first" highlights so you can make it feel like a full getaway without overplanning. Here are 11 amazing Ohio day trips that are worth a drive.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland)
A music lover’s retreat and a destination for the whole family, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is located in the heart of downtown Cleveland. The museum is dedicated to honoring artists, producers, and engineers who have made significant contributions to rock music, such as The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and Aretha Franklin. Through immersive exhibits and unique attractions like Tupac Shakur’s lyrics notebook, Johnny Cash’s guitar, and even Lady Gaga’s meat dress, this museum is sure to excite and engage. Open year-round, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame serves as an exciting day trip, whether you live in Cleveland or are making it part of a longer visit.
Cedar Point (Cleveland, 1 hour)
Cedar Point is only about an hour from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in Sandusky, and is the perfect day trip for families and thrill seekers. With over 60 rides, a water park, a beach, and hotels, Cedar Point makes for an easy getaway and welcomes upwards of 4 million visitors each year. From the moment you enter the park via the Cedar Point Causeway, you catch beautiful views of Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie through its scenic side entrance. Get in line to ride classic coasters like the Millennium Force, with its record-breaking 300-foot drop, or Top Thrill 2, with its dizzying backward launch and speeds of up to 120 miles per hour. To cool down and relax, stop by the beach or catch a show at one of the park’s many theaters. Open from May through early November, including its famous HalloWeekends throughout October, Cedar Point is definitely worth a spot on the calendar for 2026.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Cleveland, 30 minutes)
Just a half hour due south of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley National Park lies along the Cuyahoga River, offering an abundance of incredible outdoor attractions and recreation. Hike the Brandywine Gorge Trail to Brandywine Falls. The 1.5-mile hike takes you through a wooded area, across a footbridge, and past a second, smaller cascade as the stream makes its way through the gorge. Relax by Kendall Lake for a beautiful view and enjoy a paddle or a picnic by the water. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a perfect day trip to experience Ohio's natural wonders on the doorstep of one of its biggest cities. From hiking and biking to kayaking and fishing, there are activities for everyone that are absolutely worth the short, scenic drive.
Cleveland Museum of Art (Cleveland)
The Cleveland Museum of Art rivals some of the country's most renowned galleries and museums, with world-class exhibitions and collections on display, such as Monet’s Water Lilies, Caravaggio’s The Crucifixion of Saint Andrew, and Picasso’s Blue Period masterpiece La Vie. Must-sees include the Armor Court, the Egyptian art collection, and the high-tech ArtLens Wall in the atrium. The museum itself is a beautiful piece of architecture, surrounded by gardens and located near the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, yet another worthy day trip, and Case Western Reserve University. The Cleveland Museum of Art always offers free admission and is also home to Provenance, a modern restaurant and lounge showcasing cuisine that is both locally sourced and globally inspired, along with a prix-fixe menu designed to align with current museum exhibitions.
Hocking Hills State Park (Columbus, 1 hour)
Just about an hour south of Columbus, Hocking Hills State Park features over 2,300 acres of waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, and caverns. The reserve boasts more than 25 miles of hiking routes leading to the park's most famous natural landmark, Old Man’s Cave. The Grandma Gatewood Trail spans six miles and connects Old Man’s Cave with Cedar Falls and Ash Cave, and this route is also part of the Buckeye Trail system. Beyond the trails, Hocking Hills Winery offers local wines and live music on the weekends in nearby Logan, and Robbins Crossing Historic Village hosts programs and events throughout the year focused on Appalachian arts, crafts, and cultural traditions that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
The Golden Lamb (Cincinnati, 45 minutes)
In the heart of Warren County, lovely Lebanon has a historic downtown full of brick buildings, locally owned businesses, and easily walkable streets. The town is best known for The Golden Lamb Inn, the state’s oldest hotel and longest continuously operating business. Established in 1803, the current elegant brick structure dates back to 1815. Over the years, the inn has hosted notable guests, including 12 US presidents, Charles Dickens, Neil Armstrong, and Mark Twain, and it makes for an incredible attraction just under an hour from the Cincinnati Airport. The inn got its name from the sign hung outside the business, an image used because many early travelers could not read. Today, the Golden Lamb is a vibrant restaurant and boutique hotel infused with hospitality and history, with museum rooms showcasing its past and enduring legacy.
Kings Island (Cincinnati, 30 minutes)
Kings Island is another must-visit Ohio amusement park, located in Mason, just about 30 minutes north of Cincinnati. Opened in 1972, the 364-acre park is owned by Six Flags and features 15 roller coasters suited for every level of thrill seeking. Similar to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Kings Island also has a water park and live entertainment shows throughout the day, making it easy to take a break, grab a bite, and relax. The park is smaller and easier to navigate compared to Cedar Point, making Kings Island perfect for a day trip where you can experience everything in one go. Some of the top-rated rides include the wooden coasters Mystic Timbers and The Beast, the latter of which was the tallest, fastest, and longest of its kind in the world when it opened in 1979. If coasters aren’t really your thing, you can check out the iconic Eiffel Tower replica and ride to the top for a bird’s-eye view of the entire park.
Edgewater Beach (Cleveland)
Sitting on the shores of Lake Erie is one of the region’s most popular beaches, located just west of downtown Cleveland. Edgewater Beach is part of the incredible Cleveland Metroparks, a 25,000-acre park system featuring more than 325 miles of trails, nine golf courses, eight lakefront parks, and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, which is another day trip unto itself. Edgewater Beach is the perfect spot to relax and escape the heat of the concrete jungle in summer, or enjoy a walk along the scenic shoreline any time of year. There are also plenty of spots for a picnic or a game of beach volleyball. Grab a scoop of Honey Hut ice cream from the Eats and Treats concession stand while experiencing panoramic views of Cleveland's downtown skyline and Lake Erie, all without leaving the city.
Marietta (Columbus, 2 hours)
Marietta is Ohio’s oldest town and was founded in 1788 as the first permanent organized settlement in the Northwest Territory. Located along the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, the town is widely recognized for its historical significance, and its name honors Marie Antoinette in recognition of France’s support during the Revolutionary War. Downtown Marietta features brick-lined streets, Victorian architecture, and river views, and there are dozens of historical attractions to check out, including the Campus Martius Museum, set in a former civilian military defense fortification. Today, it serves to document the town’s early development via documents and artifacts, as well as tours of the two oldest buildings in Ohio, the Rufus Putnam House and the Ohio Company Land Office.
Glen Helen Natural Preserve (Cincinnati, 1 hour)
The Glen Helen Nature Preserve is located immediately east of Yellow Springs and is just over an hour's drive from Cincinnati. The preserve spans more than 1,000 acres, has approximately 20 miles of hiking trails, and is one of the largest private nature preserves in the region. Hikes like the Inman Trail and the Stepping Stones Trail are considered low-intensity, making the area's pristine natural backdrop accessible for any skill and experience level, and several waterfalls highlight the beauty found within the park, along with wildlife such as deer and a wide variety of birds, and historical attractions like Helen's Stone and the Grinnell Mill. The area also hosts a raptor center where you can observe non-releasable birds of prey up close.
Put-in-Bay (Cleveland, 2 hours)
Who knew a day trip from Cleveland could lead to an island getaway? Put-in-Bay on Lake Erie's South Bass Island is less than two hours from the city, and the island itself is just over three miles long and about one and a half miles wide, creating a compact setting with a wide range of attractions. Catch a ferry in the early morning and explore everything in a single day before returning to the mainland in the evening. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is a must, with incredible views from its 352-foot observation deck, commemorating those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie. Grab a bite along the waterfront at Mojito Bay or The Boardwalk in the warmer months, known for fresh perch, walleye, and lobster bisque, and enjoy popular gathering spots such as the Beer Barrel Saloon year-round or Heineman Winery for tours and tastings. Families can also visit Perry’s Cave for cave tours, mini golf, gem mining, a rock wall, and a butterfly house.
Ohio's Amazing Attractions
No matter where you are in Ohio, a day trip is waiting to be explored, with completely different landscapes and atmospheres across the state. There are world-class museums and amusement parks, historic towns with notable landmarks, and natural wonders galore. No matter which direction you drive, Ohio proves that a memorable day is a short drive away.
