10 Best Weekend Trips In Ohio, USA - Updated 2024

1. Dayton (from USD 67)

A western Ohio city, Dayton is the birthplace of aviation. And since aviation-related sites are some of the largest attractions in the city, there are plenty of places to explore here that are deserving of your itinerary. Check out the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, but also Carillon Historical Park, Five Rivers Metro Park, the Dayton Opera, Dayton Art Institute, and the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, just some of the interesting, must-visit attractions in the city. Located 115 kilometers (72 miles) from Columbus, Dayton can be reached in less than 90 minutes.

2. Toledo (from USD 66)

Sitting on the western tip of Lake Erie, Toledo is home to several noteworthy attractions. These include the Toledo Museum of Art, which features a large collection of renaissance and modern work and the Glass Pavilion, which displays many pieces of glasswork. Nestled near the Maumee River is the Imagination Station, which is a science museum for the children, showcasing hands-on exhibits. With a distance of about 228 kilometers (142 miles), Toledo is drivable in 2 hours and 30 minutes from Columbus, Ohio.

3. Cincinnati (from USD 85)

Cincinnati is a perfect weekend destination away from Columbus, with a distance of about 170 kilometers (106 miles) and reachable in less than 2 hours. Situated on the Ohio River, Cincinnati exudes a strange yet interesting mix of BBQ traditions, American trades, wetlands, railroads, baseball, and the city’s deep-rooted history.

For architecture lovers, head to the Over-the-Rhine district for its 19th-century architecture, where the Findlay Market is also situated with its multiple craft and food vendors. Some of the other must-see attractions in the city include the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and Eden Park, among others.

4. Cleveland (from USD 127)

Reachable in 2 hours and 15 minutes from Columbus and with a distance of 230 kilometers (143 miles), Cleveland sits in Cuyahoga County in Ohio. Renowned as one of the largest cities in the country, Cleveland offers multiple attractions to its visitors. Some of them include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Museum of Contemporary Art, West Side Market, Cleveland Botanical Garden, the International Women Air and Space Museum, and more.

5. Canton (from USD 62)

A friendly city in Ohio, Canton is popular for its Pro Football Hall of Fame, which commemorates the players of the National Football League through its traveling and permanent exhibits. Canton city is surrounded by a plethora of activities and attractions to indulge in for the entire family. Some of the top landmarks include the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, William McKinley Tomb, the National First Ladies’ Library, Historic Zoar Village, and Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve.

Canton is located 205 kilometers (128 miles) away from the state capital, Columbus, and is reachable in 1 hour and 40 minutes when you drive.

6. Sandusky (from USD 85)

Sitting on the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio, Sandusky is a city renowned for its family attractions, including theme parks, amusement parks, and wildlife sanctuaries. In addition to this, the city also boasts stunning landscaped parks, museums, and historical buildings, which means there is tons to do on your getaway here.

Some of the attractions you can explore are Castaway Bay, Cedar Point, the Eleutheros Cooke House and Garden, and the Kalahari Water Park. Sandusky is situated 2 hours and 15 minutes away from Columbus with a distance of 185 kilometers (115 miles).

7. Logan (from USD 143)

If you are looking for a weekend destination not too far away and within the state of Ohio, Logan is your spot. A low-key, secluded city in Hocking County, Logan is 77 kilometers (48 miles) away from the capital city of Columbus and it is reachable in less than an hour. The renowned attractions from Logan include the Hocking Hills Winery, Lake Logan State Park, Hocking Hills Adventure Trek, and the Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum.

8. Dresden (from USD 148)

A perfect weekend getaway destination away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, Dresden is a quaint village in Ohio’s Muskingum County. Located within a close distance of just 104 kilometers (65 miles) from Ohio’s capital, Columbus, this destination can be reached in less than 90 minutes. With no more than 3,000 residents, this village offers the much-needed solitude one needs for a peaceful vacation.

Encompassed by waterways and rolling hills along the Muskingum River, Dresden is a prime example of what going back in time looks like. The World’s Largest Basket, George W. Adams House, and the Muskingum Recreational Trail are just some of the attractions one must visit on their trip to Dresden.

9. Columbus (from USD 54)

The state capital of Ohio, Columbus is a famous city for a lot of reasons. Firstly, for its universities and football schools, along with the top zoos in North America. Along with this, the city is also renowned for its municipal park system, which consists of over 15 parks.

There are other notable attractions here like the German Village, Easton Town Center, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Kelton House Museum & Garden. Situated 230 kilometers (143 miles) from the Cleveland, you can reach Columbus in 50 minutes.

10. Hocking Hills (from USD 541)

Hocking Hills is the perfect location to escape, disconnect, and recharge from chaotic life by immersing yourself in its nature. Situated in Ohio’s Hocking County, Hocking Hills is known for its state parks, outdoor recreation areas, and accommodation options.

Visitors on a getaway here can enjoy scenic routes, hiking trails, caves, swimming in the waterfalls, fishing, archery, and more. It is located just 20 minutes with a distance of 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Logan, Ohio.

Enjoy an amazing weekend trip near Ohio

Encompassed by beautiful towns, Ohio offers something for everyone. You will be able to explore its noteworthy cities, along with its hidden gems. And the best way to explore these cities is with a fun weekend trip.