Known for its Amish country, where one of the top activities includes cow tipping, Ohio is so much more and stretches south to north from the Appalachian Mountains and the Ohio River to Lake Erie. Although dairy farming plays a very important role in the state, Ohio is also home to some of the most stunning destinations that visitors rave about. The state is comprised of nature, museums, galleries, and adventure parks and every city in the “Buckeye State” has something fun for everyone. If you are planning to explore the noteworthy cities of Ohio over the weekend, do check out this list for some of the best weekend trips in Ohio, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on August 29, 2025.
1. Dayton (from USD 94)
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.
Comfort Inn & Suites Dayton North
Address: 3661 Maxton Road
108.95 km (67.7 mi) from Sharon Woods
2. Toledo (from USD 62)
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.
Quality Inn Alexis Rd
Address: 445 E. Alexis Rd., North Towne, Toledo (OH), United States, 43612
185.08 km (115.0 mi) from Sharon Woods
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.
Quality Inn & Suites Cincinnati Downtown Area
Address: 800 W 8th street, Central Business District, Cincinnati (OH), United States, 45203
175.15 km (108.9 mi) from Sharon Woods
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Cleveland (from USD 169)
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.
Stone Gables Inn
Address: 3806 Franklin Boulevard
185.02 km (115.0 mi) from Sharon Woods
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.
Red Roof Inn Canton
Address: 5353 Inn Circle Court Northwest
153.37 km (95.3 mi) from Sharon Woods
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).
Best Western Plus Sandusky Hotel & Suites
Address: 6011 Milan Road
144.72 km (90.0 mi) from Sharon Woods
7. Logan (from USD 135)
Great breakfast selection, discounts at local restaurants, nearby dining options.
Excellent value for money, discounts at local restaurants.
Close proximity to Hocking Hills state park, walking distance to restaurants, easy access to attractions.
Fire pits, clean facilities, dog-friendly, modern decor.
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.
Sleep Inn Logan Ohio-Hocking Hills
Address: 12830 Grey Street, Building A
77.53 km (48.2 mi) from Sharon Woods
8. Dresden (from USD 161)
Delicious gourmet breakfast served beautifully, warm cobbler, and exceptional hospitality.
Reasonable rates for a charming B&B experience.
Located in a regular residential area, offering a comfortable and homey feel, though not close to restaurants or attractions.
Well-decorated rooms, private baths, fire pit with s'mores, and a lovely back porch.
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.
The Pines of Dresden
Address: 42 W. Dave Longaberger Avenue
80.41 km (50.0 mi) from Sharon Woods
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.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data