Ohio seriously surprised me in the best way possible. Standing at the edge of Hocking Hills’ Ash Cave, watching that massive 90-foot waterfall pour into the sandstone amphitheater, I couldn’t believe I was still in the Midwest. The way the morning mist floats through those hemlock forests feels almost magical.
These are the most beautiful places in Ohio that completely blew my expectations away. From the wild rock formations at Old Man’s Cave (where water has carved out the most incredible natural bridges) to the endless wildflower meadows at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, this state packs way more natural beauty than anyone gives it credit for. Here are 12 spots that proved to me Ohio is anything but boring.
Best Places to Visit in Ohio
Looking for the coolest things to do in Ohio? Hike the scenic trails of Hocking Hills State Park, explore the natural beauty of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and relax by the Lake Erie Islands. Discover the vibrant city life and attractions in Cincinnati. Whether you’re interested in nature, adventure, or city exploration, here are the top attractions to visit in Ohio.
1. Hocking Hills State Park
- 📍 Location: Southeastern Ohio, about 1 hour southeast of Columbus
- 🏆 Best For: Waterfall chasers 💦, hikers 🥾, nature photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Old Man’s Cave, hiking to Ash Cave, swimming at Cedar Falls
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-June for lush greenery, October for spectacular fall colors 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hocking Hills Cabins – Cozy accommodations nestled among the hemlock forests
Need an escape that feels like stepping into a fantasy novel? Hocking Hills offers dramatic sandstone cliffs and mystical waterfalls just an hour from Columbus. The crown jewel, Old Man’s Cave, features mesmerizing rock formations carved by millennia of flowing water. Nearby, Ash Cave boasts Ohio’s largest recess cave with a stunning seasonal waterfall.
For the perfect day, I recommend tackling the six-mile Grandma Gatewood Trail connecting the park’s highlights. Don’t miss the less-crowded Rock House, the only true cave in the park with fascinating “stone rooms.” After sunset, the park transforms into a stargazer’s dream with designated dark sky areas perfect for spotting the Milky Way far from city lights.
2. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- 📍 Location: Northern Ohio, between Cleveland and Akron
- 🏆 Best For: Train enthusiasts 🚂, cyclists 🚴♀️, history buffs 🏛️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, cycling the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, photographing Brandywine Falls
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-May for spring blooms, September-October for stunning fall colors 🍁
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Inn at Brandywine Falls – Historic bed and breakfast overlooking the waterfall
From polluted river to natural sanctuary, Cuyahoga Valley offers the ultimate redemption story just minutes from Cleveland. Unlike typical national parks, this 33,000-acre gem blends natural wonders with rich cultural landscapes showcasing America’s industrial past.
Hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for the signature park experience. Active travelers should hit the 20-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail for an easy ride through forests and historic villages. The 65-foot Brandywine Falls has dramatic views via a short boardwalk trail. Winter transforms the Kendall Lake area into a playground for sledding and cross-country skiing when snow blankets the valley.
3. Lake Erie Islands
- 📍 Location: Northern Ohio, offshore from Sandusky in Lake Erie
- 🏆 Best For: Island hoppers 🏝️, boaters ⛵, wine enthusiasts 🍷
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Put-in-Bay, climbing Perry’s Victory Monument, visiting Kelleys Island Glacial Grooves
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-August for warm lake waters and vibrant island atmosphere 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Put-in-Bay Resort & Conference Center – Waterfront accommodation with island views and pool
Craving a Caribbean vibe without leaving the Midwest? Lake Erie Islands has an unexpected island getaway that feels worlds away from mainland Ohio. Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island serves as the region’s lively heart with charming downtown bars and restaurants.
History comes alive at the 352-foot Perry’s Victory Monument with panoramic views from its observation deck. For a quieter experience, ferry to Kelleys Island to marvel at the massive Glacial Grooves – enormous scratches in limestone bedrock created by Ice Age glaciers. Wine lovers shouldn’t miss the island vineyards producing excellent varieties in this unique microclimate. You’ll find beaches, kayaking, and cave exploration all packed into these compact Great Lakes gems.
4. Cincinnati
- 📍 Location: Southwestern Ohio, along the Ohio River
- 🏆 Best For: Food enthusiasts 🍽️, sports fans ⚾, architecture admirers 🏛️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Wandering Over-the-Rhine district, visiting the Cincinnati Zoo, catching a Reds baseball game
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-May for perfect weather and blooming parks, September-October for festivals 🎭
- 🏨 Where to Stay: 21c Museum Hotel – Boutique lodging with contemporary art gallery in historic downtown
Beer, baseball, and surprising beauty await in Cincinnati, where German heritage meets riverboat history on the banks of the Ohio. The revitalized Over-the-Rhine district stands as one of America’s largest intact historic neighborhoods, packed with craft breweries and the spectacular Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest public market.
Animal enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Cincinnati Zoo, the second-oldest zoo in America and home to famous Fiona the hippo. Catch a Reds game at Great American Ball Park with stunning river views. When I visited, the panoramic city vista from Carew Tower took my breath away. For something quirky, explore the neon wonderland at the American Sign Museum – a photographer’s paradise of vintage Americana.
5. Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
- 📍 Location: Northern Ohio, on Lake Erie’s Marblehead Peninsula
- 🏆 Best For: Maritime history buffs 🚢, photographers 📸, sunset chasers 🌅
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing the lighthouse, exploring the keeper’s house museum, watching freighters on Lake Erie
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September for pleasant weather and full access to the lighthouse 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Lakeside Chautauqua – Historic community with cottages and lakefront accommodations nearby
Instagram-worthy doesn’t begin to describe Marblehead Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. This gleaming white tower against blue waters has created Ohio’s most iconic backdrop since 1822.
For $5, climb 77 spiral steps to the top for spectacular 360-degree views of Lake Erie and nearby islands. The adjacent Keeper’s House Museum offers fascinating insights into lighthouse life through artifacts and photographs. The compact park provides perfect sunset picnic spots when sky and water transform into a canvas of oranges and pinks. Combine your visit with nearby East Harbor State Park beaches or the shops in quaint Marblehead village. Summer weekends deserve a side trip to Lakeside Chautauqua, a charming community minutes away with cultural programs.
6. Cleveland
- 📍 Location: Northern Ohio, on the shores of Lake Erie
- 🏆 Best For: Music lovers 🎸, art enthusiasts 🎨, foodies 🍽️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, wandering through West Side Market, admiring art at the Cleveland Museum of Art
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-September for lakefront activities and outdoor events 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Kimpton Schofield Hotel – Stylish accommodations in a historic building downtown
Forget what you’ve heard – Cleveland rocks harder than you’d expect with world-class culture, revitalized neighborhoods, and a food scene that has culinary travelers taking serious notice. The striking glass pyramid of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame houses treasures from music history, from handwritten lyrics to iconic instruments.
Art lovers can spend hours at the Cleveland Museum of Art with over 61,000 works spanning 6,000 years, completely free. Foodies must visit the historic West Side Market, a 1912 indoor marketplace with over 100 vendors under a soaring brick archway. I couldn’t believe the diversity of neighborhoods from trendy Ohio City to the artsy Gordon Square with its art deco Capitol Theatre. When weather permits, hit the revitalized North Coast Harbor for lakefront activities.
7. The Wilds
- 📍 Location: Cumberland, Ohio, about 85 miles east of Columbus
- 🏆 Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts 🦒, safari adventurers 🧭, conservation supporters 🌿
- 📸 Top Experiences: Taking an Open-Air Safari Tour, ziplining over animal habitats, staying overnight in a Yurt or Lodge
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May through October, with summer offering fullest vegetation and most active animals 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Lodge at The Wilds – Luxury lodge overlooking pastures of exotic animals
Imagine sipping morning coffee while giraffes graze outside your window—this isn’t Africa; it’s Ohio! The Wilds transforms 10,000 acres of former mining land into a safari paradise where endangered rhinos and cheetahs roam free. The signature Open-Air Safari Tour brings you remarkably close to these magnificent creatures. For an unforgettable rush, I couldn’t believe the views from the Zipline Safari as I soared above grazing animals.
Serious photographers should book the Wildside Tour in open 4×4 vehicles for incredible close-ups. Make it an overnight adventure in the Nomad Ridge Yurts or splurge on The Lodge. This conservation success story protects vulnerable species while giving visitors an experience that rivals international safaris—without the passport.
8. Columbus
- 📍 Location: Central Ohio, at the confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers
- 🏆 Best For: Food lovers 🍽️, art enthusiasts 🎨, family adventures 👨👩👧👦
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the Short North Arts District, visiting the world-class zoo, sampling local food markets
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for ideal temperatures and vibrant seasonal festivals 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel LeVeque – Stylish art deco hotel in a historic downtown tower
Forget what you think you know about Midwest cities—Columbus pulses with creative energy that rivals coastal hotspots. The Short North Arts District buzzes with galleries, boutiques, and street murals that make perfect Instagram backdrops. Food-wise, North Market houses dozens of independent vendors serving everything from artisanal cheeses to Vietnamese street food. When I visited, the spicy chicken from Hot Chicken Takeover was life-changing.
Families love the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, once directed by celebrity zoologist Jack Hanna. The city embraces outdoor space with the sprawling Scioto Mile riverfront park. Sports fans should experience the electric atmosphere of Ohio Stadium during a Buckeyes game. For evening entertainment, the vibrant Brewery District offers craft beer and live music in historic buildings.
9. Dayton
- 📍 Location: Western Ohio, situated in the Miami Valley at the confluence of the Great Miami, Stillwater, and Mad rivers
- 🏆 Best For: Aviation history buffs ✈️, inventors 💡, outdoor recreation enthusiasts 🚴♂️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the National Museum of the USAF, exploring the Wright Brothers’ story, paddling the river systems
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for comfortable temperatures and outdoor activities 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Dayton – Convenient location near major attractions
Ready to walk through the actual Air Force One where JFK’s body returned from Dallas? Dayton‘s aviation legacy soars beyond expectations. The massive National Museum of the United States Air Force houses everything from early Wright flyers to space shuttles—and yes, presidential aircraft you can enter. My jaw dropped at the sheer size of the collection spanning four enormous hangars. Aviation enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Wright Brothers National Museum featuring the original 1905 Wright Flyer III.
Beyond flight, Dayton surprises with outdoor adventures along its extensive Great Miami Riverway trail system. The Five Rivers MetroParks offer kayaking, mountain biking, and climbing. After exploring, grab craft beers at Warped Wing Brewing Company in a historic industrial space downtown.
10. Mohican State Park
- 📍 Location: North-central Ohio, about 80 miles northeast of Columbus
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌲, outdoor adventurers 🚣♀️, tranquility seekers 🧘♂️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to the fire tower, canoeing the Mohican River, camping under towering hemlocks
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: September-October for spectacular fall colors when the forest transforms 🍁
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Mohican Lodge and Conference Center – Rustic-chic lodge with beautiful forest views
Need a digital detox that doesn’t sacrifice comfort? Mohican State Park has pristine wilderness spanning 5,000 acres of hemlock forests and dramatic ravines. The park’s must-do experience is hiking to the Mohican Fire Tower, a 90-foot lookout with panoramic views that made me feel tiny amid the endless canopy. Nearby, Clear Fork Gorge cuts 300 feet deep through the landscape with stunning rim trails.
Water enthusiasts flock to the gentle Mohican River for kayaking past sandstone cliffs. For unique accommodations, book one of the park’s cabins or splurge on the incredible Treehouse Resort for an elevated forest experience. Photographers, don’t miss the Covered Bridge at dawn when mist rises from the river. This outdoor playground offers adventure by day and stargazing by night.
11. Amish Country
- 📍 Location: Northeast Ohio, centered around Holmes County, about 90 minutes south of Cleveland
- 🏆 Best For: Cultural explorers 🧺, foodies 🥧, handcrafted goods collectors 🪑
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching Amish craftsmen at work, sampling authentic cuisine, taking a scenic backroads drive
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring for farms in bloom, September-October for harvest activities and fall colors 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Inn at Honey Run – Secluded boutique hotel featuring unique “Earth Suites” built into hillsides
Step into a place where smartphones disappear and horse-drawn buggies outnumber cars. Ohio’s Amish Country offers a fascinating glimpse into simpler living amid rolling hills and immaculate farms. Begin in the village of Berlin, where shops sell handcrafted furniture, quilts, and foods made using centuries-old techniques. I’ve never tasted pie like the ones from Der Dutchman—flaky crusts filled with seasonal fruits picked that morning. Don’t miss Lehman’s Hardware, a sprawling store selling non-electric tools since 1955.
For immersive experiences, visit Yoder’s Amish Home to tour authentic houses and farms. Sample homemade cheese at Heini’s Cheese Chalet and take the scenic Amish Country Byway past whitewashed farmhouses. The Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center provides cultural context through remarkable exhibits.
12. Toledo
- 📍 Location: Northwest Ohio, situated at the western end of Lake Erie
- 🏆 Best For: Art glass collectors 🏺, maritime history enthusiasts ⚓, family outings 👪
- 📸 Top Experiences: Admiring masterpieces at the Toledo Museum of Art, exploring the National Museum of the Great Lakes, walking through the Toledo Zoo
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-September for pleasant temperatures and Lake Erie activities 🌊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel – Sleek property with riverfront views
Ever wanted to stand inches from masterpieces by Picasso while touring one of America’s most underrated cities? Toledo, nicknamed the “Glass City,” offers surprising cultural richness alongside lakefront charm. The world-class Toledo Museum of Art houses an astonishing collection of masterpieces and one of the finest glass collections worldwide in its striking Glass Pavilion. The city’s Lake Erie location shapes its identity, best explored at the immersive National Museum of the Great Lakes, where you can board the massive SS Col. James M. Schoonmaker freighter.
Families love the nationally-ranked Toledo Zoo & Aquarium with its 9,000 animals. I still dream about the Hungarian hot dogs at Tony Packo’s Cafe, made famous by MAS*H. Nature enthusiasts should visit Magee Marsh Wildlife Area during migration seasons for world-class birdwatching.
