Whether you are an urban explorer who thrives in city life or someone who enjoys the tranquility of nature, Ohio offers plenty of jaw-dropping natural beauty and small towns with great character. Whether you want to escape the pressures of everyday life by taking in spectacular views from above, or you are looking for something a bit cozier and quainter, there’s an ideal weekend getaway within reach in Ohio. Check out the best weekend getaways in Ohio for some inspiration.

1. Buzzing Downtown Columbus

Columbus is becoming ever more prosperous and well-known, partly because it is the largest city in Ohio and the state capital. The population is growing, and there are plenty of reasons to visit Columbus. You can begin by exploring Ohio’s fascinating and extensive history at the Ohio History Center.

The Center features interactive exhibits and artifacts that showcase various themes in Ohio’s history and culture, including transportation, women’s rights, commerce, and more. The Center also hosts rotating exhibits, so you can come back again and again and experience something new every time. Besides the Center are other places to visit in Downtown Columbus, including the Columbus Museum of Art, Ohio Statehouse, and the Wexner Center for the Arts.
You could also bike or jog along the Scioto Mile walking path along the riverfront. You can also relax on the benches and enjoy the sunset’s golden rays. If you love entertainment, head to the Nationwide Arena and experience popular concert tours. Huntington Park is nearby, where you can enjoy an evening ballgame and magnificent fireworks lighting up the skyline.

2. Cincinnati

The Cincinnati skyline offers a spectacular view of the city’s waterfront. Smale Riverfront Park offers the best weekend getaways in Ohio, especially if you are looking to glimpse the skyline from one of the many lookout points in the park. The park is also great for spending time outdoors, with plenty to do nearby, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and cycling.

There are several shops and restaurants within the park, and you can enjoy the views from the pavilion if you don’t want to walk. After exploring the park, head to the Cincinnati Museum Center to see some of Ohio’s most fascinating artifacts. That may include pieces from the Ishtar Gate and the Wright Brothers’ original aircraft. The museum also hosts regular exhibitions.
Cincinnati is famous for baseball, and you could explore the Great American Ballpark and enjoy a Cincinnati Reds game. Other museums you can check out in Cincinnati include National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, and the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education.
Foodies can tour Over the Rhine district and discover the local history while enjoying mouth-watering delicacies in the Cincinnati Food Tours.

3. Amish Country

Amish Country is a popular tourist destination in Ohio and a great place to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is a place that will remind you of the simple pleasures in life. The getaway orchestrates rewinding roads offering scenic drives.

You can explore the Amish lifestyle by visiting one of this area’s many shops, restaurants, and craft stores. You can also try your hand at horse-drawn carriage rides, go on a buggy ride, or take a tour to learn more about Amish culture. While here, visit the nearby towns, including Millersburg, Walnut Creek, Berlin, and Charm.
Make sure you explore Walnut Creek Cheese and enjoy incredible prices on the baking supplies and cheese blocks in Walnut Creek.

4. Put-in-bay

Suppose you want a more nature-based weekend getaway, head to Put-in-Bay, where you can explore the Lake Erie Islands. These islands are home to various wildlife, including birds, fish, and plants. There are plenty of places for fishing, as well as sandy beaches for sunbathing. While on the island, check out the Lake Erie Islands Historical Museum and learn more about the place. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants on the island and wineries.

You can also enjoy numerous exciting outdoor activities, such as kayaking, swimming, and boating. Dine at the open-air restaurants as you take in the good vibes. Visitors can also rent golf carts and bikes to explore the town. Make a stopover at Perry’s Victory and International Memorial.

5. Marietta Sternwheelers

If you are into history, you should visit the Marietta Riverwalk, among the best weekend getaways in Ohio. Here you can take a ride on the Sternwheeler riverboats. The riverboats are authentic vessels built in the early 1900s and used on the Ohio River. You can also view some of the original parts of the riverboats on display at the Ohio River Museum.

After riding the riverboat, you can head to the Campus Martius Museum to learn more about Ohio’s history, including the Civil War era when the riverwalk was in operation. If you wish to stay here longer, you can check in at the Lafayette Hotel, which features a steamboat theme with historic photos.
You could also check out the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, an annual festival happening the weekend after celebrating Labor Day.

6. Cleveland

Cleveland is known for its artistic landscape and a strong sense of community. It is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, so there is plenty to see and do. If you are into art, visit the Cleveland Museum of Art to see its permanent collection of art spanning thousands of years. While in Cleveland, you can also check out the award-winning Rotunda, designed by architect Frank Gehry.

If you have kids, visit the Children’s Museum to see exhibits and participate in activities designed for them. Cleveland has a fascinating Metroparks system where you can experience various outdoor activities such as rowing, bird watching, biking, or hiking. You could also take your kids to the Cleveland Zoo and let them interact with the animals.

7. Maumee Bay

If you are looking for a weekend getaway full of fun water activities, Maumee Bay is your ideal destination. The Maumee Bay State Park is home to a large inland lake, which is excellent for sailing, paddling a kayak, or even going on a fishing expedition. You can also sail on Lake Erie at one of the marinas on the bay.

If you visit with kids, check out the Seaquarium, where you can see marine life up close, like sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays. You can also take a tour of Lake Erie’s shipwrecks. The top outdoor activities to experience here include biking, hiking, and birding.
Plan your visit to Maumee Bay on the Biggest Week in American Birding to enjoy a variety of birds migrating.

8. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is great for nature lovers who want to escape it all. The park is home to forests, woodlands, and meadows full of native wildlife. You can go hiking and biking in the park, and scenic drives are perfect for road-tripping. There are various places to stay within the park, including rustic cabins, rustic shelters, and even yurts.

This national park offers visitors the best weekend getaways Ohio. If you visit in the fall, you can experience the beautiful changing leaves on several hiking trails. Visit the town of Peninsula and marvel at the shops with local artisans’ works and peaceful B&Bs hidden in solitude.
Take the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad to enjoy the park’s serenity via train. You could book a themed train excursion for a more candid and impressive itinerary.

9. New Plymouth Ravenwood Castle

New Plymouth is home to a stunning manor that is now a hotel and restaurant and a must-see for any architecture lover. The Ravenwood Castle is a breathtaking building modeled after a castle in Wales. You can tour the facility and see its ornate interiors and opulent architecture. It is among the most unique and magnificent romantic getaways in Ohio.

Stop by the Puke Ariki Museum to see various artifacts and learn about the country’s history. It is a place of excitement, wonder, discovery, and adventure.
The castle hides in the Hocking Hills, where you will also come across rustic gypsy wagons, themed cabins, and cottages.

10. Mohican

The Mohican State Park is great for immersing yourself in nature and exploring the outdoors. The park is home to a large river and a great place to go canoeing, fishing, and kayaking. You can also hike along the river to enjoy the panoramic views. There are several cabins and lodges that you can stay in within the park, including places that allow pets.

There are also a few museums to visit in the park, including the Mohican Historical Society, located in a historic log cabin. Make your way to the Mohican State Park, especially if you love the outdoors. There are numerous trails to hike or even bike around the park.
Look out for lush wildlife in the park, like the white-tailed deer, and enjoy bird-watching at the Mohican Fire Tower Overlook. Ensure you also check out the Clear Fork Gorge and the canoe capital, Loudonville. If you fancy camping, there are several campgrounds around the park to have an exciting weekend.

11. Granville

Granville offers among the best weekend getaways Ohio. It is a small town with lots of fun activities to offer visitors. Granville is a unique place to visit any time of year, but it is gorgeous in the spring and fall.

The town gives a New England feel and serenity. It is just 30 minutes from Columbus, meaning you can get everything you need easily from the big city. Take a walk in the Dennison University and grab a sandwich or ice cream around the city center.
You will discover historic bed and breakfasts in Granville, such as the Buxton Inn and Granville Inn. Granville is famous for its fresh flowers and landscaping, giving the town a panoramic appearance. Make sure you visit the Bryn Du Mansion, Robbins Hunter Museum, and Avery-Downer House.

12. Canton

Canton is widely known for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It is also close to Amish Country, a fun place to visit. However, the Pro football hall of fame is not the only attraction in Canton. There are numerous other fun and exciting things you can do here.

Visit the downtown area and enjoy the music and arts scene, where you will discover numerous art galleries and music venues. You could also check out historical sites such as William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum. It is where the 25th president of t America rests.
Take exclusive pictures at the Canton Classic Car Museum with over 40 classic and rare cars. If you want to check out the nearby Amish Country, there are plenty of Amish and Mennonite farms that you can visit. You could also drive a little further than Canton to experience astonishing rural scenery in Ohio.

13. Cedar Point

Cedar Point is one of the most popular amusement parks in the U.S. It offers the best weekend getaways Ohio for the whole family to spend a fun weekend, no matter the season. If you love adrenaline rush and thrills, this is the place to head to during the weekend.

Here you will come across 18 world-class roller coasters, live entertainment, a kid’s area, a water park, and parasailing activities at Cedar Point Beach. Cedar Point is just one hour from Cleveland, making it easily accessible. Spend time around Lighthouse Point in a cottage, RV, or cabin.
Other attractions around this area include Lagoon Deer Park, Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, and Merry-Go-Round Museum.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best weekend getaways Ohio should not be tricky, even though the state has lots of attractions. Visit any of these places and enjoy Ohio’s serenity, fun, and exciting environment. All these destinations will have something that will leave you yearning to discover more of Ohio and the quaint towns.

FAQs

Where can girls go for weekends in Ohio?

Girls looking for the ideal weekend getaway in Ohio can check out Hocking Hills state park or enjoy a tasty dinner at Kindred Spirits. They could also shop at various shopping outlets and malls in Columbus or spend an entire day at the executive spa resorts in Cincinnati.

Where should I go 2 hours from Cincinnati?

There are various places you can visit just two hours from Cincinnati. These may include Columbus, Indianapolis, Kentucky, Louisville, Churchill Downs, German Village, Late Night Slice, and Richmond.

What are the winter weekend getaways near Ohio?

If you love exploring during winter, these are the destinations near Ohio. They include Hocking Hills State Park, Murphin Ridge Inn, Maumee Bay State Park, and Cuyahoga National Park.