16 Best Places to Visit in Ohio

Are you searching for the best places to visit in Ohio?

As a native Ohioan, I know there are many great things to do in Ohio.

Then, you have come to the right place! In this article, we have shared some of the best Ohio attractions that you cannot miss out on.

Ohio is an amazing state that offers different experiences to visitors. From cosmopolitan cities to natural retreats, you will find all kinds of places to visit in Ohio.

There is no shortage of things to do here. You can explore the many national parks, visit the summer towns, enjoy a day at a waterpark, or simply soak up the scenic views of the countryside.

It is no surprise that there are a lot of fun places to go in OH.

So, if you are planning a trip to the state of Ohio soon and are planning where to go, then don’t worry. Check out our list of the best places to visit in Ohio and plan an epic trip here!

16 Best Places to Visit in Ohio

Hocking Hills Is One Of The Most Popular Ohio Attractions

Hocking Hills is one of the top travel destinations in Ohio for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Here, visitors can explore the forests, take a dip in the gorgeous waterfalls, and enjoy the views from the rugged cliffs and gorges.

One of the top places in Ohio for camping, you can bring a tent or an RV to spend a few days surrounded by nature.

You can go on adventurous hikes in Hocking Hills, explore the caves, or reach the bottom of the falls.

There are just so many fun things to do in Hocking Hills. Ash Caves, Old Man’s Caves, Cantwell Cliffs, etc. are a few popular attractions here.

Basically, if you love nature, then one of the best places to visit in Ohio is Hocking Hills.

Where to stay in Hocking Hills: Hummingbird Holler

Geneva-On-The-Lake

One of the best vacation spots in Ohio, Geneva-On-the-Lake is a village that is located on the shores of Lake Erie.

You can easily visit this small village during an Ohio weekend getaway and indulge in fun activities here.

This tiny town boasts a vibrant nightlife and many good eatery options. This is why it is one of the top places to visit in OH for tourists.

There are many hiking opportunities available here and several places where you can go for a nice swim too.

If you wish to be transported back in time, then check out ‘The Strip’ – a retro attraction in Ohio from the 1950s.

Trust me, Geneva-On-the-Lake is one of the top places to visit in Ohio, especially if you love retro places.

If you visit here, check out the coolest breweries in Ohio!

Where to stay when visiting Geneva-on-the-Lake: Cove Cottage

Columbus

Of course, when you are looking for places to go in Ohio, you cannot miss out on visiting the capital city of Ohio – Columbus.

This beautiful city offers lots of fun things to do, both cultural and nature-related.

You can admire art at the Museum of Art, watch an opera or ballet at the theatre, or take a tour of the historic buildings around here.

Sports fans will love watching the football and ice hockey games here too.

Also, there are many attractions for outdoor enthusiasts to explore here as well.

If you are planning to travel in Ohio, then trust me, you should consider spending a few days in Columbus Ohio. This is one of the top places to visit in Ohio that you cannot miss out on.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Located between Akron and Cleveland is one of the top attractions in Ohio – Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This historical park is one of the best places to visit in Ohio for hiking and biking enthusiasts.

If you visit this park, then don’t forget to ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. This is a great way to enjoy the panoramic views of the park and learn the history of the area.

That’s not all. The park is also home to over 100 waterfalls which can be easily reached through a hike. Blue Hen Falls, Brandywine Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, etc. are a few of the top Ohio tourist attractions!

With so many scenic attractions and exciting activities, it is undoubtedly one of the best vacation spots in Ohio.

Located in northeast Ohio, this is one of the best places to visit near Canton.

Brandywine Gorge Trail

Are you overwhelmed when planning what to do in Ohio? Well, if you love outdoor adventures, then you can always enjoy hiking in Ohio.

Brandywine Gorge Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ohio.

This is one of the top Ohio attractions because this trail leads you to a 65-foot tall waterfall named Brandywine Falls. This is a powerful cascading waterfall that falls into a beautiful water pool.

On this hike, you will come across a variety of spectacular flora. Plus, if you visit Ohio in autumn, the fall colors around the park will definitely dazzle you.

One Of The Best Places To Visit In Ohio Is Youngstown

Youngstown is one of the best Ohio vacation spots and where I was born and raised. So pardon me for being a bit biased!

It is no longer famous for just its steel industry.

This vibrant Midwest city offers lots of cultural and historical attractions for visitors to explore. You can learn the history of the steel industry, admire the Community Alley, or marvel at the art and architecture here.

That’s not all, there are many fun and adventurous things to do in Youngstown too. You can visit attractions at Mill Creek Park, pay respect at the 9/11 Memorial Park, or enjoy a picnic in the gardens here.

If you are looking for a culturally rich town to visit, then Youngstown is one of the best places to visit in Ohio.

Cedar Point

Cedar Point is one of the top amusement parks to visit in the Midwest and why Ohio is known as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World.

So, if you are looking for fun places to visit in Ohio, this park tops the list. Located on the Lake Erie peninsula, this park is 365-acres and features 18 amazing roller coaster rides.

If that’s not enough, visitors can also enjoy the 18-acre waterpark with slides, cabana, shallow pools, and more.

This Ohio tourist attraction can easily take two days to visit but, don’t worry. There are many resort hotels to stay comfortably near this amusement park.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

One of the coolest attractions in Ohio, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is one of the best places to visit in Ohio for music lovers.

This museum has a cool building design so don’t forget to take the photos from the outside. Inside the museum, you can learn the history of rock and roll.

You can check out the exhibits and memorabilia of a few rock and roll legends such as Prince, Pink Floyd, Elvis Presley, and more.

One of the best things to do in Cleveland is to attend a music concert or event here.

If you are lucky, you might meet some famous musicians and can take their autographs too!

And don’t forget to try some of the best restaurants in Cleveland!

Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek

One of the best things to do in Ohio is to explore the gorgeous waterfalls in Ohio. There are many amazing waterfalls to visit, one of them being the Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek.

This waterfall is located near Cleveland and is a national natural landmark. It is formed by Tinker’s Creek and features a 15-foot drop and 80 feet width.

Although the falls look absolutely gorgeous, it is not advised to swim here, especially after rainfall or snowmelt.

Visitors will also notice the remnants of a few buildings and bridges over Tinker’s Creek Gorge here. You can pack up a picnic and hike to this waterfall to spend a couple of hours here.

Since it is away from the city, this waterfall is one of the best places to visit in Ohio for nature lovers.

Amish Country

Bored of the city life? Then, drive through the Amish Country in Ohio and spend some time there.

One of the best vacation spots in Ohio, Amish Country is where you will find a simple lifestyle. As Amish buggies pass by on the roads, farmers are busy at work in their fields.

This is one of the top travel destinations in Ohio to buy homemade products from the local communities.

From locally made ice cream to household goods, you will find it all here.

Where to Stay: Romantic Stone Cottage in Amish Country

Loveland Castle Is One Of The Unique Places To Visit In Ohio

Have you always wanted to visit a European castle? Well, then one of the more unique places to visit in Ohio is Loveland Castle.

This historic castle in Ohio was built by Harry Delos Andrews and features English, French, and German architecture. You will find a moat, domed and hand-tiled ceilings, and possibly friendly ghosts here too.

If you are a history enthusiast, then this is definitely one of the best places in Ohio to explore. You can stroll around the garden, learn about the castle and the medieval weapons used here, or can simply enjoy a picnic.

This is one of the top historical attractions in Ohio to visit.

Ohio Caverns Is One Of The Hidden Gems In Ohio To Visit

Ohio Caverns are the coolest Ohio attractions and a must-visit here.

These underground tunnels were discovered between 1897 and 1025 and have become a popular day-trip spot in Ohio.

Known as America’s Most Colorful Caverns, these caverns are a great tourist attraction in Ohio. Visitors can explore these caverns and can take different types of tours to learn more about them.

If you love caves or unique attractions, then Ohio Caverns are one of the best places to visit in Ohio.

American Sign Museum Is One Of The Cool Places To Go In Ohio

If you are looking for cool places to visit in Ohio, then you cannot go wrong with American Sign Museum in Cincinnati.

It is one of the most popular things to do in Cincinnati. This museum is filled with vintage and colorful signs.

You will find all kinds of historic American signs here including decorative signs, advertisement signs, and more.

What’s even cooler about this Ohio attraction is that there is a workshop inside where the neon artists work.

They will teach you the history of these neon signs and how to make them.

Honestly, this is one of the most offbeat Ohio tourist attractions that you cannot skip.

Windsor Mills Covered Bridge

Looking for offbeat places to travel to in Ohio? Well, then you cannot get any more unique than Windsor Mills Covered Bridge in small-town Windsor, Ohio.

It is one of the most beautiful and colorful covered bridges in Ohio but can be a little difficult to locate. This covered bridge spans Philips Creek and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Originally built in 1867, this bridge was recently renovated and is still used for driving.

If you are bored of the touristy attractions in Ohio, then this covered bridge is one of the top places to visit in Ohio.

Perry’s Victory & International Peach Memorial Is A Top Travel Destination In Ohio

Built in 1935, Perry’s Victory & International Peach Memorial is a popular travel destination in Ohio.

It is also one of the best things to do in Put-In-Bay.

This column towers at a height of 352 feet and represents everlasting peace and friendship between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

It is one of the tallest monuments in the country and one can climb to the observation deck to enjoy the views here. If you are lucky, then you might see as far as Canada too.

Lots of events are hosted at the grounds of this column so, you can check the schedule for something interesting. If you are interested in historical places, then this is one of the best places to visit in Ohio.

Pioneer Waterland & Dry Fun Park In Chardon Is One Of The Most Fun Places To Visit In Ohio

One of the top Ohio tourist attractions and waterparks in Ohio, Pioneer Waterland & Dry Fun Park has something for every age.

In the waterpark, visitors can enjoy the thrilling waterslides while kids will love the animal-themed slides. Apart from the slides, you also have water games and obstacle courses to enjoy here.

The kids’ land features lots of fun rides, a playhouse, etc. while the Sportsland features basketball, mini-golf, water cannons, and more.

So, if you are looking for fun places to visit in Ohio with your family or friends, this is the best place to go.

Packing List For Visiting The Best Places In Ohio

If you are looking for packing advice when visiting Ohio attractions, here is how to pack light in a carry-on!

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when visiting places in Ohio. It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.

This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery. This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!

I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies during Indiana camping.

You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.

When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.

You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. then this foldable water-resistant backpack would be great

It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

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As you can see, my home state of Ohio has many cool places and hidden gems to visit.

there are so many fun things to do in Akron, so do not miss visiting this city! and foodies will enjoy all the mouth-watering restaurants in Akron OH as well.

I certainly hope I have inspired you to seek out some of the best places in Ohio to visit and explore!