Trip Ideas Weekend Getaways 14 Best Weekend Getaways in Ohio for Girls' Trips, Family Fun, and More See the best of the Buckeye State on one — or all — of these Ohio weekend getaways. By Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion Instagram Twitter Website Stephanie Vermillion is a travel journalist and photographer covering culture and adventure for Travel + Leisure Outside, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on November 25, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: pawel.gaul/Getty Images With charming small towns, impressive nature, and charismatic cities, Ohio’s full of can’t-miss weekend escapes. There’s heart-pumping action at world-renowned theme parks. There’s inventive fare — and an oft-overlooked winery scene — ready to treat those taste buds. Add the Buckeye State’s parks, lake access, history, and old haunts, and you’re sure to find a getaway just right for you and your travel crew. Amazon Has Launched Its Cyber Monday Sale a Day Early — Shop the 108 Best Deals Here are 14 of the best weekend getaways in Ohio to consider, from small towns to big cities — with all sorts of adventures in between. Related: 9 Amazing Trips to Take in the Midwest Yellow Springs Whether it’s a girls’ trip or a family getaway, Yellow Springs promises activities galore. The eclectic town, known for its hippie flair and funky vibes, brims with creative restaurants like Winds Café or Ellie’s, plus a host of stops to embrace the local nature. Bike some of the 80-mile Little Miami Scenic Trail or get your hike on through the forests of Glen Helen and John Bryan State Park. Airbnb options abound here; alternatively, try a bed and breakfast like the Arthur Morgan House. Cincinnati Posnov/Getty Images If food is your favorite part of travel, don’t miss a weekend in Cincinnati. Few neighborhoods symbolize the city’s increasing rise to culinary fame like Over-the-Rhine, better known as OTR. New haunts pop up here constantly; don’t miss Salazar, Senate, and The Eagle, to name a few. The bites and brews continue well throughout the Queen City, from Moerlein Lager House on the festive and stadium-dotted waterfront to timeless classic Eli’s BBQ, located east along the waterfront toward Ault Park. As for digs, try the 21c Museum Hotel, a trendy boutique accommodation in the heart of downtown. Hocking Hills Helen Cortez/EyeEm/Getty Images Gorges, waterfalls, and wineries: central Ohio’s Hocking Hills has all the essentials for a relaxing couple’s retreat, a family reunion, or a girls’ or guys’ weekend getaway. Nature in Hocking Hills State Park is the main attraction here; add Cantwell Cliffs, Old Man’s Cave, and Conkle’s Hollow to your Hocking Hills to-do list. When it’s time to refuel, hit the low-key but delicious Hocking Hills Winery (try the patio if weather allows). You have dozens of Airbnb options at your disposal; alternatively, book the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls to wake up in the heart of this verdant park. Cedar Point Ali Majdfar/Getty Images Whether you’re looking for a friends' getaway or a family escape, add world-renowned Cedar Point, a.k.a. the roller-coaster capital of America, to your list. Cedar Point sits on Lake Erie, with sky-high rides that overlook the water and a true beach-vacation vibe, particularly at the adjacent Hotel Breakers, which has a beach bar, volleyball, and water sport rentals. You’ll need at least a weekend to get through all of Cedar Point’s rides, from the soaring Millennium Force, which has one of the longest drops and fastest speeds in the world, to the adrenaline-pumping Valravn, a dive coaster that sees you hanging over a 90-degree precipice — before thundering straight over the edge. Cuyahoga Valley National Park Anna Gorin/Getty Images For outdoor enthusiasts, it doesn’t get much better than a trip to northeast Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This 33,000-acre forested escape, located 40 minutes south of Cleveland, features towering waterfalls, secluded hiking trails, and a white-steeple-marked main town — Peninsula — that looks like a postcard from New England. Stay the night at an Airbnb in Peninsula or the surrounding towns, or book a room at The Inn at Brandywine Falls. Add picturesque stops like Brandywine Falls and Ledges Overlook to your itinerary, and bike the Towpath Trail with rentals from Century Cycles. As for fare, nothing tops Sarah’s Vineyard, a winery within the national park proper — known for its homemade wines, woodfired pizza, and national park views. Geneva on the Lake For decades, the Lake Erie-adjacent Geneva on the Lake has welcomed travelers with an assortment of Ohio fun: wineries, boating, and beach access, to name a few. The destination attracts all sorts of travelers, but it’s particularly great for mom-and-daughter trips, family getaways, and couple outings. Book a room at The Lodge at Geneva on the Lake for direct access to the area’s top attractions. There’s a wine shuttle to local vineyards, bike rental, snowshoe rentals, and ziplining, plus onsite restaurants — although it may be hard to pull yourself away from the sips and flavors of Ohio’s wine country. Lake Erie Islands There’s a rule of thumb when traveling to the Lake Erie islands: If you’re looking to party, head to Put-in-Bay. If it’s nature and tranquility you seek, head to Kelleys Island. The former is perfect for bachelor or bachelorette weekends, with raucous festivities and pool parties at local haunts like Beer Barrel Saloon and MIST Pool Bar. Over on Kelleys Island, the second-largest Lake Erie island, couples and families can enjoy a bit more serenity, be it beachcombing, birding, or hiking the North Shore Loop. As for accommodations, try Kelleys Island Venture Resort — the island’s only luxury property. Airbnb provides ideal group accommodations for Put-in-Bay. Waynesville Craving a family or group trip? Head to Waynesville, a small Ohio town known for antiques galore and a top-notch theme park: King’s Island. This park, home to 100 rides, attractions, and shows, can be experienced in a full day. That leaves the rest of the Waynesville weekend for exploring antique shops like Brass Lantern or hiking dozens of trail miles at nearby Caesar Creek State Park. Airbnb offers a handful of quaint and charming Waynesville accommodations; for a more outdoorsy stay, try camping at Caesar Creek. Loveland Loveland, a small Cincinnati suburb, is about as charming as Ohio small towns get. Its historic architecture, vibrant main square, kid-friendly restaurants, and nature parks make it perfect for a family getaway. Start your morning on the Loveland Bike Trail, a rails-to-trails project that connects with another local bike trail: the Little Miami Scenic Trail. Then, check out the hand-crafted Loveland Castle, go rollerskating at Castle Skateland, or get back to nature at the Little Miami Conservancy. For a central hotel, try the trendy and boutique Loveland Lofts. Cleveland Mike Kline/Getty Images For a guys’ weekend, father-son escape, or a getaway for sports fans, head to Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie. The city offers numerous ways to enjoy professional sports: the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, the MLB’s Cleveland Guardians, and the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers. All stadiums and arenas are centrally located near downtown Cleveland, which means you can book a room at the Kimpton Schofield Hotel and walk or Uber to the venue du jour. While sports are the city’s bread and butter, don’t miss the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for a look at music legends, and enjoy the city’s ever-growing list of delicious restaurants, including Mabel’s BBQ, an offering from celebrity chef Michael Symon. Dayton StanRohrer/Getty Images Dayton offers one of the state’s best weekend getaways for history lovers. The mid-sized city features a variety of museums — think the National Museum of the US Air Force, Carillon Historical Park, and America's Packard Museum. But it’s more than just history. A raved-about brewery and food scene in the Oregon District, plus the bustling Second Street Market, promise a well-rounded weekend getaway — complete with a stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites, adjacent to downtown’s waterfront attraction: Riverscape MetroPark. Columbus Sean Reid/Getty Images If you’re an art enthusiast, head to Columbus for a creative weekend escape. This central Ohio city is known for its robust creative scene — take the jam-packed Columbus Museum of Art as proof. Other unique art experiences include Otherworld, a 32,000-square-foot underground art installation, the Wexner Center for the Arts, and Ohio Theater, a culture hub located in a 1920s venue. For a unique overnight, stay at the quirky and upscale Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph, in Italian Village. Canton Football fans travel from all over to visit Canton’s Pro Football Hall of Fame, a museum with permanent and rotating exhibits celebrating beloved players and the history of the sport. The fun doesn’t end with football, though. Families can enjoy the Canton Museum of Art, go-kart racing at K1 Speed Canton, and the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum. The DoubleTree on Market Avenue is the most convenient place to stay for a weekend getaway in Canton; Airbnb has numerous apartment and rental house options, too. Mansfield Mansfield, located halfway between Columbus and Cleveland, is a great weekend escape for couples and families, with an array of unique experiences. First up, The Ohio State Reformatory, the filming site of “Shawshank Redemption.” You can tour the prison, participate in limited-time events, or join the spookiest of all options: a paranormal tour of the prison led by an expert guide. Other Mansfield offerings include the nonprofit Ohio Bird Sanctuary and the 150-acre Gorman Nature Center. When it comes to fare, don’t miss local winery The Blueberry Patch. As for hotels, book the Hampton Inn & Suites near the Gorman Nature Center to be close to the main attractions. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit