Best Weekend Getaways in Ohio You Haven’t Tried Yet

Planning the best weekend getaways in Ohio? Let's be honest, Ohio doesn't always top the US travel lists. It's an undiscovered gem, but perhaps this quiet reputation is part of Ohio's magic. Within the state's borders, tourists can find epic national parks, world-class roller coasters, and the Great Lakes coastline. Beyond this lineup, there are also small, charming towns that offer both woodland settings and peaceful shorelines. More often than not, there is a rich culinary scene and thriving brewery wherever you go. All without the crushing crowds. So, maybe it's time for you to escape from your routine and discover the best of the Buckeye State this weekend. Plan Your Perfect Weekend Getaways in Ohio In 2025 Thinking about a weekend getaway in Ohio? The Buckeye State serves up a diverse menu of experiences. We're talking huge national parks for outdoor adventurers, fun college towns, and beautiful Lake Erie coastlines for some R&R. Let’s check them out! Hocking Hills State Park Hocking Hills is a paradise for nature lovers. Photo By Wirestock Creators On Adobe Stock Calling this park just "Hills" feels like an understatement. Hocking Hills State Park is a diverse geological region, with caves, waterfalls and towering Black Hand sandstone cliffs. All of these features make Hocking Hills ripe for outdoor adventure. If you ever feel the urge to climb, you'll get the real-deal sandstone cliffs that shoot way up above the tree canopy. The famous Old Man's Cave is also a must-stop, which is shaped like a horseshoe with dazzling waterfalls flowing into a crystal-blue pool. In fact, it’s named after Richard Rowe, a hermit who made it his home in the 18th century. Next up, check out the five-mile Whispering Cave loop trail. This cave is where the acoustics are so unique that a whisper can be heard from a distance of 300 feet across. But not every adventure is fast-paced. The gentle currents of the Hocking River, rushing through lush woodlands, make it perfect for leisurely kayaking and canoeing. When night falls, you can also chill out at John Glenn Astronomy Park (only one mile west of Old Man’s Cave) and get some incredible views of the Milky Way galaxy. For a special night out, you have to check out Kindred Spirits restaurant at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls. They're serving up Italian-inspired dishes inside old log cabins from way back in the 1840s. Where to stay? Back to nature by camping out in a tent or RV at the Hocking Hills State Park Campground. Hocking Hills Tiny Houses or the Chalets are also cool options if your crew is searching for something a bit more comfy. Cuyahoga Valley National Park The breathtaking Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Photo By shrirampatki On Adobe Stock To many people's surprise, there is actually a full-blown national park just hanging out between Cleveland and Akron. There’s a lot happening during warmer months inside this area. You can find up to 100 waterfalls scattered throughout the park. But if you don’t have time, make sure to see the two most popular, Brandywine and Bridal Veil Falls, both of which are easy to access by the boardwalk. Alternatively, hop on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which will take you on a 26-mile ride through the park's woods alongside the Cuyahoga River. Summer is when Cuyahoga Valley gets super busy with everyone out kayaking on the river. The season also has some unexpected events, such as concerts or wine-tasting at working vineyards if you're in luck. Winter brings plenty of snow to Cuyahoga Valley, making it perfect for sledging, skiing, and snowshoeing. Don't forget to pack extra layers in your suitcases, because it often freezes there. Amish in Holmes County The simple pleasure of freshly baked pies and horse-drawn buggies in Amish Country. Photo By Isaac On Adobe Stock You can find the Amish Country, home to one of the largest Amish communities in the world, midway between Columbus and Cleveland. In this rural county, there’s a different sort of life. More buggies than cars on some of the roads, and people are living at a slower pace. No electricity or phones, which means it’s an ideal destination for disconnecting from the world (for a while, of course). You’d better hit up the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center, Berlin to see accessible exhibits that explain the village's heritage. If that’s not enough for culture exploration, Yoder's Amish Home, Millersburg offers immersive experiences with farm tours and buggy rides around the 116-acre estate. Amish is an unexpected shopping destination, with quilt shops, furniture shops, and candle stores lining Main Street. After scouting handcrafted goods, you can stop by Hershberger's Farm and Bakery for the best pies in town. Put-in-Bay Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial - a powerful monument in Put-in-Bay. Photo By Zack Frank On Adobe Stock If you hop on a short ferry ride (less than 23 miles northwest of Sandusky), you'll land on Put-in-Bay, one of Ohio's most beloved weekend escapes. Each summer, thousands of visitors head to this town for its West-style bars (patronised by college students) and recreational fishing for walleye and perch. You can also hop aboard the Island Transportation's Tour Train to check out several islands' key attractions. Otherwise, explore Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial and the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Centre at your own pace. Travelling with kids? You can take them on an adventure 52 feet deep beneath the surface - down to Perry’s Cave Family Fun Centre. The place has a truly unique freshwater lake hidden below, along with family-friendly activities like gem mining, mini golf, and a butterfly sanctuary. Just around the corner, Heineman Winery offers tours of the world's largest geode alongside its locally crafted wines. Loveland Little Miami River is one of the favourite spots for paddling in Loveland. Photo By Doug Lemke On Adobe Stock In the Sweetheart City, you have to start your morning with a bike ride on the Loveland Trail, a converted railway line that links to the picturesque Little Miami Scenic Trail. Right there, you can launch a canoe or kayak on the Little Miami River if you're feeling extra adventurous. Afterwards, feel free to tailor your itinerary. You can spend the entire afternoon seeing the hand-built Loveland Castle or jump on the nostalgic spin around Castle Skateland's rink. Local breweries are also a huge part of Loveland. Make sure to check in Grimm Brothers Brewery, the oldest independent brewery in Sweetheart City. Yellow Springs Yellow Spring, the namesake of the town, is in the Glen Helen Nature Preserve. Photo By Wild Compass Rose On Adobe Stock If any place can take you back to the '60s, it must be Yellow Springs. Sculptures, murals, and tiny pieces of groovy art are everywhere around the town. On Xenia Avenue, pop-up tents are selling tie-dye shirts and crystal necklaces right in a gas station parking lot. Along the street, local bookstores, record stores, and art galleries also give out a quirky and cool vibe that you'll find nowhere else. This charming town is totally walkable, so you can stroll from your hotel to local boutiques, nature preserves and lunch spots in one afternoon. When your tummy starts rumbling, remember that Yellow Springs has some serious restaurants like Ellie's and Winds Café. Young's Jersey Dairy, famed for its legendary ice cream, is also a definite stop for some after-meal treats. To top it off, you can hit up the local watering hole, Yellow Springs Brewery, for a refreshing pint. There are tons of Airbnb options in Yellow Springs for budget travellers. However, if you prefer a bed and breakfast, there's the cosy Arthur Morgan House. Kelleys Island For parties and rancorous festivities, Put-in-Bay is your spot in the Lake Erie Islands. However, just across the water, Kelleys Island offers a more tranquil retreat for families and couples. Home to only 250 permanent residents, the quiet shores of Kelleys Island are great for beachcombing, birdwatching, and hiking the North Shore Loop. You'll get beaches for sunny days, forests to immerse in nature, and some cool old houses to peek at. It's also pretty cool to rent golf carts to cruise around the island, and there are local wineries and breweries where you can refuel afterwards. If you're into roller coasters, you'll love that Cedar Point is super close by! Geneva-on-the-Lake With easy access to Lake Erie, Geneva-on-the-Lake is a prime spot for paddling. Photo By Michael Moloney On Adobe Stock Only a one-hour drive from Cleveland, Geneva-on-the-Lake is an ideal getaway for families and outdoor lovers alike. Its mile-long Lake Drive, also known as "The Strip", comes alive every summertime. This bustling district is where all the action is. It’s lined with restaurants, arcades, and mini-golf that were once the hotspots half a century ago. Here, Eddie's Grill has been serving up the same foot-long hot dogs, hamburgers, and that classic root beer for over 50 years. All with frozen-in-time quality. If you walk away from Lake Drive along the two-mile paved path, you can arrive at the Geneva State Park. This is a favourite spot for fishing and hiking among locals and out-of-towners. Plus, there are 30+ wineries in the Grand River Valley, all within a quick 20-minute drive from Geneva-on-the-Lake. Stay at the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, just outside the Geneva State Park, for easy access to nature for more outdoor adventures. Cincinnati Feel the energy of Findlay Market and taste the five-way chilli in Cincinnati. Photo by shoenberg3 - stock.adobe.com Cincinnati is among the prettiest and cheeriest towns in Ohio. Any type of traveller will find a niche here, whether they're food lovers, sports fans or history buffs. Just walk down the historic Over-the-Rhine District, and you can instantly feel the energy with the super lively Findlay Market, a weekend draw for foodies. The Cincinnati Music Hall, where the awesome Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra plays, is a good pick for music lovers. Two incredible museums, the Cincinnati Art Museum and the American Sign Museum, can also take a whole day to fully explore. If you want to discover the town’s dining scene, there are also brewery-hopping tours to guide you to the best breweries in the area. You can always get delicious casual bites at Findlay Market. Yet, remember that the steakhouse named the Precinct, underground Italian eatery Sotto, and tapas restaurant Mita's are also worth checking out. Last but not least, don’t skip the legendary five-way chilli. Columbus Need a culture fix? Columbus's museums have you covered. Photo by espiegle - stock.adobe.com More than just the Buckeye State's capital. Columbus's got a lively campus life from Ohio State University and a rising tech scene (thanks to Intel). But the best way to really see Columbus? Simply stroll the scenic Scioto River paths or the German Village's brick lanes before hitting the Short North for trendsetter shops and galleries. Columbus is also decidedly family-friendly. The city's sprawling museum campus - the Center of Science and Industry - spans 320,000 square feet. The exhibits can be anything from dinosaurs and marine life to outer space, where grown-ups have just as much fun as kids. Sports is another big city’s pride, with three professional sports teams and stadiums just a few blocks from each other. Granville Just east of Columbus, you can find this small village steeped in New England charm. In the early 1800s, settlers from Massachusetts and Connecticut stumbled on this land and basically built it to remind them of their Eastern homeland. Today, walking around the town, you can see all those little independent stores with classic candy-striped awnings. Most houses have a classic colonial look to them, but the standout should be St. Luke's Church, built with Greek Revival architecture. And you can totally get a real feel for what Granville was like in the 1800s just by wandering the Robbins Hunter Museum. The thing is, Granville's got some serious history before it was settled in the 1800s. Just a bit outside of town is the Alligator Mound - an ancient giant dirt sculpture of an animal that's probably over a thousand years old. Dayton Welcome to the birthplace of aviation. Photo By SeanPavonePhoto On Adobe Stock As the birthplace of aviation, Dayton is where you'll learn about the planes and how they got started. During your visit, make sure to make time to wander Wright Brothers Hill and John W. Berry, Sr. Wright Brothers National Museum, hear the stories about the Wright brothers and see the first practical aircraft they built. The exhibits are mind-blowing. Dayton is also home to the biggest and oldest military plane museum ever - the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Beyond aviation history, you must check out the Second Street Market, a neat place settled in a historic freight house. If you're into paddling, RiverScape River Run will let you do an awesome 7-mile kayak trip down the Great Miami River. Where to eat? Near the University of Dayton, Butter Cafe offers dishes made with free-range eggs and one-of-a-kind French toast kabobs. And for dinner, the Pine Club has been serving terrific steak in their old-school ways since 1947. Sandusky If you plan a magical weekend getaway for families, Sandusky will be the answer. Photo By Joseph Kirsch - stock.adobe.com Looking for a perfect family getaway? Sandusky, on Lake Erie's shore, will be the right spot for both beach lovers and adrenaline junkies. There's a beautiful freshwater Sandusky Bay, where you can dip your toes into the water while the kids are building sandcastles. But the real draw for families is Cedar Point, an amusement park offering not only thrilling roller coasters but also a wide array of gentle rides perfect for little adventurers. The sports centre and a refreshing water park are right on the spot for your all-day adventure. If you're after the ultimate adrenaline rush, head to Point Plummet, a six-story free-fall slide that'll blow your mind. Sugarcreek With a rich German and Swiss heritage, Sugarcreek is also dubbed "Little Switzerland". Stroll around the town and you can easily find cheese factories and alpine-style buildings downtown. There's also the annual Ohio Swiss Festival, where tourists can taste traditional food and dance to the local music. There are also plenty of things to do in this small town. Visit the Alpine Hills Museum to learn about the history of the region, before stopping by the nearby Broad Run Cheesehouse, where folks love to share their prized cheese samples with out-of-towners. Before you leave, don't forget to snap a photo with the world's tallest cuckoo clock (a massive 23 feet). There are also chalet-style boutiques, where you can buy anything from traditional steins and handcrafted quilts to Amish treats as souvenirs. 6 Luxury Weekend Getaways in Ohio While not as popular as Hawaii, Ohio can get quite romantic. Photo by Richard - stock.adobe.com These Ohio accommodations will be your answer for a romantic escape. The options run from lakeside cabins and treehouses to yurts, all of which promise a unique experience that you won't find elsewhere. Couple massages, hot tubs, and fine dining with wine pairings are all included. 1. The Inn at Honey Run, Millersburg The Inn at Honey Run offers plenty of cool lodging options, but their Honeycombs are pure magic. These unique rooms are built into the hillside, making you feel like you're staying in your own Hobbit hole. Each room features a private patio overlooking the rolling hills and a fireplace inside for chilly nights. As for perks, complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres in the Tarragon lounge are already included in the booking price. Nearby Attractions: Walnut Creek Flea Market, Victorian House Museum, and downtown Berlin. 2. Gervasi Vineyard Gervasi Vineyard Resort and Spa in Canton is a slice of Italy tucked away in eastern Ohio. With Tuscan-style villas and cypress trees, you'll instantly feel a world away. Couples can choose the villas with fireplaces or the beautifully restored 1830s farmhouse with a wrap-around patio for vineyard sunsets. Above anything else, Gervasi Vineyards is known for its food and wine. Don't skip the al fresco pizza dinner at the Piazza before heading to the cocktail lounge for a drink and live performance. Nearby Attractions: Canton Classic Car Museum, Canton Palace Theatre, Pro Football Hall of Fame. 3. Cherry Ridge Retreat, New Plymouth You'll get the best of everything with this luxury cabin experience. The property has 8 individual luxury cabins, all providing a stunning view of woodland or waterfront vistas. Each cabin comes with a beverage station, full kitchen, outdoor fire pit, and Aveda bath amenities. You can totally lose yourself in the tranquillity and beauty of the secluded woodlands. There's also a telescope for stargazing and a refreshing cold plunge pool, all within the peaceful ambience of the retreat. Nearby Attractions: Hocking Hills Winery and Pleasant Hill Vineyards. 4. The Lakehouse Inn Situated on the Lake Erie shoreline, Lakehouse Inn puts you right on the water. There are only 5 suits with lake views, so book early as they're sold out pretty fast. Guests can easily access the lake for kayaking and paddleboarding or stay on the deck to taste small batches of wine from their own winery. Couples can also enjoy complimentary breakfast baskets delivered directly to their rooms, or take them out for a lakeside picnic. If you come in summer, the Inn's Crosswinds Grille also offers amazing outdoor dining. Romantic packages like Champagne bubble bath or date-night packages are also available if you want to slow down and reconnect with your other half. Nearby Attractions: Geneva State Park, Brant's Apple Orchard, Lake Erie, and Allison's Mini-Golf. 5. Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, Logan Surrounded by the trees of Hocking Hills State Park, Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls stands out with its woodland setting and unique lodging options. More than just traditional cabins, you can choose to stay in their circular yurts, constructed with Douglas fir and innovative NASA insulation for a special glamping experience. Each of these rooms is also equipped with king-sized beds, airy ceilings and tiled showers. Their geodomes are also equally stunning, with similar shapes, but enhanced by a huge window with the best forest views. You and your partner can also unwind further with the on-site spa, rooftop garden and Kindred Spirits restaurant. Nearby Attractions: Hocking Hills Winery, Hocking Hills State Park, Old Man's Cave, and Ash Cave. 6. Murphin Ridge Inn, West Union Nestled among the maples and oaks of Ohio's Appalachian foothills, Murphin Ridge Inn is a cosy weekend escape for couples. Under their rustic beamed ceilings, the cabins provide whirlpool tubs for soaking and fireplaces for chilling out. There are no TVs to interrupt your peace. For couples looking for a truly special romance, the "SweetHeart Retreat Package" includes luxurious robes, massages with Jaybird Farms massage oil, and complimentary hot breakfasts. If you come for the best fall foliage, plan your getaway for mid or late October. That's usually when the fall foliage peaks, painting the landscape in vibrant oranges, reds and yellows right from your porch. Nearby Attractions: Buzzardroost Rock Trail of The Edge of Appalachia Preserve and Glacial Grooves. Plan Your Ohio Getaway Today Feeling like you need a good dose of fresh air and some pretty views? A weekend getaway in Ohio will definitely deliver. With landscapes shifting from coastline and lakeside, to lush forests and rolling hills, the Buckeye State is a destination for getting away and recharging. Whether you're looking to unplug at a fancy lakeside lodge or cosy up in a cabin by the fire, there are endless choices in Ohio that are worth checking out. Remember to like this post if you're ready for a break, and share it with your fellow travel mates! KELSEY