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Home / TRIP IDEAS / A-List Travel Advisors / The 14 Best Weekend Getaways in Ohio for Girlfriend Getaways, Fun with the Whole Family, and More

The 14 Best Weekend Getaways in Ohio for Girlfriend Getaways, Fun with the Whole Family, and More

2022-11-28  Maliyah Mah

Experience the finest that the Buckeye State has to offer on just one of these weekend trips, or on all of them.

theme parks.
 

Weekend getaways that are not to be missed are abundant in Ohio due to the state's abundance of lovely little towns, spectacular natural scenery, and distinctive metropolis. At world-famous theme parks, there is an activity that will get your heart racing. Those taste buds are in for a treat because there is both creative cuisine and a vineyard culture that is often overlooked. You are likely to find a vacation spot in the Buckeye State that is just ideal for you and your travel companions if you take into account the state's many parks, lake access, historical sites, and classic hangouts.

The following is a list of the top 14 weekend trips that can be taken in Ohio, ranging from little communities to major cities, with a variety of different kinds of adventures in between.


Yellow Springs as a whole
 

Yellow Springs is filled to the brim with fun things to do, making it an ideal destination for getaways of all kinds. The town is known for its hippy vibes and unique atmosphere, and it is filled to the brim with inventive restaurants such as Winds Café and Ellie's, as well as a variety of stops to take in the natural beauty of the area. You can stroll through the woods of Glen Helen State Park and John Bryan State Park, or you can ride your bike along a portion of the 80-mile Little Miami Scenic Trail. There are many Airbnb alternatives available in this area; as an alternative, you could stay at a bed & breakfast such as the Arthur Morgan House.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati
 

Do not skip a weekend in Cincinnati if sampling local cuisine is your favorite aspect of exploring new places. Over-the-Rhine also referred to as OTR, is one of the few neighborhoods in the city that exemplifies the city's rapid rise to culinary glory. There are always going to be new hangouts opening up in this area, such as Salazar, Senate, and The Eagle, to mention a few. Moerlein Lager House, located on the lively and stadium-studded waterfront, and Eli's BBQ, a time-honored staple that can be found further east along the riverfront toward Ault Park, are just two of the many restaurants and bars in the Queen City that serve up tasty snacks and refreshing beverages. Try staying at the 21c Museum Hotel, a hip boutique establishment that is located right in the middle of the downtown area.

Hocking Hills

Hocking Hills
 

The Hocking Hills in central Ohio offers all of the requirements for a quiet escape for a couple, a family reunion, or a weekend getaway for either boys or girls, including gorges, waterfalls, and vineyards. The natural beauty of Hocking Hills State Park is the primary draw to this area; be sure to put Cantwell Cliffs, Old Man's Cave, and Conkle's Hollow on your list of things to do while you're there. Visit the laid-back but delectable Hocking Hills Winery when it's time to recharge (try the patio if the weather allows). You can choose from any of the dozens of available Airbnbs, or you can make a reservation at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls to wake up right in the middle of this beautiful park.

Cedar Point

Cedar Point
 

Add the world-famous Cedar Point, also known as the roller-coaster capital of America, to your list of places to visit if you are searching for a getaway with your family or with your group of friends. Cedar Point is located on Lake Erie and features rides that offer breathtaking views of the water as well as a genuine beach vacation atmosphere, especially at the adjacent Hotel Breakers, which features a beach bar, volleyball, and the ability to rent water sports equipment. You'll need at least a weekend to experience all of Cedar Point's rides, which range 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. Cedar Point is a theme park located in Ohio.

The Cuyahoga Valley is preserved as a national park.

National Park-1
 

A visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northeastern Ohio is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have in the great outdoors. This 33,000-acre forested getaway is located 40 minutes south of Cleveland, and it contains towering waterfalls, quiet hiking paths, and a small town called Peninsula that looks like a postcard from New England. The area is known as the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. You can either reserve a room at The Inn at Brandywine Falls or stay the night at an Airbnb located in the Peninsula or one of the surrounding communities. Include picture-perfect destinations along your route, such as Brandywine Falls and Ledges Overlook, and explore the Towpath Trail on two wheels with bicycles rented from Century Cycles. When it comes to cuisine, nothing beats Sarah's Vineyard, which is a vineyard located within the actual national park and is famous for its handcrafted wines, wood-fired pizza, and views of the national park.

Geneva, located on Lake Geneva
 

Wineries, water activities, and beach access are just a few of the things that Geneva on the Lake, which is located close to Lake Erie, has to offer visitors. The town has been a popular tourist destination for many years. The location is popular among tourists of all stripes, but it is particularly well-suited for getaways that involve mother-daughter bonding, family vacations, and romantic excursions for two. Make your reservation at The Lodge at Geneva on the Lake for easy access to the best attractions in the surrounding area. Although it may be difficult to tear yourself away from the tastes and aromas of Ohio's wine country, there is a wine shuttle that will take you to local vineyards, as well as bike rental, snowshoe rental, and ziplining. Onsite eateries are also available.

Lake Erie Islands
 

When visiting the islands of Lake Erie, there is a general rule of thumb that states if you want to go out and have a good time, you should go to Put-in-Bay. Kelleys Island is the place to go to reconnect with nature and get some peace and quiet. The former is an excellent choice for bachelor or bachelorette parties since it offers rowdy celebrations and pool parties at popular local hangouts such as Beer Barrel Saloon and MIST Pool Bar. On Kelleys Island, which is the second-largest island in Lake Erie, couples and families can enjoy a bit more tranquility while engaging in activities such as birdwatching, beachcombing, or climbing the North Shore Loop. If you are looking for a place to stay on Kelleys Island, your sole option will be the Kelleys Island Venture Resort. Put-in-Bay is the perfect destination for Airbnb's group lodging options.

Waynesville
 

Are you itching for a vacation with your loved ones or with a large group? Visit Waynesville, a small town in Ohio that is famous for its abundance of antique shops and its excellent amusement park, King's Island. This theme park, which features one hundred different rides, attractions, and performances, can be explored in a single day. This leaves the rest of the weekend in Waynesville open for going to antique stores like Brass Lantern or hiking dozens of trail miles at Caesar Creek State Park, which is located nearby. There are a few small and charming hotels in Waynesville that can be found on Airbnb; for a vacation that is more outdoorsy, consider camping at Caesar Creek.

Loveland Loveland is a wonderful little suburb of Cincinnati and one of the most charming tiny communities in all of Ohio. Its historic architecture, the lively main plaza, restaurants that cater to children, and proximity to natural parks make it an ideal destination for a vacation with the whole family. You may get your day started on the Loveland Bike Route, which is a rails-to-trails project that links up with the Little Miami Scenic Trail, which is another local bike trail. Visit the hand-built Loveland Castle, have some fun roller skating at Castle Skateland, or reconnect with mother nature at the Little Miami Conservancy. Loveland Lofts is a hip and charming boutique hotel that offers a convenient location.

Cleveland

Cleveland
 

Visit Cleveland, which is located on the beaches of Lake Erie, for a retreat that is ideal for male bonding, father-son time, or a break for sports fans. The city is home to several professional sports teams, including the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League, the Cleveland Guardians of Major League Baseball, and the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association. You may reserve a hotel at the Kimpton Schofield Hotel and then either walk or take an Uber to the venue of your choice because all of the stadiums and arenas are positioned in a central location near downtown Cleveland. Despite the fact that sports are the city's primary industry, be sure to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to learn about the history of music and take advantage of the ever-expanding list of delicious restaurants in the city, which includes Mabel's BBQ, an establishment owned by celebrity chef Michael Symon.

Dayton

Dayton
 

For those who are interested in the state's past, Dayton is one of the most enjoyable weekend destinations. Carillon Historical Park, America's Packard Museum, and the National Museum of the United States Air Force are just a few examples of the many museums that can be found in a city of moderate size. However, it's not only a matter of history. A stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites, which is near downtown's waterfront attraction, Riverscape MetroPark, will complete a well-rounded weekend vacation that promises a buzzing brewery and food scene in the Oregon District as well as the busy Second Street Market.

Columbus

Columbus
 

For a weekend filled with creative opportunities, art lovers should consider spending their time in Columbus. This city in central Ohio is well renowned for its dynamic creative culture; as evidence, one need only look at the filled galleries of the Columbus Museum of Art. Otherworld, an underground art project that spans 32,000 square feet, the Wexner Center for the Arts, and the Ohio Theater, a cultural hub that is housed in a theatre from the 1920s, are all examples of other one-of-a-kind art experiences. Stay at the eccentric and luxurious Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph, located in Italian Village, for a one-of-a-kind overnight experience.

Football lovers from all over the world flock to Canton to see the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a museum that honors legendary players and chronicles the history of the sport. Exhibits at the museum are both permanent and rotate on a regular basis. But playing football isn't the end of the fun at all. The Canton Museum of Art, K1 Speed Canton's go-kart racing, and the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum are all fun activities for families to participate in. Canton's DoubleTree on Market Avenue is the most convenient place to stay for a weekend trip, though Airbnb also offers a wide variety of apartment and rental house possibilities.

Mansfield
 

Couples and families looking for a weekend getaway will find that Mansfield, which is situated exactly in the middle of the route between Columbus and Cleveland, offers a wide variety of one-of-a-kind activities. To start things off, we have The Ohio State Reformatory, also known as the filming location for "The Shawshank Redemption." You have the option of taking a tour of the jail, taking part in one of the limited-time events, or joining the option that is considered to be the spookiest of all the options: a guided paranormal tour of the prison. Other attractions in Mansfield include the non-profit Ohio Bird Sanctuary and the Gorman Nature Center, which spans an area of 150 acres. The Blueberry Patch, a small winery, should not be missed if you are interested in the cuisine. If you are looking for a place to stay, we recommend that you reserve a room at the Hampton Inn & Suites that is located close to the Gorman Nature Center.


2022-11-28  Maliyah Mah