15 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways in Ohio
Author Anietra Hamper is an Ohio native and has covered all areas of the state for the best experiences and getaways.
When it comes to weekend getaways in Ohio, the state's diverse geographic regions make it easy to find activities and places to stay that let you relax and recharge. Since Ohio is within a one-day drive of nearly 50 percent of the U.S. population, the state is a prime place to visit for weekend getaways that do not require much travel time.
From outdoor adventures like hiking and ziplining to the city scenes in the major cities like Columbus or tranquility in Amish Country...take your pick of what makes the perfect weekend getaway for you.
No matter where you choose to spend a weekend in Ohio, chances are that you will make some unexpected stops along the way, as scenic backroads and the state's varied landscape capture your attention. Plan your next short break with our list of the best weekend getaways in Ohio.
Downtown Columbus
Ohio's capital city of Columbus can fill a weekend with culinary surprises and activities to fill one to three days of itineraries. The expanding downtown riverfront is where you'll find cultural, arts, and music festivals almost every weekend in the summer.
The Scioto Mile bike and walking path, which weaves along the riverfront and is one of the best parks in Columbus, is a nice spot to walk, jog, bike, or enjoy the sunset from a bench in the grass.
In the summer, kayak rentals are available on the riverfront. Columbus is a bike-friendly city. Some hotels offer bicycle rentals, or you can rent one at one of the many CoGo bike stations located throughout the downtown streets.
Before your visit, look to see what activities are taking place at Columbus Commons, the public green space in the center of downtown, which hosts free yoga classes on some weekends, festivals, and evening concerts at the outdoor amphitheater.
Nationwide Arena is an entertainment venue in the active Arena District, which hosts popular concert tours and is home to Columbus' NHL Team, the Columbus Blue Jackets. A short walk from the arena is Huntington Park, where you can catch an evening ballgame with the Columbus Clippers capped off with fireworks in front of the Columbus skyline.
On the fringe of downtown, you can walk the brick streets of German Village and grab an outdoor coffee or authentic cream puff for a taste of the area's German heritage. Catch an evening show at Shadowbox Live, a performance theater that produces original comedic and musical acts.
For a quieter visit to the capital city, stop by the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens or some of the top museums like the Columbus Museum of Art.
If the weather is nice, plan to pack a picnic for a lunch in one of the best hidden gems of the city, the Topiary Park, on the site of the old deaf school. The topiary garden is a lifelike replica of George Seurat's famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LaGrande Jatte.
A popular stop for a weekend away near downtown is in the Short North Arts District. You'll find several blocks of galleries and boutiques, as well as unique culinary fare. Stop in at the North Market, where you'll find local vendors selling fresh produce and a variety of ethnic foods.
If you visit on the first Saturday of the month, take part in the evening Short North Gallery Hop to enjoy late gallery hours, street entertainment, and some of the best people-watching in the Midwest.
- Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Columbus
Hocking Hills
The southern Ohio Hocking Hills region is one of the most popular weekend getaways in the state. There are plenty of cabins to rent near Hocking Hills State Park and a stunning lodge that just re-opened with a restaurant, cozy nooks for curling up with a good book, and outdoor fire pits where you can gather with friends and take in some of the best stargazing in the state.
Since this area is far away from the city lights, another spot for epic stargazing in the Hocking Hills is at the John Glenn Astronomy Park, where you can stop by on your own or take part in one of the scheduled public programs.
This region is ideal for those who love the outdoors and who are looking for romantic getaways. Hiking, canoeing, zip-lining, and horseback riding are the best ways to enjoy the southern Ohio region. Some people just come to hunker down for a quiet weekend to be surrounded by nature.
There are several hiking areas with multiple trails in each that can fit both leisure hikers and those looking for a challenge. Trail signage is ample, so it is easy to find the right trails for your fitness level. Old Man's Cave, Conkle's Hollow Nature Preserve, Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs, and Ash Cave have popular scenic hiking trails and many have sections that are wheelchair accessible.
The best time to visit the Hocking Hills region is in the fall, when southern Ohio is flush with vibrant colors from the leaves changing on the trees. Winter provides a unique way to see the Hocking Hills region, with frozen waterfalls and a popular annual winter hike that draws thousands of visitors. Be advised that Hocking Hills is one of the most popular getaways for in-state visitors too, so if you plan to go during the fall, make reservations for lodging far in advance.
Read More: Best Places to Visit in Ohio
Put-in-Bay
Few weekend getaways in Ohio compare to the island resort community at Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island. This Lake Erie getaway offers a range of things to do, from boating, swimming, and kayaking to dining in open-air restaurants while enjoying evening entertainment.
The mood in Put-in-Bay is one of leisure, so you can rent bikes or golf carts and just explore at your own pace. A worthwhile stop while on the island is Perry's Victory and International Memorial. For a small fee, you can make the trek up to the observation desk on the 352-foot-tall monument, where you get the best view of the island.
The best way to get to Put-in-Bay is by the Miller Ferry or Jet Express Ferry, which runs on regular schedules to take you to the island from Port Clinton. It is important to take note of the last ferry that returns from the island at the end of the day, as that is your final opportunity to leave unless you are spending the night.
Like to fish? Catch a charter to experience the excellent perch and walleye fishing on Lake Erie, or if you don't want to put in the effort, at least be sure to try these local delicacies prepared fresh and fried at one of the island restaurants.
During your weekend visit, you can base yourself in Put-in-Bay and plan activities during other days to Kelleys Island and Cedar Point amusement park, which you can get to with the Jet Express ferry.
Amish Country
A peaceful weekend getaway in Ohio's Amish country will remind you of life's simple pleasures, which is what makes it one of the top tourist attractions in Ohio. The winding back roads that run through Amish communities in east-central Ohio will take you past laundry drying on the line and farmers plowing fields with workhorses as you share the road with Amish buggies heading to market.
The towns of Charm, Walnut Creek, Millersburg, and Berlin are all located near each other, so you can drive through all of them in one visit. Many quaint bed-and-breakfasts lie throughout Holmes, Tuscarawas, and Knox counties, and they often serve up hearty breakfasts and baked goods made from locally sourced ingredients that are in-season.
To make the most of your visit, plan some time to meander through the winding back roads with no particular agenda. Be sure to stop for a tour and samples at one of several cheese factories in the region like Guggisberg Cheese and Heini's Cheese Chalet in Millersburg.
A must-visit in Ohio's Amish country is Walnut Creek Cheese in Walnut Creek. It's a large grocery store with incredible prices on cheese blocks and baking supplies. Take home a locally made Amish apple fry pie or pick up a cookbook of Amish recipes from the expansive gift shop, so you can take the homemade taste of Amish Country home with you.
Your Amish country visit will undoubtedly include impromptu stops at things you see along the way, like Amish children selling handmade baskets on the roadsides, and small independently owned shops that are located outside of the main tourist areas. These unplanned detours are often the best finds and create the most memorable experiences of your visit.
Read More: Ohio's Amish Country: Highlights and Hidden Treasures
Cincinnati
Cincinnati is synonymous with baseball, and a visit to the Great American Ballpark for a Cincinnati Reds game is a must if you plan to be in Ohio in the summer. If you come in the fall, you can join the legions of local football fans for a Cincinnati Bengals game.
History buffs can plan an entire weekend visiting the many museums, including the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education, and the Cincinnati Art Museum.
A stroll along the downtown riverfront is a great way to see the sunset. Enjoy the swings on the riverwalk as you watch runners pass by or stop and wind down at the Smale Riverfront Park, a popular spot for families.
Foodies can indulge in local history while eating their way through neighborhoods like the Over the Rhine district with a Cincinnati Food Tours experience. You can sample the fare at several restaurants on the walking tour and meet local chefs.
There are more than 50 unique neighborhoods in Cincinnati that you can explore, each with its own vibe, and there are many hotels around the city that can keep you close to where you want to spend the majority of your time. Walk the hilly neighborhood streets of Mount Adams with some of the best views overlooking the city, or soak in the arts scene in Northside.
No matter where you stay in Cincinnati, you do not want to head home without visiting the famous Holtman's Donuts. This family-owned shop cranks out creative donuts every morning from scratch. It is an unforgettable experience for your taste buds, and you can smell the bakery from a block away.
- Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cincinnati
The Wilds
Imagine going on an African safari in Ohio. The Wilds is a 9,000-acre open-range habitat in Cumberland that is home to hundreds of animals, including buffalo, giraffes, rhinos, and many endangered species.
It's a conservation facility that is both educational and entertaining. There are several options for enjoying a safari, from an open-air jeep ride to private tours. Zipline excursions provide one of the most exciting ways to see the animals.
This is a great location for a romantic getaway if you stay in a private yurt in Nomad Ridge overlooking the grounds, and the lodge is perfect for families.
Address: 14000 International Road, Cumberland, Ohio
Read More: Best Things to Do in Ohio
Marietta Sternwheelers
You can enjoy the charm of sternwheeler boats along the Ohio River during your getaway in Marietta. This town is themed around Ohio's riverboat heritage. Take a sightseeing cruise on board the Valley Gem Sternwheeler, an authentic steamboat boat that has been in operation since 1973.
The Ohio River Museum is nearby, with a vast history of steamboats that dictates the bygone-era of this town. You can spend several hours in the exhibit building on the campus. You will notice that nearly everything in the town, including the rooms at The Lafayette Hotel, feature the steamboat theme, with actual artifacts and historic photos.
Marietta is a great walking city. A trail runs along the riverfront, and the small town is easy to navigate. The best time to visit is during the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, a free event that brings many riverboats into town. The annual festival is always held the weekend after Labor Day.
Read More: Top-Rated Small Towns in Ohio
Cleveland
Cleveland is an easy getaway that can fill your agenda with plenty of things to do. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-see if you have never been to the city. At Progressive Field, you can attend a Cleveland Browns Football Game or a Cleveland Guardians baseball game.
Cleveland has an impressive Metroparks system that lets you enjoy the outdoors, with hiking, biking, bird watching, rowing, and one park with an ice chute that is open in the winter. The metroparks are connected around the city.
For a night out, the Flats East Bank is an easy one-stop venue for dining and entertainment. The renovated district is one of the most popular areas in the city, so restaurant reservations are recommended.
Other notable stops in the city include the Cleveland Museum of Art; the Cleveland Zoo; and a nostalgic visit to A Christmas Story House, which has been turned into a museum commemorating the classic Christmas movie.
Another must-visit during your Cleveland weekend getaway is the historic West Side Market, which is as interesting in its architecture as its food variety inside from local vendors selling fresh fruit and pastries to authentic hard-to-find ethnic specialties.
The Arcade Cleveland is worth a visit while you are in downtown Cleveland. The Arcade was built in 1890 and has been preserved to be one of the best landmarks in Ohio. The Arcade Cleveland was the first indoor shopping mall in the United States and remains a shopping and dining destination.
Maumee Bay
For time away that includes the shores of Lake Erie, hiking, birding, biking, and s'mores by the campfire, Maumee Bay in northwest Ohio makes for a full weekend. Just outside of Toledo, the Maumee Bay area has a diverse ecosystem and a wide range of things to do, including spending time on Lake Erie.
Maumee Bay State Park is one of the best state parks in Ohio, with dozens of hiking trails throughout its 1,300 acres as well as recreational options. The landscape ranges from forestland to marshes, and convenient trails and boardwalks get you up close to the wildlife.
Maumee Bay sits along the Lake Erie Birding Trail, so take your binoculars to spot eagles and songbirds. One of the most popular times to visit is during the Biggest Week in American Birding each spring, when hundreds of birders and photographers come to see the tiny warblers on their migration path.
Maumee Bay State Park
One of the most unique cities you can visit for a weekend getaway is in the tiny northern town of Peninsula within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This quaint community has shops featuring the work of local artisans and quaint B&Bs that make the stay a peaceful one, whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or solitude.
Since you are within the national park, biking and hiking trails are abundant. Many cyclists who are traveling across the country or making multi-day trips use the bike trail that goes through the park since it connects to a larger trail system where riders can make overnight stays at B&Bs along the way.
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is an enjoyable day out to view the national park by train. For a special occasion, you can book a trip on one of the themed train excursions that change throughout the year.
Read More: Best Waterfalls in Ohio
New Plymouth Ravenwood Castle
While New Plymouth is not on many destination searches, it's one of the best-kept secrets in Ohio because of the medieval Ravenwood Castle. This is one of the most unique romantic getaways in the state.
The castle, a replica of 12th- and 13th-century castles, is tucked away in the Hocking Hills region. The grounds in the area lead you through a medieval village and themed cottages, cabins, and rustic gypsy wagons. The Great Hall has large dining tables, a mural of medieval battles depicting the grand majesty and allure of the times, and stunning stained-glass windows.
A New Plymouth getaway is a great home base if you plan to visit the Hocking Hills, as it is set apart from the other cottages in the area.
Address: 65666 Bethel Road, New Plymouth, Ohio
Geneva-on-the-Lake
Geneva-on-the-Lake is a throwback to the time when vacations were made up of simple pleasures, like arcades, Ferris wheels, and diner foods. Along the one-mile strip through town, many of these notions have not changed from when the resort community was in its heyday in the early 1900s.
You can see donut shops, miniature golf, antique shops, and ice-cream parlors all with original and nostalgic facades. Be sure to make time for lunch at Eddie's Grill, where coney dogs and root beer have been staples on the strip since 1950. Prepare for a wait, especially in the busy summer season.
While cottages are available to rent in the center of the action, your best bet is to stay just off the strip at Geneva-on-the-Lake Boutique Resort Hotel or in a nearby B&B. This allows you to enjoy the quiet serenity that you will find from being on the shores of Lake Erie, yet keeps you close to the tourist attractions in town.
Geneva State Park has hiking trails, fishing, biking, and a marina where you can rent jet skis and paddleboards or book a fishing charter to catch local walleye. Six miles of multi-use recreational trails wind through this park, and they become cross-country and snowmobile trails in the winter. Geneva State Park public beach, one of Ohio's best beaches, is easily accessible for an afternoon on the sand by picturesque Lake Erie.
What is billed as Ohio's first summer resort is ideal for a weekend getaway, because everything is so close and it offers a perfect mix of activities and opportunities to relax and enjoy a Lake Erie sunset.
Read More: Best Ice Fishing Lakes in Ohio
Mohican
A weekend getaway in the Mohican State Park area is for outdoor lovers. Walk through the hemlock-dense Mohican State Park and state forest as you hike one of the many trails.
Keep an eye out for wildlife like Ohio's white-tailed deer or take your binoculars to enjoy the view and birding opportunities from the Mohican Fire Tower Overlook. The high tower requires a hearty climb up, but the reward is one of the best scenic views in the state, including the Clear Fork Gorge that plunges 300 feet from the south rim.
Mohican is located adjacent to Loudonville, considered Ohio's canoe capital, so you might guess the summer outdoor opportunities that await. Rent a canoe to paddle down the Mohican River or rent a tube and just chill as you float your way through the natural environment.
For a fun way to add to your outdoor weekend, plan a camping trip at Mohican State Park or one of the other local campgrounds or stay in a treehouse at The Mohicans, which offers lodging high in the treetops or in comfortable cabins on the ground.
Granville
The quaint town of Granville has a New England feel and is a quiet way to spend a weekend in Ohio. Granville is about 30 minutes east of Columbus and has all the charm of a small Massachusetts village. Stroll the tree-lined campus of Dennison University, and grab an ice cream cone or a sandwich at one of the locally owned restaurants in the center of town.
Historic bed and breakfasts like the Granville Inn and the Buxton Inn are not only local landmarks but also nice places to stay. One of the most noticeable features of Granville is the pristine landscaping and flowers that add to the New England-style ambience.
The best view of the area is at Alligator Mound, a prehistoric animal effigy mound that sits on a bluff overlooking the area. Two historic sites to visit are the Avery-Downer House and the Robbins Hunter Museum and Bryn Du Mansion. These are iconic century-old estates featuring the elegant and historic architecture that defines Granville.
Canton
Canton is most known for being the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but there is so much more to the city that can fill a weekend away from home. Start your visit to Canton in the downtown area, where you can base yourself for the weekend and be a part of the local arts and music scene with music venues and dozens of art galleries.
Spend a day visiting the historic sites in Canton, including the William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, which is also the final resting place for America's 25th President. The Canton Classic Car Museum is another stop that is picture-worthy. The museum houses more than 40 rare and classic cars and automobile memorabilia.
Spend the rest of your visit exploring Canton, making stops in the arts district and taking advantage of the farmer's markets in the summer. If you take a short drive just beyond Canton, you can experience some of the most stunning rural scenery in northeast Ohio.
More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com
Ohio Outdoors: Ohio is a wonderful state for enjoying nature and getting active outdoors. For more ideas on what to do here, see our articles on the Best Outdoor Adventures in Ohio and Best Fishing Lakes in Ohio. Winter lovers looking for something to do during the colder months should see our article on the Best Places for Ice Fishing in Ohio.
