21 of the Best Day Trips from Cincinnati, Ohio (from a local!)

If you’re looking for day trip ideas from Cincinnati, you’re in the right place. The city of Cincinnati is located in the Southwest corner of Ohio and is within close proximity to both Indiana and Kentucky. It’s commonly referred to as the tri-state area. This means there are countless day trip opportunities for cities, towns and parks in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, yet I only learned about some of these trips recently. If you're willing to look, there is so much to discover in this part of the country.

From caves to small towns to architectural wonders, there are so many great Cincinnati day trips. This guide includes ideas for over 20 day trips, and lists some of the best things to do in each area. I hope this helps you escape your normal routine and visit a new area that isn’t too far away.

21 of the Best Day Trips from Cincinnati, Ohio

These destinations are listed in order of distance from Cincinnati, all under 2.5 hours from Cincinnati.

Milford, Ohio

The city of Milford is located just outside of Cincinnati, making it an easy day trip. Downtown Milford is a great location for antiques, shopping and restaurants. Plus, Milford offers outdoor recreation, such as a visit to the Cincinnati Nature Center or a bike ride on the Little Miami Scenic Trail.

I recommend starting your day in Milford at the Cincinnati Nature Center and going on a hike around the park. There are 20 miles of trails for all abilities, plus a nature center with exhibits.

After a morning of hiking and enjoying nature, head to downtown Milford. Main Street is lined with shops and restaurants, and the Little Miami River flows through right beside the downtown area.

If you’re outdoorsy, be sure to visit Roads, Rivers and Trails, an independent outdoor store that is well stocked with everything you might need for your next camping or hiking trip. And if you’re a book lover, be sure to visit The Bookmatters Bookstore, a cozy spot with a huge selection of titles.

When you get hungry, The Governor is a modern diner that was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and has an innovative menu. I found the Mo’s Rice Bowl to be delightfully full of flavor and surprise, with ingredients like halloumi cheese and pickled onions.

Another great place to eat and drink is the Little Miami Brewing Company, which offers views of the river. On a day of kayaking along the Little Miami, you can dock here and enjoy food and drink before finishing your journey. They serve up pizza and a variety of locally brewed beers.

One more great dining option is Bite, which features farm to table cuisine and is BYOB. With a great mix of outdoor adventure and dining, Milford is a really fun Cincinnati day trip.

Mason, Ohio

The biggest draw to Mason is the lively Kings Island Amusement Park, which offers fun for the whole family. Whether you’re interested in thrilling roller coasters, huge water slides or family-friendly adventures, you can easily spend a whole day at this park. If you enjoy roller coasters, don’t miss The Beast (the longest wooden roller coaster in the world) and The Banshee. And be sure to try the blue ice cream!

Of course, Mason also has more to offer beyond Kings Island. One restaurant in Mason that I absolutely love is the Wildflower Cafe and Wine Shop. They use locally sourced ingredients and have an impressive wine selection. I absolutely loved the seasonal pasta dish made with peaches, fresh mozzarella and a tantalizing garlic butter sauce.

Another great place to go in Mason is Cartridge Brewing, which is housed in a former ammo factory. After a long history, the building reopened as a brewery and apartment complex in 2020. Along with great beer, they serve Detroit-style pizza. Plus, the restaurant is located right along the Loveland bike trail.

Read more about visiting Mason and Warren County

Loveland, Ohio

Loveland is a great area to visit if you’re looking for an adventure day kayaking or biking. Plus, Loveland even has its very own castle!

The Loveland Castle was built by a medieval enthusiast in the late 1920’s. Harry D. Andrews built the castle by hand to be a full scale replica of a medieval castle in Britain. It costs $5 to take a self-guided tour and explore this unique place for yourself.

If you’d like to spend a day out on the Little Miami River, Loveland Paddlesports is a great place to go. The river is a State and National Scenic River, meaning there is little development along the shores. You can rent a kayak for the day and can even paddle right past the Loveland Castle.

If biking is more your speed, check out Loveland Bike Rental. They are located right on the Little Miami Scenic Trail, which is a 78-mile trail connecting Cincinnati to Springfield. A fun half-day route could be to bike to Monkey Bar & Grille using the trail and have lunch before heading back.

Lebanon, Ohio

Lebanon is a city in Warren County known for a variety of activities. You can dine at a historic restaurant, shop for gems at Traders World, go apple picking and more. Plus, the downtown area is walkable and full of cute shops and restaurants.

Depending on the season, Irons Fruit Farm is a fun place to visit for families, couples and friends alike. In the fall, there is an epic corn maze, along with a pumpkin patch, apple cider donuts and pies. During the summer, you can pick blueberries or pick up other fresh fruits such as tart cherries and apples.

If you’re visiting on a weekend and love a hunt, Trader’s World is a place where you could spend hours. This giant flea market has 16 buildings and can host over 1,000 vendors at once. You can find everything from clothing to antiques to produce. There is so much to see here.

If you enjoy a historic dining experience, make sure to make a reservation at The Golden Lamb. This historic restaurant has been in operation since 1803. In fact, it’s the oldest continually operating business in Ohio. They serve classic dishes such as burgers, vegetable cobbler, shepherd’s pie and more. There is also a boutique hotel connected to the restaurant.

For a more casual dining experience, I really enjoyed Greenhouse Cafe. This cute farm to table cafe serves toasts, sandwiches and bowls, as well as cocktails (they have great N/A options too!).

Fort Ancient, Ohio

Spend a day of adventure visiting Fort Ancient and ziplining nearby. Fort Ancient is home to important earthworks that were built by Native Americans thousands of years ago. During a visit here, you can visit a museum, hike the trails and see the Earthworks for yourself. There is also a beautiful overlook above the Little Miami River.

Just a few minutes away from Fort Ancient, you can fly through the air at Ozone Zipline Adventures. Their River Tour includes zip lining across six lines, and two of them go over the Little Miami River. It’s a fun way to see the river from another perspective.

Read more about visiting Fort Ancient and Warren County

Waynesville and Caesar Creek State Park, Ohio

Waynesville is a small town known for antiquing. Caesar Creek State Park is a beautiful park for hiking nearby. Caesar Creek encompasses over 3,000 acres and offers hiking trails, camping, geocaching, a historic town and more.

Personally, I love the Flat Fork Ridge Trail, which has views of the lake, a waterfall and a swinging bridge. You may even see fossils along the way.

After a hike in Caesar Creek, head into Waynesville for lunch. Butter Churn Cafe is a great cafe for sandwiches and ice cream. There are also several antique shops, such as Village Salvage and the Waynesville Antique Mall.

If you visit this area during the fall, it’s a lot of fun to spend the day at the Ohio Renaissance Festival. This medieval festival is full of vendors selling all sorts of medieval goods, fun shows and period-appropriate food. The decor and the actors will also set the mood and make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. There are also several different theme weekends to consider, such as Pirate Weekend or Viking Weekend. The event typically runs on weekends in September and October.

Read my full guide to visiting Caesar Creek and Warren County

Dayton, Ohio

Dayton is a city known for being the birthplace of aviation (the Wright Brothers are from Dayton). However, this is not the only reason you may think of aviation when you visit Dayton. The city is also home to the National Museum of the US Air Force, which is the largest military aviation museum in the world.

You could easily spend a whole day visiting the massive Air Force Museum. However, if you’re more interested in the history of the Wright Brothers, you should check out the Dayton Aviation National Historical Park, which is made up of multiple units in the area.

Dayton also has more to offer beyond the planes. In my opinion, a visit to the 2nd Street Market is an absolute must. The market is housed in a former railroad station and has a variety of food stalls serving everything from fresh sourdough bread to crêpe to tacos. It’s the perfect place to grab lunch, but you can also take home fresh produce, olive oil, cakes and other goodies.

Nearby, Little Fish Brewing is a cool spot if you enjoy craft beer. They have a great selection of unique beers (including several sours) and a mouth-watering menu that has several vegetarian options. I was especially impressed with the chef’s menu.

And if you enjoy hiking, there are waterfalls and other trails nearby. Head to Charleston Falls Preserve to enjoy a beautiful waterfall or Aullwood Audubon to see the giant troll statues made by Thomas Dambo. The variety in Dayton makes for a fun day trip from Cincinnati.

Maysville, Kentucky

Maysville is a historic city located on the banks of the Ohio River, about an hour from Cincinnati. The city has a charming downtown with beautiful architecture, and some great opportunities for outdoor activities nearby.

To learn about the history of the area, be sure to visit the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, which has several interesting miniature displays. Next door, stop into the Old Pogue Experience, which has a museum about the history of bourbon, plus a tasting room for the Old Pogue Distillery. Down the road, you can also visit the Old Pogue Distillery, which is in the family's 1845 home. Appointments are required to visit.

Be sure to spend some time wandering around downtown. A couple places for breakfast or lunch include Parc Cafe, which has elegant decor and a delicious breakfast menu, or Delite’s, a classic American diner.

For nature lovers, visit Cummins Nature Preserve on the edge of town, which has some nice hiking trails.

Springfield, Ohio

Springfield is a small, college town that is home to Wittenberg University and Clark State College. It has a unique mix of attractions, from historic buildings to museums and parks.

For anyone who likes art, the Springfield Museum of Art is a great place to visit. There are always rotating exhibits, plus a permanent collection that includes many art pieces made in the Midwest.

If you like architecture, be sure to visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Westcott House, which was built by Wright in 1908. The home had been turned into apartments in the 1940’s, but now has been restored back to its original intent. You can take a tour of the home.

And for a unique and free attraction, stop at the Hartman Rock Garden. It’s an impressive creation of a castle, small buildings and more objects made of rocks and other found objects. It was created by artist Ben Hartman in 1932. During your visit, you can pick up a brochure and enjoy a self-guided tour.

When you’ve worked up an appetite, check out Speakeasy Ramen, Krazy Taco 937 or The Ridgewood Cafe for dinner.

Yellow Springs, Ohio

Yellow Springs is one of the best Cincinnati day trips for anyone who loves to take a hike and then relax in a cozy cafe or brewery in a nearby town. The small town of Yellow Springs is affectionately nicknamed “Ohio’s hippie town,” and known for its artistic community and open-minded residents.

Not only is the town fun to explore, but there are picturesque hiking trails right on the edge of town. You can enjoy waterfalls, a natural spring and beautiful rock formations in the wooded parks. Don’t miss Glen Helen Nature Preserve, the most famous place to hike in Yellow Springs.

Glen Helen has 20 miles of trails and is where you can see the “yellow spring,” along with waterfalls, marshland and more. There is also a raptor center inside the park where they rehabilitate hawks, eagles, owls and more.

If you’re looking for more hiking opportunities, you can also visit John Bryan State Park and Clifton Gorge nearby. Clifton Gorge is especially beautiful, and features a large, glacier-carved gorge.

After a morning of hiking, head into town for shopping or food. I love Sunrise Cafe, which has a homey feeling, and Miguel’s Tacos, which is inside of Trail Town Brewing. The town also has some colorful murals and is fun to walk around and explore.

Read my full guide to visiting Yellow Springs, Ohio

Clifty Falls State Park and Madison, Indiana

Clifty Falls State Park, located in Indiana, is one of my favorite places to hike near Cincinnati. The park has several large waterfalls and miles of hiking trails. To see the best scenery that the park has to offer, you can hike a 6-mile loop trail around the park.

After some hiking, you can visit the small town of Madison next door. For a drink after your hike, check out Mad Paddle Brewstillery or Lanthier Winery. For coffee and breakfast, visit The Red Rooster. And if you like tea, HH Apothecary & Co. has a beautiful tearoom.

Madison is also home to several antique stores and historic homes that you can tour. If you enjoy history and architecture, you may want to take a guided tour of the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, which was built in 1844.

Discover the best hikes in Indiana

Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville is a city that defines itself by bourbon. It marks the official start of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and has several urban distillery experiences within the city. I personally enjoyed the tour and tasting at Angel’s Envy, which finishes some of their spirit in rum or ruby port barrels. They did an amazing job with pairings during the tasting.

Don’t worry, there are also other attractions if bourbon isn’t your thing. Louisville is also known for Churchill Downs, which hosts the annual Kentucky Derby. Year round, you can learn about the event at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Another one of the best things to do in Louisville is to visit the Louisville Slugger Museum. Here you can tour the factory and even walk away with your own personalized bat.

If you like adventure, visit Mega Cavern, a former limestone quarry that has been turned into a zone for several activities. You can ride an underground zipline, do an underground aerial ropes course, take a tram ride and more. They even offer an underground drive-through light display around the holidays.

For more cultural activities, check out the Muhammad Ali Center, which is dedicated to the life of Muhammad Ali, or the 21C Museum Hotel, which has free rotating exhibits of modern art.

With a wide array of activities, Louisville makes for a fun and memorable day trip from Cincinnati.

Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington is known as the “Horse Capital of the World” and full of equestrian history. During a visit, you can take a tour of the Kentucky Horse Park or visit Keeneland, which is a prominent place for horse racing and horse auctioning.

Lexington also has some great nature nearby. Take a hike at the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, or visit an impressive natural spring at McConnell Springs Park.

After a day of exploring, head to the Distillery District for dinner and drinks. The area used to be home to James E. Pepper Distillery, but was left abandoned for 50 years. In 2008, it was brought back to life, and is now a thriving area with live music, community events and more. Check out the Burl Arcade to try your hand at pinball, District 7 Social Hall for duckpin ball bowling and be sure to try some of the unique ice cream varieties at Crank & Boom Ice Cream.

Ohio Caverns

If you like caves, it’s worth taking a day trip up to Ohio Caverns. This is the largest cave in the state and has about a mile of passages ranging from 30 to 103 feet deep. During a tour, you can admire impressive displays of stalactites and stalagmites while learning the stories of how the cave was discovered.

Before or after your tour, head to nearby Bellefontaine to enjoy brunch at The Morning Riot and visit the Highest Point in Ohio. The hilltop may not feel like you’re very high, but it’s a neat place to say you’ve been.

Red River Gorge, Kentucky

Home to rock arches, natural bridges and beautiful canyons, Red River Gorge is my favorite place to hike near Cincinnati. This geological area is known for its sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and more. It’s a fantastic outdoorsy day trip if you’re interested in hiking, rock climbing or other adventurous activities.

There are many hikes to choose from, but one easy one I love is the Chimney Top Trail. This quick trek will lead you to a stunning viewpoint looking into the gorge, and neat rock formations in the distance. A longer trail I love is the Double Arch, Courthouse Rock and Auxier Ridge Loop, a 6-mile hike that has great variety. You’ll get to hike on top of rocks, through the forest and enjoy some beautiful arches along the way.

Another fun activity in Red River Gorge is kayaking or taking a boat tour through a former mine with Gorge Underground. Paddling underground and admiring the limestone walls is unlike anything else.

If you’re a rock climber, there are 100’s of climbing routes in the Red River Gorge area. Many are owned and cared for by the Red River Gorge Climbers' Coalition, which has been advocating for climbers since 1996.

After a day of adventure, there are some great local restaurants to enjoy before driving home. Head to Red River Rockhouse for a taco, burrito or burger, or Miguel’s for pizza.

Read my full guide to visiting Red River Gorge

Columbus, Indiana

Columbus, Indiana is a city known for its architecture. In fact, it’s ranked 6th in the country for architecture innovation. The town is full of Modernist buildings and over 60 public buildings have been built by famous architects such as I.M. Pei, Harry Weese and more. Many of the architecture wonders were commissioned by J. Irwin Miller. He was a part of his family's business, Cummins, which is a company that produces engines.

One of the best things to do in Columbus, Indiana is to take an architectural highlights tour around town. You can ride a shuttle and see dozens of the most notable buildings around town.

The most famous place to go inside of is the Miller House, designed by architect Eero Saarinen. The home is a beautiful example of modernist architecture.

Before you leave town, be sure to stop at Zaharakos, a 1900 ice cream parlor that has a museum, a classic soda fountain, brunch food and classic sundaes.

Brown County State Park and Nashville, Indiana

Brown County State Park is a popular Indiana park that has beautiful scenic drives and miles of hiking trails. It’s especially beautiful in the fall, when you can admire the rolling hills covered in fall foliage. The park is 15,776 acres, making it the largest state park in Indiana.

One easy trail I like is the Ogle Lake Trail, which goes all the way around Ogle Lake. It’s also worth climbing up into the Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower, which offers 360-views of the area.

After a morning of hiking or just enjoying nature, head to the cute town known as Little Nashville. It’s a center of the arts and holds several music festivals throughout the year.

As you’re exploring Little Nashville, check out the Nashville General Store & Bakery for a fresh cinnamon roll or the Bird’s Nest Cafe for a great brunch. You can also visit the Brown County History Center to learn about the history of the area.

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio’s capital, has plenty to do to warrant a day trip. Much like Cincinnati, the city has a lot of German heritage, and the historic German Village is a great neighborhood to explore.

German Village was built by German settlers and mostly settled in the 1800’s. The area is recognizable for its brick buildings and brick lined streets. There are also many local businesses to visit. Don’t miss the Book Loft, which has a whopping 32 rooms of books. There may even be a line to enter into the maze-like book store, but it moves fast. Also in German Village, it’s worth a visit to Pistacia Vera or Kittie's Cakes for dessert.

For authentic German food in Columbus, Gemüt Biergarten is a great place to go. They serve German specialties such as schnitzel, bratwurst and classic German beers.

Another one of the best things to do in Columbus is to visit the Franklin Park Conservatory, which has a stunning display of plants from around the world. Inside, they house tropical plants, desert plants and more in greenhouses. Outside, their gardens reflect the seasons. It’s a beautiful place to spend an afternoon walking around.

Other things to do in Columbus include exploring the Short North Arts District, visiting Otherworld (an immersive art experience), visiting COSI (an impressive science museum) or shopping at Polaris Mall.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis is known as the “racing capital of the world” for its famous motor speedway. For over 100 years, the famous Indy 500 has been happening in the city. If you’re not visiting on race day, you can visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and take a tour around the grounds.

However, there is plenty more to do in Indianapolis if you’re not into car racing. If you like art, it’s well worth a visit to Newfields, a giant art museum with both indoor and outdoor areas. Exhibits are always changing and there is a large variety of things to see for everyone.

When you get hungry, head to the Garage Food Hall in the Bottleworks District. The spacious food hall has all kinds of different cuisines, from Venezuelan arepas to Hawaiian poke to British fish and chips. It’s a great place to try something new. Plus, the Bottleworks District is interesting to walk around. You’ll see a lot of art deco elements from when the area was a Coca-Cola bottling factory.

And if you have kids, don’t miss the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, which is the world’s largest children’s museum.

Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

Take a day trip to one of the most beautiful places in Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park. This park is known for its waterfalls and rocky ledges set among rolling hills and lush forests. It’s a wonderful place for hiking, and there are several trails ranging from easy to more difficult throughout the park.

The most iconic trail is Old Man’s Cave, which leads into a gorge and past multiple waterfalls. You should also visit Cedar Falls and Ash Cave for easy waterfall treks. Another short trail is Rock House, where you can enter into a beautiful cave.

Right outside the park, another trail I love is Rockbridge, where you can hike to a large natural bridge and walk across it.

After a day of hiking, grab some food in Logan before heading home. Olde Dutch and Millstone BBQ are a couple of places to consider.

Read my full guide to visiting Hocking Hills

Bardstown, Kentucky (the Kentucky Bourbon Trail)

Take a day trip to Bardstown and explore distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail! There are 56 distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail that range from Cincinnati, Louisville, Lexington and beyond. There are several located in and around Bardstown, which is said to be the “Bourbon Capital of the World.”

If you don’t have a designated driver, I recommend hiring a company to drive you around to various distilleries. I had a great experience with Mint Julep Tours, which has all kinds of offerings. They offer public tours that leave from Louisville, or you can customize a private tour and have them pick you up in Cincinnati. This is a great option if you have a larger group.

If you’re visiting on your own, a few distilleries to visit include the iconic Maker’s Mark and Bardstown Bourbon Company. It’s best to make a reservation for a tour or tasting in advance. At Maker’s Mark, you can tour the grounds and even dip your own bottle in wax. At Bardstown Bourbon Company, you can book their thieving experience and taste bourbon and whiskey directly from the barrel.

Other things to do in Bardstown include visiting the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History or taking a short hike to see giant trolls at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum nearby.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there is a fun Cincinnati day trip for everyone! From waterfalls to bourbon, it’s amazing that you can discover so much nature, and so many other unique cities and towns, just within a couple hours of Cincinnati. I hope this guide gives you some new destinations to add to your list.

For more Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana guides, check these out:

• 10 Romantic Getaways from Cincinnati, Ohio
• The Best Things To Do in Warren County, OH
• The Best Hikes near Cincinnati
• A Guide to Exploring Hocking Hills
• Top 10 things To Do in Cincinnati
• 100+ Date Ideas in Cincinnati, Ohio
• The Best Things To Do in Cuyahoga Valley
• The Best Hikes in Yellow Springs, Ohio
• The Best Things To Do in Red River Gorge, KY
• The Best Hikes in Indiana

Thanks for Reading!