The 19 Best Day Road Trips from Columbus Ohio (2024)

Greetings, Road Trip Enthusiasts!  Ready to hit the road and explore beyond the city limits of Columbus, Ohio? We’ve curated the ultimate list of the 19 best-day road trips from Columbus, that promise adventure, beauty, and a whole lot of fun. Guarantee will make a great day trip or even a weekend gateway.  Buckle up, roll down the windows, and embark on a journey to make your day! While we explore the 19 Best Day Trip from Columbus, Ohio

Cincinnati:  Arts, Animals, and Adventure

Cincinnati is the best city for a day trip from Columbus. The City of Cincinnati is very alive and is a perfect fit for the best day trips or weekend gateway. 

• Drive Time from Columbus: Approximately 1.5 hours
• Why It’s Awesome: A city bursting with art, a world-class zoo, and the thrill of amusement parks.
• Must-Do: Explore the Cincinnati Art Museum and American Sign Museum. visit the Cincinnati Zoo, and enjoy an amusement park adventure and great food
• For more activities in Cincinnati check out at here

Mohican State Park:  Outdoor Oasis

Mohican State Park is a park located on the south shore of Pleasant Hill Lake, in Loudonville Ohio. 

• Drive Time from Columbus: Around 1.5 hours (or  less)  easy day trip
• Why It’s Awesome: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, biking, and serene landscapes.
• Must-Do: Take a scenic horse-drawn wagon ride and immerse yourself in nature and natural beauty
• For more activities  in and near Mohican State Park check out  here.

Newport Aquarium:  Underwater Wonderland

Newport Aquarium located at Newport on the Levee a dining and attraction destination in Newport, Kentucky. A trip to Newport Aquarium could make a family fun day trip. This will be one of the fun things to do with loved ones.

• Drive Time from Columbus: Approximately 1.5 hours
• Why It’s Awesome: Dive into a world of sea turtles, sharks, and captivating marine life.
• Must-Do: Walk through a transparent tunnel surrounded by aquatic wonders.
• Check out more  information about Newport Aquarium here.

Cedar Falls:  Waterfall Magic

One of the major hiking trails and waterfalls that are located in Hocking Hills. It also makes a perfect day trip for a family or a group of friends.

• Drive Time from Columbus: Just under 2 hours
• Why It’s Awesome: Witness the breathtaking beauty of Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills
• Must-Do: Hike to Cedar Falls and soak in the tranquility of this natural wonder.
• For more activities and things to do around the area check out here.

 

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park:  Art in Nature

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum is located in Hamilton, Ohio. The park includes an outdoor sculpture collection,

• Drive Time from Columbus: Approx. 1.5 hours
• Why It’s Awesome: A unique blend of art and nature with outdoor sculptures and beautiful gardens.
• Must-Do: Stroll through the park and marvel at the diverse collection of sculptures

The Wilds:  Safari Adventure Near Columbus

The Wilds is a private safari park and conservation center located in Cumberland, Ohio.

• Drive Time from Columbus: Approx. 1.5 hours
• Why It’s Awesome: Experience a safari adventure with open-air tours and exotic wildlife.
• Must-Do: Take a guided safari tour, open-air safari tour witness rare species, and enjoy the conservation efforts at The Wilds.
• For more information about The Wilds check out here.

Hocking Hills:  Nature’s Marvel in Southeast Ohio

Hocking Hills State Park is located in Logan, Ohio. Hocking Hills State Park and its hiking areas are open year-round, 365 days a year, and even all the holidays. It is open from dawn to dusk.

• Drive Time from Columbus: Around 1 hour easy day trip
• Why It’s Awesome: Waterfalls, caves, and stunning hiking trails in the heart of nature.
• Must-Do: Hike to Old Man’s Cave, explore Ash Cave,  and take in the scenic beauty of the region. Also, explore John Glenn Astronomy Park,
• For more information and things to do in Hocking Hills check out here.

Ohio Caverns:  Subterranean Wonders Await

Ohio Caverns is a show cave located in West Liberty, OH about 30 miles from Dayton, Ohio. It’s open all year round.

• Drive Time from Columbus: Around 1.5 hours
• Why It’s Awesome: Explore stunning underground formations and learn about Ohio’s geological marvels. These are America’s most colorful caverns
• Must-Do: Take a guided tour of the caverns, marvel at crystal formations, and discover the secrets beneath Ohio.
• For more information about Ohio Caverns  and things to do check out here.

 Amish Country:  Step Back in Time

Amish village/community located in Berlin, OH

• Drive Time from Columbus: Around 1.5 hours
• Why It’s Awesome: Experience the charm of Amish communities, working farms, and picturesque landscapes.historic towns
• Must-Do: Take a self-guided tour, savor homemade goods, and enjoy a little bit of tranquility.
• For more information about Amish Country and things to do check out here.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park:  Nature Meets City Escape

A quiet wonderful park located in Brecksville, OH a suburb of Cleveland.

• Drive Time from Columbus: Approx. 2 hours
• Why It’s Awesome: Serene landscapes and a touch of city life with nearby Akron.
• Must-Do: Explore the park, then visit Akron for its vibrant downtown scene, kayaking, and Canoeing at Cuyahoga River, take a relaxing day at Brandywine Falls
• For more information about things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park check out here.

Mansfield Reformatory: Step into the Past

Mansfield Reformatory is a historic prison located in Mansfield, Ohio. The place is also famous due to films and music videos that have been shot here.

• Drive Time from Columbus: Around 1.25 hours
• Why It’s Awesome: Explore the historic prison featured in “The Shawshank Redemption.
• Must-Do: Take a guided tour of the prison, learn about its history, and feel the movie’s magic.
• For more information about Mansfield Reformatory and things to do checkout here.

Yellow Springs:  Quirky Charm in a Small Town

Yellow Springs is a village/town that is part of Dayton Metropolitan in Greene County, Ohio, 

• Drive Time from Columbus: Around 1 hour
• Why It’s Awesome: Artsy vibes, unique shops, and a small-town escape.
• Must-Do: Stroll through the downtown area, explore eclectic shops and enjoy local eats.
• For more information about things to do in Yellow Springs Check out here.

Cleveland:  Culture, Cuisine, and the Rock Hall of Fame

• Drive Time from Columbus: Approx. 2 hours
• Why It’s Awesome: Cultural richness, culinary delights, and the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
• Must-Do: Dive into downtown Cleveland, explore museums, and visit the Rock Hall.
• For more information about things to do in Cleveland check out here.

Dayton:  Aviation Marvels and City Sights

•  Drive Time from Columbus: Around 1.5 hours
•  Why It’s Awesome: Home to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and vibrant city life
•  Must-Do: Explore aviation history and try the flight simulator, then check out downtown Dayton for various cultures.
•  For more information about things to do in Dayton check out here.

Pittsburgh:  Bridges, Museums, and Steel City Magic.

A day trip to Pittsburg would make the best day trip to the largest city

• Drive Time from Columbus: Approx. 3 hours
• Why It’s Awesome: Iconic bridges, world-class museums, and the unique charm of Pittsburgh.
• Must-Do: Visit the Andy Warhol Museum, walk the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, and savor local cuisine.
• Fore more information about things to do in Pittsburgh check out here.

Detroit:  Motor City and Beyond

• Drive Time from Columbus: Around 3.5 hours
• Why It’s Awesome: A city with a rich automotive history, vibrant arts scene, and more.
• Must-Do: Explore the Detroit Institute of Arts, take a stroll in Belle Isle Park, and feel the city’s heartbeat.
• For more information about things to do in Detroit check out here.

Indianapolis:  Racing, Museums, and Hoosier Hospitality

• Drive Time from Columbus: Approx. 3 hours
• Why It’s Awesome: Known for the Indy 500, impressive museums, and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Must-Do: Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, explore the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and enjoy the city’s hospitality.
• For more information about things to do in Indianapolis check out here.

Louisville:  Bourbon, Horses, and Southern Charm

• Drive Time from Columbus: Around 3 hours
• Why It’s Awesome: Home to the Kentucky Derby, bourbon distilleries, and a lively waterfront.
• Must-Do: Tour a bourbon distillery, visit the Louisville Mega Cavern, and stroll along the Waterfront Park. Enjoy food and live music at 4th Street.
• For more information about things to do in Louisville check out here.

Lexington:  Horse Country and Historic Beauty

• Drive Time from Columbus: Approximately 2.5 hours
• Why It’s Awesome: Famous for horse farms, historic sites, and a vibrant downtown.
• Must-Do: Explore the Kentucky Horse Park, visit historic sites like Ashland, and enjoy the local cuisine.
• For more information on things to do in Lexington check out here.

 

Tips for a Perfect Road Trip:

Early Start: Begin your road trip early to make the most of the day

Pack Snacks: Keep snacks and drinks handy for those impromptu picnics.

Playlist Ready: Create a road trip playlist for the ultimate driving soundtrack.

Explore Local Eats: Try local restaurants and cafes for a taste of regional flavors.

 

There you have it, fellow road warriors! The 19 best-day road trips from Columbus, Ohio, offer a mix of city delights, natural wonders, and small-town charm. So, gear up choose your destination, and let the road trip extravaganza begin!