Top Things to do in Ohio
Top Hotels in Ohio
- 1. Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown
- 2. Hilton Cleveland Downtown
- 3. Graduate Columbus
- 4. The Westin Cincinnati
- 5. Berlin Grande Hotel
- 6. Ohio University Inn & Conference Center
- 7. Hyatt Place Columbus/Worthington
- 8. Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade
- 9. Hampton Inn Cleveland-Downtown
- 10. 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati
10 Nature & Parks in Ohio That You Shouldn't Miss
If you are looking for an active place to stay with world-class attractions, Ohio’s major cities can satisfy any vacation desire. Each offers its own distinct flavor of fun, from professional sports – Bengals (Cincinnati), Cavaliers (Cleveland) and Indians (Cleveland again) – to museums, outdoor activities and more. One of the most famous is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. If football is your thing, don’t miss the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. For the science-minded, visit the meat eaters at the Carnivore Conservation Center in the Wilds near Cambridge, dedicated to the breeding and scientific study of endangered mid-sized carnivores. Kids will also love Planet Snoopy in Sandusky or the Columbus Zoo’s Zoombezi Bay Waterpark and Jack’s Landing rides.
Restaurants in Ohio
1. Cleveland Metroparks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 643 reviews
Hop on a bicycle, lace up your running shoes or take your time strolling through any part of this scenic 60-mile long string of parks and garden areas.
Reviewed By _peggy324 - Cleveland, United States
Even in winter the nearby metro parks have so many wonderful hikes and cross country skiing opportunities . It’s impossible to choose a favorite
2. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 807 reviews
Completed in 1915, Stan Hywet Hall was built for the family of F.A. Seiberling, co-founder of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. It was named Stan Hywet, Old English for stone quarry, after the property’s most prominent natural feature. The 65-room Manor House is one of the finest examples of Tudor Revival architecture in America, and the sixth largest home open to the public. The estate includes historic gardens and grounds and is open for tours, Tuesday-Sunday from April to December. The Gate Lodge at the entrance to the estate has its own historic significance. In 1935, two admitted alcoholics met there and talked long into the night, when the principles that still serve as the cornerstone of Alcoholics Anonymous were identified.
Reviewed By BarbaraJS1942 - Akron, United States
Stan Hywet was the 65-room home of F. A. & Gertrude Seiberling from 1915-1955. The house is magnificent and the grounds are gorgeous with several gardens and both rolling meadows and dense forest areas. Playground areas are included for children. Many public events are held each year including Deck the Hall (Christmas lights & house decorations), Ohio Mart (juried vendors, food, drinks, sweepstakes gifts, and more), Father's Day Car Show, Founders' Day (Alcoholics Anonymous), and more. The estate features a historic 65-room Tudor Revival Manor House, Gothic Revival Conservatory, Gate Lodge (birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous) and approximately 70 acres of artistically landscaped grounds and formal gardens. Both docent-guided and self-guided tours are offered daily in the Manor House and the gardens,.
3. Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 736 reviews
Reviewed By chellye - Lexington, United States
Visited to see the grave of General Joseph Hooker. What a beautiful site! Very well maintained and tons of interesting monuments. Definitely going back in the spring when the weather is nice.
4. Smale Riverfront Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 696 reviews
Reviewed By everydaywanderer - Kansas City, United States
Nestled between Paul Brown Stadium, where the Cincinnati Bengals play football, and the Great American Ball Park, where the Cincinnati Reds play baseball, is Smale Riverfront Park. Running parallel to the Ohio River, the 32 acres of immaculately-maintained green space includes: - a carousel, - pergola-covered, oversized swings that face the water, - a 1.75 acre tree grove and rose garden, - unique play areas with log climbers, a rope bridge, a flying pig, and a giant foot piano, - multiple fountains and other water features, and more It is a beautiful way to spend time along the Ohio River on a gorgeous day in Cincinnati! Get advice on what else to do, see, and eat in Cincinnati by visiting my blog (details in profile)!
5. Old Man's Cave
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 326 reviews
Reviewed By MentorGrl - Concord, United States
I first visited here about nine years ago with my college aged daughter. This time, I visited with my husband. This is a truly amazing Ohio attraction. The rock formations, the forest, the trails, the caves, the water falls, they are all just mesmerizing ... and it feels like you've been transported to another space and time. There is a new visitor center that features an interesting history of the park with maps, photos and details and on how the trails were developed by the Conservation Corps back in the 1930s. We only hiked from the Upper Falls to Old Man's Cave and back to the visitor center and it took a little more than an hour. You could easily spend a half a day. And because we'd like to see the Lower Falls and the Rock House, we'll be back! It is definitely worth a visit, regardless of the time of year.
6. Ash Cave
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 520 reviews
Reviewed By jdenz01 - Saint Clair Shores, United States
This trail and location was by far my favorite. A nice plus is that the trail is wheelchair/mobility challenged friendly. The standard return trail goes up some into the hills so those that wish for that experience can have it, while the accessible trail also remains an option. It’s a pretty trail with lots of nature, and the sandy large Ash Cave is really beautiful. If you’re going to Hocking Hills, this is my number one recommendation from the few trails we did.
7. Hocking Hills State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,447 reviews
Reviewed By HappyCamper512
I know it is already popular and I grew up here, but just cannot get enough of the Hills. Whenever I travel throughout the State of Ohio all of the tourist pamphlets read, “Head to the Beautiful Hocking Hills!” So beautiful and awe inspiring. Something for everyone! God’s creation ! Absolutely untouched beauty. Come for a retreat, a family campout, picnic, climb, or wonderful refreshing hike. Rain, snow or shine it is magnificent.
8. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,800 reviews
This second oldest zoo in the U.S., considered one of the best in the country, is most renowned for its endangered species and birthing programs, particularly for gorillas and white tigers, and has a wonderful collection of felines and a delightful manatees exhibit.
Reviewed By 339matthewf - Cincinnati, United States
I've been coming to this zoo for 30 years and I cannot express in words the memories that have been made here. I remember when Bruiser the walrus would spit water on me as a kid (excellent way to cool off on a summer's day). I got to stay overnight and do a guided night tour, traveled behind the scenes to see how they take care of animals, and have watched this place grow throughout the years. 'Africa' added lions and a large paddock for grazers in addition to a nice balcony with tables overlooking the whole area. Cooling stations run all day when it's hot, penguins roam the paths with keepers when it's cold, and I proposed to my wife at the Festival of Lights 'round Christmas. They also have animal encounters which, while a bit pricey, contribute to conservation efforts and offer once in a lifetime experiences like being face to face with an elephant. You can feed a giraffe if you like. They have learning stations everywhere, rotating educational encounters, and anyone in a zoo uniform will tell you a personal story about one or more of the animals. Finally, if you plan to go, I strongly advise a membership pass if only for the free parking. You get discounts on food and merch, as well; it pays for itself in two trips. Check the website out, too; they have some really cool events that go to help with conservation efforts and are a lot of fun to attend. Give it a shot and you might find you keep coming back for the rest of your life.
9. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,564 reviews
Home to more than 11,000 animals representing nearly 600 species from around the globe, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads and inspires by connecting people and wildlife. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Course. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also operates the Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a regional attraction with global impact; annually contributing $4 million of privately raised funds to support conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating.
Reviewed By LynnD304 - Lynchburg, United States
My husband and I and another couple visited the Columbus Zoo on Saturday July 7 and absolutely loved it! We saw so many animals! So much better than another zoo we visited a few years ago. There is plenty of shade and places to sit and rest if you need it. And since I went to Africa this past February I totally loved the Africa section. Lots of lions and one female jumped up on a ledge right in front of me. A gorilla did too! Lots of giraffes that seemed to be pretty friendly. Came right up to us. I really hope to have the opportunity to visit this zoo again. Absolutely awesome.
10. Eden Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 406 reviews
Beautiful scenic park in downtown Cincinati.
Reviewed By msmerz - Boulder City, United States
It's great to spend time at Eden Park - lovely lawns and trees, art museum, outdoor concert venue, etc. Beautiful overlooks of the Ohio River.
