No need to search any further than the Buckeye State for your next family vacation, romantic retreat, or even road trip. Ohio offers various landscapes to discover, from bustling metropolises to charming seaside villages.
Vacation plans might revolve around exploring state parks or world-renowned museums and zoos. In addition to many historical, cultural, and sporting sites, you may eat and drink across both large and little communities, city after city, with doughnuts and beer in hand.
The best of Ohio awaits you; whether you’re planning a city break, a family vacation, or an adrenaline rush, look no further than our detailed guide to exploring the Buckeye State below.
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The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens (Cincinnati)
One of the oldest zoos in the United States, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden first welcomed visitors in 1875. The city’s initial site was 65 acres, but the zoo expanded into the suburbs and nearby blocks throughout the years.
Three buildings in the zoo—the Reptile House, the Passenger Pigeon Memorial, and the Elephant House—have earned National Historic Landmark status. Around 500 animal species and 3,000 plant species are here, making it one of the country’s most extensive zoos.
Cruise the Cincinnati River (Cincinnati)
Cincinnati River cruises are a great opportunity to take in the sights of this vibrant city. The River Queen and the flagship Belle of Cincinnati are the two vessels that BB Riverboats operate, and they provide several choices for trademark dinner cruises and vineyard sunset excursions, so you may see the breathtaking city skyline illuminated at night.
Among the daytime excursions are historical tours, themed and holiday cruises, and a Dixieland Jazz Brunch Cruise. At Cincinnati’s Riverfest, which takes place over Labor Day Weekend, you may bid goodbye to summer and even set sail for the city’s finest fireworks views.
In addition to the delicious cuisine and entertaining music, reviewers rave about the nighttime views of the city lights during evening cruises.
Ohio Stadium (Columbus)
Ohio Stadium is an ideal destination for football enthusiasts, particularly since it is the home stadium for the Buckeyes in Columbus. Visitors and locals alike should go to the stadium to fully experience the ambiance of attending a weekend game featuring the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The atmosphere is profoundly electrifying and offers a remarkable encounter, irrespective of one’s familiarity with the intricacies of football. Visitors are also keen to place a small wager or two to elevate the thrill of watching a game, and whether you have an ESPN Ohio promo code or not, you can find a wealth of spread, total, or prop bets to choose from.
North Market (Colombus)
Established in the 1800s, North Market is widely regarded as one of the premier marketplaces in the state. It is just astonishing! The establishment offers many items, including freshly baked pastries, hand-cut flowers, and local cheeses. It is an ideal destination for a leisurely walk and a delicious meal.
Although North Market is not the largest in the world, its size should not discourage you. The market has several vendors offering various delectable cuisines that cater to a diverse range of preferences. Ensure you visit Black Radish Creamery and Fox’s to indulge in their delicious bagels.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland)
The opening day of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was September 2, 1995. Today, one of Cleveland’s most popular tourist destinations, the five-story glass pyramid houses rare rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia such as performance costumes, songwriting manuscripts, and other personal documents.
Most visitors are enthused about the Connor Theater’s interactive displays and movies. They also suggest setting up a good chunk of time for your visit. You may wish to look at what’s currently on display online before you attend since the exhibits are often changing.
Breweries Galore (Cleveland)
Beer lovers unite; your time is now because a thriving craft beer culture has emerged in Cleveland, as in many other trendy American towns.
To complete the task of visiting 41 breweries within a 25-mile radius of downtown Cleveland, pick up a Cleveland Brewery Passport before you take off. Even if you only visit a handful of the forty-one breweries or brewpubs, you may still earn rewards like Cleveland Brewery Passport koozies. A Cleveland Brewery Passport growler will be your prize if you’re brave enough to visit all 41 locations. Lucky for you, you can also get a passport stamp when you buy meals and branded items like T-shirts.