Your guide to Ohio
Top destinations in Ohio
Cincinnati
From stunning architecture and riverside strolls to one of the oldest brew scenes in the US, discover why Cincinnati is the new must-see city of the Midwest.
Cleveland
Once an industrial hub, this Rust Belt city is reinventing itself. From world-class museums to bustling markets and stellar street food, see why Cleveland should be your next city break.
Columbus
Cruise along a waterfront parkland, hop across multiple arts districts and get interactive at the US’ best science museum. Ohio’s capital has never looked so good.
Ohio: fast facts
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | United States dollar ($) |
| Time zone | Columbus - UTC−5 (EST) and UTC−4 (EDT) |
| High season | May – September |
| Low season | December – February |
Ohio highlights
Ride a rollercoaster
Cedar Point is one of the most historic theme parks in the US, with 18 epic rollercoasters and dozens of family-friendly attractions. Whizz around on record-breaking rides, then relax on Cedar Point Beach or go paddle boarding on Lake Erie. For more family fun, head to Kings Island, where classic fairground rides meet adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters.
Honour musical legends
One of the top things to do in Ohio is to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Inside a modern building designed by legendary architect IM Pei, explore immersive exhibits packed with musical gems. Feast your eyes on guitars and stage outfits belonging to artists like Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.
Visit Amish Country
Holmes County feels a world away from bustling Cleveland and Columbus. One of the largest Amish communities in the country, it’s a patchwork of rolling countryside dotted with farmhouses and horse-drawn buggies. Visit the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center to learn more about the Amish way of life, or book a night at a local farmstay.
Things to do in Ohio
Top attractions
Discover Lake Erie’s scenic shores, dotted with historical lighthouses and inviting islands. In Cleveland, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is more than just exhibits — it also has live concerts featuring legendary and rising artists. Unwind amid nature at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where trails lead to a working vineyard perfect for post-hike relaxation.
Beaches
Although Ohio is landlocked, you’ll find some great beaches on the shores of Lake Erie. Edgewater Beach is a family-friendly stretch of sand popular for kayaking, volleyball and fishing, with views of Cleveland’s skyline. East Harbor State Park is surrounded by wetlands teeming with herons, egrets and gulls. And Headlands Beach State Park is Ohio’s largest natural sand beach.
Nature
One of the state’s top natural wonders is Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Its waterfalls and dense native forests are the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventure. Try hiking or biking the Towpath Trail and catching the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad back. In Put-in-Bay, you’ll find Crystal Cave, the world’s largest geode. Take a guided tour of the adjoining Heineman Winery.
Cuisine
Comfort food is big in Ohio. Be sure to order a ‘Polish Boy’ hot dog in Cleveland, a mashup of American and Eastern European flavours with ‘kielbasa’ (Polish sausage), coleslaw, chips and barbecue sauce. Popular ‘Cincinnati chili’ is a rich meat sauce heaped over spaghetti with cheese. Visit an Amish restaurant in Ohio for family-style dishes like fried chicken, mashed potatoes and homemade pies.
Culture and museums
One of the quirkiest museums in Ohio is Cincinnati’s American Sign Museum, which explores nearly 100 years of advertising history through colourful signs. Admire the Art Deco architecture of the Cincinnati Museum Center, an impressive complex that houses the city’s nature and science museums. Don’t miss the Cleveland Museum of Art, a vast, free gallery with works by Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh.
Nightlife
You’ll find some of the best nightlife in Ohio in its lively urban centres. In Cincinnati, explore historic breweries in the Over-the-Rhine district, a brewing hub since before the Prohibition era. In Columbus, discover emerging talent during the monthly Gallery Hop. For rooftop bars, tiki drinks, comedy and dancing, head to Cleveland’s lively Flats district.
Find the best time to visit Ohio
Weather in Ohio through the year
March – May: Spring is one of the best times to visit Ohio, with mild temperatures and colourful wildflower blooms in the state’s parks. It’s also the prime season for outdoor festivals and farmers markets.
June – August: Summers in Ohio are warm and humid. Pack your swimming costume and head to Lake Erie for a refreshing dip, or enjoy sunny days exploring the islands. Bring an umbrella — summer storms can pop up unexpectedly.
September – October: Autumn is crisp and colourful, with brilliant foliage and seasonal harvest events across the state.
November – February: Winters are cold, with snow in many areas. Hit the slopes at ski resorts like Mad River Mountain.
Events in Ohio
Columbus Art Festival (June): Hundreds of artists, performers and food trucks transform the Columbus riverfront for three days of exhibitions and entertainment. Watch artist demos, enjoy kid-friendly crafts, and catch live music on multiple stages.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (September): Billed as the country’s largest Oktoberfest, Cincinnati honours all things beer-related with a multi-day festival featuring parades, stein-holding contests and quirky traditions like the World’s Largest Chicken Dance.
Circleville Pumpkin Show (October): One of the oldest and largest events in Ohio, this iconic autumn gathering draws crowds for four days of pumpkin-inspired parades, treats and competitions. The highlight is the contest for the heaviest pumpkin — winners often weigh more than 450 kilograms.
Know before you go
Budget
With free attractions like national parks, galleries and gardens to explore, it’s easy to visit Ohio on a budget. After a day of adventuring, you can enjoy a simple meal in a casual restaurant for around 17 US dollars ($), while a beer or cappuccino costs about $5. Weary legs? Take a short taxi ride for about $7.
Health and safety
Ohio’s weather can be unpredictable, with peak tornado season running from April to June. Pay attention to warnings and seek shelter when advised, especially in the southeast and central regions. During summer heat waves, stay safe by hydrating, resting in shaded areas, and cooling off in air-conditioned spaces when possible.
Free things to do
The Cincinnati Art Museum offers year-round free admission to over 73,000 works and rotating exhibitions. Explore scenic trails and the winding river at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which is free to enter. In Cleveland, Take a Hike walking tours provide complimentary 90-minute guided strolls through historic districts, cemeteries and architectural landmarks.
Family friendly
You’ll find dinosaur skeletons and immersive planetarium shows at the sprawling Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Near Columbus, the Ohio Caverns invites families to explore the state’s largest underground network. For an outdoor escape, stay at one of Ohio’s state parks, many featuring family-friendly lodges — Hocking Hills State Park is a favourite just outside Cincinnati.
Getting around Ohio
Public transport
Buses: GoBus provides affordable connections between Ohio’s cities and rural areas, with amenities like air conditioning, restrooms, outlets and Wi-Fi. National carriers such as Greyhound and FlixBus also operate throughout the state, and all can be booked online.
Trains: Amtrak operates two routes in the northern and southern parts of the state. Major stops include Cleveland and Cincinnati. You can also take out-and-back rides on historic rail lines such as the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad near Cincinnati.
Boats: On Lake Erie, Miller Ferry offers an 18-minute crossing to South Bass Island and the charming town of Put-in-Bay. Kelleys Island Ferry connects the mainland with Kelleys Island, while the historic Anderson Ferry near Cincinnati carries passengers across the Ohio River to Kentucky.
Domestic flights
Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland are Ohio’s primary air hubs, with regional airports offering domestic flights that help cut down travel times.
Driving and car hire
Hiring a car is one of the easiest ways to explore Ohio, especially for reaching smaller towns or parks. Roads are generally well maintained, but winter weather can create icy conditions. Allow extra time, watch for changing speed limits, and give snowploughs plenty of space.
