Cincinnati is in a prime position — many amazing sights are only a few hours away! It is absolutely understandable to look for a simple vacation to get away from the day-to-day of your part of town. A day trip has evident advantages, as you don’t have to pay for housing, and get to prioritize the few things you want to do the most without getting caught up in any vacation fatigue. 

We assure you, all the destinations on this list will leave you wanting to return in the near future, perhaps even extending your stay! Read on for our recommendations about 7 amazing day trips you can take from Cincinnati, Ohio!

Columbus

Head over to Ohio’s capital for a fantastic day, or even a multi-night stay!

Distance from Cincinnati | 100 miles | 2-hour drive

Overview

Columbus, Ohio’s capital. A much shorter drive, Columbus is a fantastic place to go on a day trip, similar to Cincinnati but different enough to be a refreshing break from your daily routine. Columbus is a vibrant city with a great food scene and lots to explore. 

Must-See Sights

Around 900,000 people live in the greater Columbus area, making this a huge city. Many of Columbus’ suburbs have grown into impressive communities of their own, with lots to do and explore. 

North Market

Looking for one of Ohio’s best farmer’s markets to explore on your day trip? Look no further than North Market — Central Ohio’s Authentic Public Market. This famous destination serves over one million guests each year and is consistently ranked as one of the top public markets in the country. There, you will find a ton of food options, each place having its own flair. When you journey to Columbus, make sure to plan a few hours to spend in North Market before exploring the rest of the city!

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is the perfect destination for a day trip with the whole family. On top of boasting many exhibitions, they also host many events and special days throughout the year. Going on days when they are hosting an event means it will be more crowded, but if you find an event you are really excited about, it is worth it! What animal are you most excited to see on your next visit?

German Village

A trip to German Village is a great way to spend a weekend. It is full of many small businesses serving you food and drinks, and there is plenty of shopping to do as well! On top of that, this historic district’s incredible maintenance means you can walk through cobbled streets full of beautiful architecture, manicured landscaping, and inviting stores. The German Village Society oversees the care of this district and hosts many fun, family-friendly events throughout the year. Be sure to keep an eye out for their next event!

Places to Eat

You will not go hungry on a trip to Columbus! There are a plethora of places to placate your palate. No matter what kind of food you are looking for, there will be options for you! Some of our favorites are the Fox in the Snow Cafe (located in German Village!), Marcellas, a fancy Italian restaurant, and Rodizio Grill, for those looking for a truly mighty meal.

Yellow Springs

Enjoy some of Ohio’s premier natural sights at Yellow Springs

Distance from Cincinnati | 70 miles | 1-hour drive

Yellow Springs, Ohio is a small town about an hour North-East of Cincinnati. There are some fun sights in the town and an excellent brewery, but the main attraction of Yellow Springs is its proximity to Glen Helen Nature Preserve. Located just east of the town, the nature preserve is a sprawling 1,125-acre preserve with tours, over 15 miles of interconnected hiking trails, and lots of pleasant staff working their exhibits. Whether you want to go hiking or to learn about the native wildlife, Yellow Springs is a fantastic destination for a day trip from Cincinnati!

Red River Gorge

Marvel at astonishing rock formations as you walk the trails of Red River Gorge

Distance from Cincinnati | 150 miles | 2 hours 30-minute drive

The Red River Gorge is a fantastic natural formation of rock that’s been cut and shaped by a river that ran along it for millions of years. This is a great place to take a day trip to see some breathtaking, unique sights just over the border of Kentucky. There are waterfalls, cliffs, natural bridges, and over a hundred sandstone arches that pepper the landscape. 

Journey to the Red River Gorge to see nature like never before! The topography of the land is breathtaking, and the animals there are vibrant and numerous! Red River Gorge is a great place to drive on a day trip away from Cincinnati.

Indianapolis

Drive over to Indiana to check out their state capital. It has fine food, sights, and is a fantastic day trip!

Distance from Cincinnati | 112 miles | 1 hour 45-minute drive

Overview

Indianapolis has developed a fantastic cultural scene and is now home to many fine establishments of food and drink. Many professional sports teams call Indianapolis home, and, being only a few hours from Cincinnati, it is a great place for a day trip!

Must-See Sights

There is much to see in Indianapolis! The city is booming with fun districts to walk through, and easy access to the White River State Park, which sits right next to the city and has a beautiful river running through it. From there, you can check out their impressive array of museums, swing by the Indianapolis City Market, or take a tour through some of Indianapolis’ cultural districts! 

Places to Eat

Indianapolis has plenty to offer in terms of food! Depending on what you are looking for, Iozzo’s Garden of Italy is a great move, or La Parada if you are interested in a big, homestyle Hispanic meal, or you can swing by the Four Seasons Diner for a great brunch! This is paired with a great bar scene, lots of street food, and an impressive selection of breweries and wineries! Indianapolis, less than two hours from Cincinnati, delivers a fantastic experience on a day trip. 

Louisville

A trip to Bourbon City. Need we say any more?

Distance from Cincinnati | 100 miles | 1 hour 45-minutes

Overview

Louisville, Bourbon City. Situated a bit under two hours away from Cincinnati, Louisville is a prime destination when it comes to food, drink, and a beautiful southern city. Louisville is a hub for culture, arts, creativity, and, well, some fine bourbon. There are excellent hotels and a great restaurant on every corner! One day isn’t enough to take in this city, but it is a great place to start! You can always take another day trip down to Louisville if you fall in love with it (which we think you will)!

Must-See Sights

The museum scene in Louisville is excellent, starting with their 21c Museum, which is a boutique hotel, restaurant, and contemporary art museum all combined together! If you are looking for a unique place to stay, this belongs on the short list! There are a lot of breweries, distilleries, and wineries in the area, so if you are looking to tour some of your favorites, it is worth your while to carve out some time for a guided tour. 

Another great location is the Actors Theatre of Louisiana. If you are staying overnight, going to a show here is absolutely worth your while. This theatre is an organization that is committed to put on the best shows they can while continuing their standing tradition of working towards constantly bettering the social good of Louisville and the wider world. 

Places to Eat

Louisville is full of fantastic places to eat, starting with 21st in Germantown. This tavern is brimming with delicious food, great drinks, and live music. A huge building, 21st in Germantown is always bustling and it is always loads of fun to stop by. There is a lot of BBQ done right in Louisville, as well as a delicious restaurant called Amici’ which serves fantastic, traditional Tuscan cuisine. 

Hoosier National Forest

Take a deep breath in this nature-filled national forest and enjoy all the sights it has to offer!

Distance from Cincinnati | 150 miles | 2 hours 45-minute drive

Hoosier National Forest is a fantastic place to spend the day. Though it is a long drive, it is absolutely worth it to see the spectacular flora and fauna of this two hundred thousand acre park. If you are looking to get out of the city and experience a fine stretch of nature, Hoosier National Forest is a great place to be. 

Located in Indiana, this forest is lovingly maintained by nine counties that border its woods. Alongside being a beautiful day trip, this national forest is responsible for maintaining the levels of biodiversity that exist in Indiana today. Everyone who works to maintain it does so from their desires to see it grow and flourish, and that is evident by its natural beauty. 

Pittsburgh

Journey to the Steel City for great eats, sights, and much more!

Distance from Cincinnati | 288 Miles | 5-hour drive

Overview

If you’re planning a long weekend, Pittsburgh is an amazing place to visit. There is much to see in this Pennsylvania city, from excellent museums, sports, arts, and food! You will not be bored for one moment while you explore Pittsburgh over a few days. Known as the Steel City, there are places to go for touristy attractions, and places to go to experience the city as it is day-to-day. You will not regret the trip!

Must-See Sights

Home to nearly 300,000 residents, Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in Pennsylvania. It is brimming with culture and unique districts that bring out its charm. 

The Strip District

Home to a plethora of shops and restaurants of all shapes and sizes, the Strip is a fantastic place to go and spend a few hours and a meal (or two!) for an authentic Pittsburgh experience. Located just a few miles from Downtown, there is so much to experience, you should definitely check it out!

Downtown

Pittsburgh has a vibrant downtown with shops, activities, and much more. As one of the cultural centers of Pittsburgh, it has a lot of great areas like Market Square, the PPG ice skating rink (in the wintertime!), and the Three Rivers Park. Downtown also offers many hotels, allowing you to stay in the heart of Pittsburgh! You will be within walking distance of restaurants (we recommend Tako!), and just a short drive away from anything else you want to check out. 

Places to Eat

The food scene in Pittsburgh is fantastic. There are a ton of unique restaurants to visit, leaving you with the great problem of having too many options! For a short stay, we recommend trying out Square Cafe for breakfast, finding a fun place for lunch around where you are visiting, and going to either Tako or Mercurio's for dinner. That being said, it is always fun to do some research about the food scene in Pittsburgh to find the perfect restaurant for you! 

Where’s Your Horizon?

What do you think of our list of favorite day trips from Cincinnati, Ohio? Let us know in the comments!