Dayton Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com
Photo provided by Courtesy of the Office of TourismOhio, www.DiscoverOhio.com

Visit the final resting place of the Wright brothers at this Midwestern destination, which offers historical attractions in a modern city setting.

Dayton is one of Ohio's most culturally rich cities, famous as the source of some of the country's greatest inventions.

Carillon Historical Park offers visitors a glimpse into these technological discoveries. This living history museum has 25 buildings, each offering unique artefacts and exhibits. Relax in the park, walk through the historic structures and enjoy the sounds from the landmark carillon. Children and adults will want to see the 1905 Wright Flyer III, the planet’s first usable airplane.

Explore the history of flight at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. This institution holds more than 360 planes and aviation inventions. Learn about the history of the Air Force and the evolution of stealth technology as well.

Take a self-guided or docent-led tour at the Dayton Art Institute with 27,000 artworks offering visitors a glimpse into Asian, African and American art stretching back 5,000 years.

The Oregon District is ideal for enjoying Dayton’s cultural attractions. Stroll through the picturesque historic district, which offers boutiques, eateries and galleries. Downtown Dayton is located 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) to the west, where the skyline hugs the bank of the Miami River. Head here for nightlife, diverse cuisine and a range of accommodation options. Watch a show at the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Centre the distinctive modernist building hosts concerts year-round.

Take a scenic walk through Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum, the resting place of brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright. This park is one of the largest garden cemeteries in the country and is an ideal place to stroll on a sunny day.

Dayton is 70 miles (112.7 kilometres) from Columbus and under 2 hours by car from the larger cities of Cincinnati and Indianapolis. Port Columbus International Airport offers flights to most major U.S. cities.

With its distinct seasons, Dayton offers a unique experience for visitors every month of the year. Plan to visit this Ohio destination to explore a city where historical and modern attractions intersect.

Where to stay in Dayton

Dayton featuring a lake or waterhole and kayaking or canoeing as well as a small group of people

Downtown Dayton

Unique features of Downtown Dayton include the theatres and bars. Make a stop by Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center or Victoria Theater while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Dayton
Default Image

University Park

While visiting University Park, you might make a stop by sights like Carillon Historical Park and Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum.

University Park
Default Image

Oregon District

Oregon District is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Belle of Dayton Distillery and Dayton Theatre Guild.

Oregon District
Default Image

South Park

Though South Park may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like America's Packard Museum and 2nd Street Market.

South Park
Default Image

Murlin Heights

Well liked for its restaurants and shopping, you might stop by Scene75 Entertainment Center and Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway while you're exploring Murlin Heights and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Murlin Heights
Default Image

Belmont

While there might not be top attractions in Belmont, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum and Fraze Pavillion.

Belmont
Marriott at the University of Dayton

Marriott at the University of Dayton

4 out of 5
1414 South Patterson Boulevard, Dayton, OH
The price is £102 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
£102
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Dayton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"I had to leave early in the morning so I had to walk out into the street in the parking lot because all the sidewalks leading to the parking lot were wet with sprinklers going on"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Marriott at the University of Dayton
Drury Inn & Suites Dayton North

Drury Inn & Suites Dayton North

3 out of 5
6616 Miller Ln, Dayton, OH
The price is £91 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
£91
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Dayton. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"The seventh floor was quite noisy from other guests talking loudly and making noise past one in the morning."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Drury Inn & Suites Dayton North
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Fairborn South, OH

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Fairborn South, OH

2.5 out of 5
3971 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH
The price is £96 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
£96
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Dayton. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Its a nice clean place friendly staff lots of places to eat close to alot of different activities. Its a goid stay."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Fairborn South, OH
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beautiful Home in South Park. Walk to UD Campus, Miami Valley Hospital, Downtown

Beautiful Home in South Park. Walk to UD Campus, Miami Valley Hospital, Downtown

Dayton, OH
Stay at this holiday home in Dayton. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions National Museum of the United States Air Force and Woodland ...
9/10 Wonderful! (54 reviews)
"Charming and convenient to everything! The neighborhood is safe and well lit.The house is cozy and welcoming. I would stay here again."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Beautiful Home in South Park. Walk to UD Campus, Miami Valley Hospital, Downtown
Convenient 2-bedroom ranch with AC and WiFi in Dayton

Convenient 2-bedroom ranch with AC and WiFi in Dayton

Dayton, OH
Stay at this holiday home in Dayton. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions National Museum of the United States Air Force and Woodland ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
July
"Went to meet family, stayed two nights.Bed was comfortable, house very clean!"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Convenient 2-bedroom ranch with AC and WiFi in Dayton
Spacious, Southern Charm! 4-bedroom house in Dayton that accommodates 11 guests!

Spacious, Southern Charm! 4-bedroom house in Dayton that accommodates 11 guests!

Dayton, OH
Stay at this holiday home in Dayton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions National Museum of the United States ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"We were in town for our son’s wedding. Our other son drove from Florida, and the rest of us flew in from various locations. Florida got there before us and was able to access the house and rest after the long drive. There were 6 people total and we had plenty of room. The kitchen is well stocked ..."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Spacious, Southern Charm! 4-bedroom house in Dayton that accommodates 11 guests!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Dayton