What to do in Dayton, OH

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Dayton

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Dayton travel guide

Dayton featuring a bridge, a park and autumn leaves

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

Dayton showing a city, outdoor eating and a square or plaza

Dayton Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Dayton has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Dayton, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Dayton with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Dayton

Dayton is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Dayton, and make it a breeze to explore Dayton and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Dayton to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Dayton, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Dayton.

Dayton attractions

Dayton has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Dayton to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Dayton.

Looking for things to do in Dayton can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Dayton or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Dayton attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in Dayton

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Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Dayton Bar Hunt: Get Your Drink on in Dayton: £9
Top 5 things to do	Dayton Bar Hunt: Get Your Drink on in Dayton
Half-day tours	Dayton Bar Hunt: Get Your Drink on in Dayton
With kids

What to do in Dayton

Popular places to visit

University of Dayton

Explore the campus of University of Dayton during your trip to Dayton. Discover the area's lively bars and its fascinating museums.

National Museum of the United States Air Force

5/5(1 review)

From a replica of the Wright brothers’ original plane to high-tech stealth bombers, there are hundreds of unique aircraft to explore at this museum in Dayton, Ohio.

Dayton Art Institute

With exceptional special exhibits and an impressive permanent collection, it is easy to see why Dayton’s fine arts museum is such a popular destination.

A section of Huffman Prairie, which was where the Wright Brothers perfected their flying machine, is maintained as a natural prairie. The wildflower blooms are incredible all summer!

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

After visiting Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Dayton. Take in the fascinating museums while you're in the area.

The Dayton Dragons are a farm team for the Cincinnati Reds. It's minor leagues, so it's way cheaper and just as much fun.

Day Air Ballpark

Catch an event at Day Air Ballpark during your trip to Dayton. Experience the area's fascinating museums or attend a sporting event.

Dayton Convention Center

Learn about the events happening in Dayton Convention Center during your trip to Dayton. Experience the area's fascinating museums or attend a sporting event.

University of Dayton Arena

Catch an event at University of Dayton Arena during your trip to Dayton. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Dayton Mall Shopping Center

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Dayton Mall Shopping Center during your stay in Miamisburg. Take in the fascinating museums while you're in the area.

Scene75 Entertainment Center

Enjoy an outing to Scene75 Entertainment Center during your stay in Dayton. Take in the fascinating museums while you're in the area.

Explore areas of Dayton

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.

Oregon District

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

"Whose gift of powered flight lifted our world forever skyward."

A bronze bench tribute to the Wright Brothers.

University Park

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

Historic Buildings at Carillon Historical Park, Museum in Dayton, Ohio, USA

South Park

Though South Park may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like 2nd Street Market and Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center.

Walnut Hills

Though Walnut Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum and 2nd Street Market.

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.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Day trip destinations from Dayton

A view down river of the perplexingly named Stillwater River that moves through Englewood Metro Park.

Vandalia

Exterior of old brick one room schoolhouse in Ohio horizontal

New Carlisle

Frequently asked questions

Is Dayton worth visiting?

Whether you plan to enjoy the cultural hotspots and local charm or sample regional foods and go on outdoor adventures, there's no shortage of things to do in Dayton.

How do I spend a day in Dayton?

Once you've checked off top attractions like Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and America's Packard Museum, spend the rest of your day experiencing Dayton's retail and food scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Dayton?

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is one of the top tourist attractions in Dayton and deserves a spot on every itinerary of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Dayton?

Three days in Dayton is enough to visit the city's major highlights. Many travellers spend two days on average. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, America's Packard Museum and Warped Wing Brewery are highly rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Mason.

Is Dayton a walkable city?

Some key attractions in Dayton, like Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and America's Packard Museum, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.64 kms (0.40 miles) from central Dayton is Downtown Dayton and Oregon District is 0.97 kms (0.60 miles) away.

What are some activities to do in Dayton with kids?

Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a schedule filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Check out our ideas for what to do in Dayton with kids.

What to do in Dayton for adults?

Warped Wing Brewery and Belle of Dayton Distillery are just a couple of the things to do in Dayton. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.

Are there free things to do in Dayton?

In Dayton, 2nd Street Market is a must-see spot for anyone wishing to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a top way to find out about the best free things to do in Dayton.