Dayton Travel Guide

Tourist 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
Akron featuring modern architecture
Dayton

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 showing a city, outdoor eating and a square or plaza

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
 Fifth and Jackson St in the Oregon district in Dayton Ohio UAS 2023

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
"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.

University Park
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.

South Park
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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
Witches Tower in Dayton Ohio

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.

Walnut Hills
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 Rp2.362.583 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
Rp2.362.583
Rp2.752.409 total
24 Mar - 25 Mar
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! (1,000 reviews)
Nice room, good pool, great gym, fairly priced restaurant, no coffee in loby

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.954.485 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
Rp1.954.485
Rp2.276.976 total
23 Mar - 24 Mar
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
great place to stay .

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

Drury Inn & Suites Dayton North
Red Roof Inn Dayton North Airport

Red Roof Inn Dayton North Airport

2 out of 5
7370 Miller Lane Dayton OH
The price is Rp810.604 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
Rp810.604
Rp944.354 total
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Dayton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Scene75 Entertainment Center and Cinemark Huber Heights ...
5.8/10 (1,000 reviews)
Everything was as to be expected

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

Red Roof Inn Dayton North Airport
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.
Sleek DT Cleveland Apt at City Club

Sleek DT Cleveland Apt at City Club

3 out of 5
776 Euclid Ave Cleveland OH
Stay at this apartment in Cleveland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and meeting facilities. Popular attractions Rocket Arena and Progressive Field are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (137 reviews)
There are nice restaurants and shops nearby, and it is busy enough to feel safe, but still quiet enough to be relaxing

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

Sleek DT Cleveland Apt at City Club
Jungle House Modern Lofts – Arena District & Short North

Jungle House Modern Lofts – Arena District & Short North

5 out of 5
605 Dennison Avenue Columbus OH
Stay at this luxury holiday home in Columbus. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions COSI and Ohio Stadium are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
Had a great time in town for a concert and appreciated how close this was to the venue! Very clean and comfortable. Best pillow I've ever slept on!

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026

Jungle House Modern Lofts – Arena District & Short North
Birch Hill Suites Extended Stay - Blue Ash

Birch Hill Suites Extended Stay - Blue Ash

3.5 out of 5
4650 Cornell Rd Cincinnati OH
Stay at this business-friendly condo in Cincinnati. Enjoy free parking, a fitness centre and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sharon Woods Golf Course ...
5.8/10 (407 reviews)
Nice place

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

Birch Hill Suites Extended Stay - Blue Ash
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.

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