Dayton, OH

Travel Guide

Dayton
Dayton
Dayton
Dayton
illuminated Red White and Blue 5th Street Bridge crosses Miami River at night into Dayton Ohio

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 artifacts 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 kilometers) 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 Center 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 kilometers) 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

Downtown Dayton

Downtown Dayton

4/5(52 area reviews)

Unique features of Downtown Dayton include the theaters 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

Architectural history from 1820 to 1915, featuring Federal to Queen Anne styles, awaits in this Dayton, Ohio neighborhood. Explore art galleries, specialty shops, pubs, nightclubs, and coffee houses during your visit.

Oregon District
University Park

University Park

While visiting University Park, you might make a stop by sights like Carillon Historical Park and Baujan Field.

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

South Park

South Park showcases a diverse range of architecture from the 1880s to the early twentieth century. Explore the close-knit neighborhood and its well-maintained parks, offering a unique charm.

South Park
Witches Tower in Dayton Ohio

Walnut Hills

While Walnut Hills might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like America's Packard Museum and 2nd Street Market.

Walnut Hills
Carillon Bell Tower with Christmas Lights at Night, Horizontal, HDR

Twin Towers

While Twin Towers isn't home to many top sights, America's Packard Museum and Day Air Ballpark are some notable places to visit nearby.

Twin Towers
The Hotel@Dayton South

The Hotel@Dayton South

2.5 out of 5
8099 Old Yankee Street Dayton OH
$67 nightly
The price is $78 total per night from May 26 to May 27
$78 total
May 26 - May 27
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Dayton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"An older hotel in need of love and attention. It was hamvention in nearby Xenia so everything gets booked early. Booked it about 2 months prior. All the furniture was leftover. The desk had one leg that was about to be fall off. I pointed it out to the staff after checking in. Much of the wooden ..."

Reviewed on May 19, 2026

The Hotel@Dayton South
Marriott at the University of Dayton

Marriott at the University of Dayton

4 out of 5
1414 South Patterson Boulevard Dayton OH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$139 nightly
The price is $162 total per night from May 27 to May 28
$162 total
May 27 - May 28
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Dayton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Located right across from the University of Dayton, I recommend this property. It was my first time in Dayton and at a Marriott property. Amenities were great. Nice to have another breakfast area for us on the 6th floor! The cost is a bit more than I am used to but I was attending a graduation and ..."

Reviewed on May 18, 2026

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

Drury Inn & Suites Dayton North

4 out of 5
6616 Miller Ln Dayton OH
$117 nightly
The price is $136 total per night from May 28 to May 29
$136 total
May 28 - May 29
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Dayton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"We’ve stayed here several times and every time it was spectacular."

Reviewed on May 15, 2026

Drury Inn & Suites Dayton North
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.
Updated Historical apartment close to a park and two blocks from the best dining

Updated Historical apartment close to a park and two blocks from the best dining

Dayton OH
Stay at this apartment in Dayton. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions National Museum of the United States Air Force and America's Packard ...
10/10 Exceptional! (110 reviews)
"Great place. Clean, in great shape and close to UD!!"

Reviewed on May 11, 2026

Updated Historical apartment close to a park and two blocks from the best dining
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 vacation home in Dayton. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions National Museum of the United States Air Force and Woodland ...
9/10 Wonderful! (69 reviews)
"Lovely stay.. definitely would book again"

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2026

Beautiful Home in South Park. Walk to UD Campus, Miami Valley Hospital, Downtown
Neat & Tidy Private Entry Cozy Suite in Dayton Area with a Dedicated AC

Neat & Tidy Private Entry Cozy Suite in Dayton Area with a Dedicated AC

Dayton OH
Stay at this apartment in Dayton. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Walnut Grove Park and Dayton Funny Bone ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
"Hoss was very responsive. Great stay overall."

Reviewed on May 4, 2026

Neat & Tidy Private Entry Cozy Suite in Dayton Area with a Dedicated AC
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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