There’s plenty to do in Cincinnati, Ohio, but sometimes you just want a change of scenery. If you’re based in or around the Queen City, you may be wondering what the best day trips from Cincinnati are if you want to escape for a bit.
Cincinnati’s location in the tri-state area, sharing borders with both Indiana and Kentucky, makes it a great starting point for sightseeing around the region.
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Best Day Trips from Cincinnati
What makes a good day trip? We think the main things to consider are the proximity and activities—you don’t want to spend half your day in the car, and you want to do something a little bit different. That’s why we’ve gathered a mix of places that are within about 2 hours of Cincinnati by car. Whether you’re headed to another city or looking to explore nature, these are the best day trips from Cincinnati that should be on your radar.
1. Hocking Hills State Park: Best for Natural Beauty

Hocking Hills State Park is perhaps the most popular nearby nature trip for Cincinnatians. The park has over 25 miles of hiking trails from which you can see majestic waterfalls and impressive sandstone rock formations. There are even a few recess caves you can explore.
If you’d like to do more than just hike, the park offers activities like zip lining, ATV riding, biking, and rock climbing. For those who’d rather get on the water, consider canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding on the Hocking River.
Hocking Hills is only about 2 hours and 10 minutes from Cincinnati by car.
2. Louisville, Kentucky: Perfect for Bourbon Lovers

If you want to explore another nearby city, Louisville, Kentucky’s largest city, should be on your list. It’s home to the Kentucky Derby, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, and multiple stops on the famous Bourbon Trail. Whether you’re a sports fan, a history buff, or an “urban bourbon” enthusiast, you’ll love Louisville.
Sports fans can check out where the famous Louisville Slugger baseball bats are made or head to the Muhammad Ali Center to learn about the boxer’s life. History lovers can cruise down the Ohio River on the Belle of Louisville, the oldest steamboat still in operation. Bourbon connoisseurs can visit up to 10 distilleries, or take a guided bourbon tour to sample some of the best.
Only an hour and 40 minutes away by car, Louisville combines its own brand of Southern charm with history and industry, making for the perfect day trip from Cincinnati.
3. Yellow Springs, Ohio: Best for a Small-Town Vibe
This small historic village is situated between Dayton and Columbus, two other major Ohio cities. Another favorite destination for natural beauty, Yellow Springs is a great day trip from Cincinnati for the whole family.
Yellow Springs started as a spa village and has grown into one of Ohio’s most visited small towns. Outdoor activities are available, like biking along the Little Miami Scenic Trail and hiking in many of the area’s parks. These include Glen Helen and Clifton Gorge Nature Preserves, John Bryan State Park, and, of course, The Yellow Spring. The Yellow Spring is the town’s namesake, and its iron-rich water turns yellow when it hits the air.
The town is home to many farms, orchards, and festivals held throughout the year. No matter when you visit, you’re sure to enjoy the friendly and quirky community that’s only about an hour and 15 minutes from Cincinnati by car.
4. Frankfort, KY: Great for Southern Charm
Frankfort is surprisingly small for a capital city, with a population of just over 28,000, but it’s a fun day trip from Cincinnati nonetheless. Those interested in the history of this Southern state will especially love Frankfort. It’s home to the Kentucky State Capitol and the Kentucky Old State Capitol Building, as well as the Liberty Hall Historic Site.
It’s not all about the history, though. Visit the Rebecca Ruth Candy Museum and take a tour of the factory, which has been producing gourmet chocolates since 1919. Frankfort is also home to many distilleries and stops on the Bourbon Trail. Buffalo Trace, in particular, is a local favorite, and each first-time visitor (21+) gets a complimentary tasting.
Frankfort is a 1.5-hour drive south of Cincinnati and rolls small town Southern charm together with a historic urban vibe.
5. Columbus, OH: Best for Arts and Culture

Moving from one capital city to another, Columbus is one of the best day trips from Cincinnati. This city is significantly larger than Frankfort with a population of over 900,000 people. A lot of this can be attributed to it being the home of The Ohio State University.
The university may be what draws people to Columbus, but there are plenty of reasons to stick around and explore. The artsy folk will want to check out the Short North Arts District for its art galleries, vintage shops and boutiques, live music, and craft coffee shops and bars.
North Market Downtown houses booths from some of the state’s best independent farmers and craftsmen. Those interested in history and culture can visit the German Village to learn more about the city’s past. And, of course, college football fans can catch a game at the Ohio Stadium.
If you plan to hit multiple museums or other paid activities, you can also pick up a multiple attractions pass. Columbus, one of the best day trips from Cincinnati, is about an hour and 40 minutes from Cincinnati by car.
6. Rabbit Hash, KY: Most Unique Day Trip

Rabbit Hash is a town unlike any of the others on this list. With a population of around 250 people, this tiny town has earned its spot on the National Register of Historic Places. And indeed, it has a dog as its mayor.
The main draw of this town is the Rabbit Hash General Store, which was built in 1831 and is now known as the best preserved country store in Kentucky. It serves not only as a store but also as an event space, regularly hosting live music. If you want to see the town come alive, visit during the annual Rabbit Hash Old Timers Day, a heritage festival with music, food, and unique contests for guests to participate in.
Rabbit Hash is about 45 minutes from Cincinnati by car and can easily be combined with a trip to the nearby Big Bone Lick State Park.
7. Indianapolis, IN: Best for History Buffs

The only entry in Indiana on this list, Indianapolis is a gem of a largely rural area. Known for hosting the Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis is home to more culture and history than one might think.
If you’re interested in the cultural and historical side, visit the Indiana State Museum or the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. The Indiana World War Memorial & Museum is dedicated to those who fought in WWI, while the Soldiers & Sailors Monument dominates the downtown area. You can also explore the Indianapolis Culture Trail to explore more of the city’s significant places.
Indianapolis is about an hour and 45 minutes from Cincinnati by car.
8. Dayton, OH: Perfect for Aviation Enthusiasts

A smaller city, Dayton is famous for being the Birthplace of Aviation. As such, it attracts visitors from across the country who are interested particularly in this topic. To this end, you can visit the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force or the Carillon Historical Park, which houses a Wright Brothers plane.
Aside from aviation, Dayton is home to a thriving downtown area populated by tried and true locals as well as students at the University of Dayton. 2nd Street Market is a popular hangout where you can buy fresh produce, high-quality meat, and local goods. You can also catch a Dayton Dragons baseball game or visit the SunWatch Indian Village. If you’re looking to discover the city with a bit of a twist, check out the Dayton Dash Amazing Race & Tour.
This small city has an intimate feel with all the culture of a big city, and is only a 55-minute drive north of Cincinnati.
9. Lexington, KY: Best for Equestrians

Lexington is known as the Horse Capital of the World because of its many Thoroughbred farms. As such, this is the perfect day trip from Cincinnati for equestrians or any equine lover.
Lexington is home to Keeneland, a horse race track known for hosting annual spring and fall races. It was also the setting of the movie Seabiscuit, released in 2003. Visit the Kentucky Horse Park, which houses the International Museum of the Horse and is home to many horses you can interact with while you’re there. If you’re not sure where to start, you can also opt for a Thoroughbred horse farm tour. When you’re done, there are also more than 15 distilleries and many more bourbon bars to visit as Lexington is situated along the Bourbon Trail.
Only an hour and 20 minutes from Cincinnati by car, this is one of the most unique day trips from Cincinnati.
10. Hueston Woods State Park: Best for Outdoor Activities
Hueston Woods State Park is another opportunity for Cincinnatians to escape into nature. Located near Oxford, OH, it’s home to about 3000 acres worth of outdoor exploration activities.
The park offers 12 hiking trails where you can gaze in awe at the beech-maple forest and encounter native wildlife like bald eagles and foxes. Hueston Woods is also the site of Acton Lake, where you can swim or go boating. Other unique activities like geocaching, archery, and fossil hunting are also available.
With something for everyone, Hueston Woods is the perfect day trip from Cincinnati for anyone looking to get outside. It’s situated just an hour away from Cincinnati by car.
As you can see, Cincinnati’s location in the tri-state area allows residents and tourists to travel easily throughout the region. These day trips from Cincinnati will satisfy every type of adventure enthusiast, whether you’re looking for a city with a different charm or a nature escape.
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