Dayton

Travel Guide

A turquoise bridge over a calm pond, surrounded by autumn foliage and a grassy park.
A group of people kayaking on a calm lake surrounded by dense trees.
A public square with people sitting on benches, a tree, and buildings in the background.
A modern glass building with a curved facade, a circular glass structure in the foreground, and a paved plaza with benches and trees.
A bridge with colorful lights reflecting on the water.

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

Find the best Dayton areas for the activities you enjoy most.

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.

University Park

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

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 Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center.

Twin Towers

Though Twin Towers may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum and America's Packard Museum.

The Hotel@Dayton South

The Hotel@Dayton South

2.5 out of 5
8099 Old Yankee Street Dayton OH
The price is RM221 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
RM221
RM258 total
11 Oct - 12 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Dayton. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,008 reviews)
"The hotel and our room was clean. The furnishings in our room were worn. Minor details: The toilet seat did not fit the bowl. The shower curtain pulled off easily. More important: The one water and soda machine was unplugged and the front desk had no other water available so we had to go to a gas ..."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 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
The price is RM424 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
RM424
RM493 total
1 Nov - 2 Nov
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 ...
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
The price is RM441 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
RM441
RM514 total
12 Oct - 13 Oct
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
"Great hotel!"

Reviewed on 3 Oct 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.
Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

2.5 out of 5
38490 Todd Rd Nelsonville OH
Stay at this cabin in Nelsonville. Enjoy free parking, a picnic area and patios. Popular attractions Nelsonville Brick Park and Robbins Crossing Historical Village ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (144 reviews)
"Unique beautiful property and very clean and comfortable. Nestled in the trees and quiet. Staff answered questions quickly."

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2026

Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
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, a fitness centre and meeting facilities. Popular attractions Rocket Arena and JACK Cleveland Casino are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (243 reviews)
"The payment process was the worst part of our LiveSuites experience. 11 months before our stay, they aggressively pursued payment, creating a stressful, confusing booking process unlike my previous Expedia experiences. Communication then completely failed as messages through Expedia went unanswered, ..."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2026

Sleek DT Cleveland Apt at City Club
Extended Stay America Select Suites - Akron - South

Extended Stay America Select Suites - Akron - South

2.5 out of 5
3325 Fortuna Dr Akron OH
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Akron. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Firestone Country Club and East ...
Extended Stay America Select Suites - Akron - South
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.

Stay near popular Dayton attractions