Dayton Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Dayton featuring a bridge, a park and autumn leaves
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

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

This store, tucked in among the bars of the Oregon District, is in the vein of the best used book stores - stacks arranged in a way that makes sense to the owner but no one else and narrow aisles to make more room for books. Also there are stacks of comic books and magazines, and all sorts of collector memorabilia for decorations.

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 Oregon Park and Belle of Dayton Distillery.

Oregon District
Locust Grove School No. 12  built in 1896 served as a one room school house near Springfield OH. The building has been moved and rebuilt inside Carillon Historical Park complete with the rope that rings the bell!

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
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
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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
Red Roof Inn Dayton North Airport

Red Roof Inn Dayton North Airport

2 out of 5
7370 Miller Lane Dayton OH
The price is ฿1,649 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
฿1,649
฿1,922 total
28 Jan - 29 Jan
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 ...
5.6/10 (1,000 reviews)
Staff was nice and accommodating. Room was clean.

Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025

Red Roof Inn Dayton North Airport
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 ฿3,790 per night from 6 Feb to 7 Feb
฿3,790
฿4,416 total
6 Feb - 7 Feb
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)
Rooms are clean, staff is friendly. The best option when visiting my UD students!

Reviewed on 19 Jan 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
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! (1,005 reviews)
Everything was excellent during our stay. The room was spotless, the pool and hot tub were very enjoyable, the staff were helpful and nice.. absolutely no complaint.

Reviewed on 19 Jan 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.
Landing Apartments Dayton

Landing Apartments Dayton

3.5 out of 5
115 W Monument Ave Dayton OH
Stay at this aparthotel in Dayton. Enjoy a fitness centre, in-room washers/dryers and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Dayton International Peace ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
Adequate

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2025

Landing Apartments Dayton
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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