Dayton Travel Guide

Tourist 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.

Our guide on 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 Baujan Field.

South Park

Though South Park may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center and Oregon Park.

Belmont

While there might not be top attractions in Belmont, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Baujan Field and National Museum of the United States Air Force.

The Hotel@Dayton South

The Hotel@Dayton South

2.5 out of 5
8099 Old Yankee Street Dayton OH
The price is NZ$125 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
NZ$125
3 Sept - 4 Sept
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. ...
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 NZ$235 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
NZ$235
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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 NZ$223 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
NZ$223
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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 ...
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.
4BR Home - Airport- UD - WPAFB - POOL -Sleeps 7

4BR Home - Airport- UD - WPAFB - POOL -Sleeps 7

Dayton OH
Stay at this holiday home in Dayton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Dayton Rugby Grounds and Scene75 Entertainment Center ...
4BR Home - Airport- UD - WPAFB - POOL -Sleeps 7
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 Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attractions National Museum of the United States Air Force and Oregon Park are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (118 reviews)
"Place was quiet and clean, loved all the art books to flip through. Parking was easy enough on the street, Cute old neighborhood, easily walkable to a few local restaurants/bars."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2026

Updated Historical apartment close to a park and two blocks from the best dining
Cozy 2-bedroom perfect house in Dayton with air conditioning and backyard space

Cozy 2-bedroom perfect house in Dayton with air conditioning and backyard space

Dayton OH
Stay at this holiday home in Dayton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions National Museum of the United States Air Force and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Clean, comfortable house close to Dayton-area attractions. Neighborhood quiet and safe. Would stay there again."

Reviewed on 21 July 2026

Cozy 2-bedroom perfect house in Dayton with air conditioning and backyard space
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

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