road trip out west from ohio

How To Plan A Trip Out West in 2024: Your Complete Guide

Oh, the wild west! Whether you want to road trip along the Kenai Peninsula, spot wildlife in Yellowstone National Park, or stroll through the vibrant Grand Canyon, there's much to explore. But with so much scattered around, is it possible to see it all? Let's break down the steps and start planning your next adventure out west.

From navigating the national parks and diving into history-rich museums to feeling the city buzz and dipping into the rugged coastline, you're spoilt for choice. Whether it's a peaceful retreat or an adrenaline-fueled vacation, there's no doubt you'll find it here. 

But with a hefty handful of things to do in the west, how can you squeeze it all in? Maybe you're heading out on a 7-day trip out west, or perhaps you're thinking about a 3-week road trip… This in-depth guide will take you through everything you need to know. Here's how to plan a trip out west! 

Step 1. Decide when you want to head out west 

How many days do you need for a road trip out west? The answer you're looking for depends highly on you. It's about your preferences, travel style, the attractions you want to see, and the activities you want to do. The best time of year to road trip out west can vary greatly depending on these factors. 

Planning a trip out west any time of the year can offer many pros and cons. Each season hosts unique experiences, like shredding on snowy slopes in winter or hiking in spring.  

The west is well-known for its sublime scenery, and an ideal time to explore is during the shoulder seasons. The springtime showcases a wealth of wildflowers as they surge across the snow-melted mountains. In contrast, the fall brings colorful foliage with a few raindrops. The low season offers backpackers more affordable prices on accommodation and flights too! 

The wintertime offers action-packed events and activities for both snow and sports lovers. If you're interested in skiing or snowboarding, now's the time to shine! Prices can soar around Christmas, so it's not ideal for budget travelers. 

The west's summertime boasts hot and dry weather, making it a stellar time for outdoor activities. Tourism is usually at its height this season, so it may not be ideal for those bound to a strict budget. 

Step 2. Create your ideal travel budget 

If you're planning a trip out west, you're probably left thinking, how much will this cost? Now's the time to construct your very own travel budget. It sounds simple and not so appealing, but it's a crucial step to get more bang for your buck. 

When creating your ideal budget, remember to factor in accommodation, transport, flights, rental car hire, food, etc. Every last detail counts! 

The standard daily budget for travelers out west can differ greatly, depending on your travel style. If you're looking to keep it low cost, stay just outside the popular tourist areas and find budget accommodation in advance. If you're planning to hire a car, remember the money for fuel and tollways!  

Traveling has become more affordable in recent years. You can make the most out of your adventures by using these comprehensive  budget travel tips .  

Step 3. Figure out the must-see destinations 

All right! The United States West is home to an inundating inventory of dazzling destinations. Whether you want to lay low in a coastal town or sweat it out in a national park, a lot goes on on this side of the country. If you're heading out on a road trip out west, here are some top destinations you could add to your itinerary: 

• Yosemite National Park 
• Museum of American West in Denver 
• San Francisco city 
• Rocky Mountain National Park 
• Jackson Hole 
• Getty Center in Los Angeles 
• Yellowstone National Park
• Space Needle in Seattle 
• Beaches in California 
• Zion National Park
• Grand Canyon 

Step 4. Establish your route  

How do you plan on getting around? Are you thinking about a 2-week road trip out west, or would you prefer a 5-day visit? Are you driving a car, campervan, or participating in a group trip? 

Whatever your preference is, there really is no right or wrong way to do it. Plan your route out west, and remember to calculate time, cost, and distance. 

Step 5. Figure out your accommodation 

Out west, there is a huge range of accommodation. Depending on your travel tastes, what you choose can vary greatly. When planning a trip out west, you'll encounter everything from budget hostels to luxury resorts. You can also choose between  Airbnb ,  Couchsurfing,  hostels , sharehouses, and hotels. 

Save yourself time by comparing different hotel options on websites like  Hotels.com . You can even sign up to score hotel deals alerts to save extra money.  

 Step 6. Research some activities and attractions 

Now's the time to ask yourself, what are some of the best things to do out west? Maybe you've seen a photo of a canyon you'd like to conquer, a beach you'd like to bathe on, or a desert spa that's calling your name… 

Whatever you're feeling, get it down on paper! Here are some activities to add to your itinerary out west: 

• Kayak through the Emerald Cove
• Hit the dunes of Las Vegas on an ATV tour
• See Palm Springs from above on the aerial tramway  
• Hike through Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park on a day tour  
• Tour the Grand Canyon 
• Hit the heights of Temecula on a hot-air balloon ride   
• Go on a Napa and Sonoma Wine Country full-day tour  

Step 7. Get down to the nitty gritty  

Now that you know how to plan a trip out west, it's time to get down to business. Get your travel visa and documents organized, and make sure you've got travel insurance too. Being prepared in case things go wrong can bring you great peace of mind. If you need help figuring out what's right for you, take a peek at this insider's guide on the  best travel insurance for 2023 .

Step 8. Start packing  

Packing doesn't have to involve running around your room, frantically fumbling through drawers, throwing clothes everywhere, and screaming, "I can't find anything"… In fact, packing can be quite the opposite. All you need to do is stay organized and pack ahead of time. 

Scan over all the items in this  complete vacation packing list  to ensure you've all the necessities. Keep your clothing organized with  packing cubes  and utilize all the room you have. Heck, even stuff socks and underwear into your shoes! 

When planning a trip out west, there are going to be some long hours spent on the road. To help make your life easier and not break the bank, don't forget these travel essentials: 

• Universal Travel Adapter
• Power Bank  
• Water Bottle  
• Travel Wallet  
• Noise-Cancelling Headphones  
• Hiking Shoes  

Why visit the west? 

This part of the United States is home to some of the most unique landscapes on earth. With rolling hilltops, sandy deserts, vibrant cities, and a whole lot more, there is something to satisfy every type of traveler. 

Rural escapes, stunning scenery, crashing coastlines, and more! 

Now that you know how to plan a trip out west, it's time to take off your serious shoes and slip into something a little more comfortable. Pilot can help you plan the most epic trip, so what are you waiting for? Start the countdown now! 

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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Want the Perfect Two Week Road Trip Out West? I’ve Got 9 Different Itineraries

Looking for the perfect two week road trip out west? 

Two things…

#1 You could spend a lifetime exploring the western United States, so if you’re looking at just two weeks, you’re going to have to narrow it down a bit. You just cannot possibly see the entire thing in two weeks. 

#2 Part of “narrowing it down” is going to be deciding on exactly what “out west” means to you…is that Wyoming and Montana? Colorado? The big National Parks in Utah and Arizona? The Pacific Coast Highway from California to Washington? Yosemite? Santa Fe??

We’re talking a looooooot of area that could be considered “the west.” 

I personally think of “the west” as Wyoming and Montana. But after doing a lot of research about western road trip itineraries, I see a lot of people are thinking northern Arizona and southern Utah (what I would call the southwest) then you’ve got the Pacific Northwest, California, etc…you’ve got a LOT of options!

You could play this out a million different ways and you’re going to have to make some decisions because these states are BIG out here. 

9 Two Week Road Trips Out West

So on that note, I’ve sketched out NINE different two week road trips “out west” and technically, if you’re coming from the right half of the country, all of these are going to fit the bill ; ) 

They’re all road trips so you’ll definitely need a car, but they all have different starting and stopping points that I’ve organized around major airports so if you’re flying out west and renting a car you should be good to go. 

You could also connect some of these together if you have more than two weeks (or want to cut down on the number of days in each place and cover more ground in two weeks). 

So I’m going to lay out eight two week road trips out west that I would 100% take PLUS the one that I actually did on my first big western road trip in 2009. 

My Favorite Tip

When most people think about the American west, they usually connect that with the big National Parks. And there are sooooo many epic ones in this part of the country. The first big road trip I did when I was about 19, I bought a National Parks Passport at the first park we stopped at and I have FAITHFULLY been taking it with me all over the country to be stamped at National Parks, National Monuments, and National Historic Sites. And it’s become one of my favorite travel traditions. 

Top Recommendations

If you’re overwhelmed with all of the planning and just looking for a quick suggestion…

If you haven’t spent much time traveling the American west and want to see the very best, I would strongly recommend trip #2 (the Rockies, Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone via Denver to Bozeman) and trip #6 (the “Utah Big 5” and northern Arizona classics via Phoenix to Las Vegas).

I’ll give basic recommendations about how to break each trip up below and general areas you should consider staying, but so much of what you choose for your western road trip accommodations are going to depend on what you personally like. If you’re camping or traveling in an RV/van then you’re going to have a LOT of options and you can pretty much stop wherever you want. 

If you like nicer hotels (me!) then things can get trickier to plan in more remote places and you may end up doing some segments as day trips. I personally don’t like changing hotels every night so I would probably opt to pick 3-4 different places to stay on a two week road trip and stay in each place for longer and do more driving back and forth to places each day. 

So I will make recommendations if there’s a place that I personally really like, but a lot of this is going to depend on your budget, preferences, and specific itinerary. 

And one final note…if you’re interested in staying at accommodations in the National Parks (especially the lodges, but also campgrounds), you are going to need to book those WELL in advance. 

Okay, here are ALL the details: 

#1 Albuquerque to Denver

Highlights: Santa Fe & Taos, The Million Dollar Highway, Big Time Colorado Ski Towns, Rocky Mountain National Park

Airport Codes: Albuquerque (ABQ) and Denver (DEN)

If you want to see the best of New Mexico plus some of Colorado’s most epic scenery, this itinerary is for you!

I would plan a week in New Mexico between Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos (with the most time spent in Santa Fe). 

Albuquerque : Stay at El Vado (a historic renovated Route 66 motel) or Hotel Albuquerque (a historic luxury hotel in Old Town next to the Sawmill District. Don’t miss breakfast at Tia Sophia’s, all the Route 66 neon, the Sandia Park Tramway, and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. 

Santa Fe : This is one of my favorite towns EVER. Stay at El Rey Court (another renovated motor court) for a cool vibe or if you want to be on the Plaza try La Fonda or Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi. There are some true luxury resorts in the Santa Fe area so if you want to really splurge, try the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado or Bishop’s Lodge. Don’t miss brunch at Cafe Pasqual, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, and shopping for turquoise jewelry around the plaza. I also think Bandelier National Monument is a don’t miss!

Taos : Taos feels like a more low key version of Santa Fe. Stay at El Monte Sagrado and don’t miss Taos Pueblo, breakfast at Michael’s Kitchen, dinner at Orlando’s and La Junta Point in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. 

The Colorado/New Mexico border is a great place for a scenic train ride and you’ve got a couple of options here both of which are on my to do list: 

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad from Chama, NM to Antonito, CO : The 64 miles trip crosses the state border 11 times as it winds along canyon walls, through aspen forests and across high meadows filled with wildflowers. It’s a full day trip. 

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad from Durango, CO to Silverton, CO : This 45 mile trip is probably one of the most jaw dropping train rides in the world

If you choose to do one of the railroad trips, you’re probably going to want to stay the night close to the departure point. It’s a little under two hours to get from Taos to Chama so you could possibly just drive back and forth, but there are quite a few small inns and b&bs in Chama if you want to stay there. 

Taos to Durango is almost four hours so you’d definitely want to stay overnight in Durango or possibly even Pagosa Springs if that looks interesting to you. 

Also, depending on how you allocate your time, you could detour from Durango to hit Mesa Verde National Park and Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. 

Whether you choose to do a railroad trip or not, you’ll eventually want to end up in Durango heading north towards Silverton and Ouray for what is routinely at the top of all of the “world’s most scenic drives” lists. They call it the Million Dollar Highway and there’s a few theories as to why but I personally believe it’s that once people drive it they say “I wouldn’t drive that again for a million dollars!” 

Just kidding! It’s a beaut though. They call Ouray “Little Switzerland” and it’s easy to see why. It’s one of my favorite places in Colorado and I’ve spent many summers here riding ATVs on the trails in the area. It’s a great place to spend a couple of days doing mountain activities, hiking, or just driving around. 

Telluride isn’t too far away and it’s a great town to visit. 

Head north to Montrose to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Aspen, Vail, or Breckenridge : Between Montrose and Denver, I would pick a town to stay for a couple of days to spend some time hiking or doing whatever kind of mountain activities sound fun (fishing, horseback riding, etc.). Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge are all very cute and charming towns with plenty of amenities and places to stay in all budget ranges (especially in the summer). 

Rocky Mountains National Park : Cap your trip off in style with the very best of the Rockies! Plan to spend at least a full day here enjoying the park. Estes Park is the basecamp/gateway for the park and I would recommend staying at Trailborn Estes Park. 

From here you could spend a few days in Denver, fly home, or hop on the interstate and start making your way back home. 

**The travel bucket lister in me just has to make a note here…my current big travel project is to visit all 50 states so I spend a LOT of time looking at maps, checking places out, and plotting out different routes to make that happen while actually seeing the best stuff instead of just crossing state lines, etc. 

Well, if you’re like me and you’re working your way through all 50 states, I just have to mention that this is an excellent time to visit Nebraska. From the Denver area, it’s just about 3 hours to Scottsbluff, NE where you could visit the Scottsbluff National Monument. It was a pivotal stop on both the Oregon and Mormon trails plus it’s incredibly stunning. I will always go out of my way to visit a National Park or a National Monument and this is the big one in Nebraska. I mention it here because it’s sooooo far from the more populated eastern side of the state (Omaha and Lincoln) but super close if you’re already out this way. 

#2 Denver to Bozeman

Highlights: Rocky Mountain National Park, Steamboat Springs High Meadows, Jackson Hole & the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone

Airport Codes: Denver (DEN) and Bozeman (BZN)

If you’re starting in Denver, head to Rocky Mountains National Park first. As I mentioned above, Estes Park is the best place to station yourself for exploring the park and I would recommend staying at Trailborn Estes Park. 

From Estes Park, head over to Steamboat Springs which is one of my personal favorite spots in Colorado. The hiking around here is phenomenal in the summer and if you like horseback riding, the high meadows are pretty idyllic. 

After a couple days in Steamboat, head on to Wyoming to see (what I think is) the best of the west. 

Jackson, WY is pretty much the quintessential western mountain town and you could easily spend 4ish days here. It’s the gateway to Grand Tetons National Park, there’s white water rafting on the Snake River, the rodeo in the summer, and just so much to do. 

There’s also a lot of places to stay at all budgets and accommodation types so you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect spot. 

From Jackson, it’s about an hour to the southern entrance to Yellowstone so a lot of people stay in Jackson and visit Yellowstone for the day, but keep in mind that it’s an hour TO THE ENTRANCE. And there’s nothing at the entrance. You’ll drive another hour+ to get to the sites you want to see. 

If it were me, I would probably drive to Yellowstone for the day from Jackson to see the highlights in the southern part of the park including Old Faithful and the lower and midway geyser basins and then when you’re leaving Jackson and moving onto Montana I would drive through the park and be sure to stop at Mammoth Hot Springs near the northern entrance. 

Gardiner is the closest town to the north entrance and there are some small hotels there but other than that it’s an hour and a half from Mammoth Hot Springs into Bozeman which is where I would stay. 

Bozeman is the place to be in Montana currently if you don’t mind more “transplants” than locals but it’s going to be the most convenient place to stay. Alternatively, you could spend a few days in Big Sky (closest to the western entrance of Yellowstone). 

If you’re flying home, Bozeman is the most sizable airport in the area and all the major airlines offer service even if it’s a little $$$. 

***Want to save major $$$ on hotels? My favorite travel hack is cashing in points to score free nights at some of the island’s most high end resorts. My go to hotel brand is Marriott so I use this Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card to rack up points for a lot of my trips to Florida. If you pay for your monthly expenses on the card and are responsible about paying it off every month, the points add up really fast. Plus, if you sign up through my link , you’ll get THREE bonus free nights to use. There are some really great Marriott properties out west and a lot of National Park towns like Springdale (Zion) and Moab (Arches) have super nice Springhill Suites that are $$$ but a good deal using points. 

#3 Salt Lake City to Calgary

Airport Codes: Salt Lake City (SLC) and Calgary (YYC)

Highlights: Jackson Hole & the Grand Tetons, Yellowston, Bozeman, Glacier National Park, Seattle

This is the only itinerary that includes crossing over the Canadian border, but the goal of this itinerary is to get you to Glacier National Park and it’s soooooo remote that it makes a lot of sense to head into Canada to see Banff National Park and fly home from Calgary. 

Alternatively, if you don’t want to do Canada, from Glacier National Park it’s about 4.5 hours back to Bozeman OR 8 hours to Seattle where you could tack on some Pacific Northwest sites (see the next itinerary). 

So, to start…follow the second half of the itinerary above (Jackson, Yellowstone, Bozeman/Big Sky), and then make your way north to Glacier National Park. 

Kalispell is the most sizable town near Glacier so that’s where you’ll want to stay. 

From Glacier it’s about 5 hours north to Banff. I don’t know a lot about the area because I’ve never been but it’s high on my list!

#4 Seattle to San Francisco

Airport Codes: Seattle (SEA) and San Francisco (SFO)

Highlights: Pacific Coast Highway along Washington, Oregon, and Northern California; Redwoods National Park

THIS is the trip that I’m currently working on (I’m actually getting ready to leave for the first part of it as I write this) and I am sooooo excited. I’ve wanted to drive the Pacific Coast Highway for a LONG time and everybody says that the northern Californian and Oregon bits are the best parts. 

Here’s what I’m thinking/planning so far:

Fly into Seattle and do the typical touristy things: Pike Market, Space Needle, Chihuly Garden & Glass, Pop Culture Museum, etc. 

For me, seeing an orca whale is my #1 priority when I’m in the Seattle area. If you’re short on time, you can do a tour that leaves from downtown Seattle, but if you’ve got longer I’d head to the San Juan Islands north of Seattle and explore that area. 

From Seattle, I think Olympic National Park is a DO NOT MISS in the area. The Hoh Rainforest has been on my travel list for YEARS. 

Leave Seattle early and head towards Port Angeles to see the part of the park around Hurricane Ridge. 

Book two nights at the Woodland Inn in Forks, WA to give yourself the best chance to see everything in the park. Besides the Hoh Rainforest, visit Rialto Beach and if you have time go all the way out to the western tip of Washington and do the Cape Flattery Trail. 

When you’re done in the National Park, take the 101 (Pacific Coast Highway) south towards Oregon. 

The stretch of coast from Astoria through Tillamook is PACKED with sites to see. The Bowline Hotel in Astoria is a place I would definitely do an overnight and the Ashore Hotel in Seaside, OR looks great too. 

Don’t miss the famous Cannon Beach !

From here you’ll have to decide if you want to detour east over to Portland for a few days or make this strictly a coastal trip. 

Keep heading south towards California and you’ll definitely want to stay a bit in Crescent City or Eureka to visit Redwood National Park . 

The road moves inland a bit until you pick up the California 1 on the coast at Leggett. 

This stretch of road in Northern California is supposed to be one of the most stunning parts. 

And the closer you get to San Francisco, the better your options are for finding really cool places to stay. 

Sea Ranch looks really neat and I’ve been wanting to visit Russian River (Guerneville). 

Don’t miss the Muir Woods National Monument and Stinson Beach before you hit San Francisco!

#5 San Francisco to Las Vegas

Highlights: Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Death Valley, Palm Springs

Airport Codes: San Francisco (SFO) and Las Vegas (LAS)

This trip is really more like the “best of California” but California is literally as west as it gets in this country so I think it totally counts ; ) 

Fly into the San Francisco Bay area and head east towards Lake Tahoe . It is BEAUTIFUL no matter the season and there’s great hiking/lake activities, etc. Truckee is the most sizable town and has a good range of places to stay but try Kings Beach if you want to be right on the water. 

From Tahoe, head south to Yosemite to see one of America’s most visited National Parks. It’s pretty phenomenal and depending on how much you like to hike and explore, you may want a couple of days here. I would recommend staying at Autocamp in one of their vintage Airstream trailers. 

You could probably also day trip to Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park while you’re staying at the Autocamp. 

From here you’ve got a couple of options: If you want to fly home from Las Vegas, you could visit Death Valley National Park on your way across the desert (I’m not sure I would want to do this in the summer though). 

OR if you want to extend the trip a bit, you could head south to the Palm Springs area where there is more than enough to keep you busy for several days. You won’t want to miss Joshua Tree National Park and all the famous Mid Century Modern architecture. There are also a ton of really nice resorts plus golf and tennis in Palm Springs. It’s definitely a place where you can have a vacation. 

If you pick the Palm Springs option, it would be closer to fly home from one of the SOCAL airports in the LA area. Palm Springs (PSP), Ontario (ONT), LAX, etc. 

**If you REALLY want to see the best of California and you’ve got time, consider starting this trip in Napa/Sonoma before you head to Lake Tahoe. 

Side Note: If you’re looking for a rental car for your trip, I LOVE Discount USA Car Rental . They’re seriously the only company I ever use. I started using their sister company (Discount Hawaii Car Rental) on my Hawaii trips almost 10 years ago and now I use their main site for all of my other trips. They’ll give you the very best prices, you don’t have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. It’s a no brainer. Click here to check rates for your trip.

#6 Phoenix to Las Vegas 

Highlights: Sedona, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, the Utah Big 5, Grand Canyon

Airport Codes: Phoenix (PHX) and Las Vegas (LAS)

This two week itinerary is definitely the best of the southwest! Make sure you’ve got a National Parks passport because you’re going to be collecting stamps left and right. 

Sedona : Those famous red rocks of Sedona are home to some of the best hiking in the Southwest. Whether you’re super active and want to tackle Cathedral Rock Trail or go for a ride on one of the famous Pink Jeep Tours, you’ll find something to love about Sedona. And it just might be that this is a true resort town so good hotels and restaurants are abundant. 

Flagstaff : When I did my big Route 66 adventure, Flagstaff became my unexpected favorite town. I LOVED staying at the High Country Motor Lodge and while there’s a lot to do around Flagstaff, I cannot recommend Walnut Canyon National Monument and Wupatki National Monument enough (plus Sunset Crater Volcano). If you’re up for a big day, you can do all three. Walnut Canyon requires a fairly moderate hike, but the other two are more or less drive through (stopping to get out and look around) parks. It’s also possible to do the Grand Canyon as a daytrip from Flagstaff. 

Grand Canyon National Park : The Grand Canyon just might be the most famous National Park of them all so you’re definitely not going to want to miss out. The south entrance is the most popular and easily accessible. 

Page, AZ : You’ll want to spend at least a full day in Page to see Horseshoe Canyon and Antelope Canyon. Make reservations to tour Antelope Canyon in advance (especially during the summer when the time slots to see the famous light beams book out quickly). And if you’re majorly into collecting National Park stamps, this would be the best place to detour to visit Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

Monument Valley : Monument Valley is at the top of my bucket list for spots to see in the great American west and I haven’t hit it yet because of its remote location, but if you follow this route you’ll drive right past it. You will want to spend the night there to see the sunset and sunrise. 

Moab, UT : Moab is getting to be the premier destination in the Southwest so you’ll definitely want to make it your basecamp for exploring as much as possible. A lot of seasonal “glamping” type properties are starting to call Moab home like Undercanvas, Ulum, and Field Station so you can definitely stay in style. Make time to see Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park and you’ll definitely want to squeeze in a little offroad time. 

Capitol Reef National Park : Capitol Reef is pretty much right in between Moab and Zion/Bryce so you could get an early start and stop to visit it on your way and then stay the night wherever you’re going to be staying to do Zion/Bryce, but if you want to see and explore much you’re probably going to want to stay the night. Checkout the new Skyview Hotel in Torrey, UT. 

Zion National Park & Bryce National Park : Zion National Park is one of the most popular parks in the Southwest and has a LOT of hiking trails. Bryce is a much smaller park but still a must visit. They’re about two hours apart, but I would probably choose to stay near Zion and just drive over to Bryce for the day. Alternatively, if you spent the night in Torrey and you’re quicker at Capitol Reef, you could see Bryce on your way to Zion. There are a lot more places to stay near Zion than Bryce. Springdale has a really nice Springhill Suites plus there are also OverCanvas camps near Zion (and Bryce). Most people will probably spend one day at Bryce and one day at Zion, but if you’re a serious hiker, you’ll want more days at Zion. 

From Zion, it’s only about 2.5 hours to Las Vegas. 

#7 Las Vegas to Salt Lake City

Highlights: Utah Big 5 (Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Arches) plus Provo & Park City

Airport Codes: Las Vegas (LAS) and Salt Lake City (SLC)

If you want to see the Utah Big 5 (and don’t care as much about the northern Arizona stops in the previous itinerary) this is the most efficient way to do it. 

Flying into Las Vegas will put you closest to Zion and Bryce. From there head to Capitol Reef on route to Moab where you’ll see Canyonland and Arches before heading onto Salt Lake City. 

You could add stops in Provo and Park City on the way. 

Doing this more slimmed down itinerary is a good option if you want to spend more time in each place to take advantage of hiking or other recreation options (ATVing in Moab, etc.). 

#8 Denver to Las Vegas

Highlights: Colorado Ski Towns & the Utah Big 5

Airport Codes : Denver (DEN) and Las Vegas (LAS)

This itinerary is a mash up of two previous ones and you’ll be able to see the best of Colorado and Utah in two weeks. 

Starting in Denver, plan to split your time between the Breckenridge, Vail or Aspen areas to enjoy the Rockies before moving visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on your way to Telluride

From Telluride, you could take a roundabout route to Moab that detours to see Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and Monument Valley (stay overnight here). 

Once you’re in Moab, you’ll follow the itinerary for hitting the Utah Big 5 (working your way east to west) that I’ve outlined in previous itineraries. Arches & Canyonlands > Capitol Reef > Bryce > Zion. 

#9 My First Big Western Road Trip 

I’ve traveled quite a bit through the American West, but I usually prefer to do shorter trips concentrated in one area. But in 2009 we set off on a huge two week road trip out west and it was really the first time I’d ever done that. 

Parts of this trip are covered in other itineraries above, but since we were starting in Oklahoma, we added in South Dakota and it ended up being such a great state!

If you’re driving from home and your home is in the middle (or eastern) part of the country, you might want to consider adding on a few days in the Great Plains either coming or going. 

Okay, if you’re nosy like me and just like to know what other people have done, here’s everything we saw and did on this trip: 

We started in Tulsa, OK and instead of getting a sunrise start, we actually left late afternoon/early evening and spent the night somewhere in Kansas to break up the drive. 

We cruised through Kansas and Nebraska the next day before arriving in Rapid City, South Dakota. 

We stayed at a hotel that had an indoor water park attached because my cousin was still pretty little and we thought it would be more fun than a regular hotel. It looks like it’s now the WaTiki Indoor Waterpark. 

We of course saw Mount Rushmore and at the time they were still building the Crazy Horse memorial but we got to see it partially finished. We hiked around Sylvan Lake and it was BEAUTIFUL. We drove over to Wall Drug because everyone kept telling us about it and I guess if you’re not from somewhere where tacky/over the top souvenir shop/gas stations exist then it’s probably really something to see. 

We drove through part of the Badlands, but we didn’t go into the National Park and if I had it to do over again, I would make that a priority and also I would add a stop at Wind Cave National Park since it’s in the area.

From Rapid City we drove almost all the way across Wyoming in one day. It’s about an 8 hour drive on the interstate, but we were seeing bears up in trees from the car so keep your eyes peeled!

For the big western portion of our road trip, we decided to use Jackson, WY as our basecamp. In retrospect, I don’t know if we realized how much driving that would mean. It was honestly a lot trying to do Yellowstone while staying in Jackson, but we made it work. If you want to just casually see Yellowstone for the day it’s doable, but if you’re hardcore about wanting to explore the park, then you’re going to want to stay closer. 

In Jackson, we stayed at the Rustic Inn and it was BEAUTIFUL. There’s a creek running through the property and you get the feeling of being in a cabin in the wilderness but you’re pretty much in the middle of town. 

We went to Grand Tetons National Park where we hiked around Jenny Lake and SAW. A. MOOSE. We went white water rafting on the Snake River which to this date is in my top 5 most terrifying life experiences ; ) We did a BIG day trip to Yellowstone, went to the rodeo, and shopped around town. 

I really can’t recommend Jackson enough as a destination if you want to experience “the West.” 

We left Wyoming and dropped down into Colorado to stay at Steamboat Springs for a couple of days. We went horseback riding at High Meadows Ranch (it looks like it’s no longer open) because I used to go there as a kid and had the best memories. Seriously though…the high meadows around Steamboat Springs are pretty much the most idyllic place in Colorado.

And we stopped in Breckenridge for a little exploring around town before heading back home through Kansas. 

• SOUTH DAKOTA

Perfect Ohio to Yellowstone National Park drive! 🌋 Cleveland Ohio to Wyoming road trip (+ Columbus, Cincinnati)

So you want to go on a road trip from Ohio to Yellowstone National Park !

In September and October 2021, I did a road trip from the midwest to Wyoming. (Yellowstone is mostly in Wyoming.)

It was actually a road trip out west from Michigan .

But I can also give you some ideas on how to get to Yellowstone if you are starting the drive from Ohio!

You can make a similar route coming from Ohio if you are looking to see things along the way.

It took me 10 days to drive to Yellowstone. That is one way.

No, it doesn’t have to take you 10 days to drive from Ohio to Yellowstone!

It is definitely possible to make the drive in much fewer days if you want.

Are you still deciding if you even want to go to Yellowstone?! Here you go:

• Things to do in Yellowstone National Park
• National parks in Wyoming
• Best places to visit in Wyoming

How long is the drive from Ohio to Yellowstone National Park?

Driving directly, it might take around 25 hours of driving time from Ohio to Yellowstone.

• Cleveland to Yellowstone is 25 hours driving directly. ( map )
• Columbus to Yellowstone is 25 hours driving directly ( map )
• Cincinnati to Yellowstone is 24 hours driving directly ( map )

Of course, it’s a bad idea to do this drive in one day.

It might even be bad to do this drive in 2 days. That would be driving an average of 13 hours each day. I can imagine some people will think that’s doable.

But I would say that at minimum, taking 3 days to drive from Ohio to Yellowstone starts to seem actually reasonable. That would be an average of 8-9 hours a day.

So if you want your road trip from Ohio to be focused on Yellowstone National Park and this is mainly a Yellowstone National Park road trip, then you might say you are going to take 3 days or 4 days to drive to Yellowstone from Ohio.

But there are a bunch of other stops that you can make if you want the “journey” (aka the drive to Yellowstone) to be meaningful too!

Of course, there are many different ways you can do this drive depending on your time and interests!

Below will show you one driving route to start to give you some ideas… the way I did it… if you want to break up the drive and spend more time along the way from Ohio to Yellowstone!

Download offline maps before you go!

It’s quite possible that you will have minimal data in some places as you are driving to Wyoming.

It will be best to download offline google maps before you go! This is free.

If you’ll be doing some day hikes in Wyoming, see the best apps for hiking in Wyoming !

More below for ideas on driving from Ohio to Yellowstone!

There are a lot of videos below. If you can’t see them, it may be because you have an ad blocker. You can see the South Dakota video playlist and Yellowstone video playlist on youtube.

What is there to see between Ohio and Yellowstone?

Explore the map .

1. Great River Bluffs State Park (Minnesota)

Your driving route to get out west can be through Iowa, or it can be through Wisconsin and Minnesota.

If you look at driving time only, then it is basically the same whether you go through WI / MN vs Iowa.

If you go through Wisconsin and Minnesota, then an option is to make an overnight stop in Chicago too… or at least drive through Chicago if you’ve never been! (For which you will want to add in more time because… city traffic! If you want to drive through Chicago without getting out of the car, you can see my drive through downtown Chicago in my SD to MI post going in the opposite direction. DO beware of toll roads though! Those admin fees can add up!)

On a previous trip back from out west , I made a stop at Great River Bluffs State Park.

Great River Bluffs State Park is a Minnesota state park in Winona MN , and this can make for a break-up point right after you leave Wisconsin.

It is located pretty much directly off of I-90.

This can be another camping option, as there is the Great River Bluffs State Park campground.

You can also make it a stop to go for a short hike that ends with views of the Mississippi River.

There is a Minnesota state park entry fee of around $7.

Cleveland to Great River Bluffs State Park is around a 9.5 hour drive. ( map )

Great River Bluffs State Park to Yellowstone National Park is around an 16 hour drive. ( map )

2. Palisades State Park (South Dakota)

Palisades State Park is a small South Dakota state park that can also make for a nice break-up point as you drive west along I-90 in South Dakota.

This is located in eastern South Dakota, and you’ll take the I-90 exit shortly after entering South Dakota from Minnesota. If you want to drive through Iowa, this can be your first stop in South Dakota too.

All of the best places to visit in South Dakota are in western South Dakota, so this is something to do in eastern South Dakota along I-90.

There is the Palisades State Park campground.

There are also the Palisades State Park cabins .

South Dakota state park camping cabins are simple (bring your own everything including bedding) but it’s a budget-friendly way to have a roof over your head!

Cleveland to Palisades State Park is around a 13.5 hour drive. ( map )

Palisades State Park to Yellowstone is around a 12.5 hour drive. ( map )

See more about planning your Ohio to Yellowstone road trip:

• Things to do in Palisades State Park
• Palisades State Park camping cabins

3. Badlands National Park (South Dakota)

Badlands National Park is the best national park in South Dakota .

The main thing to do is to drive along Badlands Loop Road.

Badlands Loop Road is THE road to drive in Badlands National Park. It’s the main road through the park.

All you have to do is drive this road and you will get scenic views!

This is also the road that has pretty much all of the popular viewpoints and popular hikes in Badlands National Park .

There are campgrounds in Badlands National Park .

The Cedar Pass Campground is the more convenient Badlands campground because it is located almost directly off of the Badlands Loop Road. 

While the Cedar Pass Campground is the most convenient, you may also want to go camping in Badlands National Park in the more remote area of the park too.

That’s where you will find the  free Sage Creek campground where you have a very good chance of seeing prairie dogs .

And you also have a chance at seeing buffalo at Sage Creek campground walking right past your tent!

If you are not camping, then driving towards this remote Sage Creek area will also give you a chance to see prairie dogs and buffalo.

You also have a chance to see bighorn sheep in Badlands National Park too!

For that, you have a chance to see them just by driving the main area of Badlands Loop Road.

Cleveland to Badlands National Park is around a 17.5 hour drive. ( map )

Badlands National Park to Yellowstone is around an 8 hour drive. ( map )

• Things to do in Badlands National Park for views!
• Camping in Badlands National Park (with buffalo and prairie dogs!)
• Where to see bighorn sheep in Badlands National Park

4. Wall Drug (South Dakota)

Wall Drug is a complete tourist attraction.

As you are driving along I-90 west in South Dakota, you will see a TON of signs for Wall Drug .

There are really just THAT many that it will have you thinking… what is this Wall Drug?!?!

Well, personally I think it’s skippable.

But it’s also kind of an all-American road trip story, and you are on a road trip yourself, so… you might want to be a part of it and stop by!

I did an overnight at a hotel in Wall SD. (Super 8 by Wyndham Wall – reviews )

Cleveland to Wall SD is around a 17.5 hour drive. ( map )

Wall SD to Yellowstone is around an 8 hour drive. ( map )

• What is up with Wall Drug?

5. Mount Rushmore National Memorial (South Dakota)

Mount Rushmore is one of the most popular places to visit in South Dakota from out of state… if not THE most popular.

If you want to stay for a night or 2 near Mount Rushmore, there are a few hotels near Mount Rushmore in Keystone SD.

The big city near Mount Rushmore is Rapid City SD, and this is around 30 minutes away.

Mount Rushmore is in the famous Black Hills of South Dakota.

A popular drive related to Mount Rushmore is to drive through the Iron Mountain Road tunnels that includes a tunnel view of Mount Rushmore .

If you want to make time for it, you might also be interested in driving through Custer State Park also in the Black Hills. For example, you can drive through the Needles Eye Tunnel .

There are also buffalo in Custer State Park.

There are also camping cabins in Custer State Park , along with other more “luxury” Custer State Park lodging options .

If you want to stay for a few days in the Black Hills, this area is also where you will find Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument .

And then not too far away is also the National Natural Landmark of the Mammoth Site where you can see what’s said to be the largest concentration of mammoth remains in the world.

Cleveland to Mount Rushmore is around a 19 hour drive. ( map )

Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone is around an 8 hour drive. ( map )

• Things to do in Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Things to do in the Black Hills for views!
• Things to do in Custer State Park
• Custer State Park camping cabins

6. Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (South Dakota)

The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is a scenic drive that you can make along the way if you are driving from Mount Rushmore to Devils Tower . (Next on the list!)

You can make it just about the drive.

Or you can get out of the car for a couple of stops too, like for hiking to Spearfish Falls.

There is also the Roughlock Falls Road that you can take from Savoy SD to get to the Roughlock Falls trailhead.

Cleveland to Spearfish SD is around a 19 hour drive. ( map )

Spearfish to Yellowstone is around a 6.5 hour drive. ( map )

• Driving from Mount Rushmore to Devils Tower

7. Devils Tower National Monument (Wyoming)

Devils Tower is an iconic rock formation.

If you only want to dedicate 1-2 hours to Devils Tower, that’s completely reasonable.

There are some quick things to do at Devils Tower .

I did an overnight at a hotel near Devils Tower. (Best Western Devils Tower Inn in Hulett WY – reviews )

Then I did 1 night at the Devils Tower campground .

If you are at Devils Tower when it’s dark, you might see rock climbers lighting up Devils Tower!

Cleveland to Devils Tower is around a 20 hour drive. ( map )

Devils Tower to Yellowstone is around a 6.5 hour drive. ( map )

• Things to do in Devils Tower National Monument
• Camping in Devils Tower National Monument

8. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

There are 2 national parks in Wyoming .

You know about Yellowstone, and Grand Teton is the other one.

Since you are so near if you are going to Yellowstone, you really shouldn’t miss Grand Teton National Park !

If you’re short on time, even a drive through the park can be worth it.

The best road to drive if you are truly short on time is Teton Park Road.

Along the way you will also pass by the turn-off for Jenny Lake Scenic Drive .

If you have more time, then you will want to do the whole 42-mile Grand Teton Scenic Loop Drive . (Teton Park Road is a part of it.)

And if you have even more time… or instead of the rest of the scenic loop… you can do a short hike with mountain views! (For example, hike to Taggart Lake.)

For Grand Teton National Park, the most popular gateway town is Jackson WY or Jackson Hole.

Grand Teton and Yellowstone are connected.

So depending on your route (aka what you’re doing after Yellowstone), you may or may not want to go to Grand Teton before you go to Yellowstone.

From Devils Tower, you can go directly to Yellowstone. Going to Grand Teton first is a detour.

So going directly to Yellowstone is another way you can take a few days off of your Yellowstone road trip.

I went to Grand Teton first. And then after Yellowstone I was went to Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho for lava fields and caves !

Driving from Yellowstone to Craters of the Moon , you can also drive the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway to stop by for waterfalls.

Also on the way to Grand Teton, I spent a couple of nights in a Wyoming national forest cabin too.

If you decide to go to Grand Teton National Park before Yellowstone, then also see about how to drive from Devils Tower to Grand Teton .

Cleveland to Grand Teton National Park without going through South Dakota (aka the quickest way) is around a 25 hour drive. ( map )

If you go through South Dakota, it’s a 26 hour drive. ( map )

• Best things to do in Grand Teton National Park
• Driving through Grand Teton National Park
• How to spend one day in Grand Teton National Park
• Driving from Grand Teton to Yellowstone

9. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)

And you’ve made it to Yellowstone National Park!!!

What makes Yellowstone National Park very special is the Yellowstone supervolcano !

Because of the Yellowstone supervolcano, there are tons of thermal features to see all over Yellowstone National Park.

So you must be sure to see geysers, hot springs, mudpots , and fumaroles (steam vents)!

This is not too hard to do since there are so many of them.

You do this by visiting the many thermal basins that are in the park.

THE best things to do in Yellowstone National Park are to see the Old Faithful geyser eruption (see from ground level and the old faithful geyser overlook ) and to see the Grand Prismatic Spring (see from ground level and the grand prismatic spring overlook ).

The West Thumb Geyser Basin is another one of the great things to do in Yellowstone, as you get to see thermal features with the backdrop of Yellowstone Lake.

And hopefully you will get to see a bunch of smaller geyser eruptions, like the Clepsydra Geyser !

There are also buffalo in Yellowstone National Park.

• Best things to do in Yellowstone National Park
• How to spend an easy-going one day in Yellowstone National Park

And those are just a few ideas on how to drive from Ohio to Yellowstone National Park!

More for your Ohio to Yellowstone road trip planning:

• Wyoming national forest cabins
• Best places to visit in South Dakota
• Campgrounds in South Dakota

And, after Yellowstone, maybe you want to loop back around and make the return trip from Yellowstone to Ohio with a detour through North Dakota to go to another national park! ( map ) In which case…

• Things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Or, you can drive the southern route back to Ohio. You can drive the Snowy Range Scenic Byway in Wyoming.

And then you can take a detour to Toadstool Geologic Park in the Nebraska Badlands that is part of Oglala National Grassland.

PLUS: A separate summer road trip for you closer to home:

• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
• Places to visit in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
• Things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Things to do in Mammoth Cave National Park

HAPPY DRIVING TO YELLOWSTONE FROM OHIO!

Nomadic Neen

Travel Blog

13 Amazing Days Out West: US Road Trip Itinerary

* Disclosure: Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and/or services I use myself. Your support helps keep this website running and allows me to continue providing valuable content. Thank you for your support!

Looking to create a jam-packed itinerary and see a bunch of national parks out West in the United States? Look no further!

In May 2021, I took a road trip with my travel buddy, Doug, and one of his friends. We explored SIX different states and saw SIX different national parks in just 13 days. It was an exhausting but ever so rewarding trip.

To save you the time in creating a road trip itinerary for yourself, check out ours to use or use as a starting point to plan your own version of this road trip!

Day 1: Las Vegas, Nevada

Fly into Las Vegas, Nevada. Enjoy the Las Vegas Strip and nightlife for a fun and exciting start to the road trip!

Day 2: Las Vegas, Nevada

You’ll probably need a recovery day after your flight/nightlife adventures. Hang by the pool at your hotel and get that tan started.

To save yourself some time tomorrow when the road trip officially starts, go pick up your rental car. The LV Strip is extremely close to the LV airport, so you can take a cheap taxi or Uber there to pick up your car.

Day 3: Las Vegas, Nevada to Flagstaff, Arizona

Today is a jam-packed sightseeing day on the road trip! We’re going to make a few stops along our journey from Las Vegas to our final destination in Flagstaff.

When you’re leaving Las Vegas, make a quick stop at the infamous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign .

About a half hour from Las Vegas, you’ll be able to make a tiny detour and see the Hoover Dam ! Park your car, and take a quick walk over the pathway to take in the full sight. It’s quite marvelous.

Drive two more hours and welcome to Arizona. First stop in Arizona is Oatman . This town is something straight out of a movie. It is your typical old west town and there are donkeys roaming around the streets. Yup. Donkeys. This is one of the many stops along the famous Route 66.

About one hour further down Route 66 there is a cute rest stop called Hackberry General Store . They’ve got souvenirs and snacks and super clean bathrooms , which is a must while on a long road trip.

Three more hours in the car and you’ve arrived in Winslow, Arizona . Another town along Route 66. This one made famous from The Eagles’ song “Take it Easy”. This is the place to stop for some lunch. There is a 50s style restaurant called the Sipp Shoppe right across the street from the Eagles’ corner that has some great and affordable options.

Also in Winslow, there is the Meteor Crater , which is essentially just a giant hole in the ground, but still a pretty neat spot if you’re willing to spend $22pp on this giant hole.

Last stop for the day is Flagstaff, Arizona. There’s plenty to do here, but a must stop is the Lowell Observatory . This is a late night activity, so get a good nap in before, but it is a relaxing way to end your evening in Flagstaff.

Day 4: Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Village

Rise and shine! Hop in the car and drive two hours to the Grand Canyon Village. Grand Canyon Village is about 10 minutes from the South Rim Entrance of the Grand Canyon . This one is pretty self-explanatory. You can hike, eat, or just admire the beauty of the Grand Canyon for the rest of the day.

Day 5: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Another day in the Grand Canyon… Again, self-explanatory…

Bring Arizona to your home with these adorable succulents!

Day 6: Grand Canyon Village, Arizona to Albuquerque, New Mexico

A decent amount of driving is on the schedule today, so plan to get up on the early side. We’re back on Route 66 now, and three hours of driving will bring you to Holbrook, Arizona , which is known for their dinosaurs. Basically there are dinosaur statues everywhere. Spoiler alert: they’re underwhelming.

Right outside of Holbrook is Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Dessert . Driving through and making stops throughout the park will leave you speechless.

Once you’re done staring at the colors of the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest, hop in the car and drive three hours east to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the night.

I recommend staying at Hotel Albuquerque Old Town. There is a Mexican restaurant right in the hotel that is to die for. You’ll thank me later.

Day 7: Albuquerque, New Mexico to Alamosa, Colorado

A fun morning in Albuquerque ahead, so fill your bellies with a delicious breakfast at Frontier Restaurant . Get anything with a tortilla. They’re made in house, and are perfect. Me and Doug still talk about them.

After breakfast indulge in a self-guided Breaking Bad tour . Starting at the Breaking Bad Store. Check out sites such as Dog House Drive In and Walter & Skylar’s house, but beware of the homeowners here. There is a woman who sits on a lawn chair on the front lawn with signs and threatening to call the cops at everyone taking pictures of her house.  

After the tour, drive approximately 4 hours to Alamosa, Colorado. Alamosa is the closest city to Great Sand Dunes National Park . This is the perfect late afternoon activity since the sun isn’t as strong. Pack your goggles and tie up your hair, because it can get WINDY.

Back in Alamosa, there is a delicious Thai restaurant called Siam Cuisine to end the evening at.  

Day 8: Alamosa, Colorado to Denver, Colorado

Alamosa has a bunch of chain restaurants to indulge in as well. One of my personal favorites, IHOP was our choice for breakfast before the four-hour drive to Denver, Colorado.

Spend the day enjoying the city. There is plenty to do. For lunch, enjoy a half-yard of beer at The Yard House with a delicious Bavarian pretzel too.

For dinner, head to Avanti , which is a pretty unique place in my opinion! It’s open seating, so first-come first-serve. There are waiters and waitresses wandering around to take your drink orders, but the food is all different stations/restaurants that you can order from by just walking over to whichever one you’re in the mood for! Pretty neat.

Day 9: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Another day another national park! Today is Rocky Mountain National Park , which is about 1.5 hours away from Denver, Colorado. It’s actually much closer to Boulder if you’re looking to stay in a closer city.

Take in the mountain views and hike around the trails and lakes. It’s one of the most beautiful, serene places out there. That’s coming from someone who doesn’t like snow and the mountains were covered in it.

Day 10: Denver, CO to Moran, Wyoming

Today is a road trip day. Pack the car with lots of snacks and make a good playlist. We have eight hours ahead from Denver to Moran, Wyoming, where we’ll be staying for our next few national parks.

The drive from Denver to Wyoming may be long but it is absolutely beautiful, so don’t dread it!

Once you arrive, settle into the Hatchet Resort , where you’ll feel nothing but comfortable. It’s a really homey little place, and I cannot recommend it enough. Hatchet is about 30 minutes from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. To get there you have to drive through Grand Teton National Park (don’t worry you’re not charged for this section), so the drive is unbelievably gorgeous and will leave you speechless.

Jackson Hole has some amazing restaurants to choose from and some great shopping. It’s a wonderful down to relax and wind down in after that long day in the car.

Day 11: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone is a bit of a drive from Moran, but Moran is the closest place to the Wyoming entrance. It takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to arrive at the Yellowstone National Park entrance .

Heads up!!!! You HAVE to drive through and PAY for Grand Teton National Park if you are entering Yellowstone through Wyoming. This isn’t a problem for the annual pass holders of course, but if you are paying per park, each one is $35 to enter, so that’ll be a $70 day just to enter the park. Plan wisely.

Visit the famous Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring ! Take in all of the colors and smells of the springs. That’s right, did you know sulfur smells terrible because if not, you’ll learn really quick.

There’s an abundance to see in Yellowstone, so ensure you pick your spots and plan it out well to not waste anytime.

Day 12: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming to Salt Lake City, UT

Grand Teton National Park is an absolutely majestic place to see, and even though you drove through it to get to Yellowstone and drove by it each trip into Jackson Hole, I recommend taking a few hours to drive around the park itself.

You can see some more bison wandering around, an adorable family of grizzlies , and even a fox or two!

Make a stop at Jenny Lake and admire the glacier-blue, crystal-clear waters. Your whole world will stand still when you see the beauty here.

Once you’re done in Grand Teton, hop in the car and start your 5-hour journey to Salt Lake City, Utah.

This part can be adjusted, and I honestly recommend it to be. Flights out of Jackson Hole were not doable for us this time around so we went to SLC for better flight options, but you don’t have to.

Day 13: Salt Lake City, UT

Before heading to the airport, make a stop at Red Butte Gardens . The colors and aroma of the flowers is the perfect relaxing activity before boarding that plane. There are plenty of different flowers and plants to see. You might even see a bunny hopping around!

Grab some lunch and head to the airport. It’s time to go home and tell all of your family and friends about your amazing road trip out west!! 

Build your own adventure with this A-Frame Cabin!

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Exploring the Wild West: An Ohio to Yellowstone Road Trip Adventure

• Post author: cuppa
• Post published: January 27, 2024
• Post category: Roadtrips

I’ve always believed there’s no better way to experience America’s vast landscapes than from the open road. So, when I planned my road trip from Ohio to Yellowstone, I knew I was in for a treat. This journey offers a blend of urban charm, rural beauty, and awe-inspiring natural wonders that’s hard to beat.

Starting in the heartland of Ohio, you’ll pass through several states, each with its unique attractions. You’ll encounter rolling farmlands, bustling cities, and historical landmarks before reaching the grandeur of Yellowstone. It’s a trip that’s as diverse as it is exciting, promising an adventure of a lifetime.

Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or planning your first long drive, this route from Ohio to Yellowstone is sure to captivate. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable journey across America’s heartland and into the wild west.

Table of Contents

Exploring the Heartland: Ohio to Illinois

Setting out on a road trip from Ohio, you’ll soon find yourself in Illinois, a journey that introduces you to the heartland of America. Beginning in Ohio, The Buckeye State , famous for its lush farmlands and vibrant cultural hotspots, there are quite a few surprises on the journey to the Land of Lincoln .

As you motor through Northern Ohio and Indiana, quaint towns and old-world charm set the tone. Pass through the city of Fort Wayne, with its enticing blend of urban sophistication and small-town loveliness. Here you’ve got the chance to explore historic neighborhoods, tour the city’s renowned art galleries, or indulge in a few local sweet treats.

Transitioning from Indiana to Illinois is a captivating experience. You’ll traverse through sprawling farmlands, vast highways, and curious small towns. Champaign, an agricultural hub, gives you a taste of the small-town Americana I adore. The Champaign County Agriculture Tours are a personal recommendation, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich agricultural history.

Illinois, with its blend of rural charm and urban appeal, delivers an engaging experience. Its city, Springfield, possesses a robust historical presence as the home of former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. Here, you can delve into American history at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site or visit the Illinois State Museum .

The journey through the heartland, from Ohio to Illinois, is a journey through America’s rich cultural landscape and pastoral beauty . Travelers with a keen interest in history or nature will find plenty to immerse themselves in, setting the stage for the adventure that lies ahead.

Remember, this isn’t just a trip, it’s a discovery of the diverse attractions and natural wonders that comprise the United States’ interior. So don’t hesitate – dive into the heartland with a spirit of exploration and curiosity. Your journey through the wild west has only just begun.

Traversing the Scenic Midwest: Indiana to Iowa

After leaving the fields of Champaign, my journey took me deeper into the heartland. Crossing Indiana into Iowa paints a picturesque Midwest tapestry that you’d only find in this unique road trip from Ohio to Yellowstone.

As I navigated my way through the Hoosier State, I encountered contrast at every bend. There’s a blend of modernity and antiquity, manifesting a diversified cultural landscape. Indiana’s charm shone through its historic towns , Indiana Dunes (nature’s marvel), and its people, who are as warm and inviting as its scenery.

Leaving Indiana, you cross into the “Land of Lincoln” – Illinois. History fills the air here, especially in the state’s capital, Springfield. Here, you can visit the Lincoln Home National Historic Site , housing preserved pieces from Lincoln’s life, and the Old State Capitol Building , where Lincoln served in the legislature.

Next was the state of Iowa. Contrary to public opinion, Iowa isn’t just about cornfields! It’s rich in natural beauty and has an array of intriguing rural and urban sites. The state has proven itself to be a medley of adventure – be it the mesmeric bridges of Madison County or the buoyant nightlife of Des Moines.

This leg of the journey wasn’t without its gems of culinary delight. Midwest cuisine has a ribbon of tradition and comfort running through it. Local diners served up meals like breaded pork tenderloin, a staple here, and Hot Beef Sundaes – sounds interesting, doesn’t it?

Each state in this journey carved indelible memories, be it Indiana’s historic charm, Illinois’s rich history, or Iowa’s surprising blend of rural and urban adventures. The Midwest holds the allure of discovery within its expansive fields – a feeling of exploring a new territory amid these familiar surrounding.

As the road unwinds further, the call of the West echoes louder, with the Rockies’ silhouette on the horizon becoming more pronounced. A promise of more adventure, experiences waiting to be lived, and stories waiting to be told. Stay tuned for what lies ahead as our road trip adventure continues.

The Great Plains: Nebraska to South Dakota

Nebraska welcomed me with its expansive landscapes and vast cornfields . As I navigated through the scenic routes that seemed to stretch on forever, it’s easy to see why Nebraska is labelled ‘The Cornhusker State.’ Each turn of the road revealed new vistas of farmland, punctuated by rustic barns and silos. Of course, one must make their pit stops. For me, one worth mentioning is Omaha, a surprisingly vibrant city with its Old Market. A bustling area filled with eclectic boutiques and its fair share of charming eateries.

From Nebraska, the wild beauty of South Dakota came into view bringing a fresh array of roadside attractions. The world-famous monument, Mount Rushmore, was a grand sight to behold. This iconic landmark sculpted from the very Black Hills it sits upon, carves out a significant chunk from history to remember America’s forefathers. Yet, that’s not all South Dakota had to offer. My journey immersed me in history yet again, this time in the form of Badlands National Park. Spanning miles of rugged terrain, its otherworldly rock formations brought forth remnants of ancient mammals, adding an archaeological spin to the road trip.

Although primarily rural, these states boast more than just Americana charm. I explored thriving craft beer scenes in both Nebraska and South Dakota with signature brews distinguishing the character of each area. Whether you’re enjoying a Nebraska Brewing Company’s Cardinal Pale Ale in Omaha or a Falls City Beer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the region’s craft beer culture really shows it versatility.

The journey thus far has unveiled charms quite distinct from one state to another, yet all united under the endless canvas of the sky. This journey westwards indicates that there’s an ocean of experiences yet to be unraveled. Stay tuned as we venture further into this road trip adventure, destinations yet unknown tucked away in the heart of the great American West.

Into the Wild West: Wyoming and Montana

Let’s turn the spotlight towards Wyoming and Montana, the heart and soul of the Wild West. Adorned with stunning landscapes and rich historical sites, these states presented themselves as the real gems of my road trip adventure from Ohio to Yellowstone.

Heading into Wyoming , the expansive views of the Great Plains gradually shifted to mesmerizing mountains peaks, becoming the unmistakable centerpiece of Wyoming’s natural grandeur. In the shadows of these towering mountains, the small town of Cody exuded a charm I found irresistible. Named after ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody, it’s a place where the lore of the Wild West is kept alive. The renowned Buffalo Bill Center of the West appealed to both the history nerd and the art lover in me.

After soaking in Wyoming’s vast beauty, my journey continued into the wild soul of Montana . An extraordinary place where unspoiled nature meets warm hospitality. Big Sky Country lived up to its name with big skies, grand vistas, and endless horizons. En route to Yellowstone, I passed through Bozeman . The city, nestled in the Rocky Mountains and boasting thriving food and art scenes, was a delightful surprise.

• Wyoming landmarks
• Great Plains
• Mountains Peaks
• Wyoming attraction
• Buffalo Bill Center of the West
• Montana features
• Grand Vistas
• Montana city visited

Discovering the Wonders of Yellowstone

Crossing the mighty Wyoming and Montana landscapes, I finally arrived at one of the highlights of my trip: Yellowstone National Park. There’s just something about Yellowstone that captures the imagination and stirs the soul.

The park’s covered swathes of pure wilderness, encompassing stunning hot springs and gushing geysers, not to mention its famed wildlife. From grizzly bears to herds of bison, Yellowstone’s truly a haven for animal lovers.

I began with Old Faithful , Yellowstone’s most famous geyser. To my surprise, it got its name for its predictable eruptions. It’s an experience like none other, watching crystal clear water and billowing steam shooting over 100 feet into the sky.

Next on my itinerary was the Grand Prismatic Spring . This is the third-largest hot spring in the world, boasting a striking array of colors due to its mineral-rich waters. The vivid blue center surrounded by rings of green, yellow, and red is a sight to behold.

But I’ll tell you, Yellowstone isn’t just about nature’s splendor, it’s also steeped in history. I took time to explore the remnants of Fountain Freeway Hotel , one of the oldest hotels in Yellowstone which now stands as a testament to the park’s early days.

Before long, I moved on to enjoy the park’s diverse wildlife. Playful otters sliding into the Yellowstone River, herds of bison roaming the plains, and endearing sightings of moose around Moose Junction all add to the park’s appeal. With over 67 species of mammals, it’s a paradise for the wildlife enthusiast.

Can’t forget my visit to Mammoth Hot Springs . Here, mineral-rich waters leave intricate travertine terraces creating an otherworldly landscape that’s bound to capture your heart.

My journey through the wonders of Yellowstone was as diverse as it was exhilarating – each sight a testament to the indomitable spirit of the wilderness and its ceaseless ability to enchant its visitors. As I traversed the park, the wild heart of the West continued to unfold, offering an invitation to explore, to discover, to marvel. And so, the journey continues…

So there you have it – my unforgettable journey from Ohio to Yellowstone. It’s a trip that takes you through the heart of the Wild West, offering a blend of history, scenery, and adventure. From the character-filled streets of Cody, Wyoming, to the breathtaking expanses of Montana, and finally the natural wonders of Yellowstone, it’s a road trip that truly has it all. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of geysers and hot springs or the tranquility of vast horizons, this route won’t disappoint. As I’ve discovered, the spirit of the West is alive and well, constantly inviting us to explore and uncover its secrets. So why wait? Pack your bags, hit the road, and let your own adventure unfold.

1. What are the highlighted landscapes mentioned in this road trip article?

The article highlights the landscapes of Wyoming and Montana traveled on the journey from Ohio to Yellowstone, including the small town of Cody, Wyoming and the stunning landscapes of Montana with its grand vistas and endless horizons.

2. What historical sites did the author visit during his road trip?

The author visited the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming, and the remnants of Fountain Freeway Hotel in Yellowstone National Park.

3. What are the attractions found in Yellowstone National Park as mentioned in this article?

In Yellowstone National Park, the author explores famous attractions such as the hot springs, geysers, Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the historical remnants of the Fountain Freeway Hotel.

4. How did the author describe the journey through Yellowstone?

The author described the journey through Yellowstone National Park as diverse and exhilarating, with notable emphasis on the unforgettable wilderness experience.

5. What is the conclusion derived from the author’s road trip?

The article concludes with the idea that the wild heart of the American West continues to unfold, implying that it invites further exploration and discovery.

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Ohio Road Trip: 8 Stops for Outdoor Adventure

Ohio is one of the most underrated states in the USA. While Ohio is probably most famously known for its bustling metropolitan cities like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, there is so much natural beauty to be found in the Buckeye State.

Inside Ohio’s state lines, you’ll find incredible natural features like tumbling waterfalls, damp caves, towering cliffs, deep gorges, Great Lake bluffs, and so much more.

To see all of the outdoor beauty that the state has to offer, I’d encourage you to take an Ohio road trip! And I’ve got plenty of Ohio road trip ideas for you! 🚗

In this Ohio road trip guide, I’m sharing the eight best stops for outdoor adventure in the Buckeye state. These eight parks all have loads of recreational opportunities including hiking, climbing, paddling, zip-lining, fishing, camping, and more. And these Ohio parks all have beautiful natural features like waterfalls, caves, cliffs, rock formations, gorges, etc.

You won’t want to miss these eight Ohio parks on your Ohio road trip!

Table of Contents

Disclaimer : This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks so much for your support!

Ohio Road Trip: Mapped Stops

1. Hocking Hills State Park

The Hocking Hills region of southeast Ohio is one of the most scenic places in the Midwest. As you explore all of Hocking Hills’ state parks, forests, and preserves, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped out of Ohio and into some diverse public land out west.

With its lofty cliffs, plunging waterfalls, noteworthy rock formations, deep gorges with picturesque teal-colored water, and explorable recessed caves, it’s easy to see why this slice of Ohio is one of the  most beloved places in the state.

While Hocking Hills isn’t exactly a secret among locals and Midwesterners, there are plenty of hidden gems tucked inside the boundaries that are just waiting to be explored.

If you need help deciding which scenic hiking trail(s) to hike in Hocking Hills, read my guide !

⚠️ VISITOR INFO

• Hours: Dawn to Dusk.
• Entrance Fee: FREE.
• Pets: Leashed pets are allowed.
• Accommodations Nearby: Hocking Hills Campground or Hocking Hills Inn

→ READ NEXT: Complete Guide to Hocking Hills State Park

2. Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park is one of Ohio’s best-kept secrets . While the secret is out on Hocking Hills, at least amongst Midwesterners, Nelson-Kennedy Ledges still manages to remain camouflaged from tourists.

As a 24-year Indiana resident, I frequented the Ohio State Parks. While Hocking Hills was overall more impressive, Nelson-Kennedy was my favorite place in Ohio to escape the crowds and hike jaw-dropping trails.

While you’re at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges , hike the four short trails that wind through impressive rock formations such as Devil’s Icebox, Indian Pass, and Old Maid’s Kitchen. Along the way, you’ll pass by Cascade Falls, a spectacular waterfall cascading off one of the giant cliffs. AKA: my favorite spot in this park.

Read my first-timer’s guide to Nelson-Kennedy Ledges here !

• Accommodations Nearby: Nelson Ledges Quarry Park or Comfort Inn and Suites – Kent

→ READ NEXT: 9 Best Spring Hikes in the Midwest

3. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley is one of our park system’s most underrated National Parks. Though the trails, ski area, and river get plenty of traffic, the park receives underwhelming reviews simply because of its location.

But, if I’ve taught you anything in this blog post already, it’s that Ohio harbors some surprising secrets. Cuyahoga Valley is bursting with hidden gems that you just have to see for yourself.

In Cuyahoga Valley, you’ll find yourself wandering amongst waterfalls, caves, cliffs, and mossy ledges reminiscent of those in Nelson-Kennedy .

While you’re in Cuyahoga Valley National Park , you can bike the Towpath Trail, board a train on the scenic railroad, paddle the river, and hike to a waterfall.

• Hours: All areas of the park are open 24 hours a day with the following exceptions: Brandywine Falls, Virginia Kendall Ledges, Octagon, and Lake close from dusk until morning opening.
• Accommodations Nearby: Valley Overlook or Holiday Inn Express

→ READ NEXT: Complete Guide to Exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park

4. Viaduct Park

Viaduct Park is a must-see near Cuyahoga Valley National Park on your Ohio road trip!

Viaduct Park is one of the many metropolitan parks located outside of Cleveland. While Cleveland is a bustling city teeming with manmade architecture, there are plenty of natural features to be found in its surrounding metro parks.

What’s so special about this park, you might ask? Easy! It’s the Great Falls at Tinker Creek , one of Ohio’s widest waterfalls.

To access the waterfall, take the easy 0.6-mile out & back trail right off the parking area. There is a viewing platform perched above the falls, but I’d encourage you to scramble the boulders by the falls below to get the best views of the Great Falls of Tinkers Creek.

• Hours: 6 AM – 11 PM.
• Accommodations Nearby: Valley Overlook or Hampton Inn and Suites

5. Cascade Park

Cascade Park is another metro park. This one is located outside of the city of Elyria, west of Cleveland.

Cascade Park is most attractive thanks to its two tumbling waterfalls that flow into the Black River. But aside from those falls, the park’s hikes are very scenic. The river twisting through the park and the rocky ledges sprinkled across the landscape are striking.

The ledges trail with West Falls spur is my favorite trail; it’s about a 0.6-mile loop. There is a separate parking area for East Falls. The West Falls of the Black River is the more impressive of the two waterfalls, but East Falls is still certainly worth seeing!

🗺️ Directions to the West Falls parking area here .

🗺️ Directions to the East Falls parking area here.

• Hours: 8 AM – Sunset.
• Accommodations Nearby: Timber Ridge Campground or Fairfield Inn and Suites

6. Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve

This stunning nature preserve 50 miles east of Columbus spotlights a deep gorge cut by the Licking River through remarkable sandstone formations.

10 miles of hiking and biking trails wind through rock formations and run alongside waterfalls, quarries, cliffs, and a river.

The main trail, Blackhand Trail, is 4.2 miles long, flat, paved, and suitable for hikers, bikers, and dogs.

If you want to step off the paved path, take the two trails that stem from the Blackhand Trail: Quarry Rim and Chesnut. There are two other trails in the park as well. Access the Oak Knob Trail from the North Parking lot and the Canal Trail from the main parking lot. Note that these four trails are not dog-friendly.

• Hours: 1/2 before sunrise – 1/2 after sunset.
• Pets: Leashed pets are allowed on the Blackhand Trail ONLY.
• Accommodations Nearby: La-Z Acres Campground or Doubletree by Hilton Newark

7. John Bryan State Park

John Bryan State Park is an incredible park in western Ohio featuring a limestone gorge cut by the Little Miami River. ( FUN FACT: The Little Miami River is a National Scenic River!)

The Little Miami River is a major highlight of the park! Watch as it flows gently over pebble-sized rocks in some sections and tumbles angrily through narrow canyons and around boulder-strewn islands in other sections.

In John Bryan State Park, there are endless recreational possibilities. You can paddle, swim, camp, hike, rock climb, fish, mountain bike, ski, and so much more.

• Accommodations Nearby: John Bryan State Park Campground or Comfort Inn and Suites

8. Clifton Gorge State Preserve

Just outside of John Bryan State Park, Clifton Gorge State Preserve provides more recreation opportunities. In fact, the two parks are connected. You can hike from one park to another without moving your vehicle. But you’ll have to leave your dog at home for this one: pets are not allowed.

Clifton Gorge is truly a geological marvel. The park protects a spectacular dolomite and limestone gorge cut by – you guessed it – the Little Miami River! In some parts, the gorge is narrow, and the water runs wildly through the channel. In other parts of the gorge, cliff overhangs have broken off and formed massive rock debris, which is scattered all along the valley floor.

There are 3 miles of hiking trails at Clifton Gorge. If you have time, I’d hike them all – the Rim, the Gorge, the Narrows, and the Orton. They are all spectacular!

• Pets: Pets are not allowed.

→ READ NEXT: 10 Best Summer Hikes in the Midwest

Discover Your Next Adventure

Where to next? I’ve got some suggestions!

• Indiana Dunes National Park
• Indiana Dunes State Park
• Dry Tortugas National Park
• Red River Gorge
• New River Gorge National Park

PIN IT AND SAVE IT FOR LATER!

Hi! I'm Alexys, a hiker, camper, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park volunteer from East Tennessee. Let me help you plan your next trip!

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Planning a solo west coast road trip starting in Ohio. Never ventured out west, usual trips include beaches along the east coast.

Total time allowed-2-3 weeks. Main attractions to visit : Denver, Grand Canon, Hoover Dam, LA or other west coast location. Maybe a less crowded destination along the coast. June/July will be time to travel. Honda Accord for transportation.

Interstate 70 route

Day 1: Drive to Junction City

Day 2-4: Denver

Day 5-6: Grand Canon

Day 7: Hoover Dam

Day 8: West Coast (Possibly LA)

Day 8-12: LA/West coast locations

Day 13-16: Drive back home

Other option would be to take the southern 40 route straight to west coast and hit the locations above as I drive back to Ohio. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Not set on LA just want to visit the west coast.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

What are your interests? Nature/hikes, music, foodie?

what places do you really want to see?

to get to the grand canyon it will take 3 very long days of driving or 4 more reasonable days. gas + hotels one way would cost what???

$15-$20 per 100 miles you drive (gas at $3-$4 per gallon)

if one way is 2000 miles that wil cost $300-$400 just in gas. adding to that the 3 nights of hotel.

If you are old enough to rent a car seriusly consider flying into Denver, Phoenix, Vegas, Los angeles then renting a car for a loop trip for about 2 weeks. In June you can get some one way rental deal from Vegas or Phoenix into California or Denver. In previous years I have seen $5-$15 per day during these specials + taxes and I have done these deals.

If you insist on driving you will use about 5-6 days as just driving days an not much seeing things.

there are a ton of things you can see besides the Grand canyon

In southern Utah/Northern Arizona there is Zion, Bryce, Capitol reef, Escalanete, Arches, Canyonlands, Monument Valley, Canyon de chelley, Petrified forest, Sedona and a bunch of other places that you can esily spend all your time just in this area and across into western Colorado and New Mexico.

California Alone will take 2-3 weeks. See many of the threads on hereabout people traveling to see LA, SF, and Vegas.

for your drive back if you take a northern path you could see Yellowstone, grand teton and/or black hils of south dakota

That's already a 5000 miles trip. Suggest to take at least 3 weeks. 2 weeks won't give you much time for exploring. And yes, please give us some more info. Between Denver and GC you can visit places like Rocky Mountains NP, Colorado NM, Arches, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point, Monument Valley, Page (Antelope canyons, Lake Powell). And on the way back you can see parts of R66. From where in OH are you heading?

For Denver area, you are a short drive away from Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.

http://www.visitestespark.com/

If you have not seen that area, its very easy to include in your itinerary.

Along the coast, from LA to Pismo Beach is about a 4 1/2 hour drive. (more if on a week-end when people head out to Santa Barbara beaches). Its best to stay south of Big Sur for at least one night given the number of nights you have for the coast. Other options around Pismo Beach are inland San Luis Obispo or Morro Bay. If you are into small art galleries, then Cambria (but prices will be higher just because of that reason).

If into wine, this is an excellent winery area as well. IN that case San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles also are ok places to stay (but not on the coast). On Thursday night there is an awesome street fair/farmers market in San Luis Obispo. (i.e. also good place to get a casual dinner if you are through there on a Thursday).

http://www.pasowine.com/

One usually drives through Big Sur as a day trip,. There is various areas for great views, hikes, and so forth. The cities north of Big Sur that are popular to stay at are

1) Carmel - arts and wine tasting room

2) Monterey - aquarium, history, museums, Cannery, Fisherman Wharf

3) Marina - just north of Monterey - not a tourist destination per se but close enough to Monterey with more reasonable lodging rates and a state beach within walking.

4) Santa Cruz - Boardwalk Amusement Park, Sea Lions, Funky Hippy Like Downtown Area, Surfers, Nice Coastal walking area from Natural Bridges to Boardwalk area

5) Half Moon Bay - Half Moon Bay has a harbor, downtown area, wineries, nice coastal area, but can be foggy; if a sunny clear day very nice. Half Moon Bay patio area with its fire place and beer is fun if you like that type of thing.

So I would choose the towns to stay in bssed on your interest, Also see

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g28926-d565970-r244051361-Highway_One-California.html#REVIEWS

Have a good trip.

In just over twelve minutes this video manages to visit most of the national parks of the west. Even though some of them only get a few seconds, it will give a good idea of the wonderful places that you could visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQdlS8c6GEA

I would take longer if possible but if not just be aware you will have to really haul it on some days. Dan, not sure where you get 3-4 dollars per gallon...he should be seeing low 2's most of the way, although gas should increase a little bit over the summer months.

Dan P is not off the mark for his gas estimate. I paid US$3.799 per gallon on fillup at March 6, 2015, in Huntington Beach, CA, and that was the mid level gasoline. Prices increase the further you go west from New York!

>> Dan, not sure where you get 3-4 dollars per gallon...<<

Dan P and I live in two of the most expensive states (for fuel) in the Continental USA. (...sigh...) Photoguy lives in another pricey fuel state.

As a rough estimate right now, $3 to $4 is close enough. I just checked Gas Buddy for Denver - it's about $2.50 there. Summer will be more expensive everywhere :-(

<<Pricey fuel>> Lol I won't tell you how much we pay here in Europe. Will come as a shock.

Isn't it about US$7 per gallon equivalent?

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32 of the Best Ohio Road Trips to Take this Year! (2024)

By: Author Julie Miller

Posted on Published: September 21, 2023

If you let it, Ohio will surprise you! Ohio road trips will take you to the hills of the Appalachian Mountains, the shores of Lake Erie and the Ohio River. You’ll find caves and caverns, waterfalls and even the world’s largest cuckoo clock!

Every day is an adventure if you choose to explore the world, even if it’s just your own backyard! I fully believe that! There are so many great things to see and do in Ohio and we’ve been spending a lot of years doing just that!

Our home base is the capital city of Columbus, Ohio so we’ve taken many easy day trips from Columbus that require just a short drive. We’ve also traveled further than that, to the corners of the state including small towns in Ohio and the largest cities in the state!

We love to take family vacations to Lake Erie , find waterfalls in Ohio and build sandcastles on Ohio beaches ! There are plenty of fun things to do with kids in Ohio and many hidden gems in Ohio if you take the time to seek them out!

This list of Ohio road trip ideas includes Ohio’s only National Park, several state parks, a donut trail, art museums, theatre, a Little Italy, and so much more! Ohio truly is the Heart of it All !

If you live in Ohio or are planning a visit to Ohio, this list will be a great jumping off point for inspiration for your next trip! Pick one of these Ohio road trips off the list to plan your next adventure!

32 of the Best Ohio Road Trips

Ohio has so much to see and do! What I love about Ohio is that you can really find a variety of scenery from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to the shores of one of the largest lakes in the United States!

Ohio has skyscrapers in cities, cornfields in Amish Country and 316 miles of Lake Erie shoreline!

This list of Ohio Road Trip ideas is a great starting point to explore the great state of Ohio!

1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Ohio is home to one National Park: Cuyahoga Valley National Park and it's definitely worth visiting! If you're planning a trip to the Cleveland/Akron area, make sure to stop by CVNP!

This blog post features Brandywine Falls which is the tallest waterfall in Ohio and is a popular destination inside Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Click the link to find out the easiest way to visit Brandywine Falls!

Hocking Hills

The Hocking Hills region in Ohio encompasses Hocking County and surrounding towns. It's a gorgeous destination in southeastern Ohio to visit no matter the season!

If you're planning a trip to Hocking Hills, this post will help you discover unique things to do, the best hiking trails in Hocking Hills and where to see breathtaking scenery at every turn!

Hocking Hills is a mecca for outdoor activities, but there are other things to do in Hocking Hills besides hiking, so read on to find out what, where and how to explore this beautiful region in southeast Ohio!

Click the link to plan your road trip to Hocking Hills!

3. Lancaster Ohio

Lancaster, Ohio has a population of around 40,000, a cute, walkable downtown area, nice parks, its own collection of local restaurants and a decent sized mall. So, something for everyone! 

If you like to get outdoors, make sure to hike Mt. Pleasant in Rising Park or check out Wahkeena Nature Preserve!

Click the link to plan a family-friendly trip to Lancaster!

4. Toledo, Ohio

Toledo, Ohio was shaped by it’s proximity to Lake Erie and is home to the National Museum of the Great Lakes, which is definitely worth a visit! There are several sites along Lake Erie that are beautiful to see and nearby Magee Marsh is a hot spot for birdwatching during the spring migration!

There are a lot of fun things to do with kids in Toledo and we’ve just scratched the surface!

Click the link to find out how to plan a family-friendly trip to Toledo, Ohio!

5. Maumee Bay State Park

Maumee Bay State Park is a beautiful Ohio State Park right on Lake Erie! A large beach, great lodge and tons of fun indoor and outdoor activities make this the perfect location for a memorable family-friendly road trip in Ohio!

Maumee Bay State Park is located about 10 miles east of Toledo and about 45 miles from Sandusky. The park has a beach, playground, hiking trails and a great Nature Center!

Click the link to plan your road trip to Maumee Bay State Park!

6. Sandusky, Ohio

Ohio’s Vacationland features roller coasters, beaches, lighthouses and more! Take a road trip to the Sandusky area of Ohio for your perfect Lake Erie vacation!

Sandusky is famous for Cedar Point, one of the largest amusement parks in the world! But there are lots of other fun things to do in Sandusky, too! Beaches, indoor water parks, a Merry Go Round Museum and more!

Click the link to plan your road trip to Sandusky, Ohio!

7. Kelleys Island, Ohio

Our family fell in love with Kelleys Island! Kelleys Island is an island on Lake Erie with a laid-back vibe, beautiful scenery and fun activities for all ages!

Discover a beautiful island with incredible views of Lake Erie, historic homes and natural shorelines full of unique things to do and places to eat! Don't miss the Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve, he most famous glacial groves in the world!

Click the link to plan a road trip to Kelleys Island, Ohio!

8. Vermilion, Ohio

With an adorable downtown, a clean beach and tasty treats it’s easy to spend the perfect day on Lake Erie in Vermilion, Ohio! Vermilion is home to one of our favorite  Ohio beaches  and we return again and again when we visit Lake Erie as a family (as I’m sure you will be able to tell from the growth of my children in between some of these photos!)

Why do we love Vermilion? It’s such a quaint, well kept town. Parking is easy. The beach is free. The lagoons are unique. There’s ice cream. And Woodstock Cafe.

Click the link to see how we have spent a day at Main Street Beach in Vermilion, Ohio – year after year!

9. Lake County, Ohio

Lake County, Ohio is about 30 minutes east of Cleveland and borders Lake Erie. It’s home to some of Northeast Ohio’s most beautiful views and Lake Erie’s most popular beaches! Mentor is the largest city in Lake County and makes for a good “home base” for visiting all of the attractions listed in this blog post!

Highlights include The Holden Arboretum, Lake Erie Bluffs, and Headlands Beach, just to name a few!

Click the link to plan a road trip to beautiful Lake County, Ohio!

10. Cleveland, Ohio

There are so many fun things to do in Cleveland, Ohio and it makes for a great Ohio road trip for families looking to explore this great city on Lake Erie!

This blog post includes some of the best things to do in Cleveland, like the Rock Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center. It also includes some of the hidden gems that might be easily overlooked if you don’t know where to find them!

We are always visiting our favorites and also seeking out new things to do in Cleveland each time we visit!

Click the link to plan your Ohio road trip to Cleveland!

11. Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio is home to over 800,000 people and the greater metropolitan area is over 2 million people! With a vibrant arts scene, sports teams, theatre, a huge foodie scene and The Ohio State University, you can always find SOMETHING fun to do in Columbus!

Browse this list of museums, restaurants, parks, outdoor activities and more to plan your road trip to Columbus, Ohio!

12. Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio

A visit to family friendly Geneva-on-the-Lake makes for a great family vacation in Ohio, especially during the summer!

Plan a stay at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, take a canopy tour, walk The Strip to find donuts, arcades, restaurants and more!

Click the link to plan your trip to Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio!

13. Put-in-Bay, Ohio

Put-in-Bay is on South Bass Island on Lake Erie and our family loves to visit almost every summer! Put-in-Bay is an Ohio road trip that will require a ferry trip! And that's just part of the fun!

Put-in-Bay gets a bad rap as a party island and while there is that element (mostly on weekends) there are a ton of fun things for families and non-partying individuals to do!

Check out this list of fun things to do on Put-in-Bay including state parks, a cool wildlife center, fishing and more!

14. Dayton, Ohio

Dayton, Ohio is home to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and they also have some great parks and arboretums! The Children’s Discovery Garden at Wegerzyn Gardens is a must-visit destination with kids!

Other highlights include the Tree Tower at Cox Arboretum and exploring the Oregon District!

Click the link to plan a road trip to Dayton, Ohio!

15. Yellow Springs, Ohio

Yellow Springs, Ohio is a fun and funky destination that includes unique shopping and dining, Young's Jersey Dairy and Glen Helen Nature Preserve!

Yellow Springs is Ohio’s own “hippy town” – I don’t know if that’s official or if I’m just making up that designation, but you’ll find a lot of alternative and off-the-beaten path shopping and dining in this cute downtown area that is easy to explore on foot!

Click the link to plan a road trip to Yellow Springs, Ohio!

16. Bellefontaine, Ohio

Bellefontaine, Ohio has a cute downtown with mini golf, a highly rated pizza shop, and, of course, coffee!

Plus, it's home to one of the most adorable and inspiring toy stores I have ever been in! While you're in the area, make sure to stop in Marie's Candies, another area shop that has made their mark on Ohio!

Click the link to plan a road trip to Bellefontaine, Ohio!

17. Springfield, Ohio

There is a lot to do in Springfield, Ohio, including the largest of all the caves in Ohio! Springfield is also home to the Hartman Rock Garden, an outdoor art display you just have to see to believe!

Downtown Springfield is home to shopping, restaurants and a weekly farmers market!

Click the link to plan a road trip to Springfield, Ohio!

18. Newark, Ohio

Newark is the county seat of Licking County and the city has a population of just under 50,000 people.

Newark, Ohio offers several attractions for families to enjoy! It would be easy to do several of these things in one day! Highlights include The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology and The Dawes Arboretum!

Click the link to plan your Newark, Ohio itinerary!

19. Lakeside, Ohio

If you’re looking for a slow-paced and peaceful family vacation on the lake, make plans to visit Lakeside, Ohio, a perfectly picturesque town on Lake Erie where there is a little something for everyone in the family!

Lakeside is home to "Ohio's Most Beautiful Mile" and I can't argue with them there!

Lakeside is located on the north side of the Marblehead Peninsula, not far from the Marblehead Lighthouse and the ferry to Put-In-Bay. It is a gated community meaning there is an entrance fee to enter the community but the fee does include many of the activities and events provided at Lakeside.

Click the link to plan a trip to Lakeside, Ohio!

20. Butler County, Ohio

Butler County, just north of Cincinnati is home to a ton of fun things to do like EnterTRAINment Junction, Jungle Jim's International Market and Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

Also, Butler County has gained a claim to fame with their Butler County Donut Trail so you must make plans to stop at at least a couple of donut shops on your trip!

Click the link to plan a fun road trip to Butler County, Ohio!

21. Bellevue, Ohio

Bellevue, Ohio is a fun town to explore in the Lake Erie Region! With a great indoor play area, railroad museum and proximity to Lake Erie, there are a lot of fun things to do in Bellevue!

Click the link to plan a road trip to Bellevue, Ohio!

22. Guernsey County, Ohio

Ohio is full of surprises! A family-friendly road trip to Guernsey County, Ohio includes zebras, walks on the beach, glass blowing, donuts and so much more!

Guernsey County is the birthplace of John Glenn and William Boyd (aka Hopalong Cassidy), the location of over 36 sightings of Bigfoot, and home to the largest wildlife conservation center in North America AND the world’s most extensive glass collection! 

If you're planning a trip to The Wilds, make sure to check out what else there is to do on your road trip to Guernsey County, Ohio!

23. Mohican State Park

Mohican State Park is a popular destination in Ohio! Let me start by saying that Mohican State Park is absolutely stunning in the fall. It’s just drop dead gorgeous at every turn! If you can visit in the fall, I highly recommend!

But, you should also know that Mohican is full of summer adventures! I grew up 30 minutes from Mohican State Park and it was the go-to destination for canoeing every summer when I was a teenager! As a kid, we spent summer days boating on Pleasant Hill Lake and as far as I was concerned, Mohican was “the beach”!

Click the link to plan a road trip to Mohican State Park!

24. Dublin, Ohio

There is something in Dublin, Ohio for the whole family! From public art installations, to fun playgrounds to some of the biggest festivals in Central Ohio (and the world!), there is always something fun to do in Dublin, Ohio!

My family has had a lot of fun exploring Dublin! There are a lot of activities on this list that bring back some fun memories: The 12 Elves of Dublin in December, the Fairy Door Trail in the Spring, the kids dipping candy into Chocolate at Kilwins, walking across the Dublin Link for the first time.

Click the link to find some of the top things to do in Dublin, Ohio and plan your own fun road trip!

25. Greene County, Ohio

Greene County is where the Wright Brothers developed aviation and took the first circular flight! It’s also home to several historical landmarks related to the birth of aviation!

Click the link to plan a road trip to Greene County using our itinerary here as a guideline and introduce your family to the incredible role that Ohio played in the development of flight and airplanes!

26. Highland County, Ohio

Highland County is around 65 miles from Columbus and is an easy trip from Central Ohio, Dayton or Cincinnati! It is a scenic county with sprawling cornfields, Amish farms and surprising hills! We even came across a waterfall!

If you’re looking for a rural spot to get away from the fast pace of the city, take a drive to peaceful Highland County and enjoy some of these fun activities, outdoor adventures and tasty treats!

Click the link to plan your own road trip to Highland County, Ohio!

27. Tuscarawas County, Ohio

Tuscarawas County, Ohio is part Amish Country, part Appalachia and full of unique destinations for families to explore!

A trip to this area will transport you to the edge of the Appalachian Mountains, into Amish Country and to the home of some of Ohio’s earliest history.

Spend your time exploring some of Ohio’s oldest religious settlements, learning about the role that railroads and the Ohio & Erie Canal have played in this area of the state, play mini golf and see the world's largest cuckoo clock!

Click the link to plan your trip to Tuscarawas County, Ohio!

28. Marysville, Ohio

Marysville, Ohio is around 35 minutes from downtown Columbus and offers a quaint downtown, apple picking and a super fun playground for kids!

Whether or not it's apple picking season, there are still plenty of fun things to do on a trip to Marysville!

Click the link to plan your Ohio road trip to Marysville!

29. Mount Vernon, Ohio

Mount Vernon, Ohio is just around 1 hour from Columbus has a super cute downtown, a really unique park and the coolest Dog Fountain around!

If you’re looking for a super fun day trip from Columbus, Ohio, look no further than Mt. Vernon, Ohio! The downtown area is so cute and easy to walk around! There lots of things to do in downtown Mount Vernon that will appeal to travelers of all ages!

Click the link to plan your road trip to Mt. Vernon, Ohio!

30. Mansfield, Ohio

Downtown Mansfield makes for a fun day trip in Ohio! There's a carousel, an amazing children's museum and restaurants to enjoy! The Little Buckeye Children's Museum is a GEM and definitely worth a visit if you have kids!

Click the link to plan a road trip to downtown Mansfield, Ohio!

31. Wooster, Ohio

Exciting things can be found in Wooster, Ohio! Uncover hidden gems & must-see spots for an unforgettable visit to Wooster like the super tall slide at Secrest Arboretum, flavored milk at Hartzler's Family Dairy and more!

Click the link to plan an Ohio road trip to Wooster!

32. Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati is a great destination for a weekend getaway, anniversary celebrations and even day trips with the kids! The Queen City is a great place to explore with the whole family!

Located on the banks of the Ohio River, across from Northern Kentucky, the city is full of fun things to do including amazing playgrounds, The Cincinnati Museum Center, Findlay Market and more!

​Click the link to discover some of the best things to do in Cincinnati!

There are so many Ohio road trip ideas and we are just getting started! I’ll continue to update this list as we explore to make sure to bookmark it so that you can check back when you need a little inspiration for exploring Ohio!

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5 Children's Museums in Ohio Your Kids Will Love

Monday 25th of March 2024

[…] Our family has personally visited each of the children’s museums on this list! Check out these ideas and plan your next Ohio road trip! […]

• Roadside Attractions
• Small Towns
• Hall Of Fames
• National Parks
• Theme Parks
• BILL’S BOOKS
• Meet Bill On The Road

Take a bike ride on the nationally recognized Virginia Creeper Trail, check out local artists, or see a show at the historic Barter Theater downtown. Abingdon is home to more restaurants per capita than New York City – with a great meal for just about any taste and plenty of cool places to stay including the Martha Washington Inn & Spa. You’re also a short drive from Bristol – the birthplace of country music.

2. Adventures On The Gorge – Lansing, WV

The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the most impressive architectural feats in American history. One of the many daring activities offered through  Adventures On The Gorge  in Lansing, West Virginia is called “Bridge Walk”. You can literally walk along the catwalk beneath the third highest bridge in the U.S. It’s not for everyone, but an unforgettable experience for thrill seekers! During your stay at the adventure resort, you can zip line, climb trees, enjoy incredible sunsets, and of course – some of the best whitewater rafting in the world.

3. Put-In-Bay, OH

Clocking in at just over three hours from Columbus, Put-in-Bay is a tropical getaway in the middle of Lake Erie just off the shore of northern Ohio. You’ll take a ferry to the island and find live music, nightlife, great shopping and food, as well as plenty of things to keep you busy! Rent a golf cart to tour the island in style! If the party atmosphere isn’t your style, take the ferry over to nearby Kelleys Island for a more peaceful, secluded atmosphere.

4. Pittsburgh, PA

Famous for having more bridges than any other U.S. city, Pittsburgh is a terrific destination for a weekend or extended getaway. You can take in a baseball game with beautiful views of the Sixth Street Bridge, take a ride on the historic Duquesne Incline, or visit the city’s quirky bicycle museum. If you grew up watching Mr. Rogers, Pittsburgh was his home town and you can spend a day exploring all things Mr. Rogers – including seeing the very sets from the iconic television show and his puppets!

Check out my story:  Finding Mr. Rogers in Pittsburgh .

5. Parke County, Indiana

Parke County, Indiana is best known as the “covered bridge capitol of the world”! Located less than than two hours from downtown Indy, you’ll find a great relaxing destination with some much needed peace and quiet. You can grab an old fashioned map (remember those?) at the local visitors center and then set out to find as many of the historic covered bridges as you can, making it a perfect romantic getaway. Consider booking a room or campsite at Turkey Run State Park, Indiana’s most popular state park, for your home base. They offer brand new, minimalist cabins as well. The park has plenty of great hiking trails for all skill levels.

You can check out my post on visiting Parke County for other tips and suggestions:  This is the Covered Bridge Capitol of the World

6. Detroit, MI

Everything you think you know about Detroit – might very well be totally wrong. Despite the bad reputation it often seems to get, Detroit has got a lot of cool things to see and experience. Several years ago, I spent a few days downtown and walked around after dark by myself – never once feeling uneasy. If you love sports – they’ve got hockey, football, baseball, and basketball. They have a terrific restaurant scene and some really terrific hotels. Be sure to check out the incredible music history of Detroit with a tour of Motown and and a visit to the nearby Henry Ford Museum in the town of Dearborn – one of the coolest museums in America!

7. Fort Wayne, IN

Fort Wayne is probably not a spot that’s been on your radar but Indiana’s second largest city has a lot going on.  Its minor league baseball stadium is award winning and its local library is known as the best genealogy research center in the country.  The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is one of the best designed kid-friendly zoos around and a brand new, beautiful  riverfront project  has injected new energy into the town.  You’ll also find lots of opportunity for outdoor recreation.

Bill’s Advice:  For something unique, visit the headquarters for Sweetwater – one of the largest music and instrument stores in the world.  Vera Bradley is also headquartered in Fort Wayne and has events during the year.  

8. Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis was one of the first cities I explored when I started this website back in 2013.  Obviously, it’s famous for hosting the Indy 500 and a tour of the famous speedway is a must when you visit.  But Indy is great for more than just race cars.  Start with a look at the famous Monument Circle downtown and work your way to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – hands down the greatest museum for families in the country. It’s amazing!  Check out the beautiful  canal  walk that runs through White River State Park, or go for some  Duck Pin  bowling in Fountain Square.  History buffs can check out Benjamin Harrison’s house, and if you’re a foodie – Indy is loaded with great restaurants!

9. Babcock State Park – Clifftop, WV

If you’re looking for a low-key adventure in the great outdoors – this is an amazing state park in West Virginia. Check out my article on visiting Babcock State Park – where you can rent a small cabin and have a front row seat to beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and other outdoor recreation. The old mill and waterfall in the park is awesome for pictures and you never know what kind of wildlife you’ll get to see!

10. Holland, MI

If you thought Holland was in Europe – you are correct!  But, America’s Holland is located in Michigan and it’s a cool town worth exploring.  Pick up a pair of wooden shoes and walk along the streets of downtown for great shopping and lots of dining options.  (Fun fact:  the streets of downtown Holland are heated so they don’t have to plow snow in the winter. Genius!)  Holland is also home to the only authentic Dutch wind mill that is still operational in the U.S.  If tulips are your thing – visit during the annual  festival  each spring.  The Holland Bowl Mill is also very cool – ask them for a quick tour of the production and find a one of a kind wooden bowl to take home!

Bill’s Advice:  I eat a lot of pizza when I’m on the road and Holland has one of the best pizza places I’ve ever been to.  It’s called  Fricano’s Pizza  and sometimes, I have dreams about it. 

11. Pigeon Forge, TN

Pigeon Forge clocks in at right about six hours from Columbus making it the longest road trip idea on our list. However, it’s worth every minute if you love the beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains. Pigeon Forge is loaded with family friendly activities and shows – from comedy to magic and country music. Take the kids on go-carts or mini-golf and enjoy some adult fun while you chill around the fountains at The Island at Pigeon Forge. It goes without saying to make time to explore Smoky Mountain National Park.

12. Nashville, TN

Nashville is just under six hours from Columbus and an awesome destination for an extended road trip! Even if you are not a fan of country music – there is a lot to love about Music City. Broadway is rockin all night with fun bars and take your pic of exciting museums dedicated to great performers: Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Glen Campbell, and others. Don’t miss an exact replica of the Parthenon not far from downtown and some incredible southern restaurants!

13. Owensboro, KY

Just south of Evansville is the bluegrass music capitol of the world – Owensboro, Kentucky. If you like the idea of watching local bands in a barn, taste testing bourbon, eating good barbecue, or catching catfish – you’ll love this place. Owensboro is also home to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and music legend Bill Monroe. You can even  tour his childhood home .

14. Springfield, IL

If you’re a history buff – a visit to Springfield, Illinois will be a memorable road trip experience. Illinois’ capital city was the where Abraham Lincoln lived before he became president and where his tomb is located. You can see the law office where he worked in his younger days and where he served as a state legislator. Springfield also the incredible Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library as well as some really great Route 66 history!

15. Dayton, OH

Dayton is best known as the place that gave birth to modern aviation. The Wright Brothers called Dayton home and the city is full of historic places that will give you a front row seat to the history of the “flying machine” which is how the first airplane was trademarked. One of the original Wright Brothers bicycle shops is still in tact, and you can see an original Wright Flyer at the Carillon Historical Park. Take a ride over to Huffman Prairie Field where the brothers tested out there invention or tour the mansion where they lived. Best of all – Dayton is home to the Museum of The United States Air Force – an unbelievable airplane museum that consists of four different hangars and impossible to see in a single day. See rare military aircraft and even go on board a retired Air Force One plane. And it’s free!

16. Cambridge, OH

The sweet treats at Kennedy’s Bakery is alone worth the road trip to small town Cambridge. Only a 90 minute drive from Columbus – enjoy a nice weekend getaway with small town shopping, some outdoor recreation at Salt Fork State Park, or a trip to The Wild’s animal experience a short drive from town. The holidays are best as this little town really dazzles with lights and charm!

17. Louisville, KY

Of course most people know Louisville as the place where the famous Louisville Slugger baseball bats are made, but that’s just the start!  Downtown Louisville offers a wide variety of attractions from the Muhammad Ali Center to Churchill Downs where the Kentucky Derby takes place.  For an adventure – try out the world’s only underground zip line at Louisville Mega Cavern or a cruise on the historic Belle of Louisville.  Lots of great restaurants for all tastes and cool places to stay including 21c and The Galt House Hotel.

Bill’s Advice:  Louisville is a great weekend trip!  If you love Kentucky Fried Chicken, pay your respects to Col. Sanders himself.  His grave site is a short drive from downtown.  Just follow the yellow line at Cave Hill Cemetery and you’ll find it.  Don’t be surprised if you see a bucket of chicken sitting on the tombstone.  No, seriously. 

18. Cincinnati, OH

There’s a lot to see and do in Cincinnati! One of my favorite museums –  The American Sign Museum  is alone worth the road trip. Downtown you’ll find some fun places to eat, catch a game at Great American Ballpark, or take a stroll along the Ohio river on the beautiful hiking and biking trails. If you take a short drive (or walk) across the bridge downtown you’ll wind up in Covinginton, Kentucky. This historic town that was once notorious for gangsters is now a lovely area with dining and shopping, plus great views looking back at the Cincinnati skyline. Speaking of “skyline” – Cincy’s famous chili is available all over town. (I’m not personally a fan – but a lot of people like it!)

19. Maumee Bay Lodge

Maumee Bay Lodge offers 120 guest rooms, each with private balcony overlooking the Maumee Bay of Lake Erie. Guests can enjoy the full-service dining room, cocktail lounge and snack bar. The lodge also offers free WiFi, racquetball courts, indoor racquetball/wallyball courts, game room, fitness center, saunas, hot tubs, whirlpools, indoor and outdoor pools and kids’ splash garden. Rent a bike and enjoy the trails or other outdoor recreational activities.

20. Chicago, Illinois

The Windy City is full of world class museums and fine dining. Take in the views from the Willis Tower – formerly the tallest building in America, take a river cruise to learn about Chicago history and architecture, or book a Chicago Pizza Tour to enjoy the many delicious styles of Chicago pizza including its best known style – deep dish!

Things To See

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15 Ohio Road Trips For Your Bucket List

November 19, 2022 by //  by  Midwest Explored Leave a Comment

Are you looking to explore the great state of Ohio? Then check out one of these awesome Ohio road trips.

There are so many cool things to do in Ohio and road-tripping is one of them!

There is so much to do and see in Ohio, and the state has so many varied landscapes.

It’s no surprise that Ohio is my favorite state in the Midwest, and that’s because I was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio !

On this list, I have done my best to come up with a road trip for every kind of traveler.

There is a road trip for foodies, art lovers, and history buffs, and even one for those who love haunted and abandoned places.

There are also road trips from Cleveland and road trips from Columbus if you are interested in starting in the major cities of Ohio first.

So, let us take a look at 15 Ohio road trips for your bucket list!

15 Ohio Road Trips For Your Bucket List

The ohio road trips for foodies.

• Boomtown Biscuits and Whiskey
• Der Dutchman
• Larder Delicatessen and Bakery

Start your foodie road trip at one of Cincinnati’s best restaurants , Boomtown Biscuits, and Whiskey.

Boomtown is inspired by early frontier cooking and, of course, whiskey. It is one of the favorite restaurants in Cincinnati.

Next, head to Columbus, the hometown of celebrity chef Guy Fieri. In his hometown, Fieri has said his favorite restaurant is Momo Ghar.

Momo Ghar is located in the North Market and has become world-famous thanks to Fieri’s praise. It is a Tibetan-Nepalese restaurant and is absolutely worth a visit.

Continue on to Der Dutchman for a taste of the Amish Country .

Der Dutchman is a restaurant where you can try traditional Amish dishes, all of which are made with locally grown ingredients.

Finish your trip in Cleveland at the Larder Delicatessen and Bakery.

Larder is a traditional Eastern European deli and bakery and a great way to end your foodie road trip through Ohio.

Major Cities Of Ohio Road Trips

On this road trip, you’ll hit all the major cities of Ohio. Start your trip in Northern Ohio in Cleveland.

In Cleveland, visit one of the many popular museums.

Next, head to Akron. In Akron, check out the Summit Brew Path, where you can sample 22 unique breweries.

After sampling the breweries in Akron, head to Columbus. Columbus is home to Ohio State University, and you’ll find plenty of unique activities to enjoy there.

From Columbus, you’ll head to Dayton. In Dayton, make sure you stop at the Carillon Historical Park or the RiverScape MetroPark for some outdoor fun.

Outside of Dayton is one of the best things to do in Ohio , the Ohio Caverns. It’s a great detour as you head to your final city.

Finish your Ohio road trip journey in Cincinnati. In Cincinnati, make sure you stop at the Carew Tower’s Observation Deck to get a spectacular view of the entire city.

State and National Parks Of Ohio

• Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park
• Hocking Hills State Park
• Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve

There are so many cool state and National Parks in Ohio. Throughout the whole state, you can explore the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

The trail has several entry points across the state as it winds through 16 states, including Ohio. So hop on and off it as you continue to the other State and National Parks on this Ohio road trip.

At the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you’ll find one of the best parks in the Midwest . It has miles of stunning trails and even a few waterfalls.

Next, you’ll head to arguably one of the more popular state parks in Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park.

From hiking trails, stargazing, waterfall chasing, and more. The town around this state park also has some interesting things to do .

End your tour of Ohio’s State and National Parks at Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve.

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is full of hiking trails where you can admire the local flora and fauna. It is a great way to end your road trip to Ohio’s State and National Parks.

Ohio Road Trips To See The Best Lighthouses

• Ashtabula Harbor Lighthouse
• Lorain Lighthouse
• Marblehead Lighthouse

In Northern Ohio, you’ll find the shores of Lake Erie. That makes it a perfect place to enjoy a road trip admiring Ohio’s lighthouses.

Start your road trip at the Ashtabula Harbor Lighthouse.

It is over 100 years old and sits proudly on the rocky shores of Lake Erie.

Next, head to the Lorain Lighthouse, in Lorain Ohio.

The Lorain Lighthouse is known as the “Jewel of the Port” and is a beloved town landmark. It was built in 1908 and during the summer months, it can be toured.

End your lighthouses road trip at the Marblehead Lighthouse. The Marblehead Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United State’s side of the Great Lakes.

There is a museum and you can tour the lighthouse in the summer months. It’s a great finishing point for this Ohio road trip.

Haunted Ohio Road Trips

• The Ohio State Reformatory
• Hotel Lafayette

This is one of the more unique Ohio road trips on this list. It’s perfect for those who love to see spooky haunted places in Ohio .

Begin your road trip at The Ridges. The Ridges were once the Athens Lunatic Asylum and are said to be home to the wandering spirits who passed away during the asylum’s many years of operation.

Next, head to Moonville, which is an abandoned coal mining town. You can still see remnants of town, including the supposedly haunted tunnel where a man was killed by a passing train.

Continue on to The Ohio State Reformatory. This former prison is said to be home to the state’s most violent ghosts, as the prison housed the state’s most dangerous prisoners.

End your road trip at the Hotel Lafayette. Hotel Lafayette is in Marietta, which is Ohio’s oldest town.

You can actually spend the night at this historically haunted hotel. Guests say they have had items mysteriously go missing as well as poltergeist activity.

This is one of the Ohio road trips that may not be for everyone, but if you enjoy haunted locations, you’ll love it.

Art Museums Of Ohio

• Columbus Museum of Art
• Columbus African American Sculpture Tour
• Millersburg Open Air Art Museum
• Taft Museum of Art

You’ll begin the Art Museums of Ohio road trip in Columbus, where you’ll find two of your stops.

The first is the Columbus Museum of Art. It is home to many works of Columbus-born artists and has rolling exhibits throughout the year.

From there, take a short walk to start the Columbus African American Sculpture Tour. Throughout the city, you’ll find eleven sculptures created by famous Black artists.

Next, head to the Millersburg Open Air Art Museum. It’s a great way for families to experience art, as it has so many interesting sculptures that kids love to admire.

End your road trip through Ohio’s favorite art museums at the Taft Museum of Art.

The Taft Museum of Art is located in a historic home and is full of unique pieces of art that once belonged to some of Ohio’s most influential families.

Women’s History In Ohio Road Trips

• First Ladies National Historic Site
• Ohio Statehouse Museum Ladies Gallery
• The National Annie Oakley Center at Garst Museum
• The Harriet Beecher Stowe House

Start this road trip in Ohio at the First Ladies National Historic Site. The site honors the many First Ladies that have had an impact on the history of the United States.

It includes a library based on Abigail Fillmore’s collection, exhibits, and films about the previous First Ladies.

From there, visit the Ohio Statehouse Museum Ladies Gallery. The Ladies Gallery is where you will find the portraits of all the women who have served in Ohio’s government.

As the sixth state to ratify the women’s right to vote, it is an important way to remember the women who helped lead the state of Ohio.

Continue on to the National Annie Oakley Center at Garst Museum. There you’ll be able to learn more about the famous wild west woman who was originally from Ohio.

End your journey at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. Harriet Beecher Stowe is the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin , which played an important role during the Civil War.

Ohio Waterfalls Road Trips

• Indian Run Falls
• Brandywine Falls
• Upper, Lower, and Cedar Falls

A tour of Ohio’s waterfalls is a great way to see the state. With so many beautiful ones, it’s hard to pick just a few.

Begin your road trip at the Indian Run Falls in Dublin, a suburb outside of Columbus. They are easy to reach, which makes them a great first stop.

Next, head to Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Brandywine Falls is 65 feet tall and one of the best waterfalls in the state.

Finish your road trip in Ohio at Hocking Hills State Park.

There you can view three waterfalls. There is the Upper and Lower Falls as well as the Cedar Falls.

They are a great way to end your waterfall-chasing journey in Ohio.

Ohio’s Space Exploration History

• National Aviation Heritage Area
• National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
• Armstrong Air and Space Museum
• Observatory Park

Ohio has a lot to be proud of when it comes to aviation and space exploration history.

Begin this road trip by exploring the National Aviation Heritage Area. There you will learn about Ohio natives, the Wright brothers, and their journey to mastering aviation.

Continue on to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. While there you’ll learn about the nation’s aviation military history that helped lead to the moon landing.

Next, visit the Armstrong Air and Space Museum. The first man on the moon was Neil Armstrong, an Ohio native.

At the museum, you’ll learn about Armstrong’s history, and Ohio’s contribution to space exploration, and see authentic space suits worn by Armstrong himself.

Finish your road trip in Ohio with a peak at the stars. At the Observatory Park, you’ll be able to gaze at the solar system and learn more about our universe.

Covered Bridge Scenic Byway

• West Liberty Bridge
• Netcher Road Bridge
• Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge

The Covered Bridge Scenic Byway goes from Marietta to Woodsfield and follows State Route 26.

For this road trip, you’ll be staying mostly in Ashtabula County, which is known as ‘Covered Bridge County’.

Start your trip at the shortest covered bridge in America, the West Liberty Bridge.

At only 18 feet long, it is very short, but still very charming.

Next, head to the Netcher Road Bridge, which has a really unique design.

It has a Neo-Victorian design and was opened to the public in 1999, making it one of the newer covered bridges in the area.

Finish your tour of the Covered Bridge Scenic Byway at America’s longest covered bridge.

The Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge is 613 feet long and stretches across the Ashtabula River. It’s a fitting way to end this road trip in Ohio.

Ohio Road Trips Through Charming Towns

• Geneva-on-the-Lake
• Yellow Springs

Begin your road trip to Ohio’s most charming towns in Geneva-on-the-Lake.

Geneva-on-the-lake is a popular town for visitors who want to enjoy Ohio’s Lake District.

Continue on to Charm, Ohio.

Charm, as its name suggests, is an extremely charming Ohio town.

The town is known as “The Little Switzerland of Ohio” and is full of Swiss architecture and murals. It is a must-stop town in Ohio.

End your road trip in Yellow Springs, one of the best small towns in Ohio .

Yellow Springs is bursting with 1960’s charm. It is a completely walkable town, full of fun shops, murals, and unique architecture.

You will love touring these charming towns in Ohio!

Natural Wonders Of Ohio

• Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve
• Old Man’s Cave
• The Rock House
• The Ohio Caverns

Begin this unique road trip in Ohio at the Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve.

On Kelley’s Island, these glacial grooves are actually the largest accessible grooves in the world.

That absolutely makes them one of the best natural wonders of Ohio.

From there, head to Hocking Hills State Park to see the next two stops on your road trip.

The first is the Old Man’s Cave. It is a massive cave structure that, legend has it, was the home of a hermit in the early 19th century.

Next, hike to the Rock House. The Rock House is another cave structure.

This one has 25-foot high ceilings, and window-like openings, and it was often used as a shelter for Native Americans, bootleggers, and even horse thieves.

End your Ohio road trip at the Ohio Caverns. The Ohio Caverns are one of the best-hidden gems in the Midwest and a great way to end your road trip.

Ohio Must-Sees Road Trips

• The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
• Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
• Pro Football Hall of Fame
• Velvet Ice Cream

This is one of the best Ohio road trips if you want to see some of the state’s more iconic sites.

This Ohio Must-See is one of the best road trips from Cleveland as the starting destination.

Start at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland.

Cleveland is considered the birthplace of rock and roll, so it’s only fitting it’s the home of the Hall of Fame and Museum.

You’ll be able to learn about rock and roll history, some of its greatest acts, and much more.

Next, head just outside of Cleveland to Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens.

It is an elaborate country estate that is one of the largest homes in the U.S. Inside the home is a museum that you can tour and there are beautiful gardens as well.

Continue on to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Sports fans will love learning about football’s greatest athletes and seeing authentic memorabilia.

End your road trip at Velvet Ice Cream. Velvet Ice Cream is located in the Ye Old Mill.

Not only will you end your trip sampling some of the best ice cream in the state, but you’ll also get a first hand view of how its made.

Abandoned Ohio Road Trips

• Geauga Lake Amusement Park
• Molly Stark Hospital

If you enjoy abandoned places, then you’ll love this fun and unique road trip.

Start your exploration of Ohio’s abandoned places at the Geauga Lake Amusement Park.

It was once the world’s largest amusement park, but now it is nothing more than an overgrown wasteland. It closed in 2007, and since then has stood abandoned.

Continue on to a small town now known as “Helltown”.

The town’s original name was Boston Mills, but after the government forced all occupants to leave, it earned its current nickname.

You’ll find abandoned structures that are close to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Finish your abandoned Ohio road trip at the Molly Stark Hospital.

The Molly Stark Hospital was a mental institution as well as a tuberculosis hospital.

It officially closed in the 1990s and has laid abandoned ever since.

Fall Foliage Of Ohio Road Trips

• Wayne National Forest
• Ashtabula County

If you are looking to experience the beautiful fall foliage of Ohio , then you’ll love this road trip.

Start your trip at the Wayne National Forest.

The Wayne National Forest is in the Appalachian foothills of Ohio.

The forest covers a quarter of a million acres of land, so you’re guaranteed to see some beautiful fall foliage.

Continue North to Hocking Hills State Park.

Hocking Hills State Park is one of my personal favorite places to admire Ohio’s fall foliage.

With miles of hiking trails, unique cave systems, and beautiful waterfalls, it creates a stunning background to fall’s colored leaves.

End your road trip in Ashtabula County.

There is nothing like the famous covered bridges surrounded by beautiful fall foliage.

Packing List For Your Ohio Road Trips

No matter if you are flying to or driving to Ohio it is always a great idea to pack light. Read some tips on   how to pack lightly   here .

A  concealed travel pouch  may be one of the most important items you bring along when on road trips in Ohio. It is always important to protect our personal information.

This  unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

f you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do,  these  RFID  sleeves are  the perfect solution.

This configuration comes with enough passport and credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet. 

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an  external charging battery . This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery  is  the exact one  I carry with me on all of my trips.

It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!

I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this  FugeTek selfie stick and tripod   setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use. It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for group shots or that perfect selfie! 

I was not a fan of packing cubes until I started to use them! This is the  exact set  of packing organizers I use  whenever I travel.

Hydration is so important. You want to remain hydrated to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels.  You will want to bring your own  refillable water bottle  with you. 

I never leave home on a trip without my  Bobble filtration bottle .  The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble. You can find  filter replacements here. 

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.

Then this  set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles  would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all. 

You will want a  backpack or daypack  with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This   foldable water-resistant backpack   would be great. 

It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

Perhaps you need a more substantial backpack for your travel. This  antitheft backpack   has a charging port, is water-resistant, and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop.

You will be walking more than usual during your Ohio road trips. A  sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes  are a must-have. These   waterproof all-season shoes   are extremely affordable and yet fashionable. 

Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these  Air Run high fashion sneakers  come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.

If you are visiting Ohio in warmer weather, maybe you want  a pair of sandals  to wear to dinner or to the local cafe, I highly recommend these  Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.

 I have several pairs of Vionics that I bring with me *everywhere* I travel. They are very comfortable and have orthotic footbeds that cradle and support your feet. 

We all need to  protect our eyes  from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These  unisex polarized sunglasses   come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the  aviator-style of sunglasses  these polarized aviators may interest you. 

If you are in need of new luggage, this  expandable soft side spinner luggage  is affordable and comes in lots of colors.

If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this  hard-sided luggage set  better. Both sets come with TSA locks and 8 wheels per piece.

There are so many amazing Ohio road trips to explore and enjoy.

Have you had the opportunity to go on any of these road trips in Ohio or is there one that you want to try?

I’d love to hear about your adventures in the comments!

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Rooted in Ohio

10 Scenic Drives Ohio Has for You to Discover

If you’re looking for new things to discover, check out these scenic drives Ohio has to explore!

Ohio is full of beautiful places — forested regions, rolling hills, ample farmland, lakes, rivers, caves, waterfalls, islands, and prairies — and even borders one of the Great Lakes: Lake Erie. The state is home to 75 state parks, a national park, and many nature preserves.

Plus, it’s rich in history and culture. You can step back in time throughout the state via historic house museums, 1800s architecture, Victorian mansions, Gothic Revival churches, protected cemeteries, fine art and history museums, and more.

But, did you know that you could experience many of these via the scenic drives Ohio has to offer? According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, the state has 27 official scenic byways that encompass hundreds of miles (some even continue across state lines), each with unique features.

The following scenic Ohio drives are some of the top road trips ever. They’re organized by region, so you can easily hop in your car and explore all corners in the Buckeye State!

Scenic Drives in Northern Ohio

Lake erie coastal ohio trail.

Start just west of the Pennsylvania border in Conneaut Ohio

This nearly 300-mile scenic byway follows Lake Erie’s beautiful shores and sandy beaches, lighthouses, and surrounding state parks, nature preserves, small towns, and major cities. Some portions also offer views of the Maumee State Scenic River.

This is one of those scenic Ohio drives with the potential to turn into an all-week-long road trip. There’s something for everyone to enjoy — from fishing, boating, and camping to touring, dining, and shopping.

Families may want to stop in Cleveland to visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or take a ferry to Lake Erie’s islands! There is so much to see and do on the islands, including Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center , Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial , multiple state parks, and Crystal Cave (the world’s largest underground geode).

The byway is also near Cuyahoga Valley National Park . Just continue south from Cleveland to follow the Ohio & Erie Canalway.

Amish Country Byway

Start just northwest of Sugarcreek/Shanesville, driving east to west

You can start from a variety of areas on the Amish Country Byway because it branches in various directions.

Before you drive too far, visit the world’s largest cuckoo clock in Sugarcreek. It’s 23 feet tall by 24 feet wide.

This massive, 160-mile sprawling Ohio scenic byway has beautiful views of Amish Country’s rolling hills, farmland, and quaint, peaceful towns. Learn about the history of the Amish and German people at various historic sites, such as the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center .

You’ll definitely need to indulge in some of the local, fresh-made Amish cheeses and fare at various destinations along the way, including Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery and the Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant & Bakery .

Stay at a bed-and-breakfast for a longer trip if you really want to immerse yourself and enjoy the simple pleasures of the Amish culture’s quiet, friendly lifestyle.

Ohio & Erie Canalway

Start in Cleveland

This scenic Ohio drive is designated as one of America’s Byways. It follows the historic trail of the Ohio and Erie Canal, which was the first American waterway link between the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Lakes.

This byway highlights the evolution of modes of transportation. Its path is often next to the Towpath Trail and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad line. Along your drive, you can expect to see stretches of farmland, river corridors, nature preserves, forest, brick buildings, and historical architecture.

One of the most-loved portions of this route winds through 20 miles of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Paddle the river, mountain bike, fish, bird watch, horseback ride, or hike one of the many nature trails (you can intersect the statewide Buckeye Trail here).

Follow this byway north from Cleveland to pick up the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail.

A Scenic Drive in Eastern Ohio

Drovers’ trail scenic byway.

Start at the Egypt Valley Wildlife Area

Belmont County’s scenic byway features homes with historic architecture and beautiful vistas along its 37 miles. It was a frequently traveled route during the 1800s, especially by farmers who were transporting their goods to various markets.

Drovers’ Trail Scenic Byway acts as a connector between the Ohio River Scenic Byway and the Historic National Road.

Enjoy the outdoors in the over 14,000-acre recreational area of Egypt Valley Wildlife Area before continuing to the Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum , an exquisitely crafted 26-room Victorian mansion.

For more intriguing architecture, explore the Barnesville Historic District (don’t miss the First Presbyterian Church — a “Chinese Gothic,” red sandstone church with elaborate stained glass windows from Belgium), the Belmont Village Historic District, and the Village of Bellaire.

Central Scenic Ohio Drives

Hocking hills scenic byway.

Start in Logan where US-33 intersects the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

This byway is one of the most beautiful scenic drives Ohio has to offer. The about 26-mile route meanders through the Hocking Hills region and features ample hiking , camping, and other outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, zip lining, canoeing, hot air ballooning, and more!

There are some must-see destinations along the byway. Hocking Hills State Park is an Ohio favorite with hollows and caves that were first inhabited more than 7,000 years ago. Hocking Hills is well known for its beautiful and vivid fall foliage and blankets of spring wildflowers. Some of its amazing trails include Ash Cave, Old Man’s Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, Cedar Falls, Rock House, and Whispering Cave.

Another must-see spot is Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve , which has one of the deepest, rocky gorges in Ohio at up to 200 feet above the gorge’s mouth.

Big Darby Plains Scenic Byway

Start in Plain City

You’ll find miles of prairie in the Big Darby Plains area, much of which can be seen while motoring along this scenic Ohio drive. It’s one of the largest areas of prairie ecosystem in Ohio, featuring remnants from the about 1,000 square miles of prairie that existed prior to European settlement.

Much of the route runs parallel to the Big Darby Creek Scenic River and provides access to the river, various parks, nature preserves, farms, historic cemeteries and homes (like the Smith Cemetery State Nature Preserve ), many idyllic covered bridges, and more.

Here are some of the covered bridges that you can visit along this Ohio scenic byway:

• Bigelow Bridge
• Culbertson Bridge
• Buck Run Bridge
• Spain Creek Covered Bridge
• Pottersburg Bridge
• Thompson Road Bridge
• North Lewisburg Bridge

Olentangy Heritage Corridor

Follow I-270 in Franklin County to US-23 in Delaware County

This scenic byway is short at only 10.5 miles long, but it intertwines so much nature and history. It follows the Olentangy River’s Native American trails. On one side of the byway, you can see the Olentangy State Scenic River , and on the other, there are idyllic homes, barns, and churches.

One of the first points of interest on this Ohio scenic drive is the Bartholomew House, a historic house from the 1800s that is said to have ties to the Underground Railroad. Farther along the trail are the fascinating Olentangy Indian Caverns , limestone caves that were formed millions of years ago.

At the end of the byway is Delaware State Park , a forested area with a large reservoir that was once home to the Delaware Tribe of Indians. It’s a great spot to walk, camp, swim, boat, and fish.

Southern Ohio Road Trips

Ohio river scenic byway.

Start in East Liverpool

The Ohio River Scenic Byway is a massive, 943-mile, multi-state byway that runs along the shores of the river and provides nearly continuous views of it. The route runs through portions of Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

The Ohio section spans 14 counties and 452 miles of the Ohio River. There are many stops along the way that are rich with culture and natural beauty alike. We’ll name just a few!

The first stop is Beaver Creek State Park in East Liverpool, where you can enjoy access to the river and over 2,700 acres of forest. East Liverpool is also known as the “Pottery Capital of the Nation,” so stop by the Museum of Ceramics .

Make a stop in Bellaire too, where you can explore the Toy & Plastic Brick Museum , Imperial Glass Museum , and the impressive, historic Great Stone Viaduct .

Appalachian Byway

Start in Clarington

If you started a journey on the Ohio River Scenic Byway, you can switch gears and intersect the Appalachian Byway in Clarington. The over 100-mile route has some of the best rustic countryside views of the scenic drives Ohio has to offer.

Hike to waterfalls and through ancient Appalachian hardwoods in Piatt Park . Stop by the Thorla-McKee Oil Well , which marks North America’s first oil-producing well. Don’t miss The Wilds , a safari park featuring giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and more at one of the biggest wildlife conservation centers in the world.

Visit the Romanesque Revival-style Twin City Opera House , built in 1892 and still in operation today! The route ends in Nelsonville Ohio where you can walk around the historic district and admire the buildings’ beautiful brickwork.

Continue your Ohio road trip by heading to the nearby Hocking Hills Scenic Byway in Logan!

A Western Ohio Scenic Drive

Land of the cross-tipped churches.

Start in Fryburg

For church architecture enthusiasts, this is one of the most-loved scenic drives Ohio has to offer. The nearly 39-mile route showcases a multitude of cross-tipped churches, aspects of early settler life, and acres of farmland. Many of the buildings on the byway have been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979.

The first stop in Fryburg is the St. John Church and Parish Hall. Built in 1850, it’s one of the oldest in the area and features Gothic Revival architecture and a frescoed ceiling. But, there are 32 official stops on this Ohio scenic drive. Here are a couple more highlights that you can look forward to:

• St. Michael Church Complex — built in 1881 with a 200-foot-tall tower
• Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics — second largest collection of its type in the United States with over 1,000 relics on display

FAQs About Scenic Drives Ohio Has to Explore

Which scenic ohio drives intersect.

Some scenic Ohio drives intersect, but not all of them. Many are located in proximity to one another so that your Ohio road trip doesn’t have to end. Here are some intersecting or neighboring Ohio scenic byways:

• The Ohio River Scenic Byway and the Appalachian Byway intersect in Clarington.
• The Appalachian Byway doesn’t quite intersect the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway, but it’s less than a 20-minute drive from Nelsonville to Logan.
• The Welsh Scenic Byway intersects with the Ohio River Scenic Byway in Point Pleasant.
• The Lake Erie Coastal Trail is adjacent to one section of the Ohio & Erie Canalway in Cleveland.
• The Lincoln Historic Byway intersects with the Miami and Erie Canal in Delphos.
• Follow the Miami and Erie Canal south to intersect the Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches in New Bremen.

Where can I find interactive maps for these scenic Ohio drives?

The Ohio Department of Transportation has great resources, including interactive maps, for those looking to pursue some adventurous Ohio road trips. You can visit its Ohio Byways page for more information.

What’s the best time of year to take Ohio road trips?

The best time for a Buckeye State road trip depends on the features of the scenic Ohio drives. Spring and fall are the most temperate times of the year if you are interested in outdoor recreational activities.

An amazing Ohio scenic byway to travel in the fall is the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway with acres of colorful fall foliage!

Enjoying Ohio Road Trips

We’ve listed just a few of the amazing scenic drives Ohio has to offer. There are more scenic drives to discover so your Ohio road trips will never get old. You can even revisit these scenic Ohio drives time and time again during different seasons for new experiences!

Plus, Ohio is so much more than cornfields and major cities. Discover some of the best scenic views in Ohio , the most p icturesque Ohio covered bridges , the top Ohio spots to enjoy fall colors , spectacular caves in Ohio , and much more!

Born and raised in Ohio, Matt Heffner loves to share his knowledge of the state at the heart of it all. Founder and chief explorer of Rooted in Ohio, his articles provide local insight to some of the best hidden gems in Ohio.

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Here Are The 10 Best Road Trips You Can Take In Ohio

April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.

More by this Author

Do you enjoy road trips? Fortunately, Ohio is one of the absolute best states in the country for road trips! With our scenic byways and variety of attractions and natural wonders, there’s always something new to discover in the Buckeye State. Below you’ll find 10 road trips through Ohio that we’ve designed to show you the best of the state. From delicious restaurants to historical sites, natural wonders to covered bridges, here are the 10 best road trips you can take in Ohio:

To view the interactive Google Map of each trip in a separate tab or window, simply click on the link beneath each map photo.

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OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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More to Explore

Road trips in ohio.

What's Ohio's most scenic byway?

The Buckeye State is a natural beauty, full of several beautiful country, coastal and riverside roads just waiting for your vehicle to travel. The most magnificent scenic country roads in Ohio can be found throughout every region of this vast state, and they’re an absolute treat no matter the season. Immerse yourself in the majesty of stunning windshield views along these scenic routes. One of our favorite is the Amish Country Byway, a leisurely drive that harkens back to a simpler time in life, complete with rolling farmland and horse-drawn buggies. This byway is one that really forces you to slow down and enjoy the views.

Does Ohio have any covered bridges?

Yes! Ohio is full of covered bridges, and one of our very favorites just so happens to be part of a road trip! Drive through America’s shortest and longest covered bridge along the  Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Byway , which features a total of 19 covered bridges. Begin your drive at the Windsor Mills Covered Bridge near Orwell and end your journey at Creek Road Covered Bridge near Kingsville, seeing a total of 10 beautiful covered bridges in our  road trip .

Are there any road trips in Ohio that can be done in a day?

With our scenic byways and variety of attractions, there’s always something new to discover in the Buckeye State. And if you're short on time, you can easily enjoy one of these 14 Ohio road trips that can be done in a day (or two).

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Featured Addresses

Planning a beach weekend? Here are 7 beaches you can drive to from Ohio within a day

Sure, Ohio might not be on a short list of beach havens in the United States. But that doesn't mean you can't find somewhere to soak up the sun this summer!

We've compiled a list of beach spots within driving distance of Ohio's major cities, including Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland.

Some are closer than others, but either way, it's time to start planning your beach trip and hitting the road to find sandy shores.

7 beaches you can get to from Ohio within a day

Ohio has a fair share of beaches where you can soak up the sun, so we'll start our journey in the Buckeye State before looking beyond state borders.

Notes: All driving distances and times are courtesy of Google Maps and are approximations. Some times represented in HH:MM form. Driving distance and time vary based on route selected, driving speed, traffic conditions and other factors.

1. Edgewater Park, Ohio

• Edgewater Park Lower Lot Drive, Cleveland, Ohio

The westernmost park in Cleveland Metroparks' Lakefront Reservation, Edgewater Park stretches across 147 acres and features 9,000 feet of shoreline, beaches, a fishing pier, picnic areas and boat ramps.

• From Cincinnati: 247 miles, or roughly a three hour, 46-minute drive
• From Columbus: 141 miles, or 2:11
• From Cleveland: two miles, or six minutes

2. Huntington Beach, Ohio

• 4101 Fulton Parkway, Cleveland, Ohio

Located in Bay Village on the shores of Lake Erie, Huntington Reservation offers water sports, picnic areas and expansive lakefront views as part of Cleveland Metroparks.

• From Cincinnati: 250 miles, or four hours
• From Columbus: 143 miles, or 2:19
• From Cleveland: 15 miles, or 24 minutes

3. Fairport Harbor, Ohio

• 220 Third St., Fairport Harbor, Ohio

Situated along Lake Erie, Fairport Harbor is a village in Lake County, Ohio, boasting two historic lighthouses and a large public beach.

• From Cincinnati: 280 miles, or 4:10
• From Columbus: 173 miles, or 2:35
• From Cleveland: 31 miles, or 34 minutes

4. Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania

• 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie, Pennsylvania

This 3,200-acre sandy peninsula in Erie, Pennsylvania, arches into Lake Erie. As Pennsylvania’s only “seashore,” Presque Isle offers lots of coastline and recreational activities like swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and bicycling.

• From Cincinnati: 340 miles, or 5:10
• From Columbus: 235 miles, or 3:34
• From Cleveland: 98 miles, or 1:36

5. Atlantic City, New Jersey

• 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City is a resort spot along south New Jersey's Atlantic coastline known for its casinos and iconic boardwalk. If you're looking for a classic ocean beach, vacationers can get here in less than a day of driving from any major Ohio city.

• From Cincinnati: 633 miles, or 10 hours
• From Columbus: 530 miles, or 8:24
• From Cleveland: 493 miles, or 7:38

6. Ocean City, Maryland

• 4001 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, Maryland

Another ocean beach option, Ocean City, Maryland, is a resort town situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Isle of Wight Bay in southeast Maryland. This vacation destination offers theme-park attractions, outdoor recreational activities and lots of nightlife options.

• From Cincinnati: 640 miles, or 10:38
• From Columbus: 538 miles, 8:56
• From Cleveland: 504 miles, or eight hours

7. Outer Banks, North Carolina

• Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Buxton, North Carolina

This crowd-favorite vacation spot is made up of a collection of islands off the coast of North Carolina. Beach-goers can enjoy over 100 miles of wide-open shoreline, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and lots of charming seaside villages.

• From Cincinnati: 720 miles, or 11:44
• From Columbus: 685 miles or 11:06
• From Cleveland: 673 miles or 10:47

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Rail spikes hammered, bullet train being built from Sin City to the City of Angels

A $12 billion high-speed passenger train line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area has started construction.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, center, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, right, drive rail spikes into a symbolic rail, on Monday, April 22, 2024, in Las Vegas. A $12 billion high-speed passenger rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area has started construction. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

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Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo leaves the stage at a groundbreaking for a high-speed passenger rail on Monday, April 22, 2024, in Las Vegas. A $12 billion high-speed passenger rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area has started construction. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., left, and Sen. Jacky Rosend, D-Nev., right, speak at the groundbreaking for a high-speed passenger rail on Monday, April 22, 2024, in Las Vegas. A $12 billion high-speed passenger rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area has started construction. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., speaks at the groundbreaking for a high-speed passenger rail on Monday, April 22, 2024, in Las Vegas. A $12 billion high-speed passenger rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area has started construction. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

A plane takes off behind a groundbreaking for a high-speed passenger rail on Monday, April 22, 2024, in Las Vegas. A $12 billion high-speed passenger rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area has started construction. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg speaks at the groundbreaking for a high-speed passenger rail on Monday, April 22, 2024, in Las Vegas. A $12 billion high-speed passenger rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area has started construction. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

Kids play in confetti at the groundbreaking ceremony for a high-speed railway on Monday, April 22, 2024, in Las Vegas. A $12 billion high-speed passenger rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area has started construction. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil) (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

CORRECTS TO SEN. CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., speaks at the groundbreaking for a high-speed passenger rail on Monday, April 22, 2024, in Las Vegas. A $12 billion high-speed passenger rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area has started construction. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

The Las Vegas strip is shown behind the groundbreaking sight of a high-speed passenger rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles on Monday, April 22, 2024, in Las Vegas. A $12 billion high-speed passenger rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area has started construction. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

This Jan. 25, 2012, photo shows the site of a proposed station for the high-speed rail line to Las Vegas at the end of the Dale Evans Parkway exit from Interstate 15, on the far outskirts of the Mojave Desert city of Victorville, Calif. Brightline West and U.S. transportation secretary and other officials projecting that millions of ticket-buyers will be boarding trains by 2028. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

FILE - This photo taken Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, shows the site of a proposed station for a high-speed rail line to Las Vegas, background, at the end of the Dale Evans Parkway exit from Interstate 15, on the far outskirts of the Mojave Desert city of Victorville, Calif. Brightline West and U.S. transportation secretary and other officials projecting that millions of ticket-buyers will be boarding trains by 2028. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

FILE - This photo Jan. 25, 2012, photo shows the site of a proposed station for a high-speed rail line to Las Vegas, foreground, with Interstate 15 in the background, on the far outskirts of Victorville, Calif., the Mojave Desert city on the route from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Brightline West and U.S. transportation secretary and other officials projecting that millions of ticket-buyers will be boarding trains by 2028. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

FILE - A Brightline train is shown at a station in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Jan. 11, 2018. A fast-tracked plan to build a high-speed passenger rail line between Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area is set to mark the start of construction. Brightline West and U.S. transportation secretary and other officials projecting that millions of ticket-buyers will be boarding trains by 2028. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A $12 billion passenger bullet train linking Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area was dubbed the first true high-speed rail line in the nation on Monday, with the private company building it predicting millions of ticket-buyers will be boarding trains by 2028.

“People have been dreaming of high-speed rail in America for decades,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg before taking a stage with union representatives and company officials at the future site of a terminal to be built just south of the Las Vegas Strip. “It’s really happening this time.”

Buttigieg cited Biden administration support for the project that he said will bring thousands of union jobs, boost local economies and cut traffic and air pollution.

Brightline West, whose sister company already operates a fast train between Miami and Orlando in Florida, aims to lay 218 miles (351 kilometers) of new track almost all in the median of Interstate 15 between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga, California. It would link there with a commuter rail connection to downtown Los Angeles. A station also is planned in San Bernardino County’s Victorville area.

Company officials say the goal is to have trains exceeding speeds of 186 mph (300 kph) — comparable to Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains — operating in time for the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

“I believe we’ll look back at today and say, ’This was the birth of an industry of high-speed rail,’” Brightline Holdings founder Wes Edens said Monday.

AP AUDIO: Rail spikes hammered; bullet train being built from Sin City to the City of Angels

AP correspondent Haya Panjwani reports on the development of a high-speed rail between two major West coast cities.

The company aims to link U.S. cities that are too near each other for air travel to make sense and too far for people to drive.

Las Vegas has no Amtrak service. The idea of a bullet train to Los Angeles dates back decades under various names including DesertXpress. Brightline West acquired the project in 2019, and company and public officials say it has all required right-of-way and environmental approvals, along with labor agreements.

Brightline received Biden administration backing including a $3 billion grant from federal infrastructure funds and recent approval to sell another $2.5 billion in tax-exempt bonds. The company won federal authorization in 2020 to sell $1 billion in similar bonds.

Brightline West says electric-powered trains will cut the four-hour trip across the Mojave Desert to a little more than two hours. It projects 11 million one-way passengers per year, with fares that Edens said will be comparable to airline ticket costs. The trains will offer rest rooms, Wi-Fi, food and beverage sales and the option to check luggage.

Officials hope the train line will relieve congestion on I-15, where drivers often sit in miles of crawling traffic while returning home to Southern California from a Las Vegas weekend. An average of more than 44,000 automobiles per day crossed the California-Nevada state line on I-15 in 2023, according to Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority data.

Florida-based Brightline Holdings’ Miami-line debuted in 2018 and expanded service to Orlando International Airport last September with trains reaching speeds up to 125 mph (200 kph). It offers 16 round-trips per day with one-way tickets for the 235-mile (378-kilometer) distance costing about $80.

Other fast trains in the U.S. include Amtrak’s Acela, which can top 150 mph (241 kph) between Boston and Washington, D.C. But fast train connections for other U.S. cities have been floated, including Dallas to Houston ; Atlanta to Charlotte, North Carolina ; Chicago to St. Louis ; and Seattle to Portland, Oregon. Most have faced delays.

In California, a proposed 500-mile (805-kilometer) rail line linking Los Angeles and San Francisco was approved by voters in 2008, but has been beset by rising costs and routing disputes . A 2022 business plan by the California High-Speed Rail Authority projected the cost had more than tripled to $105 billion.