With the summer starting to wind down, it’s time to plan your Ohio vacation before the warm and sunny season is over. Thankfully, our state is full of several vacation worthy spots–and if cost and budgets aren’t issues, these vacations are an absolute must-do. The following are what we consider to be some of the best vacation destinations in Ohio.
- Cedar Point and Soak City (Sandusky)
Jeremy Thompson/Flickr It’s hard to ignore the roller coaster capital of the world when you live in the same state as it. After a day of roller coaster mania, be sure to cool off at the amusement park’s neighboring water park.
- Put-In-Bay (South Bass Island)
Ohio Sea Grant/Flickr Ohio has island life too. Whether you decide to take the beach bum approach or the boat exploration approach, Lake Erie will treat you well.
- Hocking Hills State Park
kinggril/Flickr Ohio’s beloved state park (and possibly the best state park in Ohio) offers an array of cabins for overnight stays, well known hiking spots such as Old Man’s Cave (complete with breathtaking scenery) and even zip lining. For the ultimate outdoor vacation, this is your destination.
- Kings Island, The Beach and Soak City (Mason)
Jeremy Thompson/Flickr This family favorite amusement park is a must-do during the summer days. From “The Adventure Express” to “The Beast,” there’s literally a roller coaster for everyone. Close by, you’ll find a popular water park called The Beach. But if you’d rather stay even closer to the amusement park, Soak City is an option here as well.
- Ohio Amish Country
Pat Cletch Williams/Flickr Where the simple things in life are celebrated and the freshly baked bread will make you want to stay forever.
- Indoor water parks (Great Wolf Lodge, Kalahari, etc.)
Peter Dedina/Flickr It’s always sunny in an indoor water park, and Ohio features several indoor water parks that help make you feel as if summer never ends. (Well, sort of.)
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay
Karlis Dambrans/Flickr After a day with the animals, take a day to cool off at the family favorite Zoombezi Bay water park.
- The Villas at Gervas Vineyard (Canton)
Gervasi Vineyard/Flickr Canton is home to this upscale Tuscan inspired inn housing six Gervasi Villas, each comprised of four individual suites. This beautiful Italian getaway also (appropriately) features an Italian restaurant and winery.
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland Botanical Garden and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Erik Drost/Flickr Ohio is full of impressive zoos, and Cleveland is home to yet another. Once you’ve observed the wildlife and flourishing plant life of Cleveland, a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will take you back to the start — the start of rock and roll, that is.
- Landoll’s Mohican Castle (Loudonville)
Brian Giese/Flickr Located in Loudonville, this magnifiecent getaway offers murder mystery dinners and other amenities sure to make you feel like the king/queen of the castle, (in addition to cottages and other suite options.)
- Coney Island (Cincinnati)
Jeremy Thompson/Flickr Cincinnati is home to this small amusement and water park on the banks of the Ohio River.
- Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade
MK Feeney/Flickr This Victorian-era structure is made up of two nine-story buildings, and features a five-story arcade with a glass skylight spanning more than 300 feet along four balconies. The building also features several shops and restaurants.
Where do you like to vacation in Ohio? Share your experiences and photos with us in the comments below!
Jeremy Thompson/Flickr
It’s hard to ignore the roller coaster capital of the world when you live in the same state as it. After a day of roller coaster mania, be sure to cool off at the amusement park’s neighboring water park.
Ohio Sea Grant/Flickr
Ohio has island life too. Whether you decide to take the beach bum approach or the boat exploration approach, Lake Erie will treat you well.
kinggril/Flickr
Ohio’s beloved state park (and possibly the best state park in Ohio) offers an array of cabins for overnight stays, well known hiking spots such as Old Man’s Cave (complete with breathtaking scenery) and even zip lining. For the ultimate outdoor vacation, this is your destination.
This family favorite amusement park is a must-do during the summer days. From “The Adventure Express” to “The Beast,” there’s literally a roller coaster for everyone. Close by, you’ll find a popular water park called The Beach. But if you’d rather stay even closer to the amusement park, Soak City is an option here as well.
Pat Cletch Williams/Flickr
Where the simple things in life are celebrated and the freshly baked bread will make you want to stay forever.
Peter Dedina/Flickr
It’s always sunny in an indoor water park, and Ohio features several indoor water parks that help make you feel as if summer never ends. (Well, sort of.)
Karlis Dambrans/Flickr
After a day with the animals, take a day to cool off at the family favorite Zoombezi Bay water park.
Gervasi Vineyard/Flickr
Canton is home to this upscale Tuscan inspired inn housing six Gervasi Villas, each comprised of four individual suites. This beautiful Italian getaway also (appropriately) features an Italian restaurant and winery.
Erik Drost/Flickr
Ohio is full of impressive zoos, and Cleveland is home to yet another. Once you’ve observed the wildlife and flourishing plant life of Cleveland, a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will take you back to the start — the start of rock and roll, that is.
Brian Giese/Flickr
Located in Loudonville, this magnifiecent getaway offers murder mystery dinners and other amenities sure to make you feel like the king/queen of the castle, (in addition to cottages and other suite options.)
Cincinnati is home to this small amusement and water park on the banks of the Ohio River.
MK Feeney/Flickr
This Victorian-era structure is made up of two nine-story buildings, and features a five-story arcade with a glass skylight spanning more than 300 feet along four balconies. The building also features several shops and restaurants.
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