18 Best Day Trips from Columbus, Ohio Within 2 Hours
Columbus is a great home base for exploring Ohio. Within a couple of hours, you can swap city life for waterfalls, charming small towns, lakeside views, or quiet nature trails that feel like a mini vacation — no overnight stay required.
Here are the best day trips from Columbus, Ohio that are worth the drive.
Table of Contents
- 1. Hocking Hills
- 2. Yellow Springs
- 3. Amish Country (Berlin & Sugarcreek)
- 4. Granville
- 5. Mohican State Park & Loundonville
- 6. Cedar Point (Sandusky)
- 7. Marietta
- 8. Logan & Lake Logan
- 9. Delaware, Ohio
- 10. Mansfield
- 11. Cuyahoga Falls
- 12. Zanesville
- 13. Coshocton
- 14. Chillicothe
- 15. Lancaster
- 16. Dayton
- 17. Cincinnati
- 18. Mt. Vernon
1. Hocking Hills
Distance from Columbus: 1 hour
Hocking Hills is one of the most popular day trips in Ohio. It has some of the most breathtaking scenery, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It’s perfect for outdoor lovers.
Top things to do:
- Old Man’s Cave
- Ash Cave
- Cedar Falls
- Conkle’s Hollow
- Scenic Hiking Trails: This is especially beautiful in the fall, but worth vising year-round.
2. Yellow Springs
Distance from Columbus: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yellow Springs is a colorful, artsy town with unique shops and fun places to explore.
Top things to do:
- Explore downtown shops and boutiques
- Visit Glen Helen nature preserve
- Hike Clifton Gorge
- Stop by Young’s Jersey Dairy for ice cream and other sweet treats
3. Amish Country (Berlin & Sugarcreek)
Distance from Columbus: 2 hours
Ohio’s Amish Country offers a peaceful escape with rolling hills, delicious homemade food and charming small towns. This area is perfect for a slower-paced day.
Top things to do:
- Shop local markets for the best handmade goods (Guggisberg cheese shop is my favorite)
- Visit the world’s largest Cuckoo Clock located in the center of Swiss Village in Sugarcreek.
- Enjoy scenic countryside drives
- Eat at Der Dutchman for the best Amish food
4. Granville
Distance from Columbus: 40 minutes
Granville is a beautiful small town with historic charm, great restaurants, museum, and scenic views.
Top things to do:
- Explore downtown of unique places to shop and eat
- Visit Denison University campus
- Walk through Robbins Hunter Museum and learn about local history and antiques
- Check out the Alligator Mound, a prehistoric Native American effigy mound for viewing only
5. Mohican State Park & Loundonville
Distance from Columbus: 1 hour 30 minutes
Mohican offers outdoor adventure, scenic overlooks, and relaxing nature.
Top things to do:
- Hike to Lyons Falls
- Visit Mohican Fire Tower
- Canoe or kayak the Mohican River
- Explore Mohican State Park trails
6. Cedar Point (Sandusky)
Distance from Columbus: 2 hours 15 minutes (just a smidge over 2 hours but close enough)
Know as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, Cedar Point is perfect for thrill seekers.
Top things to do:
- Ride world-class roller coasters like Top Thrill 2, the world’s tallest roller coaster
- Swim in Lake Erie at Cedar Point Beach
- Catch a live band at the Red Garter Saloon
- Walk the boardwalk
7. Marietta
Distance from Columbus: 2 hours
This is one of Ohio’s most underrated towns. Located along the Ohio River, Marietta offers historic charm, scenic views, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Top things to do:
- Take a riverboat cruise featuring themed event like murder mysteries, tea parties & more
- Visit the riverfront
- Take a swing at Pioneer Family Golf Center’s driving range, 9-hole public golf course or miniature golf
- Visit local museums like the Campus Martius museum
8. Logan & Lake Logan
Distance from Columbus: 1 hour
Located near Hocking Hills, Logan offers lakes, nature and fishing, perfect for a day outdoors.
Top things to do:
- Rent a pontoon boats, kayak or pedal boat at the marina for a day on the 400-acre lake
- Swim or picnic on the sandy beach
- Hike at Lake Logan State Park
- Play mini golf at Treehouse Treats & Treasures
9. Delaware, Ohio
Distance from Columbus: 30 minutes
Delaware, not confused with the state, is a small town just north of Columbus with a lively downtown and local charm.
Top things to do:
- Take a cave tour at Olentangy Caverns
- Go antique shopping downtown
- Visit the outdoor art exhibit at Boardman Arts Park
- Attend Little Brown Jug, the famous harness horse race held during Delaware County fair
10. Mansfield
Distance from Columbus: 1 hour 15 minutes
Mansfield is known for historic landmarks and outdoor gardens.
Top things to do:
- Tour the Ohio State Reformatory where Shawshank Redemption was filmed
- Visit Kingwood Center Gardens
- Explore Malabar Farm State Park
- Hit the slopes for skiing, snowboarding or tubing at Snow Trails
11. Cuyahoga Falls
Distance from Columbus: 2 hours
One of Ohio’s most beautiful national parks, waterfalls and plenty of things to do.
Top things to do:
- Visit Brandywine Falls
- Ride the scenic railroad
- Hike the Ledges Trail
- Visit the hidden speakeasy
12. Zanesville
Distance from Columbus: 1 hour
Zanesville is known for its unique Y-Bridge and local shops downtown.
Top things to do:
- Walk across the Y Bridge without changing sides of the river
- Cruise on the Muskingum River on the Lorena Sternwheeler
- Check out international art at Zanesville Museum of Art
- Explore the waterfalls, wetlands and well manicured gardens at Mission Oaks Gardens
- Visit The Wilds Safari Park located just a few miles away
13. Coshocton
Distance from Columbus: 1 hour 40 minutes
Coshocton is a quiet town with history and scenic countryside.
Top things to do:
- Visit Roscoe Village
- Take a horse drawn canal boat ride
- Tour historic buildings
- Go wine tasting on the Three Rivers Wine Trail that features 7 wineries and 1 brewery within 15 miles of each other
14. Chillicothe
Distance from Columbus: 1 hour
Ohio’s first capital has a rich history and beautiful outdoor areas.
Top things to do:
- Visit Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- Explore Great Seal State Park
- Visit the Railroad Museum
- Break things in the rage room at WreckCreations
15. Lancaster
Distance from Columbus: 40 minutes
Lancaster offers historic charm and beautiful parks.
Top things to do:
- Explore Rising Park
- See Mount Pleasant overlook
- Walk historic downtown
- Soar 120 feet off the ground at Valley Zipline Tours
16. Dayton
Dayton is known as the birthplace of aviation and is home to some impressive museums.
Distance from Columbus: 1 hour 8 minutes
Top things to do:
- National Museum of Air Force
- Visit the Oregon District for lots of entertainment, bars, retail and restaurants
- Take the family to Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
- Explore Aullwood Audubon to see the Troll Sculptures, hike through forests and participate in education programs
17. Cincinnati
Cincinnati offers historic neighborhoods, riverfront views, and a vibrant food and culture scene.
Distance from Columbus: 1 hour 40 minutes
Top things to do:
- American Sign Museum
- See a variety of animals at the Cincinnati Zoo
- Watch a baseball game at Great American Ball Park home of the Cincinnati Reds
- Gamble at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
18. Mt. Vernon
Mt. Vernon is a charming small town with a lot of history.
Distance from Columbus: 1 hour
Top things to do:
- Bike, walk or fish at Kokosing Gap Trail
- Explore the 250 Aerial Foundation Park built on a former glass making factory that features a Labyrinth trail, river of glass and more
- Check out the cute Dog Fountain
- Explore waterfalls at Honey Run Falls
