Dayton Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A turquoise bridge over a calm pond, surrounded by autumn foliage and a grassy park.
A group of people kayaking on a calm lake surrounded by dense trees.
A public square with people sitting on benches, a tree, and buildings in the background.
A modern glass building with a curved facade, a circular glass structure in the foreground, and a paved plaza with benches and trees.
A bridge with colorful lights reflecting on the water.

Visit the final resting place of the Wright brothers at this Midwestern destination, which offers historical attractions in a modern city setting.

Dayton is one of Ohio's most culturally rich cities, famous as the source of some of the country's greatest inventions.

Carillon Historical Park offers visitors a glimpse into these technological discoveries. This living history museum has 25 buildings, each offering unique artefacts and exhibits. Relax in the park, walk through the historic structures and enjoy the sounds from the landmark carillon. Children and adults will want to see the 1905 Wright Flyer III, the planet’s first usable airplane.

Explore the history of flight at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. This institution holds more than 360 planes and aviation inventions. Learn about the history of the Air Force and the evolution of stealth technology as well.

Take a self-guided or docent-led tour at the Dayton Art Institute with 27,000 artworks offering visitors a glimpse into Asian, African and American art stretching back 5,000 years.

The Oregon District is ideal for enjoying Dayton’s cultural attractions. Stroll through the picturesque historic district, which offers boutiques, eateries and galleries. Downtown Dayton is located 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) to the west, where the skyline hugs the bank of the Miami River. Head here for nightlife, diverse cuisine and a range of accommodation options. Watch a show at the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Centre the distinctive modernist building hosts concerts year-round.

Take a scenic walk through Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum, the resting place of brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright. This park is one of the largest garden cemeteries in the country and is an ideal place to stroll on a sunny day.

Dayton is 70 miles (112.7 kilometres) from Columbus and under 2 hours by car from the larger cities of Cincinnati and Indianapolis. Port Columbus International Airport offers flights to most major U.S. cities.

With its distinct seasons, Dayton offers a unique experience for visitors every month of the year. Plan to visit this Ohio destination to explore a city where historical and modern attractions intersect.

Our guide on where to stay in Dayton

Find the best Dayton areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Downtown Dayton

Unique features of Downtown Dayton include the theatres and bars. Make a stop by Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center or Victoria Theater while you're exploring the area.

Oregon District

Oregon District is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Oregon Park and Belle of Dayton Distillery.

University Park

While visiting University Park, you might make a stop by sights like Carillon Historical Park and Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum.

Carillon

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Carillon and surrounding area, you can visit University of Dayton Arena and Carillon Historical Park.

Webster Station

While visiting Webster Station, you might make a stop by sights like Day Air Ballpark and 2nd Street Market.

The Hotel@Dayton South

The Hotel@Dayton South

2.5 out of 5
8099 Old Yankee Street Dayton OH
The price is AU$94 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
AU$94
29 Oct - 30 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Dayton. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,005 reviews)
"Nice room with comfortable beds. Reasonable breakfast variety. Two elevators but only one in service. Wonderful young man at the front desk."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2026

The Hotel@Dayton South
Marriott at the University of Dayton

Marriott at the University of Dayton

4 out of 5
1414 South Patterson Boulevard Dayton OH
The price is AU$204 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
AU$204
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Dayton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
Marriott at the University of Dayton
Drury Inn & Suites Dayton North

Drury Inn & Suites Dayton North

4 out of 5
6616 Miller Ln Dayton OH
The price is AU$180 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
AU$180
18 Oct - 19 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Dayton. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,012 reviews)
"nice place"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2026

Drury Inn & Suites Dayton North
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Historic Oregon District

Historic Oregon District

Dayton OH
Stay at this apartment in Dayton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attractions National Museum of the United States Air Force and Dayton Theatre ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (91 reviews)
"Clean space and layout. On-site groundskeeper nearby (not in the same room) if anything comes up"

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2026

Historic Oregon District
Tranquil, spacious in one of Ohio’s nicest neighborhoods.

Tranquil, spacious in one of Ohio’s nicest neighborhoods.

Dayton OH
Stay at this holiday home in Dayton. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions The Magic Castle and Ron Kehl ...
9/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
"Not a great stay. We arrived to a wide open door, box fans running, and a candle burning. The entire house, including the linens, smelled strongly of marijuana. One of the bathrooms was left unacceptably dirty. The dishwasher had dirty dishes left in it. The fridge/freezer worked intermittently and ..."

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2026

Tranquil, spacious in one of Ohio’s nicest neighborhoods.
Cozy 2-bedroom house in adorable Dayton with AC

Cozy 2-bedroom house in adorable Dayton with AC

Dayton OH
Stay at this holiday home in Dayton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions National Museum of the United States Air Force ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (18 reviews)
"Overall the stay was good and the backyard needed a little TLC."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2026

Cozy 2-bedroom house in adorable Dayton with AC
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Dayton attractions

Cities near Dayton