Last Updated on August 2, 2026 by Kristin
This Midwest city is known for its signature chili, sports teams and museums. It’s also a terrific starting point for some great road trips. Whether you’re looking for an urban getaway or family fun, Cincinnati’s strategic location makes it a great base for exploring the region. Here are the best road trips from Cincinnati.
Fabulous Road Trips from Cincinnati
Columbus
107 miles / 1 hr. 45 mins.
One of the easiest (and most fun) road trips from Cincinnati is to Columbus. Ohio’s capital is also a vibrant college town. Browse the Columbus Museum of Art and COSI Science Center before browsing galleries in the Short North Arts District. Check out a football game at Ohio State University or take a relaxing stroll through the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Round out trip by strolling the cobblestone streets of the 19th-century German Village and stopping by the North Market to take home some artisanal goods. >> Recommended hotels in Columbus
Indianapolis, Indiana
112 miles / 1 hr. 48 mins.
Indianapolis is another easy trip from Cincinnati that offers a big variety of things to do. The state capital offers a selection of world-class museums, such as the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. Got kids? Be sure to visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and Indianapolis Zoo to visit animals including penguins, elephants and giraffes. For fine dining and entertainment, head to the Massachusetts Avenue corridor downtown and enjoy a night out on the town. >> Recommended hotels in Indianapolis
Sandusky
231 miles / 3 hr. 43 mins.
Located along the shores of Sandusky Bay on Lake Erie, the Ohio town of Sandusky gets its name from a Native American word for water. Appropriately enough, the town is beloved not just for its lakeside charms but also for its modern indoor waterparks—along with Cedar Point, one of the most popular theme parks in the nation. Sandusky also has a walkable downtown and interesting museums. >> Recommended hotels in Sandusky
Nashville, Tennessee
273 miles / 4 hr. 12 mins.
While Cincinnati is a Midwest city through and through, it’s closer than you’d think to many Southern destinations. For an iconic Southern road trip, head southwest to Nashville and make a pit stop in Louisville on the way about an hour and 45 minutes into the journey. In Louisville, grab a bite to eat and check out the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or the Kentucky Science Center before heading back on the road. In about 2 hours and 40 minutes you’ll reach Nashville, famously named Music City for being a country music hub. Book tickets to see a live show at the Grand Ole Opry, and pay homage to music legends at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum or Johnny Cash Museum. When the sun goes down, the honky tonk bars lining Lower Broadway offer a seemingly endless choice of live music shows. >> Recommended hotels in Nashville
Geneva on the Lake
296 miles / 4 hr. 27 mins.
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, the Ohio town of Geneva on the Lake offers old-school vacation fun. Think water sports, a walkable “Strip” lined with of restaurants and shops, easy access to Ohio’s wine country, as well as family fun like a zipline park. >> Recommended hotels in Geneva on the Lake
St Louis, Missouri
350 miles / 5 hr. 17 mins.
Located on the Mississippi River, St. Louis offers a variety of attractions for any type of traveler. One of the most iconic landmarks is the 630-foot Gateway Arch, which spans across a park dedicated to former president Thomas Jefferson and his role in helping expand the country westward. Head to the massive Forest Park where you’ll find not only sprawling green spaces, but the Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Science Center and the Saint Louis Art Museum. For a night out on the town, visit the neon-lit Delmar Loop neighborhood and take your pick of more than 50 restaurants serving food from all over the world. >> Recommended hotels in St. Louis
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