Things to Do in Dayton
Dayton is a city with a lot to offer visitors. From world-renowned attractions like The Ohio State University and the Dayton Art Museum to charming neighborhoods like Bethel Park, there’s something for everyone to see and do in this city. Whether you’re looking for a day of shopping or exploring the city on your own, here are some great tips for visiting Dayton.
Visit The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University is a world-renowned educational institution. This year, the university celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding and this is a good time to visit.
It’s not just about the school itself—the campus also hosts many museums and galleries. The Museum of Art and Design, Owens Science Library, and Wright Patterson Air Force Base are all on site as well as many other smaller museums like the Northwest Dayton History Museum.
There are plenty of things to do in the city during your visit to the university. You might want to spend an afternoon checking out some of the shops or visit a local park for some outdoor activities like hiking or biking.
Visit the Dayton Art Museum
The Dayton Art Museum is the perfect place to start your Dayton getaway. Whether you’re looking for a day of shopping or exploring the city on your own, this museum is worth the visit. The Dayton Art Museum features a wide range of artwork from all over the world, providing visitors with something different every time they visit.
Inside, you’ll find galleries of paintings and sculptures that span over 100 years of art history. This unique collection includes pieces from 15th century artists like Raphael and Rembrandt as well as contemporary works from today’s most famous artists like Andy Warhol.
If that weren’t enough, the museum also offers affordable guided tours to its museum members and moderate-priced tickets to everyone else. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon enjoying some artwork without breaking your budget.
Take a walk around Bethel Park
Bethel Park is a great neighborhood to explore if you want to get lost in the charm of Dayton. This area is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to step back in time with its Victorian and Craftsman homes. Many of these homes are beautifully restored and offer a glimpse into the past.
Bethel Park is also home to the first Carnegie Library built in Ohio, which was once one of the largest libraries in the nation. The library itself is worth checking out, especially if you’re looking for some history about Dayton or your favorite author’s work.
If you’re interested in exploring more of Dayton and staying close to Bethel Park, check out the “Arts District” on South Main Street. This district features a variety of art galleries like Gallery 58 and Creative Legacy Studio that are perfect for stopping by after lunch or dinner at Bethel Park.
Have a picnic in Riverside Park
Don’t leave Dayton without visiting Riverside Park. Not only is it a great place to spend a day, but it’s also one of the largest parks in the country. With huge green space, you can enjoy the outdoors while you picnic on this sprawling park’s many hills and lookout points.
That said, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained at Riverside Park. There are more than 20 miles of trails that wind through the park, making it a great place to run or hike. Grab your bike and head to the bike trail for some cycling or exercise; if you’re feeling adventurous, try mountain biking on the large wooded trails.
If you’re looking for something more relaxing, take out your fishing poles and cast your line in one of the ponds near Trammel Creek. Try your luck catching bass or catfish—the choice is yours!
No matter what kind of fun you want to have at Riverside Park, make sure to pack a picnic lunch beforehand so that you can enjoy lunch under those beautiful trees with friends and family.
Take a tour of Dayton University
The Ohio State University is one of the most well-known universities in the country and with good reason. It consistently ranks among the best in the country and there’s no shortage of things to see and do on campus.
If you want to save some time, it’s worth taking a tour of the university like so many others have before you. The tours are free and are led by students who already know all about their school. Of course, if you’re feeling more adventurous, there’s always plenty to explore on your own as well.
Don’t forget to stop by the Buckeyes Store (located in Ohio Union) where you can pick up a shirt or a souvenir for all your friends back home!
Dayton’s original Little Italy neighborhood is located just east of downtown Dayton on Third Street near Patterson Park. This stretch of road is lined with countless restaurants, shops, cafes and bars that offer authentic Italian fare.
A walk along this colorful strip can be rewarding for visitors looking for unique food options or an unforgettable night out at a local bar. If you’re feeling hungry and need a break from shopping, stopping by one of these spots will leave your taste buds tingling excitedly.
Check out the art galleries at The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University is the perfect place for art lovers who want to get immersed in the culture of Dayton. The university has a number of different galleries, some featuring the work from their own students and others showcasing local artists.
Whether you’re looking for classic paintings or contemporary pieces, there’s something for everyone at The Ohio State University. If you’re an art enthusiast on a budget, these museums are free while also providing an opportunity to learn more about art and its history. You can also explore the many other venues offered by the university like their Institute of Art Studies, which offers classes and workshops related to various forms of art.
Tea at the Tea Room at the Dayton Art Museum
The Dayton Art Museum (DAM) is a great place to visit in Dayton. For those looking for a unique experience, make sure to stop by the Tea Room at the DAM. This historic location serves tea and other beverages along with high-quality snacks that range from scones to chocolate bars. Visitors can also purchase these items individually or as a gift basket.
This well-known spot is not just for museum visitors; it also offers free tea tastings throughout the day that are open to the public; no reservations are required.
Get lost in downtown Dayton.
Dayton is a city with a lot to see and do. The downtown area is home to many unique shops, restaurants, and local attractions that you won’t want to miss.
You can also check out some of the nearby landmarks like The Stone Arch Bridge, where you’ll find more than ten thousand limestone blocks as well as six metal arches that span 100 feet in length over the creek below. For those who would rather stay in town, there’s plenty of options for shopping and dining just outside downtown like The Dayton Art Institute or Wright State University.
Leave a Reply