Visits to the Buckeye State are both wet and wild.
Ohio is chock full of exciting waterfront destinations, each with options for unique entertainment and thrilling adventure. Travel planners can include exciting water-based experiences in five Ohio cities, from Cincinnati to Sandusky, and see many impressive historical, music and natural attractions along the way.
This itinerary traverses Ohio from south to north, beginning in Cincinnati. A major airport is nearby, making the city an ideal launchpad for groups of visitors looking to road trip throughout Ohio. It then continues to Dayton and Columbus, where visitors can experience land, water and air between Dayton’s aviation history and Columbus’s vast, lush park and waterfront areas. In Cleveland, music meets the water with river sports activities and a must-see rock ’n’ roll museum. Things end in the Buckeye State’s thrill capital, Sandusky, a compelling resort town beloved for its iconic amusement park.
A Jazz Brunch Cruise in Cincinnati
A perfect Sunday in Cincinnati happens aboard the BB Riverboats’ Dixieland Jazz Brunch cruise. The two-hour experience on the waterfront features a full spread with a buffet menu, including Southern-inspired dishes like bananas foster waffles, fried green tomatoes, creole barbecue shrimp and a Mississippi pot roast. Groups can see the surrounding sights and landmarks, arrange visits with the captain and listen to the live Dixieland jazz band play. Leaders have the option to customize their group’s cruise with amenities like guaranteed window seating, table decorations, appetizers or desserts, and other souvenirs to memorialize the visit, including boarding photos.
While you’re there: Groups hungry for a bit of culinary adventure can head to Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest surviving municipal market house. The market is a staple of the downtown Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, and there are dozens of food options, from a bagel bar to barbecue.
Surf and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Dayton
Just an hour outside Cincinnati to the northeast is Ohio’s Miami Valley, home to Dayton. One of the most unique ways to experience the river waters surrounding the city is atop a surfboard at Surf Dayton. Groups can spend the day on the water with all necessary equipment and professional instructors guiding the entire experience. Flatwater stand-up paddle boarding is also available.
For a truly unique experience, leaders can book a sunset paddle along Eastwood Lake, which offers panoramic views of downtown and activities for every type of traveler. Island Metropark is a 43-acre urban oasis surrounded by trees and overflowing with recreational activities, including fishing, boating, hiking and camping.
While you’re there: Once back on land, leaders can plan a visit to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, one of Dayton’s most popular attractions. The free museum honors aviation history and tells the stories of its pioneers, including Dayton heroes like the Wright Brothers, across 19 acres of indoor exhibits and hundreds of aerospace vehicles and artifacts.
Columbus’ Scioto Mile Waterfront Experience
One of the best parts of visiting Ohio’s capital, Columbus, is heading downtown to the Scioto Mile, a waterfront urban oasis with over 175 acres of vibrant parkland. Its nine waterfront parks are connected by bikeways and numerous recreational trails. Visitors can catch a daily, year-round water and light show at the Scioto Mile Fountain at Bicentennial Park.
For an added thrill, groups can hop onto the water to paddle the Mile in a kayak or canoe and enjoy views of the downtown skyline. Groups can book two-and-a-half-hour paddling excursions for all experience levels. Each one includes a brief instruction lesson, rental equipment and an on-the-water guide who shares stories of Columbus and its river’s history.
While you’re there: Head five minutes south of downtown to the centuries-old German village where the brick-lined streets take visitors back in time. The charming neighborhood has unique shops, including a 32-room bookstore, the Scioto Audubon, a nature center and plenty of restaurants worth exploring.
Float the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland
In the northeastern part of the state, the Lake Erie shore is perhaps Cleveland’s most scenic feature, and floating along the Cuyahoga River is one of the best ways to experience its aquatic beauty. Leaders can plan a group tubing, kayaking or rafting trip surrounded by lush landscapes along the scenic waterway, which takes one to two hours, depending on the currents.
Tubing is perfect for groups looking to relax, soak in the sun and enjoy a gently flowing ride. Kayaking is better for those who want an active water experience that allows for exploration of the nooks along the river. For groups looking to foster relationships, rafting is for team building on the water, as everyone has to work together to navigate the rapids.
No matter the type, every rental includes equipment, and visitors receive a wristband that extends discounts to surrounding local businesses to keep the fun and exploration going post-float.
While you’re there: There’s no visiting Cleveland without experiencing some of its iconic music history. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame boasts more than 50 exhibits spanning decades of genre through film, video and other interactive elements, including live instruments.
Lake Erie Cruises in Sandusky
Over an hour from Cleveland, Sandusky is a resort town full of thrills. On Lake Erie, leaders can plan various cruises with multiple stops and options for riding the beautiful Sandusky Bay. If live entertainment and relaxing sunset views on the waterfront sound like the perfect evening, leaders can book Sunset Bay Cruise seats on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Aboard the daytime Island Hopping cruise, a live narrator tells visitors the story of the area’s famous points of interest. Groups can see historic Johnson’s Island, a 3,000-acre island tied to Civil War history, and the Great Lakes’ oldest operating lighthouse, the Marblehead Lighthouse. The cruise also includes views of Cedar Point, the famous amusement park many visitors plan to explore during their entire Sandusky trips.
While you’re there: There are multiple options for high-adrenaline fun in Sandusky. In addition to Cedar Point, the city is known as Ohio’s waterpark capital for its year-round indoor water resorts, like Kalahari and Great Wolf Lodge. These parks make Sandusky perfect for planning a thrill-seeking vacation, especially with children.
