Who says you need to leave Ohio for a little romance? Whether you're near Dayton or Cincinnati, the Buckeye State is packed with surprises for couples looking to break away from the usual. From medieval castles to artsy parks and peaceful riverfront trails, a perfect date is closer than you think.
Ready to see how escaping the ordinary can be easy? Keep reading for the best day dates in Ohio!
Day Date in Hamilton - From Ancient Sculptures to Craft Beer
Head north from Cincinnati and 40 minutes later, you’ll arrive at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. Perfect for couples whose ideal date involves a bit of historical intrigue, this outdoor museum features 70 massive outdoor sculptures and plenty of cute photo ops. Head into the Pyramid House to admire 3,000-year-old Greek and Roman artifacts and into the Ancient Sculptures Museum to learn about the region’s Indigenous past. Then, mull over your observations with a beer at Third Eye Brewing Co.
See Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and more on our Storybook Strolls trip.
Day Date in Yellow Springs - For a Romantic Stroll
Want to trade in the typical date night for something a little more... unique? From Dayton, a 30-minute drive brings you to Glen Helen Nature Preserve, where you can embark on a magical stroll along winding paths to a hidden waterfall. Then, having worked up an appetite, treat yourselves to some currywurst and sauerkraut balls at Ye Olde Tavern before rounding off the day with a drink at Yellow Springs Brewery.
Make Yellow Springs your next romantic getaway with our Cascades & Colors trip.
Day Date in Loveland - Step Into a Fairytale
Step into your own fairy tale with a day date to Loveland. This town may be just a stone’s throw from Cincinnati, but as soon as you arrive at the Loveland Castle Museum, you’ll feel a world away. Built stone by stone by Harry Andrews, this medieval-style castle is full of history, armour, and even some ghostly tales. Take your time exploring the castle’s halls, then step outside to enjoy the peaceful riverbank nearby. Finish your date with a picnic on the castle grounds or grab a coffee in town.
Unique Day Date in Cincinnati - Cheeky Animals and Craft Beers
Need a unique day date idea that doesn’t involve leaving Cincinnati? Give into your five-year-old selves and enjoy some good old-fashioned farm fun at Parky’s Farm. Sure, you might be sharing the petting zoo with some kids, but they’re not yours—so you can actually get your turn this time. Plus, since the farm sprawls across 100 acres, there’s plenty of nooks and crannies to sneak in a kiss without prying eyes. Afterward, enjoy one another’s company over a beer at Fibonacci Brewing.
Day Date in Grand Rapids - Canals, Mills, and More
Last, but certainly not least on our list is Grand Rapids, and we’ll get right to the why. For a very reasonable $10, you can hop aboard a replica of an authentic canal boat and cruise the Miami and Erie Canal. At one point, you’ll even make the passage through Lock #44 and see firsthand how the lock operates, just as it did in the 1800s.
While in Providence Metropark, you can also head to the Isaac Ludwig Mill to watch as grains are ground under aged millstones and turned into flour. Or, if you’ve already had enough history for the day, take a romantic stroll along the River Bluff Trail.
A surprise trip for the both of you? How about a Rivers & Rural Roads trip.
Make Day Dates Effortless with a Surprise Ohio Adventure
Sure, you could plan these day dates yourself, but wouldn’t it be more fun to be just as surprised as your partner? That’s where Guess Where Trips comes in—we design secret trips that’ll get you off the trodden path and into the best Ohio has to offer. Check out all our Ohio trips here!