Read update
  • There are even more of the most beautiful places in Ohio to visit, each combining nature and history!

Summary

  • Ohio's small towns are filled with history, natural beauty, and Midwest charm, making them perfect for a peaceful and visually captivating getaway.
  • Chagrin Falls, Hudson, and Oxford are among the most beautiful Ohio towns, offering a mix of stunning landscapes, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities for all ages.
  • From water fun at Geneva-on-the-Lake to exploring history in Marietta, there is something for everyone in Ohio's most beautiful towns, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs.

When Ohio comes to mind, people think of famous places such as Cleveland, one of the state's standout cities, and the bustling city of Columbus, which features many interesting spots to see. However, the state also has numerous small towns with hidden travel gems to explore. Plenty of Ohio's small towns are brimming with history, gorgeous landscapes, and the Midwest charm for which the entire stated is loved.

These lesser-visited towns in Ohio have distinct cultural scenes, modern and historic attractions, and lots of family-friendly outdoor activities. So, for those looking for a slice of Midwest hospitality in a laid-back setting, these are some of the most beautiful towns Ohio has in store that every discerning traveler should visit.

UPDATE: 2023/12/06 21:17 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

There are even more of the most beautiful places in Ohio to visit, each combining nature and history!

Ohio is the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs. Home to many incredible towns, the state is the perfect destination for a road trip or a weekend getaway to discover everything it has to offer. Therefore, this list has been expanded to include more of the most beautiful Ohio towns that travelers should include on their itinerary.

RELATED: 10 Unique Summer Family Vacations In The U.S. You Probably Haven't Even Thought Of

14 Chagrin Falls

Witness the town's namesake waterfall and historic boutique-lined streets

Chagrin Falls on Main Street Bridge in the town of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, OH, USA
Shutterstock
Chagrin Falls on Main Street Bridge in the town of Chagrin Falls, OH, USA, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ohio

Chagrin Falls is among the prettiest towns in Ohio to visit; it's located in Cuyahoga County and was built along the Chagrin River. The village's highlight is its namesake waterfall, an impressive cascade enhancing the historic ambiance. The best spot to admire the falls is from the iconic Main Street Bridge.

Beyond the natural beauty, Chagrin Falls offers charming boutiques, cafes, and historic architecture lining the streets, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Chagrin Falls offers a blend of nature and small-town charisma, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil and visually captivating experience in Ohio.

13 Hudson

This beautiful Ohio town offers superb boating and fishing

The retail district of Hudson, Ohio, OH, USA
Shutterstock / Kenneth Sponsler
The retail district of Hudson, Ohio, OH, USA

Hudson is considered one of Ohio's gems, and its beauty lies in well-preserved historic homes, tree-lined streets, and a vibrant downtown, where travelers can find many restaurants and shops.

Hudson also offers a perfect blend of outdoor recreation, such as fishing and boating. The town's commitment to green spaces and parks is an additional charm. From historic landmarks to contemporary amenities, Hudson provides a delightful backdrop for those seeking a harmonious blend of tradition and progress in a small-town setting.

12 Oxford

This historic college town is the base of Ohio's Miami University

Oxford, Ohio

Tmariemdith, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Oxford, Ohio

Oxford is the perfect destination for those seeking a getaway in Ohio with a college atmosphere. Home to Miami University, this is one of the many fun college towns in Ohio that combines academic energy, vibrant nature, and small-town warmth. When exploring Oxford, travelers will discover its historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and a lively campus atmosphere.

The Uptown district offers eclectic shops, diverse dining, and cultural events. The Hueston Woods State Park, just outside town, is a spot for travelers seeking hiking trails and a lake.

11 Loveland

Little Miami scenic river and a majestic castle make Loveland a must

The Loveland Castle in Loveland, Ohio during winter
Shutterstock
The Loveland Castle in Loveland, Ohio during winter

Loveland is located along the Little Miami Scenic River, one of the town's main attractions. Locals and visitors can take advantage of many activities along the river, including canoeing and hiking. This serene scape also features the Little Miami Bike Trail, which offers picturesque views.

However, Loveland isn't only a destination for nature enthusiasts, as it features a vibrant downtown with charming boutiques, cozy cafes, and community events, creating a lively social hub. Also, the town is famous for the Château Laroche, which is also known as the Loveland Castle. This enchanting structure is a museum on the banks of the Little Miami River, located just north of Loveland, and looks like something out of a fairytale novel or medieval Europe.

Related: These Are The 10 Most Beautiful Towns In New Mexico You Should Visit

10 Yellow Springs

Home to Antioch College, state parks, and a historic downtown area

The Little Art Theater in Yellow Springs, Oh, Ohio, USA
Shutterstock / Madison Muskopf
The Little Art Theater in Yellow Springs, Oh, Ohio, USA

Yellow Springs is one of the most beautiful and unique small towns in Ohio. Visiting this place takes vacationers a while back, as most of its local buildings look like they date back to the 1960s. It is known for being the home to Antioch College and a bustling downtown with gorgeous streets lined with restaurants, colorful shops, and beautiful art galleries, as well as the historic Little Art Theatre.

There are several outdoor spots to explore, including John Bryan State Park and Glen Helen Nature Reserve. Nature and photography lovers would love spending time in these spots, thanks to their spectacular natural scenery.

9 Perrysburg

Fort Meigs is the standout star of this historic Ohio town

The lighthouse and Harbor Town Senior Residence in Perrysburg, Ohio
Shutterstock
The lighthouse and Harbor Town Senior Residence in Perrysburg, Ohio

Perrysburg is a magnificent old-fashioned small town with iconic historical attractions, parks, and beautiful natural spots. One of the town's highlights is Fort Meigs, one of the battlefields from the 1812 War. The fort is the largest reconstructed fortification in North America.

Perrysburg's historic downtown has an open-air market where travelers can explore some of the best shopping and live entertainment from musicians and artisans. Other spots to check include Riverside Park and the Perrysburg Area Historic Museum.

8 Geneva-On-The-Lake

Enjoy Lake Erie beaches in this scenic 1950s-style vacation town

Marina Marker in Geneva-on-the-Lake in Ohio, US
Shutterstock
Marina Marker in Geneva-on-the-Lake in Ohio, US

One of the many fun things to do in Ohio is enjoy its lake beaches, and this town proves it! Located on Lake Erie, Geneva-on-the-Lake is one of the most beautiful towns in Ohio to visit; it has the 1950s holiday charm and a magnificent sandy beach along the lake's shore offering plenty of fun activities, including fishing and swimming.

There are some shops selling snacks and ice creams that vacationers can munch on as they have a relaxing time on the beach. There is also a Ferris wheel offering fun moments for the entire family.

7 Marblehead

Explore one of the smallest towns in Ohio with Lake Erie and the Marblehead Lighthouse

The Marblehead Lighthouse on the edge of Lake Erie in Ohio
Shutterstock
The Marblehead Lighthouse on the edge of Lake Erie in Ohio

Marblehead has a population of about 1,000 residents, making it one of the smallest Ohio towns to visit. It has a lot of beautiful spots to offer vacationers of all tastes and ages. Located on Marblehead Peninsula, this town receives visitors who come to enjoy exploring the surroundings, including the areas around Lake Erie.

Some of the places to explore here include Dempsey Wildlife Area and the Marblehead Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the Great Lakes region (a stunning area with lots of other places to stay). There is plenty of outdoor fun here, ranging from hiking to fishing to boating. Plus, visitors with kids will love a short detour out of town to Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, which is only about half an hour away.

6 Marietta

Ohio's oldest town, famed for the Ohio River Museum and Campus Martius Museum

The downtown area of Marietta in Ohio, USA
Shutterstock
The downtown area of Marietta in Ohio, USA

Marietta is full of fun and adventure, boasting amazing museums, such as the Ohio River Museum and Campus Martius Museum. Founded in 1788, this is the oldest town in Ohio and the first official European settlement in the Northwest Territory.

Vacationers can learn about this fascinating history in the local museums through their fantastic exhibits. Marietta's downtown area is brimming with colorful boutique shops and beautiful, walkable streets. Plus, there are numerous outdoor activities, such as kayaking and hiking.

5 Granville

Denison University, flower-filled parks, and a lovely downtown

Churches and businesses along Broadway Avenue in the small college village of Granville in east central Ohio, USA
Shutterstock / Kenneth Sponsler
Churches and businesses along Broadway Avenue in the small college village of Granville in east central Ohio, USA

With beautiful streets lined with trees and historic buildings, Granville easily earns its spot among the most beautiful towns in Ohio to visit. The area around the city center is filled with colorful shops, restaurants, and a good number of lodging options for travelers. The town also boasts its incredible Denison University, creating a fun college-town feel.

Granville is incredibly gorgeous in summer, thanks to the scenic landscapes, full of colors and blooming flowers. There are many parks and beautiful architecture, too.

4 Put-In-Bay

Water fun on Lake Erie, The Butterfly House, and the Crystal Cave are highlights!

Put-in-Bay, Ohio
Via: Photo by Travis Essinger on Unsplash
Put-in-Bay, Ohio

Located on South Bass Island within the beautiful Lake Erie, Put-in-Bay is full of spectacular attractions, including the Butterfly House, the Crystal Cave, and South Bass Island State Park. The town is definitely one of the best getaways in Ohio, reachable on a ferry ride.

To get around this incredible town and explore its charm, a golf cart is the best option since it allows visitors to soak up the island’s scenery at a slower pace and enjoy the ride. Jet-skiing, kayaking, and golfing are other fun activities to enjoy, especially in the summer.

3 Tipp City

This well-preserved historic town was founded in the 19th century

Old Tipp City, Ohio

Niagara66, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Old Tipp City, Ohio

Located a short distance away from Dayton, Tipp City is one of the most beautiful cities in Ohio to visit. Founded in 1840, this gorgeous Midwestern town has a vibrant historic downtown and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The area has plenty of beautiful restaurants, handicraft stores, magnificent parks, and antique shops. Numerous exciting events are held here from time to time, like the Tipp City Mum Festival, which occurs every year in September.

2 Cambridge

This town on Route 40 offers amazing museums and a quaint downtown

Military gun in front of the Guernsey County Courthouse in the square of downtown Cambridge, Ohio, that was built in 1883
Shutterstock / JNix
Military gun in front of the Guernsey County Courthouse in the square of downtown Cambridge, Ohio, that was built in 1883

Seated along U.S. Route 40, one of the first highways from east to west in the country, Cambridge is one of the most beautiful towns to visit in Ohio. The town boasts a tiny downtown, brimming with several attractions, antique shops, and restaurants to explore. There are numerous historical buildings too.

Some of the best spots to visit include the National Museum of Cambridge Glass, the Great American Steam Locomotive Museum, and the Deerassic Park Education Center. This area of the town is best explored on foot.

Related: Cambridge Is More Than A University, But What Does The City Offer Tourists?

1 Oberlin

College town Oberlin was a major part of the Abolitionist movement in the 19th century

Peters Hall at Oberlin College and Conservatory, home to the Astronomical Observatory and Taylor Planetarium, Oberlin, OH, Ohio, USA
Shutterstock / PICTOR PICTURES
Peters Hall at Oberlin College and Conservatory, home to the Astronomical Observatory and Taylor Planetarium, Oberlin, OH, Ohio, USA

Home to Oberlin College, this small town is vibrant and could easily rival a number of the more well-known, cool college towns in the US. Visitors will find numerous hotels, colorful shops, and restaurants here, along with a bustling arts and cultural scene.

Most notably, though, this town is a significant part of American history, as it was a major focus during the American abolitionist movement in the 19th century. Its Oberlin College, established in 1833, was the first American higher education institution attended by Black students.