Discover Dayton: Your 5 Day Adventure

Discover Dayton without breaking the bank with our budget-friendly trip guide.

21 June 2023

A trip to Dayton, United States on a limited budget would include visiting popular free attractions such as the Dayton Art Institute and the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Saving money on accommodations can be done by choosing budget-friendly hotels or Airbnb rentals. To save expenses on food, exploring local farmers' markets or cooking meals in your accommodation's kitchen can be a great option.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Dayton

  • Check in at the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Dayton North.
  • Visit the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park.
  • Grab lunch at Tank's Bar and Grill for some classic American diner food.
  • Head to Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center to learn about the Wright Brothers' experiments and see replicas of their planes.
  • Catch a show at the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center.
Day 2

Outdoorsy Dayton

  • Start the day with breakfast at The Brunch Club, famous for their pancakes.
  • Take a hike at Glen Helen Nature Preserve, with over 1,000 acres of forests, streams, and waterfalls.
  • Grab lunch at The Lucky's Taproom and Eatery, known for its craft beer and burgers.
  • Visit the Dayton Dragons baseball stadium for a game during the season.
  • Have dinner at The Pine Club, a Dayton institution famous for their steaks.
Day 3

Artful Dayton

  • Start the day with breakfast at Butter Cafe, known for their creative twists on classic breakfast dishes.
  • Visit the Dayton Art Institute, with over 26,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of art history.
  • Grab lunch at Ghostlight Coffee, a cozy cafe with delicious sandwiches and pastries.
  • Take a stroll through the Oregon Historic District, known for its beautiful architecture and vintage shops.
  • Have dinner at Roost Modern Italian for contemporary Italian cuisine.
Day 4

Hidden Gems of Dayton

  • Start the day with breakfast at The Blueberry Cafe, a charming spot with homemade baked goods and coffee.
  • Visit SunWatch Indian Village and Archaeological Park to learn about the prehistoric Fort Ancient Native American culture.
  • Grab lunch at Taqueria Mixteca for authentic Mexican cuisine.
  • Visit Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum, a peaceful and beautiful final resting place for many famous figures, including the Wright Brothers.
  • Have dinner at Carmen's Deli for some delicious deli classics.
Day 5

Departure

  • Enjoy breakfast at The Old Scratch Pizza and Beer, known for their wood-fired pizzas and craft beer selection.
  • Visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world.
  • Grab lunch at Flyboy's Deli for sandwiches and salads inspired by aviation history.
  • Take a drive to visit the Paul Laurence Dunbar House, the former home of the famous African American poet.
  • Depart from Dayton with memories of a unique and enjoyable trip.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Dayton, United States by plane is to fly into Dayton International Airport. There are many airlines that serve this airport, including American Airlines, Delta, and United.

Car

Driving to Dayton is easy, as it is easily accessible from several major highways including I-75, I-70, and I-675. Renting a car from the nearby Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport or Dayton International Airport is a good option for travelers.

Train

Although there is no direct train service to Dayton, travelers can take Amtrak to the Cincinnati Union Terminal and then take a Greyhound bus to Dayton.

Boat

There are no direct boat routes to Dayton, but the Great Miami Riverway provides a scenic recreational waterway for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts. Visitors may also consider taking a river cruise on the Ohio River and docking in nearby Cincinnati before driving or taking public transportation to Dayton.

Bus

Taking a Greyhound bus from Cincinnati to Dayton is the best way to get to Dayton by bus. There are multiple daily departures and the trip takes roughly 2 hours.

Destination

Dayton

Welcome to the land of aviation and, inexplicably, the birthplace of the Wright Brothers. Dayton, where history and hilarity collide in unexpected ways.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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More travel plans

Discover Dayton: A Fun & Affordable Day Trip

Dayton, Ohio is a budget-friendly destination with plenty of free and affordable activities. Visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force for free, explore the Dayton Art Institute for $8, and stop by the Second Street Market for locally sourced food and goods. Affordable accommodations include the Comfort Inn Dayton and the Air View Inn.

4 Days of Fun in Dayton: Aviations, Art, and Eats!

Dayton is a thriving city in Ohio that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment for tourists. Visitors can explore the city's rich aviation history by visiting the National Museum of the United States Air Force, while also enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking at nearby parks. Dayton also boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with a variety of restaurants and breweries to suit every taste.

Romantic Weekend Getaway in Dayton

Explore the birthplace of aviation and enjoy a romantic retreat in Dayton, United States. Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens of the Dayton Art Institute and indulge in some fine dining at one of the city's many restaurants. Don't forget to visit the National Museum of the US Air Force and take a ride on the Oregon District's horse-drawn carriage for a truly unforgettable experience.

Dayton Delights: A Fun-Filled Family Day Trip

Dayton, United States offers a plethora of family-friendly activities and attractions, making it an ideal destination for a memorable trip with the whole family. Explore the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the world's largest military aviation museum, where kids can marvel at historical aircraft and interactive exhibits. Additionally, visit the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, which offers hands-on science exhibits, a zoo, and a planetarium, ensuring a fun-filled educational experience for the entire family.