Cincinnati Day Trips: 2 Hour Drive
If you are looking for a fun couples getaway, staycation, or long weekend away… see my ideas for Cincinnati day trips! All of these places are within a 2 hour or less drive from Cincinnati, Ohio.
For more Cincinnati day trips, see places under a one hour drive!
Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!).
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Augusta, Kentucky
If small riverside towns with friendly people and historic buildings sounds ideal to you, then you really need to make a visit to this charming town! Its claim to fame is being “the most picturesque town in the US”, and is also the hometown of the Hollywood Clooney family.
can visit Rosemary Clooney‘s (of “White Christmas” fame) childhood home, which is now a small museum. However, there is much more to see and appreciate of this town’s history along the Ohio river.
Easy to walk around and spend a leisurely day exploring, fans of antiques and old houses will also love it here!
More Information on Augusta
Driving time from Cincinnati: 49 minutes (44 miles)
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Maysville, Kentucky
Also along the Ohio river, Maysville has a lot of “small town America” charm. The main street and historic district has an intriguing old theatre (Russell Theatre), several locally-owned restaurants and shops, and in the summer is full of events and fairs.
A very walkable town, there’s plenty to check out (and some may or may not be haunted!) Nearby, visit the Old Pogue Distillery if you’re a fan of bourbon! There’s also the Dover Covered Bridge– Kentucky’s oldest. Cincinnati day trips
More Information on Maysville
Driving time from Cincinnati: 1 hour 10 minutes (63 miles)
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Lexington, Kentucky
The “horse capital of America”, Lexington has a big personality and plenty of southern charm. I might be biased given that I lived here during college, but I will recommend Lexington any day!
I have a blog post with all my best Lexington tips here. It’s probably my favorite of the Cincinnati day trips ideas!
More Information on Lexington
Driving time from Cincinnati: 1 hour 30 minutes (83 miles)
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Frankfort, Kentucky
As Kentucky’s capital city, this small picturesque town is worth a visit! After seeing its iconic capital building, check out the Governor’s Mansion and the beautiful “Liberty Hall” historic site. There are also a few museums and plenty of small shops and restaurants too.
If you’d like to get out on the water, “The Bourbon Boat” offers tours on the river. There is also the nearby Cove Springs area if you want to get in some hiking!
More Information on Frankfort
Driving time from Cincinnati: 1 hour 35 minutes (79 miles)
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Columbus, Ohio
As Ohio’s capital city, there is plenty to see and do. There is the row of parks along the river called “Scioto Mile”, with unique trails and fountains.
You can also make a visit to COSI- a very interactive science museum with loads of “hands on” activities. There’s also the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (one of the best in the country) to explore.
More Information on Columbus
Driving time from Cincinnati: 1 hour 40 minutes (107 miles)
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Louisville, Kentucky
Kentucky’s largest city, Louisville is on the Ohio River along the Indiana border. Famous for hosting the Kentucky Derby and being home to the Louisville Slugger baseball brand, its also called “the gateway to the south”. If you’re a foodie or a bourbon lover, this city is the place for you!
Check out horse races at Churchill Downs, visit its many museums, or take a trip out into bourbon country for plenty of tasty samples! There are also many charming parts of town filled with historical buildings and parks, and of course loads of restaurants!
More Information on Louisville
Driving time from Cincinnati: 1 hour 40 minutes (100 miles)
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Indianapolis, Indiana
As Indiana’s capital city, there is a large variety of fun and affordable things to do here. Start with a stroll through the scenic Canal and White River State Park downtown.
Then, check out some of its many museums, or the scenic Lockerbie Square Historic District. There is also the Motor Speedway and Hall of Fame Museum for the car aficionados, or even the “Indy Racing Experience”!
More Information on Indianapolis
Driving time from Cincinnati: 2 hours (112 miles)
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Red River Gorge (Slade, Kentucky)
The “Red River Gorge Geological Area” is a canyon system within the Daniel Boone National Forest. It is one of the top destinations in the country for rappelling and climbing, and has stunning views of unique sandstone arches.
There are many hiking trails to choose from, swimming holes to jump in, places to kayak, and caves to explore. I recommend visiting Natural Bridge, hiking Auxier Ridge, and grabbing food from local favorite “Miguel’s Pizza”.
More Information on Red River Gorge
Driving time from Cincinnati: 2 hours (132 miles)
If you’re willing to drive further, here are some Cincinnati day trips within a 2.5 – 3 hour drive from downtown:
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French Lick, Indiana = 173 miles / 2 hours 48 minutes
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Santa Claus, Indiana = 171 miles / 2 hours 45 minutes
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Hoosier National Forest: Indiana = 149 miles / 2 hrs 40 minutes
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Hocking Hills: Logan, Ohio = 136 miles / 2 hours 20 minutes
More Helpful Links:
♥ Check out my Cincinnati staycation recommendations
♥ Consider getting a Cincinnati Pogo Pass
♥ Read about Cincinnati day trip ideas within a 1 hour drive
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2 Comments
Red River Gorge is perhaps one of my favorite getaways from Cincinnati. I also find Louisville to be an underrated city.
Yes when we went to the gorge this winter it was my first time in 5 years and I forgot how much I loved it! I’m going back now this month again! Louisville is a lot of fun too, especially in the summertime.