Dayton Guidebook
Sightseeing
A “MUST SEE!” in Dayton, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum and Ohio’s most visited FREE tourist attraction with over 1 million annual visitors. This world-renowned museum features more than 360 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid 19 acres of indoor exhibit space.
129 locals recommend
National Museum of the US Air Force
1100 Spaatz StA “MUST SEE!” in Dayton, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum and Ohio’s most visited FREE tourist attraction with over 1 million annual visitors. This world-renowned museum features more than 360 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid 19 acres of indoor exhibit space.
The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is the premier regional provider of interactive science learning experiences, which enrich the lives of children and adults, enhance the quality of life in our community, and promote a broad understanding of the world. The dedicated staff preserves, protects, and enhances the Museum's anthropology, geology, paleontology, and biology collections, and makes these collections available for exhibition, education, and research purposes.
40 locals recommend
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 Deweese PkwyThe Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is the premier regional provider of interactive science learning experiences, which enrich the lives of children and adults, enhance the quality of life in our community, and promote a broad understanding of the world. The dedicated staff preserves, protects, and enhances the Museum's anthropology, geology, paleontology, and biology collections, and makes these collections available for exhibition, education, and research purposes.
Carillon Historical Park is a 65-acre open-air history museum that serves as the main campus for Dayton History. You will learn about the countless ways Dayton changed the world!
80 locals recommend
Carillon Historical Park
1000 Carillon BlvdCarillon Historical Park is a 65-acre open-air history museum that serves as the main campus for Dayton History. You will learn about the countless ways Dayton changed the world!
For the football fanatic, check out the location of the 1st NFL football game ever played - October 3rd 1920!
Triangle Park
For the football fanatic, check out the location of the 1st NFL football game ever played - October 3rd 1920!
America's Packard Museum - The Citizens Motorcar Co.
420 S Ludlow StOutdoor Adventures
From urban skylines to beautiful river vistas, the Great Miami River Trail has something for everyone. The trail’s 93 miles hug the Great Miami River nearly the entire route. The route winds its way near museums, charming and historic downtowns, picnic facilities, acres of natural parkland and over gently rolling terrain – a perfect match for the runner, skater or cyclist.
Connecting Trails – Wolf Creek Trail, Mad River Trail, Stillwater Trail, Ohio to Indiana Trail, Dayton Kettering Connector.
Great Miami River Recreational Trail
Great Miami River Recreational TrailFrom urban skylines to beautiful river vistas, the Great Miami River Trail has something for everyone. The trail’s 93 miles hug the Great Miami River nearly the entire route. The route winds its way near museums, charming and historic downtowns, picnic facilities, acres of natural parkland and over gently rolling terrain – a perfect match for the runner, skater or cyclist.
Connecting Trails – Wolf Creek Trail, Mad River Trail, Stillwater Trail, Ohio to Indiana Trail, Dayton Kettering Connector.
Head out on this 2.1-mile out-and-back trail near Dayton, Ohio. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 51 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and trail running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through September.
Adirondack Trail
Adirondack TrailHead out on this 2.1-mile out-and-back trail near Dayton, Ohio. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 51 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and trail running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through September.
A beautiful, paved route connecting a handful of parks along the Mad River. This scenic pathway is part of the nation’s largest network of paved, off-street trails.
Its western end begins near webster St in Riverscape MetroPark. Here, where the Mad River meets the Miami River, you can connect to the Great Miami River Trail, an 86-mile trail through Western OH. At first, the Mad River Trail travels through relatively open landscapes, but, after crossing under Findlay Street Bridge, it becomes lines with trees.
Midway, the trail runs through Eastwood MetroPark, which offers a large lake for boating, picnic, shelters, and a playground. Head south to Springfield St, to hop on Creekside Trail, which stretches 15 miles to Xenia.
On the east side of Eastwood Park, the trail parallels Springfield St for much of the route along WPAFB. Be sure to visit the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
At the trails eastern end, you can connect to Wright Brothers Huffman Prairie bikeway to reach Huffman MetroPark and the Wright Brothers Memorial.
Mad River Trail Bike Path
Mad River Trail Bike PathA beautiful, paved route connecting a handful of parks along the Mad River. This scenic pathway is part of the nation’s largest network of paved, off-street trails.
Its western end begins near webster St in Riverscape MetroPark. Here, where the Mad River meets the Miami River, you can connect to the Great Miami River Trail, an 86-mile trail through Western OH. At first, the Mad River Trail travels through relatively open landscapes, but, after crossing under Findlay Street Bridge, it becomes lines with trees.
Midway, the trail runs through Eastwood MetroPark, which offers a large lake for boating, picnic, shelters, and a playground. Head south to Springfield St, to hop on Creekside Trail, which stretches 15 miles to Xenia.
On the east side of Eastwood Park, the trail parallels Springfield St for much of the route along WPAFB. Be sure to visit the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
At the trails eastern end, you can connect to Wright Brothers Huffman Prairie bikeway to reach Huffman MetroPark and the Wright Brothers Memorial.
How do I use RiverScape River Run?
In Feature #1, the left chute is whitewater for experienced paddlers and the right chute has a slower current for novice paddlers. In Feature#2, left chute is intended for novice paddlers and the right chute is intended for experienced paddlers.
Those paddling the RiverScape River Run should always wear a life jacket. Inexperienced paddlers should consider postponing their paddling trip when the river is flooded.
Kayaks and standup paddleboards can be rented at Whitewater Warehouse on Valley Street or at Great Miami Outfitters in Centerville. River access is available at Whitewater Warehouse, less than a mile upstream from the River Run.
Five Rivers MetroParks offers a progression of paddling classes, and this year classes will include paddling the RiverScape River Run. MetroParks skill-building progression, beginning in calm water and advancing to the whitewater of the River Run, will provide the techniques, confidence, and safety procedures that people need to paddle the rivers on their own.
Five Rivers MetroParks programs include such topics as Try Paddlesports, Kayak 1 and 2, Teen Kayak and Paddling camps, and River Safety and Rescue to name a few. Register online or by calling 275-PARK (7275)
Guided trips through the River Run, water safety training and other paddling programs are also available through local retailers such as Whitewater Warehouse (937-222-7020) and Great Miami Outfitters (937-847-8787).
Five Rivers MetroParks skill-building paddling programs are available from May through October and can be found in the Summer ParkWays, mailed to every household in Montgomery County in mid-May.
Kayak Feature: River Run Downstream
How do I use RiverScape River Run?
In Feature #1, the left chute is whitewater for experienced paddlers and the right chute has a slower current for novice paddlers. In Feature#2, left chute is intended for novice paddlers and the right chute is intended for experienced paddlers.
Those paddling the RiverScape River Run should always wear a life jacket. Inexperienced paddlers should consider postponing their paddling trip when the river is flooded.
Kayaks and standup paddleboards can be rented at Whitewater Warehouse on Valley Street or at Great Miami Outfitters in Centerville. River access is available at Whitewater Warehouse, less than a mile upstream from the River Run.
Five Rivers MetroParks offers a progression of paddling classes, and this year classes will include paddling the RiverScape River Run. MetroParks skill-building progression, beginning in calm water and advancing to the whitewater of the River Run, will provide the techniques, confidence, and safety procedures that people need to paddle the rivers on their own.
Five Rivers MetroParks programs include such topics as Try Paddlesports, Kayak 1 and 2, Teen Kayak and Paddling camps, and River Safety and Rescue to name a few. Register online or by calling 275-PARK (7275)
Guided trips through the River Run, water safety training and other paddling programs are also available through local retailers such as Whitewater Warehouse (937-222-7020) and Great Miami Outfitters (937-847-8787).
Five Rivers MetroParks skill-building paddling programs are available from May through October and can be found in the Summer ParkWays, mailed to every household in Montgomery County in mid-May.
The Dayton Dragons are the High-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. They hold the record for most consecutive sellouts by a professional sports team (previously held by the Portland Trail Blazers). The games are blast for the whole family!
33 locals recommend
Dayton Dragons Professional Baseball Team
220 N Patterson BlvdThe Dayton Dragons are the High-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. They hold the record for most consecutive sellouts by a professional sports team (previously held by the Portland Trail Blazers). The games are blast for the whole family!
Pedal Wagon Dayton
28 N Patterson BlvdFood scene
Our personal favorite, this Dinner-only option is super tasty – try the scallops, spaghetti, swordfish, -- frankly everything is worth a try -- Make sure you call for reservation!
19 locals recommend
Roost Modern Italian
524 E 5th StOur personal favorite, this Dinner-only option is super tasty – try the scallops, spaghetti, swordfish, -- frankly everything is worth a try -- Make sure you call for reservation!
A “gastropub,” pouring high end beer and cocktails served with chef inspired food. Their weekend brunch is amazing – highly recommend the mimosa, bloody mary, and breakfast tacos!
12 locals recommend
Mudlick Tap House
135 E 2nd StA “gastropub,” pouring high end beer and cocktails served with chef inspired food. Their weekend brunch is amazing – highly recommend the mimosa, bloody mary, and breakfast tacos!
A locally-sourced, progressive restaurant located just up the street on the corner of Wilkinson and 2nd. Serves delicious breakfast options as well as, lunch and dinner (make sure you check their website for hours, they change frequently).
16 locals recommend
Table 33
130 W 2nd StA locally-sourced, progressive restaurant located just up the street on the corner of Wilkinson and 2nd. Serves delicious breakfast options as well as, lunch and dinner (make sure you check their website for hours, they change frequently).
Features an exciting menu of World-fusion cuisine with strong Peruvian, French, and Mediterranean influences. The hand crafted cocktails, scallops, and beef empanadas are AMAZING! (Also available via Door Dash)
24 locals recommend
Salar Restaurant and Lounge
400 E 5th StFeatures an exciting menu of World-fusion cuisine with strong Peruvian, French, and Mediterranean influences. The hand crafted cocktails, scallops, and beef empanadas are AMAZING! (Also available via Door Dash)
Artisanal Neapolitan-style pizza and craft beer -- great place to snag a pie!
25 locals recommend
Old Scratch Pizza & Beer
812 S Patterson BlvdArtisanal Neapolitan-style pizza and craft beer -- great place to snag a pie!
Selected by The Food Network as One of the Top Two Steakhouses in the Nation – They don’t accept reservations or credit cards – So enjoy a glass or two of wine at the bar while you wait and be sure to bring cash or a checkbook!
24 locals recommend
Pine Club
1926 Brown StSelected by The Food Network as One of the Top Two Steakhouses in the Nation – They don’t accept reservations or credit cards – So enjoy a glass or two of wine at the bar while you wait and be sure to bring cash or a checkbook!
Delicious tapas style Mexican cuisine! The vibe, food, and cocktails will transport you to another world. Be sure to checkout the underground bar (Tender Mercy) after dinner
13 locals recommend
Sueño
607 East 3rd StreetDelicious tapas style Mexican cuisine! The vibe, food, and cocktails will transport you to another world. Be sure to checkout the underground bar (Tender Mercy) after dinner
Coco’s Bistro is a staple in our routine — excellent for lunch, dinner, or just a cocktail at the bar. Food is excellent and ambience is on point.
22 locals recommend
Coco's Bistro
250 Warren StCoco’s Bistro is a staple in our routine — excellent for lunch, dinner, or just a cocktail at the bar. Food is excellent and ambience is on point.
Grist
46 W 5th StExcellent place to grab lunch - The meatball sub is AMAZING!
Breweries/cocktails!
Warped Wing Brewing Company
26 Wyandot StThe Dayton Beer Company (Downtown)
41 Madison StThe Saint Anne’s Pils and Trails on the Hill are sooo good! Bonus this place has phenomenal food. The Kickin Chicken sandwich is our personal favorite. If you have kids the mac n cheese and applesauce are always a huge hit.
21 locals recommend
Fifth Street Brewpub
1600 E 5th StThe Saint Anne’s Pils and Trails on the Hill are sooo good! Bonus this place has phenomenal food. The Kickin Chicken sandwich is our personal favorite. If you have kids the mac n cheese and applesauce are always a huge hit.
Toxic Brew Company
431 E 5th StLittle Fish Brewing Company - Dayton Station
Moeller Brew Barn - Dayton
Bar Granada
5 W Monument AveThe Century Bar
18 S Jefferson StDayton Barrel Works
318 E 2nd StBelle of Dayton Distillery
122 Van Buren StSpa and salon!
If you’re looking to get a massage or facial while in town, I highly recommend Square One located a few blocks away. Amanda, the massage therapist, is amazing!
Square One Salon & Spa
Boutique stores
Best places to find fresh attire!
An intentional community space aimed at connecting in a more meaningful way.
Photography Loft ✨ The Boutique ✨ Wellness Center
THE BOUTIQUE
Boutique Brands for Men, Women + Children:
Mother. Paige. Emerson Fry. Cleobella. Free People. Nation Ltd. Faherty. Frame. Citizens of Humanity. Rylee and Cru. Kid Wild Organics and more...
Indie West Studios
An intentional community space aimed at connecting in a more meaningful way.
Photography Loft ✨ The Boutique ✨ Wellness Center
THE BOUTIQUE
Boutique Brands for Men, Women + Children:
Mother. Paige. Emerson Fry. Cleobella. Free People. Nation Ltd. Faherty. Frame. Citizens of Humanity. Rylee and Cru. Kid Wild Organics and more...
If you're local, we'd love to see you in our stunning shoppe! Located in the Shops of Oakwood, this space will leave you feeling smitten! Only selling the "things we love and believe in", you can shop our full product line consisting of clothing, accessories, unique gift items, and beautiful home decor. In the warmer seasons you can even enjoy your time out in our european-style courtyard.
shoppe smitten
If you're local, we'd love to see you in our stunning shoppe! Located in the Shops of Oakwood, this space will leave you feeling smitten! Only selling the "things we love and believe in", you can shop our full product line consisting of clothing, accessories, unique gift items, and beautiful home decor. In the warmer seasons you can even enjoy your time out in our european-style courtyard.
The Parlor Boutique & Wine Shop
Wild Poppy
Working Out/Gym
Speakeasy Yoga
510 E 3rd StRINSE CYCLE
Space Three
39 S St Clair St