Location: Dayton
Top Things to do in Dayton
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What to do and see in Dayton, Ohio (OH): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
It was in a small bicycle shop in Dayton that the Wright brothers imagined their aerodynamic principles and created their first gliders. The so-called "birthplace of aviation" remembers its lofty past with the National Museum of the U. S. Air Force and the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. SunWatch Indian Village and Archaeological Park offers a glimpse at an earlier history of the area. Dayton's vibrant arts and cultural scenes boast numerous museums, theaters and galleries.
Restaurants in Dayton
1. National Museum of the US Air Force
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,908 reviews
Reviewed By I6851YTnickg - Chesterfield, United Kingdom
Fantastic museum, great staff, had a great day here, taking tours, using the cinema and flight simulators and looking at the great collection of aircraft on display here. It has the best collection of US aircraft ive ever seen, where else can you go and see a B36 peacemaker, a B2 spirit and a B58 hustler in the same room! Dont miss this place, its worth the flight to the US to visit this place! If you've never been go!
2. Carillon Historical Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 940 reviews
Reviewed By JaneanPhillips - Kettering, United States
This is a must-see in the Dayton area, for everyone young and old. This museum is filled with historical artifacts, featuring the first flight Wright flyer, the Wright Bros cycle shop, other historical buildings that have been relocated there, massive amounts of inventions and their inventors all unique to Dayton. The gift shop offers many unique gifts, including purses, etc, made from pop tops.
3. The Neon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By krysking2018 - Dayton, United States
The Neon is the BEST movie theater in Dayton, OH. It is the most enjoyable and pleasant moviegoing experience one can have from start to finish...purchase tickets on-line, great location, free parking across the street, sanitized, deodorized to include a highspeed air filtration for cleanliness, charming manager/staff, great prices and the selection of movies is superb ! Sidebar, I highly recommend the Virtual Cinema for those who may be reluctant to venture out.
4. Esther Price Fine Chocolates
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By kathygplus3
A classic and annual place to order our favorite chocolates - whether on-line or lucky enough to be able to go in. A great place for any chocolate lover. For a unique and tasty sweet and salty item, check out the chocolate covered potato chips.
5. Pedal Wagon Dayton
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 116 reviews
The Pedal Wagon is a multi-person, pedal-powered, rolling celebration. Operating 7 days a week, you can reserve the entire Pedal Wagon or just part of it. Choose from a variety of cruises, on which you will share a memorable experience with friends, co-workers, or complete strangers while enjoying Dayton's great restaurants, bars, and “best-kept secret” local establishments. Perfect for corporate outings, birthdays, bachelorette/bachelor parties progressive dinners or just because!
6. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
This is the location of the Wright brothers Wright Cycle Company building plus other related historical aviation sites.
Reviewed By FrankD834 - South Bend, United States
This area includes the Visitor Center, the Parachute Museum, the retored Wright Brother's Cycle Shop, the Dayton Walk of Fame, and the location of the Wright Brother's Family Home. The Dunbar house is also part of it, nut is located less than a mile away. I checked all of it out. The Cycle Shop Tour is good, but the information is the same as what's in the short movie they show for the most part. It is interesting just to be in the actual building and interesting how they found that it even existed. The location of the Wright's house is a lot with a porch. The actual house had been moved to Greenfield Village in Dearborn, MI many years ago by Henry Ford. The Walk of Fame is more of a City of Dayton thing, but interesting. I did not go into the Dunbar House, but did stop and look around. It's in great shape. The Parachute Museum is one room, but has some interesting exhibits. The Visitor Center itself has a Wright Flyer, a good movie about the the brothers, interesting exhibits, and a mock up of a period store, and their print shop is also upstairs. I spent a few hours here and enjoyed all of it. The Wright Cycle Shop is now checked off my Bucket List of places I wanted to see.
7. SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
SunWatch offers exploration and learning, both indoors and out! Visitors will enjoy immersing themselves in the 800-year-old reconstructed Village that features several structures located in their original, exact locations, as well as learning about the history of the Village and its inhabitants in the indoor Interpretive Center.
Reviewed By 24terrelld - Hannibal, United States
Excellent video, museum, and reconstruction of the village. An incredible opportunity to view life here before European contact. Must see if you have any interest in history and archeology!
8. Dayton Art Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 407 reviews
The DAI is open and current museum hours are Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon - 5 p.m. When planning a visit, we encourage you to check our website to confirm current museum hours & status. Founded in 1919, The Dayton Art Institute is one of the region’s premier fine arts museums. In addition to exhibiting outstanding special exhibitions and impressive collections of art from throughout the world, the museum is renowned for education programming that includes an array of offerings for diverse audiences. The Dayton Art Institute is committed to enriching lives and serving the community by creating meaningful experiences with art.
Reviewed By DannoActon
Was honored to attend the Dayton Area Bd of Realtors 2020 induction at Dayton Art Institute. As a first time visitor, I was amazed at a fantastic collection in a beautiful building. Dayton Art Institute is truly an Ohio treasure. I gladly recommend Dayton Art as a venue for your next upscale event. Staffing was great, food very good. DAI staffers easily handled a crowd of 200 for a played dinner. Hats off to the Dayton Art Bd & staffers for a wonderful evening. 1/09/2020
9. 2nd Street Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Local growers, bakers, culinary specialists, and artisans fill this charming historic freight house. Reminiscent of European markets, it's alive with vendors, people and activity during market hours year-round.
Reviewed By patriciaskis
Terrific morning destination for coffee and crepes--enclosed venue for any type weather. Lovely bread, pottery, olive oil, vegetables, cheese, food vendors, and alpaca wool items; plus, flowers from The Flowerman!, of course! Jazz combo playing--just delightful!
10. RiverScape MetroPark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
This popular park, found along the Great Miami River in the heart of Downtown Dayton, is a hub of activities for all ages -- from concerts and community events to bike rentals. Beautiful floral plantings, hanging baskets and fountains make RiverScape the Miami Valley's favorite community gathering place. Always open.
Reviewed By camperinvestigator - Michigan, United States
Very beautiful park. Visited in a snow storm and it was beautiful with the snow falling and the lights in the trees and all the people skating on the ice rink. A beautiful stroll on a winter night.
