THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Dayton (2024) - Must-See Attractions (2024)

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Top Attractions in Dayton

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

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• RHS1946

  Monroe, MI131 contributions

  Amazing Overview of Military Air PowerThrough the Years

  The National Museum of the US Air Force is so large and detailed and extensive that in 4 different trips here I have still yet to see more than a quarter of it. Some exhibits remain the same while other special exhibits rotate in and out. It begins with early flight and goes all the way to modern times. I was especially interested this time in the Berlin Air Lift when food and many other essential supplies were airlifted by the U.S. into the city of West Berlin, Germany. At that time East Berlin was under Communist control and all roads and other pathways into the city were blocked in an attempt to control that part too. I will return here again!

  Review of: National Museum of the US Air Force

  Written August 17, 2024

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Carol S

  1 contribution

  Carillon Historic Park

  Carillon Historic Park was informative about the inventors from the Dayton area, including the Wright Brothers and John Henry Patterson who started the National Cash Register Company. It is a village of houses and buildings with cars, buses, train cars, a building bout printing, and guides to help share the history. We spent about 4 hours and could have spent more time. Being originally from Ohio, it was interesting to learn more about our state's people and their impact.

  Review of: Carillon Historical Park

  Written August 15, 2024

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• RetiredTravelerTN

  Nashville, TN3,946 contributions

  Worth A Stop For Auto Enthusiasts and History Lovers

  A stop at America's Packard Museum was a nice addition to our trip to Dayton. We spent a pleasant hour inspecting the autos on display -- a nice variety of models and colors. The gentleman who took our admission at the door was more than happy to tell us about the various cars in the collection and unique aspects of some models. The only disappointment was that a few autos were not on display due to set up for a wedding.

  We visited on a Saturday and found free street parking a couple of blocks from the museum building -- an original dealership building.

  Review of: America's Packard Museum - The Citizens Motorcar Co.

  Written June 9, 2024

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• LightPacker82954

  2 contributions

  Must go farmers market! ❤️

  I love farmer markets, but this one was amazing ! The people here are so phenomenal, so nice! Everyone had a story.

  This is a great place to do a quick walk around, eat tons of yummies and meet interesting locals!!

  Review of: 2nd Street Market

  Written September 22, 2023

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• yorkscbuckeye

  York, SC233 contributions

  Don't miss

  This is very well done has plenty to see and is worth and hour or so stop. Has a great 30 min movie and plenty of stuff to see. Checkout the bike shop and where the family home was. Plus it's all free.

  Review of: Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

  Written July 11, 2024

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Christa O

  Dayton, OH35 contributions

  Kid friendly

  The museum has outdoor trails, a few activities, and a play area. Kids could spend hours here because it's a fun place to learn and have fun.

  Review of: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

  Written June 3, 2024

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Gordon S

  238 contributions

  A solid art museum, medium sized

  Dayton Art Museum has a beautifully designed building with a garden in the center of a circuit. A lovely bonsai tree is in that garden. Wonderful art surrounds the garden. American art is strongly represented with Hopper, Robert Brackman’s Life masterpiece, Henri, Demuth, a rather plain Cassatt and a wonderful Samuel Richards story-telling painting. Their European section boasts a sweet Bonnard, Pissarro, rare but fabulous Charles Pearce and Gerome. Dayton is a solid art museum though not as large or comprehensive as other Ohio cities.

  Review of: Dayton Art Institute

  Written May 18, 2024

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Maria M

  Dayton, OH12 contributions

  Beautiful Theatre

  My family and I have seen many shows here. Staff are friendly and very helpful. The ambience and technology of the shows never disappoint!

  Written March 12, 2020

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• julia_fisher

  Merrimac, MA880 contributions

  On our way home

  We found Erma Bombeck and the Wright Brothers. I wish it hadn't snowed so we could have seen it better but still saw what we came for.

  Written February 17, 2024

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Molly V

  Broken Arrow, OK17 contributions

  A must see for anyone visiting Dayton

  This was a lovely stop on a cold winter day.
  The visitor center was informative. During our visit there were exhibits about the Wright brothers, the poet Paul Dunbar and parachutes,

  Review of: The Wright Cycle Company Complex

  Written March 1, 2024

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• 266LISA_RAYE266

  Lake City, FL88 contributions

  Cool place for history buffs.

  If you like history then you will enjoy this old family farm. They have a building set up like a museum with the history of the family as well as information about that time period. They have copies of the actual logs they kept for you to view. Then you can take a walk around the beautiful grounds. They have the actual home open for you to see how they lived as well as volunteers dressed in period clothing that will tell you the history. The gentleman in the wood working shop explains to you all of the tools and gives you a tutorial of working a few of them. A few animals for you to see also. You can’t beat the price (free). Nicely set up.

  Review of: Carriage Hill MetroPark

  Written June 20, 2024

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• garyure

  Tampa, FL27 contributions

  Fascinating

  The Oregon District has a distinct 'old village' flavor. A wonderfully diverse and interesting neighborhood. The eclectic nature of each shop is unique and unforgettable. Don't be surprised if you are embarrassed by some of the displays. The humor is outstanding!

  Review of: Oregon District

  Written May 6, 2022

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.