9 Prettiest Towns to Visit in Ohio in 2024
Often overlooked and under the radar for most travelers, Ohio is usually not the first state you would think of when it comes to aesthetically pleasing destinations. Contrary to its farmland reputation, there is more to this Buckeye State than just lush fields and tilled lands.
Between Sugarcreek’s Swiss-like haven and Put-In-Bay’s island getaway vibes, this list rounds up some of the prettiest towns to visit in Ohio! These places are also some of the safest and least crowded due to their modest population. Most importantly, you will be surprised by how varied and eclectic Ohio’s attractions actually are. Get ready to be charmed by Ohio’s prettiest small towns in 2024!
Sugarcreek
Nicknamed Ohio’s Little Switzerland, Sugarcreek’s alpine-style architecture and adorable attractions—like its World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock—will fill your traveler’s heart with glee! Influenced by early German and Swiss settlers, the town’s European heritage can still be seen around town through its Alpine Hills Museum and the nearby Broad Run Cheesehouse and Winery and Breitenbach Wine Cellars.
Watch the town transform into a lovely Swiss village lined with flowers, parades of people in traditional clothing, and an array of delectable delicacies every late September during the Ohio Swiss Festival. Train enthusiasts will enjoy the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum and the train car rooms of Sugarcreek Village Inn. Sugarcreek is also known as the “gateway to Amish Country”, so pop over to Dutch Valley Restaurant and Bakery for comforting Amish-inspired meals.
Granville
Downtown Granville’s New England-inspired colonial architecture is a great mix of old-world charm and modern luxury, making it an absolute feast for the eyes of any visitor. Start your stay at the Granville Inn, a hundred-year-old inn rich in history and Ohioan hospitality. A block away is the lavishly beautiful Avery-Downer House and Robbins Hunter Museum, an 18th-century house filled with 18th and 19th-century decor.
Another must-visit Granville-house-turned-attraction is the Bryn Du Mansion, which has turned into a community space that hosts lectures, sporting events, music festivals, and even art classes. For an astounding piece of ancient history, be amazed at the Alligator Mound, an effigy believed to be made by Native Americans around AD 800 to 1200!
Vermilion
As one of the towns dotted around Lake Erie, Vermilion has a wellspring of beautiful lakeside attractions. Main Street Beach, Vermilion’s picturesque public beach, is one of the most popular spots in town, and locals and visitors alike can swim, kayak, fish, and even bird watch in it. Nearby is the Vermilion Lighthouse, a monument representing the town’s harbor history.
Visitors with boats can dock at one of the many guest ramps, with McGarvey's Landing one of the best because of its scenic boardwalk, amenities, and fun events like the annual rubber duck races. You can also venture inland and explore the beauty of Vermilion’s history through its historic walking tour, Vermilion History Museum, and the unique lodging of The Old Vermilion Jailhouse Bed and Breakfast.
Yellow Springs
Those in the know visit Yellow Springs for its natural attractions, particularly the town’s Glen Helen Nature Preserve. In it, you will find hiking trails that lead to its tiny waterfall called Grotto Falls, a Raptor Center that gives visitors an interactive experience with its rehabilitated birds, and the Trailside Museum that exhibits Ohio’s native flora. You can also pick flowers at The Village Flower Farm and have family-friendly activities at Young’s Jersey Dairy.
However, its downtown district is also equally striking with its quaint small-town shops and stops. See the tiny albeit historic train station of the town, have a drink at the 18th-century local watering hole of Ye Olde Trail Tavern, and buy some souvenirs at the adorable gift shop of Little Fairy Garden.
Marietta
As the oldest settlement in Ohio, Marietta is full of stunning historical attractions and well-preserved architecture. Its downtown is dotted with dollhouse-like shops and historical sites, like the Peoples Bank Theatre that first opened in 1919, the history-rich mansion of Castle Historic House Museum, and the macabre yet interesting attraction of Cawley & Peoples Mortuary Museum.
Get a different view of the city via a narrated Trolley Tour, a Segway tour around town, or a riverboat cruise with Valley Gem Sternwheeler. You can also get acquainted with the Marietta Boat Club if you are visiting Marietta with your own boat. Other attractions in and around town include the Children's Toy and Doll Museum on Gilman Avenue, the fortress Campus Martius, and the Henry Fearing House Museum.
Westerville
Westerville wonderfully blends the beauty of its parks with its bustling downtown, making it one of the best and prettiest towns to visit in Ohio. Inniswood Metro Gardens’ wisteria blooms, the water activities of Highlands Park Aquatic Center, and the whimsical playground structures of Johnston-McVay Park are just some of the must-see park attractions of the city.
Downtown explorers will also get a kick out of Westerville’s cityscape. The Frank Museum of Art will amaze you with its artistic visual culture and the Anti-Saloon League Museum will educate you about Westerville’s prohibition history. Meanwhile, the family-owned Schneider’s Bakery will wow you with its handcrafted donuts and the Ohio Art Market on State Street will have you buying souvenirs that are Ohio-made.
Put-In-Bay
Nestled on the island of South Bass in Lake Erie, Put-In-Bay is a tiny picture-perfect Ohio village that offers a wealth of island attractions and activities. Begin your visit with a selfie at the iconic Put-In-Bay sign, then follow it up with a scenic train tour that takes you to the must-see spots in the area. You can also cruise around town with a rented golf cart or get a great view of the island in the air through parasailing.
Stay at BayShore Resort to get premier waterfront views, or party it up at the adult-only Commodore Resort. For a unique lodging experience, the Benson Ford Shiphouse is a ship transformed into a four-story vacation home. Other activities that showcase the beauty of the island include gemstone mining and butterfly watching at Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, visiting Put-In-Bay wineries, and having a solemn stroll at the Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial Park that remembers the fallen heroes of Lake Erie.
Peninsula
Another village worthy of a visit is Peninsula, one of Ohio’s best-kept secrets for hiking, skiing, and touring via a historic train. Board the train at the Peninsula Depot to experience the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. You will go through the lush forests of Cuyahoga Valley National Park while enjoying cocktails and a luxurious dinner.
After that panoramic train ride, stretch your legs by going through Peninsula’s picturesque trails. The Lock 29 trail is both a scenic and historical hike that takes you through Peninsula’s old waterways. After all the sightseeing, reward yourself with a dinner at the Winking Lizard and a drink at Peninsula Coffee House and Market, which has waterfront views of the Cuyahoga River. Visit Boston Mills Brandywine in winter for skiing and snowboarding.
Chagrin Falls
Named after the waterfalls in Chagrin River, Chagrin Falls is another quaint Ohio village blessed with natural views, an active downtown, and a thriving art culture. The iconic falls are just a hop and a skip from Main Street, with cute shops surrounding it, like the Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, and the Past Meets Present antique store. You can enjoy shopping and dining while getting a great view of the falls!
Get a new perspective and appreciation of the arts with Chagrin Falls’ Valley Art Center classes. Want some unique Chagrin Falls souvenirs? The Glass Asylum accepts custom orders and offers glass-blowing workshops, so you can either ask them to make it for you or create your souvenir yourself! Not only is Chagrin Falls beautiful with its views, but you get to see the beauty of handcrafted art, too.
Final Thoughts
Ohio is far from most travelers’ top picks when it comes to vacation destinations and itinerary planning, making it one of the most underrated states in the United States. However, as shown by these nine towns, there is more to Ohio than just its agricultural contributions and often shared misconceptions. These small towns might even inspire you to forgo the more popular and populated cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati and focus on unfrequented locales instead.
Granville’s well-preserved colonial history, Sugarcreek’s Swiss architecture, Peninsula’s scenic train tours, and Yellow Springs’ outdoor scenery are just some of Ohio’s hidden beauty. These tourist spots can be found in some of the prettiest towns to visit in Ohio, and it is about time these towns get their moment in the spotlight!
