Tired of the same dinner-and-a-movie date night routine? Fortunately for you (and your partner), Ohio is full of unique destinations and attractions that are perfect for a romantic, fun, and unconventional date. Make your significant other fall in love with you all over again with these 16 ideas for the best dates in Ohio!

  1. Go on a real adventure.

Tabitha Kaylee Hawk/Flickr Take your pick of Ohio’s unbelievably beautiful state parks and hike, chase waterfalls, and explore the caves of Ohio. (Pictured: Old Man’s Cave at Hocking Hills State Park.) Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, OH 43138, USA

  1. Explore the Chateau Laroche…

Richard Cawood/Flickr Prove to your date that chivalry isn’t dead and explore this historic medieval-style structure (more commonly known as the Loveland Castle,) and its beautiful gardens in Loveland. Built brick-by-brick by just one man, this gem along the banks of the little Miami River will surely charm you and your date. (And, seriously, WHAT is more romantic than a CASTLE in a place called LOVELAND?) Loveland Castle Museum, 12025 Shore Dr, Loveland, OH 45140, USA

  1. Stay overnight in an Ohio castle.

Brian Giese/Flickr If visiting a castle isn’t romantic enough for you…for a more elaborate date night that you plan to turn into a weekend, stay at one of Ohio’s very own castle getaways. (Pictured: Landoll’s Mohican Castle.) Landoll’s Mohican Castle - Luxury Hotel in Central Ohio, 561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA

  1. Have a lakeside picnic and tour Marblehead Lighthouse.

Dave/Flickr Picnic at Marblehead Lighthouse along the shores of Lake Erie and visit the lighthouse’s museum in the Keeper’s House. Marblehead Lighthouse, 110 Lighthouse Dr, Marblehead, OH 43440, USA

  1. Experience the Columbus Zoo Wildlights.

Sam Howzit/Flickr Although you’ll have to plan this one around the holiday season, it’s well worth it if you’re aiming for a true Winter Wonderland kind of date. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065, USA

  1. Check out Ohio’s outdoor sculpture park.

elycefeliz/Flickr The Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum in Hamilton is every art enthusiast’s dream come true. The park features a 10,000-square-foot Ancient Sculpture Museum, which displays Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Etruscan sculptures that are thousands of years old. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd, Hamilton, OH 45013, USA

  1. Enjoy a wine tasting.

ohkylel@twitter/Flickr Because there’s nothing more romantic than a wine tasting to set the mood–and because Ohio is home to more than 150 wineries. (Pictured: Vinoklet Winery in Cincinnati where, as an added bonus, there is a heart-shaped lake. A HEART-SHAPED lake.) If you’re looking for a weekend getaway in Ohio Wine Country, look no further than The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake! This resort boasts breathtaking views and a prime location on the southern shore of Lake Erie, near Geneva State Park in the heart of Ohio Wine Country. The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake offers 109 rooms and suites in a variety of configurations, as well as 25 lakeside cottages for those seeking a more private experience. Swoon! Vinoklet Winery & Restaurant, 11069 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45252, USA

  1. Explore the cobblestone streets of German Village.

Photographer/Flickr Where the cobblestone street charm and 32-room book store make you feel like you’re a living, breathing love story. German Village, Columbus, OH, USA

  1. Indulge your childhood dreams and spend a night in the trees.

The Mohicans In addition to the great outdoors and beautiful cabins, The Mohicans in Glenmont feature some mind-blowing tree houses (complete with electricity and running water) available for overnight stays. Truly impress your date with one of Ohio’s best-kept secrets. The Mohicans Treehouse Resort and Wedding Venue, 23164 Vess Rd, Glenmont, OH 44628, USA

  1. Tour the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens.

Amy/Flickr This beloved mansion in Akron is an undeniably romantic destination for a date. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303, USA

  1. Visit the Columbus Park of Roses.

Edward Raybould/Flickr Because honestly, WHAT is more romantic than a stroll through a park full of ROSES? Columbus Park of Roses, 3901 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214, USA

  1. Catch a classic film at the historic Ohio Theatre…

Ohio Theatre This beautiful place is located in the heart of Columbus and it’s as romantic as it gets. Ohio Theatre, 39 E State St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

  1. … Or catch a film under the stars at a drive-in movie theater.

Starlite Drive-In For an affordable, nostalgic, and romantic movie-viewing experience, check out one of Ohio’s drive-in theaters. (Pictured: Starlite Drive-In in Amelia.) Starlite Drive-In Theatre, 2255 OH-125, Amelia, OH 45102, USA

  1. Observe fine art.

Tim Evanson/Flickr Ohio is full of several impressive art museums where you can impress your date with your knowledge of art. (Pictured: The Cleveland Museum of Art) The Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA

  1. Hop aboard a train and travel a scenic railroad.

Joanne/Flickr Impress your date with another one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Ohio is home to two beautiful scenic railroads. Tour the Cuyahoga Valley by train via the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in Peninsula. You can also opt to tour the Hocking Valley by train along the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway in Nelsonville. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Rockside Station, 7900 Old Rockside Rd, Independence, OH 44131, USA

  1. Dine with a view.

Primavista/Facebook For a twist on the traditional dinner date night, check out one of our previous lists of Ohio’s scenic restaurants, where the views are just as captivating as the food. (Pictured: Primavista in Cincinnati.) Primavista, 810 Matson Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45204, USA

Have you done any of these before? What other unique attractions or destinations are there in Ohio that are ideal for an unconventional date? Your picks for the best dates in Ohio? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Tabitha Kaylee Hawk/Flickr

Take your pick of Ohio’s unbelievably beautiful state parks and hike, chase waterfalls, and explore the caves of Ohio. (Pictured: Old Man’s Cave at Hocking Hills State Park.)

Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, OH 43138, USA

Richard Cawood/Flickr

Prove to your date that chivalry isn’t dead and explore this historic medieval-style structure (more commonly known as the Loveland Castle,) and its beautiful gardens in Loveland. Built brick-by-brick by just one man, this gem along the banks of the little Miami River will surely charm you and your date. (And, seriously, WHAT is more romantic than a CASTLE in a place called LOVELAND?)

Loveland Castle Museum, 12025 Shore Dr, Loveland, OH 45140, USA

Brian Giese/Flickr

If visiting a castle isn’t romantic enough for you…for a more elaborate date night that you plan to turn into a weekend, stay at one of Ohio’s very own castle getaways. (Pictured: Landoll’s Mohican Castle.)

Landoll’s Mohican Castle - Luxury Hotel in Central Ohio, 561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA

Dave/Flickr

Picnic at Marblehead Lighthouse along the shores of Lake Erie and visit the lighthouse’s museum in the Keeper’s House.

Marblehead Lighthouse, 110 Lighthouse Dr, Marblehead, OH 43440, USA

Sam Howzit/Flickr

Although you’ll have to plan this one around the holiday season, it’s well worth it if you’re aiming for a true Winter Wonderland kind of date.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065, USA

elycefeliz/Flickr

The Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum in Hamilton is every art enthusiast’s dream come true. The park features a 10,000-square-foot Ancient Sculpture Museum, which displays Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Etruscan sculptures that are thousands of years old.

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd, Hamilton, OH 45013, USA

ohkylel@twitter/Flickr

Because there’s nothing more romantic than a wine tasting to set the mood–and because Ohio is home to more than 150 wineries. (Pictured: Vinoklet Winery in Cincinnati where, as an added bonus, there is a heart-shaped lake. A HEART-SHAPED lake.) If you’re looking for a weekend getaway in Ohio Wine Country, look no further than The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake! This resort boasts breathtaking views and a prime location on the southern shore of Lake Erie, near Geneva State Park in the heart of Ohio Wine Country. The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake offers 109 rooms and suites in a variety of configurations, as well as 25 lakeside cottages for those seeking a more private experience. Swoon!

Vinoklet Winery & Restaurant, 11069 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45252, USA

Photographer/Flickr

Where the cobblestone street charm and 32-room book store make you feel like you’re a living, breathing love story.

German Village, Columbus, OH, USA

The Mohicans

In addition to the great outdoors and beautiful cabins, The Mohicans in Glenmont feature some mind-blowing tree houses (complete with electricity and running water) available for overnight stays. Truly impress your date with one of Ohio’s best-kept secrets.

The Mohicans Treehouse Resort and Wedding Venue, 23164 Vess Rd, Glenmont, OH 44628, USA

Amy/Flickr

This beloved mansion in Akron is an undeniably romantic destination for a date.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303, USA

Edward Raybould/Flickr

Because honestly, WHAT is more romantic than a stroll through a park full of ROSES?

Columbus Park of Roses, 3901 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214, USA

Ohio Theatre

This beautiful place is located in the heart of Columbus and it’s as romantic as it gets.

Ohio Theatre, 39 E State St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

Starlite Drive-In

For an affordable, nostalgic, and romantic movie-viewing experience, check out one of Ohio’s drive-in theaters. (Pictured: Starlite Drive-In in Amelia.)

Starlite Drive-In Theatre, 2255 OH-125, Amelia, OH 45102, USA

Tim Evanson/Flickr

Ohio is full of several impressive art museums where you can impress your date with your knowledge of art. (Pictured: The Cleveland Museum of Art)

The Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA

Joanne/Flickr

Impress your date with another one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Ohio is home to two beautiful scenic railroads. Tour the Cuyahoga Valley by train via the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in Peninsula. You can also opt to tour the Hocking Valley by train along the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway in Nelsonville.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Rockside Station, 7900 Old Rockside Rd, Independence, OH 44131, USA

Primavista/Facebook

For a twist on the traditional dinner date night, check out one of our previous lists of Ohio’s scenic restaurants, where the views are just as captivating as the food. (Pictured: Primavista in Cincinnati.)

Primavista, 810 Matson Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45204, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best dates in Ohio September 29, 2022 Sarah M. What are some fun day dates in Ohio? What do you get when you combine a charming castle with a scenic kayaking excursion? One of the best day dates in Ohio, that’s what! So what is this royal adventure, you ask? The Castle Adventure with Loveland Canoe & Kayak is a five-mile excursion where you’ll get to paddle right by the stunning Loveland Castle! An easy kayaking trip, intrepid explorers will meet at Loveland Canoe & Kayak, where they’ll be checked in, outfitted with life vests, and then transported to the launch point at Carl Rahe Park. This portion of the Little Miami River is calm and generally not too deep, making for a relaxing paddling adventure for beginners and seasoned pros alike. About halfway through, the castle will come into focus; it’s so beautiful, it doesn’t seem real! Along the way, there are lots of banks and beautiful spots to stop and enjoy a swim or picnic, which, if you ask us, sounds like a super romantic way to spend a beautiful Ohio day with your special someone! Another super romantic spot to spend the day (or weekend!) is German Village, a slice of the Old Country in Columbus, Ohio! This unique locale in Ohio features charming, locally-owned shops, housed in historic brick and Tudor-style buildings, all in a walkable downtown. Restaurants serving the best, most amazing German cuisine: sausage and sauerkraut, schnitzel and dumplings, cream puffs and stollen, and some of the best brews in the Buckeye State! This neighborhood is as romantic as it gets, and the perfect place to wander hand-in-hand!

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best dates in Ohio

September 29, 2022

Sarah M.

What are some fun day dates in Ohio? What do you get when you combine a charming castle with a scenic kayaking excursion? One of the best day dates in Ohio, that’s what! So what is this royal adventure, you ask? The Castle Adventure with Loveland Canoe & Kayak is a five-mile excursion where you’ll get to paddle right by the stunning Loveland Castle! An easy kayaking trip, intrepid explorers will meet at Loveland Canoe & Kayak, where they’ll be checked in, outfitted with life vests, and then transported to the launch point at Carl Rahe Park. This portion of the Little Miami River is calm and generally not too deep, making for a relaxing paddling adventure for beginners and seasoned pros alike. About halfway through, the castle will come into focus; it’s so beautiful, it doesn’t seem real! Along the way, there are lots of banks and beautiful spots to stop and enjoy a swim or picnic, which, if you ask us, sounds like a super romantic way to spend a beautiful Ohio day with your special someone! Another super romantic spot to spend the day (or weekend!) is German Village, a slice of the Old Country in Columbus, Ohio! This unique locale in Ohio features charming, locally-owned shops, housed in historic brick and Tudor-style buildings, all in a walkable downtown. Restaurants serving the best, most amazing German cuisine: sausage and sauerkraut, schnitzel and dumplings, cream puffs and stollen, and some of the best brews in the Buckeye State! This neighborhood is as romantic as it gets, and the perfect place to wander hand-in-hand!

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

What do you get when you combine a charming castle with a scenic kayaking excursion? One of the best day dates in Ohio, that’s what! So what is this royal adventure, you ask? The Castle Adventure with Loveland Canoe & Kayak is a five-mile excursion where you’ll get to paddle right by the stunning Loveland Castle! An easy kayaking trip, intrepid explorers will meet at Loveland Canoe & Kayak, where they’ll be checked in, outfitted with life vests, and then transported to the launch point at Carl Rahe Park. This portion of the Little Miami River is calm and generally not too deep, making for a relaxing paddling adventure for beginners and seasoned pros alike. About halfway through, the castle will come into focus; it’s so beautiful, it doesn’t seem real! Along the way, there are lots of banks and beautiful spots to stop and enjoy a swim or picnic, which, if you ask us, sounds like a super romantic way to spend a beautiful Ohio day with your special someone!

Another super romantic spot to spend the day (or weekend!) is German Village, a slice of the Old Country in Columbus, Ohio! This unique locale in Ohio features charming, locally-owned shops, housed in historic brick and Tudor-style buildings, all in a walkable downtown. Restaurants serving the best, most amazing German cuisine: sausage and sauerkraut, schnitzel and dumplings, cream puffs and stollen, and some of the best brews in the Buckeye State! This neighborhood is as romantic as it gets, and the perfect place to wander hand-in-hand!