Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Dayton, Ohio, United States
1. John Bryan State Park
A scenic park with the Little Miami River and John Bryan Cliffside Cave. Offers hiking trails, picnicking, fishing, canoeing, and swimming.
- Natural Wonders: Features a unique cave system and lush riverfront.
- Water Activities: Offers opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and swimming.
- Hiking Trails: Provides a variety of trails for exploring the park.
2. Philippy Farm Ice Cream
A roadside stand offering homemade ice cream and scenic views of the Great Miami River. Known for its unique flavors.
- Unique Flavors: Offers a variety of creative ice cream flavors.
- Riverfront Views: Enjoy stunning views of the Great Miami River while you eat.
- Seasonal Attraction: Operates during warmer months, typically May through September.
3. Carillon Historical Park
Museum showcasing the history of Dayton, featuring historic buildings and an operating carousel. Located on the Great Miami River.
- Historical Significance: Offers a glimpse into the rich history of Dayton.
- Riverfront Location: Situated on the Great Miami River, providing picturesque views.
- Operating Carousel: Enjoy a ride on an operational carousel dating back to the early 1900s.
4. Dayton RiverScape MetroPark
An urban park along the Great Miami River featuring a performance stage, green spaces, and bike rentals.
- Urban Park: Located in the heart of Dayton, providing a peaceful escape.
- Performance Stage: Hosts concerts and events throughout the year.
- Bike Rentals: Rent a bike to explore the park or continue along the riverfront trail.
5. Wright-Patt National Air Force Museum Beach
A beach located at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, offering a unique setting for water activities and picnicking.
- Military Connection: Located on an active Air Force base, with aviation history nearby.
- Waterfront Beach: Offers a sandy beach for swimming and relaxation.
- Picnic Facilities: Provides picnic areas for enjoying meals outdoors.
6. Miami Valley Gondola Co.
Offers romantic gondola rides along the Great Miami River, perfect for special occasions.
- Romantic Experience: Provides a memorable experience for couples or small groups.
- Riverfront Views: Enjoy stunning views of the Great Miami River during your ride.
- Customizable Tours: Tours can be customized to suit your preferences.
7. Dayton Art Institute Riverfront Sculpture Park
A sculpture park located along the Great Miami River adjacent to the Dayton Art Institute.
- Artistic Display: Displays an array of contemporary and modern art sculptures.
- Riverfront Location: Located on the Great Miami River, offering beautiful views.
- Accessible Art: The sculptures are strategically placed to be easily viewed from the riverfront trail.
8. SunWatch Indian Village
A living history museum showcasing the culture and lifestyle of prehistoric Native American tribes. Features a reconstructed village and waterfront area.
- Living History Museum: Provides insights into the lives of prehistoric Native American cultures.
- Reconstructed Village: Features a recreated village showcasing traditional architecture and artifacts.
- Waterfront Area: Includes a reconstructed waterfront area to demonstrate the importance of rivers in Native American culture.
9. Dayton Riverwalk
A paved trail along the Great Miami River connecting various parks and attractions in Dayton.
- Connected Trail System: Connects multiple parks and attractions, providing a seamless experience.
- Riverfront Views: Offers stunning views of the Great Miami River throughout the trail.
- Active Transportation: Provides a safe and accessible option for biking or walking around Dayton.
10. Miami Valley Bike Trail
A paved trail system connecting various communities in the Miami Valley region, including Dayton.
- Connected System: Connects multiple communities, making it easier to explore the area.
- Active Transportation: Provides a safe and accessible option for biking or walking around the region.
- Nature Immersion: Offers opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the Miami Valley.
11. Dayton Bayview Park
A park located along the Great Miami River offering picnicking, fishing, and scenic views.
- Riverfront Location: Situated on the Great Miami River, providing picturesque views.
- Recreational Activities: Offers fishing, picnicking, and other outdoor activities.
- Accessible Parking: Provides ample parking for easy access.
12. Dayton Boat Rentals
Rent a variety of watercrafts to explore the Great Miami River or nearby lakes.
- Watercraft Rentals: Offers a wide selection of boats, canoes, and kayaks for rent.
- Guided Tours: Provides guided tours to help you discover the area's hidden gems.
- Flexible Rentals: Offers both hourly and daily rentals to suit your needs.
13. Dayton's RiverScape
A riverfront area featuring restaurants, shops, and event spaces along the Great Miami River.
- Urban Entertainment: Offers dining, shopping, and entertainment options in a scenic setting.
- Event Spaces: Hosts events throughout the year, including concerts and festivals.
- Scenic Riverfront: Provides stunning views of the Great Miami River while you dine or shop.
14. Miami Valley Centre Mall Fountain
A shopping mall featuring a large outdoor fountain and a variety of retail options.
- Shopping Destination: Provides a wide range of retail stores to shop from.
- Outdoor Fountain: Features a large outdoor fountain for relaxing or taking photos.
- Dining Options: Offers various dining options, including fast food and full-service restaurants.
15. Dayton Canal at RiverScape
A scenic canal connecting the Great Miami River to downtown Dayton's riverfront area.
- Water Transportation: Offers a unique way to explore Dayton via water taxi or personal watercraft.
- Historic Connection: Part of the historic canal system used for transportation and commerce in the 1800s.
- Scenic Beauty: Provides a beautiful setting for enjoying nature and urban landscapes.