Gem City’s Hidden Gems - A Local’s Guide To Exploring Dayton Ohio
Nestled in the heart of Ohio, Dayton is a city bursting at the seams with creativity, culture, and beautiful industrial architecture that makes the perfect stop along the way for photographers and travelers alike. Whether you're a local looking for creative ways to spend time in the city, looking for a new location for a photoshoot, or a way to spend your time while passing through, Dayton has something for everyone.
Discover Dayton’s Downtown Murals
Downtown Dayton is its very own open air art exhibit if you take the time to look around. Dayton’s downtown murals and artist works are an incredible collection of Dayton’s history and artistic expression, from past and present times. Take your own little art tour through the Oregon Historic District and the surrounding downtown area to see how many murals you can find. The Dayton mural map is a great resource to plan your walk and look for some of Gem City’s hidden gems. Stop by Press Coffee Bar before you begin for a little caffeine surge, or just to satisfy those coffee cravings.
Photo by The Daydreamer Diaries | Photo Location - Omega Records
Create Your Own Food Tour of Dayton
Dayton is a foodie's paradise and you’re never far from an amazing restaurant or food vendor here. Whether you're in the mood for pizza, barbecue, something vegan, or more of a fine dining experience…Dayton has something for any palate. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Ritter’s, grab a bite to eat at Lily’s (the Grillades and Grits is my personal favorite), or schedule your next date night somewhere like Roost or Sueño.
Photo by The Daydreamer Diaries | Photo location -Toxic Brew
Explore Dayton's Metro Parks
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and choose something more family oriented by visiting some of Dayton's Metro Parks. The metro parks offer hiking trails, family friendly activities, and a beautiful place to escape the pace of the city. The parks offer a diverse range of landscapes from wetlands to woodlands and everything in between. Don't miss the chance to photograph the sun setting over the Great Miami Riverway at RiverScape MetroPark, but always remember to leave NO trace and preserve and protect the environment and waterways while exploring.
Regardless of why you find yourself here, Dayton truly is a perfect stop along the way for every member of the family with hidden gems at every turn. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the true local experience, take in the local art, or indulge in the local cuisine, you’ve found yourself in the right place for a good time.
