Plan Your Dayton Trip

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HOTELS 🏨

🏨 Top Dayton Hotels For A Girls’ Trip:

  • AC Hotel Dayton: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy a modern downtown stay in the Water Street District, with The Foundry rooftop restaurant and bar overlooking Day Air Ballpark. A fun choice for the girls who want skyline cocktails and nearby restaurants.
  • Hotel Ardent Dayton Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Stay in a historic downtown building with boutique style and convenient access to theaters and city attractions. Its on-site Italian steakhouse, Bistecca, makes planning a dressed-up girls’ dinner easy.
  • Hilton Garden Inn Dayton Downtown: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Stay within Historic Dayton Arcade, with The Garden Grille & Bar on-site and downtown theaters nearby. Breakfast and valet parking cost extra, so include those when comparing rates.
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites Dayton Downtown: (Click here for: WEBSITE) A practical downtown option near Day Air Ballpark with complimentary breakfast and parking. Rooms include microwaves and mini-fridges, making it easy to keep drinks and snacks handy between outings.
  • Marriott at the University of Dayton: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy an indoor pool, seasonal outdoor pool, and Dewberry 1850 Restaurant & Lounge near the university. Complimentary parking makes this a convenient option for a girls’ weekend exploring the area by car.

💡 Location tip: Choose downtown for theater, rooftop drinks, and city exploring. Check the distance to your concert venue and other planned activities before booking.

OTHER STAY OPTIONS 👇🏻

Want more room to spread out with the girls? Browse vacation homes and condos on Vrbo or Airbnb.

COMPARE HOTEL RATES & OFFERS 👇🏻

  • Booking.com — Browse hotels, availability, and current offers.
  • Expedia — Compare hotel stays and flight-and-hotel packages.
  • KAYAK — Compare hotel prices across multiple travel websites.

💡 Check the hotel’s own website, too, and compare the total price, cancellation policy, and included perks before booking.

HOTEL REWARDS PROGRAMS 👇🏻

Free to join • Access to member offers • Earn points toward reward nights on eligible stays

💡 Book directly with the hotel when using its loyalty program, and check the program’s terms. Early check-in and other perks depend on your membership benefits, the property, and availability.

EAT 🍽️ & DRINK 🍸

💡 PRO TIP: Book your must-try restaurants ahead of time through OpenTable, Resy, or Tock. If your restaurant isn’t listed, check its official website for reservations or walk-in details.

🥞 Must Go To For Breakfast & Brunch:

  • Toasted Brunch Bar + Café, Beavercreek: (Click here for: WEBSITE) One of our reviewed brunch spots! Enjoy a full brunch menu, cocktails, a pretty patio, and cute photo opportunities, then head across the street to The Greene for shopping.
  • Butter Café: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Start your morning with playful breakfast favorites and comfort food on Brown Street. Open daily, with weekend hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Lily’s Dayton: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Gather the girls for brunch in the Oregon District, with sweet and savory dishes and tiki-inspired cocktails. A relaxed spot to ease into your day.
  • Table 33: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Plan a downtown brunch before shopping or sightseeing. Reservations are recommended, and parties of nine or more should contact the restaurant directly.
  • Bistecca: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy Italian-inspired breakfast and brunch inside Hotel Ardent downtown. Weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

🍽️ Must Go To For Girls’ Night Dinner:

  • Sueño: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy modern Mexican cooking featuring heirloom corn and a live-fire kitchen. For parties larger than eight, contact the restaurant directly.
  • Salar Restaurant & Lounge: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Explore cuisine with Peruvian, French, and Mediterranean influences in the Oregon District. A stylish choice for cocktails and a dressed-up dinner with the girls.
  • Wheat Penny Oven & Bar: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Share pizzas, vegetable dishes, pasta, and cocktails at this casual restaurant on Wayne Avenue. A fun option when everyone wants to try a little of everything.
  • Grist: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy fresh pasta and thoughtfully prepared food, with breads, sauces, and pastries available to take home. Dinner runs Tuesday through Saturday, 5 to 9 p.m.
  • Meadowlark Restaurant: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Settle into a colorful neighborhood restaurant with an eclectic menu and relaxed atmosphere. A comfortable choice for catching up with the girls over dinner.

🍽️ Fine Dining & Local Standouts:

  • The Pine Club: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Experience a classic Dayton steakhouse with an old-school atmosphere. Reservations aren’t available, and credit cards aren’t accepted; bring cash or a check.
  • The Oakwood Club, Oakwood: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Plan a classic steak-and-seafood dinner at this longtime local favorite. Its traditional atmosphere makes it a lovely choice for an unhurried evening together.
  • DOZO: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Reserve the chef’s-counter experience, “The Tour,” for an omakase-inspired sushi evening inside Tender Mercy. Sake and wine pairing options make this a memorable pick for sushi lovers.
  • Coco’s Bistro: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy American fare in a warm, airy dining room with a large city patio. A lovely option for a relaxed dinner and conversation with the girls.
  • The Paragon Supper Club: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Make an evening of charbroiled steaks, seafood, and wine at this longstanding Dayton-area supper club. Check its entertainment schedule when planning your visit.

🍸 Fun Bars & Nightlife:

  • The Century Bar: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Explore bourbon, whiskey, and carefully crafted cocktails in a classic downtown setting. Ask the team for a recommendation if you’re ready to try something new.
  • Tender Mercy: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Head underground for cocktails in a dark, glamorous setting. An easy choice for continuing your evening after dinner at Sueño upstairs.
  • Van Buren Room: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Try cocktails showcasing Belle of Dayton spirits at the distillery’s craft cocktail bar. A great stop for the girls who enjoy discovering local spirits.
  • The Foundry Rooftop: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Gather for rooftop cocktails and food at AC Hotel Dayton, with views over the city and Day Air Ballpark. Reserve ahead for your preferred evening.
  • Joui Wine: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Sip wine and share small bites at this downtown wine bar and bottle shop. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

☕️ Coffee & 🧁 Sweet Treats:

  • Press Coffee Bar: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Take a coffee break at this locally owned Dayton café known for quality coffee and thoughtfully designed spaces. Check the locations page to choose your stop.
  • Val’s Bakery: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Stop for European-style pastries and coffee. Choose the downtown location for the full pastry selection, and arrive earlier before favorites sell out.
  • Gem City Catfé: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy coffee and locally made macarons, then spend time with rescue cats in the separate lounge. Cat-lounge reservations are strongly encouraged.
  • Winans Coffee & Chocolate: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Pair coffee with chocolates at one of Winans’ Dayton-area shops. Pick up a sweet treat or a box to share back at your hotel.
  • Bill’s Donut Shop, Centerville: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Make a stop for donuts, pastries, and coffee at this longtime local favorite in Centerville. Open 24 hours, seven days a week, making it handy for a late-night sweet craving.

EXPERIENCES✨

🎵 Major Concert Venues:

  • Rose Music Center at The Heights, Huber Heights: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Catch touring artists at this covered outdoor amphitheater. A fun choice for a girls’ night during the seasonal concert lineup.
  • Fraze Pavilion, Kettering: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy summer concerts, tribute acts, and festivals at this outdoor venue. Check the calendar before planning your evening.
  • Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Dress up for an evening of Broadway, orchestral music, opera, or dance in downtown Dayton.
  • Levitt Pavilion Dayton: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Add live music to your trip without stretching the budget. The pavilion presents a seasonal series of free outdoor concerts featuring a variety of musical styles.
  • Dayton Masonic Center: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Check the schedule for concerts and performances at this historic landmark overlooking downtown Dayton.

🏛️ Must-Visit Museums:

  • National Museum of the U.S. Air Force: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Explore aviation history, military aircraft, and presidential planes at one of Dayton’s signature attractions. Museum admission and parking are free; some additional attractions cost extra.
  • Dayton Art Institute: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Spend a relaxed afternoon browsing a collection spanning thousands of years, along with changing exhibitions. A lovely addition to an art-loving girls’ weekend.
  • Carillon Historical Park: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Explore historic buildings and exhibits celebrating Dayton’s inventions and innovators. Don’t miss the original 1905 Wright Flyer III inside the Wright Brothers National Museum.
  • Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Discover the stories of Wilbur and Orville Wright and poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. Start with the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center area, and check operating days for the individual historic sites.
  • America’s Packard Museum: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Browse vintage automobiles inside a historic Packard dealership. A fun stop for beautiful classic cars, automotive design, and a little nostalgia.

🩷 Fun Girly Activities:

  • Bad Girls Yoga & Pilates: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Bring a private yoga or Pilates class to your girls’ trip, with mats, music, and a rosé toast. Your instructor comes to your rental or another approved space. Confirm Dayton availability for your dates before booking.
  • Grist Cooking Classes: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Gather the girls for a hands-on cooking class at this downtown restaurant. Check the current class lineup, or inquire about a private cooking experience for your group.
  • Gem City Catfé: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Pair a coffee stop with time in the separate lounge visiting adoptable cats. Reserve your lounge visits ahead of time so everyone in your group can attend together.
  • Belle of Dayton Distillery Tours: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Go behind the scenes of this local distillery, learn about the production process, and finish with a guided spirits tasting. Public tours are currently offered on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.; guests must be 21 or older.
  • The Greene Town Center, Beavercreek: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Make time for shopping, dining, and a leisurely afternoon with the girls. You can also book a treatment at Woodhouse Spa while visiting The Greene.

🧖🏻‍♀️ Best Spas:

  • Woodhouse Spa at The Greene, Beavercreek: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Plan a pampering afternoon with massages, facials, and nail treatments. Its location at The Greene makes it easy to pair your spa visit with shopping and a meal.
  • Square One Salon & Spa, Downtown Dayton: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Choose a massage, facial, or a spa package combining several services. A convenient downtown option for some relaxation before your girls’ night out.
  • Spavia Austin Landing, Miamisburg: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Unwind with massages, facials, body treatments, or a spa package at this day spa south of Dayton. Contact the spa ahead of time to coordinate appointments for your group.
  • Tudor Day Spa, Oakwood: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Book a massage or salon service at this established neighborhood spa. A nice option for adding a little pampering to your weekend itinerary.
  • Breathe Gravity Spa, Beavercreek: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Try a float session, book a massage, or combine the two for a quiet break during your trip. Check appointment availability before organizing your group’s visit.

📅 For local events and more trip ideas, check out Dayton’s official tourism website, Destination Dayton (Click here for: WEBSITE). Browse its EVENTS CALENDAR to see what’s happening during your trip.

MUST DO ✅

🌿 Must Do in Dayton

✈️ Explore the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
See historic aircraft, presidential planes, and exhibits tracing aviation history at this signature Dayton attraction. Admission and parking are free. (Click here for: WEBSITE)

🛍️ Wander the Oregon District
Browse independent shops, stop for coffee, and plan dinner along Fifth Street in one of Dayton’s most charming neighborhoods. Stay into the evening for cocktails and nightlife. (Click here for: WEBSITE)

🏛️ Discover Carillon Historical Park
Explore Dayton’s inventions, historic buildings, and transportation history. Don’t miss the original 1905 Wright Flyer III inside the Wright Brothers National Museum. (Click here for: WEBSITE)

🌊 Stroll Along RiverScape & Snap Skyline Photos
Enjoy a relaxed walk beside the river at RiverScape MetroPark, then add nearby Deeds Point to your route for beautiful views of downtown Dayton. (Click here for: WEBSITE)

🎨 Spend an Afternoon at the Dayton Art Institute
Browse changing exhibitions and a permanent collection spanning thousands of years. It’s a lovely way to add art and a slower-paced afternoon to your girls’ trip. (Click here for: WEBSITE)

🌳 Unwind at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
Take a break from the city to explore gardens, walking trails, and peaceful natural scenery. Bring comfortable shoes and leave time to enjoy the surroundings. (Click here for: WEBSITE)

🚲 Follow the Wright Brothers’ Story
Visit Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park to learn about the Wright brothers and poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. Start around the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and check individual site schedules before visiting. (Click here for: WEBSITE)

🥞 Have Brunch & Shop in Beavercreek
Start with brunch, specialty coffee, or cocktails at Toasted Brunch Bar + Café, one of our reviewed spots. Then head across the street to The Greene for shopping with the girls.

🍸 Enjoy Rooftop Cocktails at The Foundry
Gather the girls for cocktails and a bite atop the AC Hotel Dayton. Enjoy views of downtown and Day Air Ballpark from the rooftop patio when weather allows. (Click here for: WEBSITE)

🎭 Catch a Show at the Schuster Center
Make an evening of dinner downtown followed by Broadway, orchestral music, opera, or dance. Check the performance calendar before choosing your trip dates. (Click here for: WEBSITE)

TIP/TRICKS💡

🚎 Ride the free Flyer shuttle
The Flyer connects downtown Dayton with the Brown Street and University of Dayton area. Check the route and last departure before heading out. There is currently no Sunday service.

🚕 Use Uber or Lyft to get around
Both are options for airport transportation and nights out. Confirm your pickup location in the app, and allow extra time when leaving a concert or busy event.

🚗 Choose your transportation around your itinerary
For a downtown-focused weekend, consider walking, the Flyer, and rideshares. If your plans include Beavercreek, Kettering, Huber Heights, or several attractions outside downtown, compare rental-car costs with your expected rideshare trips.

🅿️ Know when downtown street parking is free
City parking meters are generally enforced Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with free evenings and weekends. Always check posted restrictions; private lots and garages have their own prices and rules.

👟 Pack comfortable shoes and a light layer
Plan for walking between restaurants, shops, museums, and riverfront stops. Bring a jacket or sweater for outdoor evenings, and check the forecast before your trip.

✈️ Give the museums enough time
Leave several hours for the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, where admission is free and some additional attractions cost extra. Check each museum’s schedule, especially the Dayton Art Institute, which is currently closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

🎟️ Start with official venue ticket links
Use Dayton Live for performances at the Schuster Center and Victoria Theatre. For other concerts, start on the venue’s official website to find its authorized ticket seller.

🥞 Pair brunch at Toasted with shopping at The Greene
Make a girls’ day of it with brunch at Toasted Brunch Bar + Café in Beavercreek, one of our reviewed spots. Then head across the street to The Greene for shopping.

🍽️ Reserve your must-try dinners ahead of time
Book your restaurant before finalizing the evening’s plans, especially when coordinating dinner around a show. For larger groups, contact the restaurant directly about seating and reservation options.

💵 Bring cash if you’re dining at The Pine Club
The Pine Club does not accept credit or debit cards and does not take reservations. Bring cash and allow time for a possible wait; the restaurant also accepts personal checks and Pine Club house accounts.

🛍️ Check the Out on 5th schedule
On selected weekends, part of Fifth Street in the Oregon District closes to vehicles for outdoor dining, shopping, and gathering. Check Out on 5th before planning parking or your rideshare pickup.

🧘‍♀️ Arrange your group activities before arriving
Confirm Dayton availability with Bad Girls Yoga & Pilates before booking a private class, and arrange a suitable space for your group. Reserve Grist cooking classes and Gem City Catfé lounge visits ahead of time, too.