Hamilton County Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, outdoor adventures, food, and culture in Hamilton County. Plan your itinerary and learn about transportation, safety, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Hamilton County

Located in Greater Cincinnati in the Midwest region of the United States, Hamilton County is a bustling destination filled with attractions, outdoor adventures, and cultural landmarks. Here, visitors can experience the best of Ohio’s natural beauty, sample local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the city’s history and culture.

List of Places to Visit in Hamilton County

Whether you’re a solo traveler or exploring the area with family and friends, Hamilton County has something for everyone. Here are some of the must-visit spots that you should add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal: This impressive Art Deco building is home to three museums, including the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Natural History and Science.

  2. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: This museum and education center honors the history of the Underground Railroad and celebrates the contributions of African Americans to American society.

  3. Taft Museum of Art: This historic house museum features a renowned collection of art, including European and American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts.

Natural Attractions of Hamilton County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden: For an unforgettable day of family fun, be sure to visit this world-famous zoo, which is home to more than 500 animal species, as well as a botanical garden with over 3,000 plant varieties.

  2. Great American Ball Park: Baseball fans won’t want to miss the chance to catch a Cincinnati Reds game at this iconic stadium, which offers stunning views of the Ohio River and downtown Cincinnati.

  3. Smale Riverfront Park: This beautiful park offers plenty of green space, walking paths, and stunning views of the Ohio River and the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hamilton County

  1. Loveland Bike Trail: This 70-mile trail follows a former railway line and takes riders through forests, wetlands, and charming small towns.

  2. Sharon Woods: This scenic park offers plenty of hiking trails, picnic areas, and a lake, as well as biking opportunities along the paved path.

  3. Miami Whitewater Forest: With almost 5,000 acres of forests, fields, and lakes, this park offers over 10 miles of hiking and biking trails.

Best Things to Do in Hamilton County: Activities and Tours

  1. Cincinnati Food Tours: This guided tour takes visitors on a culinary journey through Cincinnati’s rich food culture, with stops at local favorites and hidden gems.

  2. Newport Aquarium: This award-winning aquarium is home to thousands of marine animals from around the world, including sharks, sea turtles, and penguins.

  3. Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum: Baseball fans won’t want to miss this chance to learn about the history and heroes of the Cincinnati Reds.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hamilton County

Day 1: Visit Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal and explore the surrounding neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine.

Day 2: Spend the day at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, followed by a romantic dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants.

Day 3: Take a hike at Sharon Woods and have a picnic lunch by the lake, then head over to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in the afternoon.

Day 4: Explore the great outdoors at Miami Whitewater Forest and try your hand at fishing or kayaking on the lake.

Day 5: Take a food tour of Cincinnati and sample local favorites, such as Cincinnati chili and Graeter’s ice cream.

Day 6: Visit the Taft Museum of Art and learn about the city’s rich arts culture, then catch a Cincinnati Reds game at Great American Ball Park.

Day 7: Take a day trip to nearby attractions, such as Kings Island amusement park or the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Food and Drink Scene of Hamilton County

Hamilton County’s food and drink scene is a reflection of its diverse culture and Midwest traditions. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Cincinnati Chili: This unique take on chili features a meat sauce flavored with cinnamon and other spices, served over spaghetti with shredded cheese and onions on top.

  2. Goetta: A breakfast staple in Cincinnati, Goetta is a meat-and-grain sausage made of pork shoulder and beef, seasoned with onions and spices, and often served with eggs and toast.

  3. Fried Chicken: Ohio is known for its crispy fried chicken, and Hamilton County has plenty of spots to check out, such as the famous Joella’s Hot Chicken.

Local Beverages

  1. Beer: Cincinnati has a thriving craft beer scene, with over 30 breweries in the area offering everything from IPAs to stouts.

  2. Wine: Ohio is also known for its vineyards and wine-making, and Hamilton County has several wineries, including Valley Vineyards and Henke Winery.

  3. Coffee: Coffee lovers won’t want to miss a visit to local favorites, such as Deeper Roots Coffee or Coffee Emporium.

Where to Stay in Hamilton County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget accommodations, Hamilton County has plenty of options for every type of traveler. Here are some suggestions:

  1. The Cincinnatian Hotel: This iconic downtown hotel offers classic elegance and modern amenities, just steps away from Cincinnati’s top attractions.

  2. 21c Museum Hotel: This art-filled hotel offers a unique stay experience, with contemporary rooms and an on-site museum showcasing the best in contemporary art.

  3. Hostelling International Cincinnati: Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate this modern hostel, which offers affordable dorm and private rooms.

What to Buy in Hamilton County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Cincinnati-style chili mix: Bring a taste of the region back home by picking up a kit to make your own Cincinnati-style chili.

  2. Goetta: Order some local Goetta online or in-store to bring back home with you.

  3. Cincinnati Red Stockings merchandise: Show your support for the Cincinnati Reds by picking up some team gear, such as a cap or jersey.

Local Culture and Customs of Hamilton County

In Hamilton County, residents take pride in their unique culture and traditions. Visitors should be aware of some customs, such as:

  • Saying “please” and “thank you” is important in Cincinnati, and locals are known for being friendly and welcoming.
  • Cincinnati has a strong sports culture, with local teams such as the Cincinnati Reds and the Bengals, so expect to see plenty of sports gear and decorations around town.
  • The Cincinnati accent is distinctive, with some notable characteristics such as the use of the word “pop” for soda.

Best Time to Visit Hamilton County

The best time to visit Hamilton County is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, if you’re looking to avoid crowds and experience the city’s beautiful fall foliage, consider visiting in September or October.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hamilton County

Do:

  1. Do visit Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and explore the many bars, restaurants, and shops in the area.
  2. Do take a food tour of Cincinnati to try the local cuisine and specialties, such as Cincinnati-style chili.
  3. Do catch a baseball game at Great American Ball Park, one of the most picturesque stadiums in the country.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t forget to try some of the local craft beer and wine during your stay.
  2. Don’t miss the chance to take a scenic hike on one of Hamilton County’s many trails and parks.
  3. Don’t skip out on trying some of the local desserts, such as Graeter’s ice cream or Buckeye candy.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hamilton County

Hamilton County is a safe and welcoming destination for visitors. However, as with any city, it’s important to take common safety precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.

Health in Hamilton County

Visitors to Hamilton County should take care to stay hydrated and protect themselves against the sun during the summer months. It’s also important to note that Ohio has strict smoking laws, which prohibit smoking in many public places.

Getting to Hamilton County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hamilton County

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is the closest airport to Hamilton County, located just 20 minutes away from downtown Cincinnati.

Bus Stations Near Hamilton County

The Greyhound bus station is located in downtown Cincinnati, with connections to destinations throughout the Midwest.

Other Options

Hamilton County is easily accessible by car, with plenty of parking available throughout the city. Visitors can also take the Amtrak train to Cincinnati, with connections to major cities such as Chicago and New York City.

How to Get Around in Hamilton County

Hamilton County offers several transportation options for visitors, including:

  1. Public Transportation: Metro buses and streetcars offer affordable and convenient transportation throughout the city.

  2. Ride-Sharing Services: Visitors can also choose from ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft for quick and easy transportation.

  3. Biking: Hamilton County has several bike-friendly trails and roads, making it easy to explore the city on two wheels.

Where to Go Next from Hamilton County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hamilton County is ideally situated for day trips and excursions to other nearby destinations, such as:

  1. Louisville, Kentucky: Just a two-hour drive from Hamilton County, Louisville offers plenty of attractions, such as the Kentucky Derby Museum and the Muhammad Ali Center.

  2. Columbus, Ohio: Ohio’s capital city, Columbus, is just a 90-minute drive from Hamilton County and offers plenty of cultural attractions and outdoor adventures.

  3. Indianapolis, Indiana: Visitors can reach the home of the Indy 500 in just two hours by car from Hamilton County, with plenty of attractions such as the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Conclusion

Hamilton County is a vibrant and welcoming destination, offering the best of Ohio’s culture, history, and nature. With plenty of attractions, delicious cuisine, and comfortable accommodations, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable trip to this exciting Midwest city.

Hamilton County, Ohio Hamilton County, Ohio Map of Hamilton County, Ohio, with cities and villages in gray, and townships in colors Map of Hamilton County, Ohio, with cities and villages in gray, and townships in colors


    Cincinnati
    Loveland
    Montgomery
    Springdale
    Western Hamilton County