$71 Car Rentals in Dayton, OH

It’s easy to see why Dayton is known as The Gem City in Ohio. This city is full to the brim with history, heritage, culture, and performing arts. Not forgetting the beautiful parks and wilderness that surround it, Dayton is the perfect place for vacationers to start their exploration of Ohio State as well.

What to See in Dayton

Every visit to Dayton should start with a trip to the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. Why? Because Dayton is the home town of the Wright Brothers and the birthplace of aviation! The Park consists of multiple sites that tell the story of the two ingenious brothers - Wilbur and Orville Wright and their invention of flight.

Explore the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center that includes a theatre, exhibit gallery, a bookstore, and even a bicycle shop. The focus of this site is on the Wright brothers’ early business in bicycles and their friendship with poet and author Paul Lawrence Dunbar. In the Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center you can drive down the actual flying field where the Wright Brothers learned how to fly their first aircrafts. You can also visit Hawthorn Hill, which was the Wright family mansion.

If that isn't enough aviation history for you, head straight to the National Museum of the US Air Force as it is the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum. Over 1.3 million visitors head to the museum each year to see over 360 aerospace vehicles and missiles over the 17 acres of indoor museum space. You can walk through a timeline of aviation history as the exhibits are all ordered chronologically, from the Wright Brother’s plane to NASA’s shuttle crew compartments, there’s plenty to keep you inspired!

However, Dayton isn’t all about flying; there’s over 16,000 acres of natural beauty to discover! Enjoy some healthy outdoor activities like kayaking, cycling, fly-fishing and bird watching or take in the vistas of peaceful lakes and striking waterfalls. Dayton is a real treat for hikers. With an officially designated Trail Town through the Buckeye Trail Association and North Country Trail Association, there’s plenty of walking trails to keep you occupied in the great outdoors.

After an exhausting day on the trail, why not head to a show and enjoy an evening of arts, culture, and entertainment? With world-class performance at establishments such as the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, the Dayton Opera or the Dayton Ballet there’s something for everyone!

Car Rental with Orbitz

It may be the home of aviation, but exploration is easier with your own wheels on the ground! Car rental with us at Orbitz couldn't be simpler. Just let us know what car you need along with your budget and we’ll do the rest.