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Youngstown sits halfway between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, which puts a lot of fun within an easy drive. Drive times below are estimates from downtown Youngstown with no traffic. Hours and prices were checked on Oct. 22, 2026.
| Destination | Distance | Drive | Cost to get in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | ~54 mi | ~1 hr 10 min | Free |
| Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton | ~56 mi | ~1 hr 15 min | $46.95 adult |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | ~66 mi | ~1 hr 25 min | Varies |
| Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland | ~74 mi | ~1 hr 35 min | $45 adult |
| Kennywood, West Mifflin, Pa. | ~76 mi | ~1 hr 45 min | Varies by date |
| Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pa. | ~94 mi | ~1 hr 55 min | Free exhibits at the Tom Ridge center |
| Cedar Point, Sandusky | ~124 mi | ~2 hr 30 min | Varies by date |
1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Ohio's only national park charges no entrance fee. Hike to waterfalls, bike the Towpath Trail along the old Ohio & Erie Canal, or ride the scenic railroad. Full guide here.
2. Pro Football Hall of Fame (Canton)
- Hours: Through Dec. 31, 2026, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, with Thursdays open until 8 p.m. From Jan. 1–May 27, 2027, it's 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving (Nov. 26) and Christmas Day. Open 9 a.m.–1 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
- Admission: $46.95 general; $40.95 military and first responders; $38.95 kids 6–12; under 6 free.
- Tip: A few bronze busts are taken off display for special events. The Hall's visit page lists which ones and when, so check it if you're going to see a particular player.
3. Pittsburgh
About an hour and a half away, Pittsburgh makes an easy city day: the museums, the inclines up Mt. Washington, a Steelers, Penguins or Pirates game, or the holiday season downtown. It's also the gateway to Kennywood.
4. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland)
- Hours (September–June): Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursdays until 9 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Open 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on Dec. 24.
- Admission: $45 adult; $40 locals, students, military and first responders (ID checked on site); $30 ages 6–12; 5 and under free.
- Good to know: The museum is completely cashless and suggests allowing 2–3 hours, mostly on the lower level. Parking is at nearby meters and lots and isn't validated.
5. Kennywood
Pittsburgh's classic amusement park has eight roller coasters, including The Phantom's Revenge. In fall it runs Phantom Fall Fest (through Nov. 1), and in winter Holiday Lights (Nov. 13–Jan. 3). See our fall and holiday guides.
6. Presque Isle State Park (Erie)
Pennsylvania calls it the state's only "seashore": a sandy peninsula on Lake Erie with beaches, a 13-mile road loop, biking and hiking, and some of the best bird-watching in the state during migration. The park is open every day, 5 a.m. to sunset. At the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, admission to the exhibits and the 75-foot observation tower is free. It's open 8 a.m.–4 p.m., but from Nov. 1 to March 31 it's closed Sundays and Mondays.
7. Cedar Point (Sandusky)
The longest drive on this list, but it's Cedar Point. In fall the park runs HalloWeekends on select days through Nov. 1. Read our Cedar Point guide.
