10 Easy Road Trips Near Dublin, Ohio (That Take You Out of Franklin County)
If you live in or around
Dublin, Ohio and you’re craving a quick escape, you’re in luck. Within an hour’s drive, you’ll find peaceful small towns, rolling farms, historic villages, and plenty of fun things to do that are *not* in Franklin County.
In this guide, we’ll look at
10 short road trips from Dublin into these nearby counties:
- Delaware County
- Fairfield County
- Licking County
- Madison County
- Pickaway County
- Union County
Most of these spots are 20–60 minutes from Dublin, so they’re perfect for a Saturday adventure, a lazy Sunday drive, or even a random weeknight when you just need to get out of town.
1. Delaware, Ohio – Historic Downtown Vibes & Lakeside Views (Delaware County)
About 25–30 minutes north of Dublin,
Delaware, Ohio feels like a classic Midwestern college town with a little bit of everything.
What to do in Delaware:
- Stroll the historic downtown: Brick streets, local shops, and cozy coffee spots make it easy to spend a few hours just wandering.
- Visit the Stratford Ecological Center: Walk farm trails, see farm animals, and let kids burn off energy in the fresh air.
- Relax at Delaware State Park: Hike short trails, pack a picnic, or enjoy the lakeside beach in the summer.
If you like small-town charm with real character, Delaware is a solid first stop. It’s close enough to feel easy, but different enough to feel like a mini getaway.
2. Alum Creek State Park & North Delaware County – Beach Day Close to Home (Delaware County)
Just northeast of Dublin,
Alum Creek State Park is a simple drive for anyone craving water, woods, and sunshine.
Highlights at Alum Creek:
- Huge swimming beach: One of the largest inland beaches in Ohio, great for families and groups of friends.
- Boat and kayak rentals: Spend a few hours paddling or cruising around the lake.
- Dog park beach: Yes, your pup can swim too. It’s one of the most popular dog swim spots in central Ohio.
On hot days, Alum Creek feels like a mini vacation without the long drive. Pack a cooler, some beach chairs, and you’re set.
3. Granville – New England Charm in Central Ohio (Licking County)
Head about 45 minutes east of Dublin and you’ll hit
Granville, a village that looks like it was pulled straight out of a postcard.
Why Granville is worth the drive:
- Quaint main street: Tree-lined streets, historic inns, and local restaurants make it perfect for a slow stroll.
- Denison University: Wander around campus and enjoy the hilltop views.
- Nearby hiking: Check out local preserves and trails just outside town.
If you like pretty architecture, walkable streets, and good food, Granville is an easy weekend road trip from Dublin.
4. Dawes Arboretum – Quiet Nature Escape (Licking County)
South of Newark, about an hour from Dublin, sits
Dawes Arboretum, a peaceful spot for anyone who loves trees, flowers, and quiet trails.
What you’ll find at Dawes:
- Scenic drives and walking paths through beautiful gardens and woodlands.
- Observation tower with wide views of the surrounding landscape.
- Seasonal blooms that make every visit look a little different.
I like to think of Dawes as a “reset” button. One long walk here and the stress of the week feels a little lighter.
5. Marysville & Union County Bridges – Small-Town Ohio Drive (Union County)
Just 25–30 minutes northwest of Dublin,
Marysville is a laid-back town that makes a nice afternoon trip, especially if you enjoy scenic drives.
Things to do in and around Marysville:
- Explore downtown Marysville: Local restaurants, breweries, and a classic Midwest main street feel.
- Covered bridge tour: Union County has several covered bridges, perfect for a relaxed country drive and photos.
- Seasonal festivals: Keep an eye out for fairs, parades, and fall events.
If you’re in the mood for a Sunday drive with light traffic and big-sky farmland views, this is your route.
6. Madison Lake & London – Simple Lake Day and Small-Town Stroll (Madison County)
About 35–40 minutes southwest of Dublin,
Madison Lake State Park and the nearby town of
London, Ohio offer a quiet, low-key getaway.
At Madison Lake State Park:
- Walk the easy lakeside paths.
- Try your luck fishing from the bank or a small boat.
- Enjoy a peaceful picnic with fewer crowds than bigger parks.
In London:
- Stroll downtown and check out local spots.
- Use London as a jumping-off point to explore Madison County’s country roads.
It’s not flashy, and that’s the charm. Sometimes a quiet lake and a short walk are all you need.
7. Circleville – Classic Small-Town Ohio (Pickaway County)
About 40–45 minutes south of Dublin,
Circleville is best known for the Circleville Pumpkin Show, but it has something to offer year-round.
Why visit Circleville:
- Charming downtown with local diners and shops.
- Pickaway County countryside for scenic drives, especially in summer and fall.
- Seasonal events and fairs that show off that “everyone-knows-everyone” small-town feel.
If you’ve only ever heard of Circleville because of pumpkins, it’s worth a visit to see what it’s like the rest of the year.
8. Lancaster – Hills, History, and Scenic Drives (Fairfield County)
Head about 50–55 minutes southeast of Dublin and you’ll reach
Lancaster, tucked into the edge of Ohio’s scenic hill country.
Things to do around Lancaster:
- Explore downtown Lancaster: Historic buildings, museums, and local restaurants.
- Drive the rolling back roads: You’ll notice the land getting hillier as you get closer to the Hocking Hills region.
- Visit local parks and overlooks for nice views and photos.
If you’re not quite ready for a full Hocking Hills trip but still want some scenery, Lancaster makes a great halfway step.
9. Buckeye Lake – Laid-Back Lakeside Getaway (Fairfield & Licking Counties)
About 45–55 minutes southeast of Dublin,
Buckeye Lake is an easy choice when you’re craving water, fresh air, and a slower pace.
What to do at Buckeye Lake:
- Walk or bike along the lakefront paths and enjoy the views.
- Stop at lakeside restaurants and bars for food with a view of the water.
- Get out on the water with a rented boat or kayak, depending on the season.
On a warm evening, sitting by the water here can feel almost like being on vacation, even though you’re less than an hour from home.
10. Plain City & Union County Farm Country – Quick Country Escape (Union County)
Just west of Dublin, but over the line into
Union County, you’ll find farm country, quiet roads, and simple spots to explore.
Ideas for this mini road trip:
- Drive the back roads around Plain City and beyond for wide-open views and sunsets.
- Stop at farm markets (in season) for fresh produce, baked goods, and local treats.
- Build your own “photo tour” of barns, fields, and country churches.
If you only have a couple of hours and don’t want to go far, this is an easy way to feel like you’ve escaped the city without a long drive.
Tips for Planning Your Dublin, Ohio Road Trips
To make the most of these
short road trips from Dublin:
- Check drive times: Most of these are under an hour, but it’s smart to look at traffic, especially on weekday evenings.
- Layer up: Ohio weather changes fast. Toss a light jacket or sweatshirt in the car, even in spring and fall.
- Bring snacks and water: Some of the more rural spots don’t have stores right around the corner.
- Plan a “main event”: A hike, a meal, a downtown stroll, or a sunset stop helps shape the day.
You don’t need a big budget or a ton of time to enjoy these nearby counties. A tank of gas, a rough plan, and a little curiosity are usually enough.
Share Your Own Favorite Road Trips Near Dublin
Now it’s your turn.
- Did I miss one of your favorite things to do near Dublin, Ohio outside Franklin County?
- Do you have a “secret spot” in Delaware, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, Union, or Fairfield County you love?
- Which of these 10 places are you planning to visit next?
Drop a comment with your go-to day trip or a short story from a past road adventure. I’d love to hear what you’ve discovered just a short drive from Dublin.
And if you found this list helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.”
Sometimes, the best getaway is just 30–60 minutes down the road.
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