Looking to give your Instagram feed a serious glow-up? 📸✨ You might be surprised to learn that Dayton is full of colorful, creative, and jaw-dropping photo ops—if you know where to look! Whether you’re a selfie queen, a local influencer, or just love capturing the moment, we’ve rounded up some of the most Instagrammable spots that perfectly show off Dayton’s style, history, and natural beauty.

Here’s where to point your lens:

Dayton Inspires Mural

Location: Oregon District on the side of the BRIM (hat store) building
This bold, bright mural in the heart of the Oregon District is practically made for selfies. With its inspirational message and vibrant colors, the #DaytonInspires mural has become an iconic backdrop for locals and visitors alike.

Dayton Postcard Mural

Location: 142 S Keowee Street, Dayton, OH
Another fan favorite! The Dayton Postcard Mural gives off vintage vibes with a modern twist. Its postcard-inspired design offers the perfect pop of nostalgia and city pride for your feed.

Dayton Peace Sign

Location: Schuster Center Plaza at 2nd and Main
One of the newest photo-worthy stops in downtown, this Peace Sign sculpture has made its way from RiverScape to its new home at the Schuster Center and is the perfect symbol of community, creativity, and connection. Strike a pose and spread some positive vibes!

Dayton Art Institute Steps

Location: 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH
These grand steps, leading up to the beautiful Dayton Art Institute, are pure drama—in the best way. Perfect for portraits, wedding shoots, or just flexing your outfit of the day (#OOTD). Bonus: Inside, there is even more art to see 😉

Woodland Cemetery Lookout

Location: 118 Woodland Ave, Dayton, OH
Yes, it’s a cemetery—but also a Level II Arboretum and home to one of the best panoramic views of the Dayton skyline. From the “Lookout” point, your photos will capture the city’s blend of nature, history, and modern charm.

Carillon Bell Tower

Location: 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH
Rising 151 feet tall, the Deeds Carillon is an architectural gem and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Whether snapped in full daylight or glowing at dusk, this towering beauty always delivers an Insta-worthy shot, especially when turned into the tree of light for the holiday season!

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™

Location: 1100 Spaatz Street, Dayton, OH
A must for aviation fans! From vintage bombers to futuristic jets, the world’s largest military aviation museum offers photo backdrops you won’t find anywhere else. Pro tip: The gigantic hangars themselves make for awesome wide-angle shots.

Trolls at Aullwood Audubon

Location: 1000 Aullwood Road, Dayton, OH
Say hello to Bo, Bodil, and Bibbi—giant recycled-material Troll sculptures hidden among the trees. These whimsical works of art add a playful, fairytale vibe to any nature walk (and your feed).

Five Rivers MetroParks Gems

Tree Tower at Cox Arboretum
Climb this towering, rustic structure for panoramic views and one of the best spots to snap a nature-inspired pic. The treehouse-meets-observation-deck is especially magical at sunrise or sunset.

Eastwood Lake
This shimmering lake, surrounded by lush greenery, is a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding photos—not to mention those dreamy, golden-hour reflections.

RiverScape Fountains
Downtown meets waterfront fun! The interactive fountains at RiverScape MetroPark offer playful, energetic shots—especially great for capturing kids, families, or spontaneous moments.

Hills and Dales Lookout Tower
Known as the “Witch’s Tower” or “Frankenstein’s Castle,” this stone tower has sparked imaginations for decades. While interior access is no longer available, you can still snap some atmospheric, moody shots for a different kind of Dayton vibe.

From iconic murals to soaring towers to hidden garden gems, Dayton is full of unexpected beauty and Insta-worthy moments—you just have to get out and explore. So, grab your camera (or your phone!) and start your own Dayton photo tour. Don’t forget to tag your pics with #DiscoverDayton—you might just see your post featured on our socials!

By Destination Dayton