10 Best Short Road Trips From Covington, Kentucky (Kenton County)

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10 Easy Road Trips Near Covington, Kentucky (That Take You Out of Kenton County)

If you’re based in Covington, KY and itching to explore a little beyond your usual spots, you’re in luck. Within an hour or less, you’ve got small towns, river views, bourbon, horses, and even a famous theme park lined up and waiting. The best part? All of these ideas are outside Kenton County but still close enough for a simple day trip. So fill up the gas tank, grab a coffee, and let’s hit the road.

1. Explore the Riverfront & Stadiums in Downtown Cincinnati (Hamilton County, OH)

You can be in downtown Cincinnati in about 10–15 minutes from Covington, depending on traffic. One bridge crossing, and you’re in a whole different state. Head to The Banks district along the Ohio River. You’ll find:
  • Great American Ball Park – Home of the Cincinnati Reds. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, catching a game on a warm evening with river views feels very “Midwest summer.”
  • Paycor Stadium – Where the Bengals play. If it’s football season, the energy downtown is electric.
  • Smale Riverfront Park – A pretty riverfront park with swings, fountains, and skyline views. It’s perfect for a low-key stroll after dinner.
If you like city vibes but don’t want a long drive, this is the easiest road trip from Covington you can take.

2. Discover Art, Food & Murals in Over-the-Rhine (Hamilton County, OH)

Just a few more minutes north of downtown Cincinnati, you’ll find Over-the-Rhine (OTR), one of the city’s most buzzed-about neighborhoods. Here’s what to do:
  • Walk along Vine Street and Race Street to check out unique shops and restaurants.
  • Look for the huge murals painted on buildings. They’re great for photos and give the neighborhood a creative, artsy vibe.
  • Stop at Washington Park. On warm days, kids run through the splash pad, and adults relax on the lawn or at the bar.
If you enjoy street art, people-watching, and trying new food, this quick trip is a fun change of pace from suburban life.

3. Ride the Coasters at Kings Island (Warren County, OH)

About 40–45 minutes northeast of Covington, Kings Island is a classic “load up the car and go” amusement park. You’ll find:
  • Big roller coasters like Orion and The Beast.
  • Planet Snoopy, a kids’ area with gentler rides.
  • Soak City water park in the summer, with slides and wave pools.
If you grew up in the Midwest, you might already have memories here. If not, it’s time to make some. It’s a full-day road trip from Covington that’s still easy to get back from by bedtime.

4. Step Back in Time at Rabbit Hash, Kentucky (Boone County, KY)

About 35–40 minutes southwest of Covington, down winding country roads along the Ohio River, you’ll find the tiny river town of Rabbit Hash. What makes it special?
  • The quirky Rabbit Hash General Store, which feels like stepping into an old photo.
  • Occasional live music and community events right in front of the store.
  • A peaceful riverfront setting that makes you forget you’re so close to the city.
It’s a small place, so don’t expect a long checklist of attractions. Think of it as a slow, simple afternoon where you sit on a porch, sip something cold, and enjoy the quiet.

5. Shop, Dine & Plane-Spot at Florence (Boone County, KY)

Head about 15–20 minutes southwest, and you’ll hit Florence, KY, famous for its huge “Florence Y’all” water tower. Things to do on this short trip from Covington:
  • Browse shops and grab a meal around Florence Mall and the surrounding plazas.
  • Watch planes coming in and out of nearby CVG Airport from various spots around town.
  • Catch a movie or meet up with friends without the hassle of downtown traffic.
It’s not a “tourist town,” but that’s part of the charm. It’s an easy, practical road trip when you just want to get out of Covington for a few hours.

6. Hit the Water at Williamstown Lake (Grant County, KY)

About 40 minutes south of Covington, Williamstown Lake is a quiet escape for anyone who loves being near the water. Depending on the season and access, you can:
  • Rent a boat or join friends who have one.
  • Fish from a dock or the shore.
  • Just enjoy the peaceful views and fresh air.
If you’re used to city streets and interstate noise, a few hours by the lake feels like a reset button. Pack some snacks, sunscreen, and maybe a light jacket if you’re staying till sunset.

7. Enjoy Small-Town Kentucky in Dry Ridge (Grant County, KY)

Drive about 35–40 minutes south on I-75 and you’ll reach Dry Ridge, another laid-back Kentucky town in Grant County. Here, the pace slows down a bit:
  • Browse local shops and grab some classic comfort food.
  • Use it as a base to explore more of rural Grant County’s back roads.
  • Take a scenic drive and enjoy rolling hills, barns, and open fields.
Sometimes, the best day trips from Covington aren’t about big attractions. They’re about simple drives, quiet towns, and time away from your usual routine.

8. Find River Views & Country Roads in Butler (Pendleton County, KY)

About 35–45 minutes southeast of Covington, Butler sits near the Licking River in Pendleton County. This is a good trip if you love:
  • Curvy, scenic drives through the countryside.
  • Pulling over for river views or photo stops along the way.
  • Exploring rural Kentucky without a strict schedule.
It’s the kind of place where you roll down the windows, turn up the music, and just enjoy the drive as much as the destination.

9. Stroll the Riverfront in Newport, Kentucky (Campbell County, KY)

Just across the river from Cincinnati, about 10–15 minutes from Covington, you’ll find Newport in Campbell County. Newport’s riverfront area is a classic Northern Kentucky hangout:
  • Walk the riverwalk and look back at the Cincinnati skyline.
  • Snap photos on or near the Newport Southbank Bridge (often called the “Purple People Bridge”).
  • Check out the bars and restaurants in the riverfront entertainment area.
If you want a date night, a family outing, or a place to meet friends that still feels close to home, this is an easy win.

10. Wander Historic Streets in Bellevue, Kentucky (Campbell County, KY)

Right next door to Newport, about 10–15 minutes from Covington, sits the charming river town of Bellevue. The heart of it is along , where you’ll find:
  • Older homes and buildings with tons of character.
  • Local shops, cafés, and restaurants with a neighborhood feel.
  • Side streets that lead you down toward the river.
Bellevue feels cozy and walkable. It’s perfect for a slow evening stroll, window shopping, and an unhurried dinner.

Tips for Planning Your Covington Road Trips

To make these short road trips from Covington, KY smoother:
  • Check drive times – Most of these spots are within 15–45 minutes, but traffic around Cincinnati can add a little time.
  • Watch event schedules – Games, concerts, and festivals can change parking and crowd levels, especially in Cincinnati, Newport, and Florence.
  • Pack smart – A light jacket, water, snacks, and a phone charger go a long way, even on a half-day trip.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Living in or near Covington, Kentucky puts you in a sweet spot. In under an hour, you can switch from city skyline views to rolling farmland, from riverside walks to coaster-filled theme parks. Which of these out-of-county road trips would you try first? The artsy streets of Over-the-Rhine, the calm of Williamstown Lake, or the old-time charm of Rabbit Hash? I’d love to hear your favorites.
  • Have you taken any of these trips from Covington?
  • Do you have a hidden-gem spot in Boone, Campbell, Grant, Pendleton, or Hamilton County?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell your own road trip stories. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are looking for fun, easy things to do near Covington, KY. It might just inspire someone’s next spontaneous drive.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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