Overview
Marietta is a city of 13,000 people (2019) in Southeast Ohio. It is at the confluence of the Muskingum River and Ohio River. Founded in 1788 it is the oldest city in Ohio. From the beginning it was one of Ohio's more important Ohio River ports. It is adjacent to part of the Wayne National Forest.
9 sights · 8 things to do · 6 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Marietta
Ohio River Museum
Campus Martius Museum
Marietta Earthworks
A once large number of Indigenous North American earthworks that was partially destroyed by local construction. The remaining mound survived due to its location in Mound Cemetery, which is home to the highest number of A…
Marietta College
A private college that was founded in 1835.
Washington State Community College
Children's Toy and Doll Museum
A wide collection of toys from around the US. You might find something from the 1800s or see something you played with as a child.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Columbus)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PKB Mid Ohio Valley Regional Airport, Parkersburg (Williamstown) — 5 mi away. Directions
- CKB North Central West Virginia Airport, Bridgeport — 66 mi away. Directions
- CMH John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Columbus — 86 mi away (major hub). Directions
Interstate 77 connects Marietta with central Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Or by boat, at the Ohio Riverfront. It is on the State line with West Virginia. The Ohio River separates the two states. Directly across the river bridge on Ohio Route 6 is Williamstown. Parkersburg, West Virginia is a short distance south with access to I-77.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Ohio River Museum, Valley Gem Sternwheeler cruise, Campus Martius Museum
- Lunch Smitty's Pizza
- Afternoon Peoples Mortuary Museum, Start Westward Memorial
- Dinner The Original Pizza Place
- Evening 740 Social
Day 2
- Morning Washington State Community College
- Lunch Napolis Pizza
- Afternoon Kroger Wetlands
- Dinner Levee House Bistro
- Evening Marietta Brewing Company
Day 3
- Morning Marietta Aquatic Center
- Lunch Busy Bee Restaurant
- Afternoon Washington County Fair
- Dinner Las Trancas
- Evening Jeremiah's Coffee House
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Marietta, the county seat of Washington County, the first organized settlement of the Northwest Territory, is a small town that has maintained its small-town charm due to having been left off of the rail lines and having had no connection to a highway until 1967. Since the construction of Route 7 and the new bridge across the river, Marietta has been on a slow path to resurrection. It has grown to extend from the Ohio Riverfront to the intersection of Interstate 77. The historic downtown has gone through several renovation phases, with a streetscape program being the crowning touch. The town's name is derived from Marie Antoinette, the French Queen, who supported the American Revolution. It is now one of the Ohio Valley and Southeastern Ohio's favorite destinations.
Get in
Interstate 77 connects Marietta with central Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Or by boat, at the Ohio Riverfront. It is on the State line with West Virginia. The Ohio River separates the two states. Directly across the river bridge on Ohio Route 6 is Williamstown. Parkersburg, West Virginia is a short distance south with access to I-77.
Get around
Marietta is a small town on the banks of the Ohio River. The historic downtown is easy to walk, except everything is uphill from the river. There is a public boat ramp. Exploring the river with a guide should not be too difficult.
Harmar is a historic district of Marietta, found across the Muskingum River from downtown Marietta. Once connected by the Historic Harmar bridge a railroad bridge converted to a pedestrian crossing. The next closest crossing is the Putnam Street Bridge which includes historical information signs at stopping points along the crossing.
See
Marietta is rich in history as is made visible by a scattering of Ohio Historic Markers as well as markers placed by the Rotary Club in front of historic buildings. Walking along the streets and through the parks you will encounter dozens or more. In addition to these there are a variety of specific locations to see including the following.
See Marietta Earthworks (Mound Cemetery)
A once large number of Indigenous North American earthworks that was partially destroyed by local construction. The remaining mound survived due to its location in Mound Cemetery, which is home to the highest number of American Revolutionary War officer burials in the country.
See Children's Toy and Doll Museum
A wide collection of toys from around the US. You might find something from the 1800s or see something you played with as a child.
See Start Westward Memorial
1938 sculpture designed by Gutzon Borglum, commemorating the westward expansion of the United States, and the sesquicentennial of the establishment of Marietta in 1788. It stands on purpose-designed esplanade designed by Borglum and the architect John Schooley.
Do
Do Ohio River Sternwheel Festival
Ohio River Levee on the corner of Front and Greene St, downtown, always the weekend after Labor Day. Sa 7:30PM/10PM. "Harry J. Robinson" Fireworks. They anchor barges in the middle of the Ohio River and produce one of Ohio's outstanding fireworks displays, from the barges, reflected in the water, with illumination of the bridges, by fireworks. Quite a display. Excellent event!
Do Fourth of July celebration
Buy
Shop Fenton Art Glass
The largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the United States. Each piece of glass is an artistic creation by skilled glassworkers and decorators. (Note: the Fenton Art Glass Factory nearly closed 2007, adding to the collectability. The factory stores are still open.)
Shop Lafayette Shopping Center
Eat
Eat Napolis Pizza
Homemade pizza, pasta and subs. All breads, including for sandwiches and subs, are baked from scratch that very morning. Dine in, carry out and delivery.
Eat Smitty's Pizza
Locally-owned pizzeria with a wide menu of pizzas, subs, soups, and desserts. Delivery, dine-in, and carry-out all available.
Eat Las Trancas
Mexican restaurant with a huge menu of traditional fare. Snack on chips and salsa while waiting for your meal, or try one of the many margarita flavors. Great family atmosphere with plenty of seating.
Eat Levee House Bistro
Great view of the Ohio river from the outside patio and the chef is outstanding.
Eat Busy Bee Restaurant
This is a cozy place is a local favorite for breakfast and sources ingredients from local farms. A solid choice for breakfast or brunch.
Eat The Original Pizza Place
This pizzeria was founded in 1976 by a Brooklyn, NY native and in addition to this Marietta location, there is another in Vienna, WV. This Marietta location has a Gluten Free crust available and a couple other specialty exclusives. Buy your pizza (or cake) by the slice or get your party an entire sheet or hand tossed pizza to share. The fresh made dough and ingredients make this a great choice for a meal.
Drink
Drink Marietta Brewing Company
Good brews and food. Live entertainment on the weekends.
Drink Jeremiah's Coffee House
Discover the coffee and gluten free baked goods.
Drink 740 Social
A speak-easy like restaurant with outdoor patio seating, great cocktails at reasonable prices, but no craft beer selection.
Sleep
Go next
Nearby
Parkersburg
City / town · 38 listings · 12 mi away
Caldwell
City / town · 8 listings · 23 mi away
Athens
City / town · 59 listings · 35 mi away
Wayne National Forest
Park · 15 listings · 41 mi away
Nelsonville
City / town · 14 listings · 42 mi away
Barnesville
City / town · 22 listings · 42 mi away
Spencer
City / town · 8 listings · 43 mi away
Cambridge
City / town · 18 listings · 43 mi away
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