Lexington

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Jeff Rogers /Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Gene Burch /Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau/Gene Burch
Photo provided by Lee P. Thomas /Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau

Lose yourself exploring the “Horse Capital of the World,” with its historic houses, breweries, wilderness parks and horse farms.

Located in the heart of Kentucky’s fertile bluegrass region, Lexington is a big city with a strong rural identity. Nicknamed the “Horse Capital of the World,” the city edge is surrounded by horse farms. Take the time to discover its historical houses, sample fresh brewed beer and see the majestic American Saddlebred, the region’s native horse.

Downtown is a mix of modern glass structures and old brick buildings. Start the day with a coffee from one of the many cafés. Pick up local produce from the Bluegrass Farmers Market on Richmond Road. Get around downtown by bus or on foot.

Head to ArtsPlace for a cultural experience in the city center. In this impressive beaux-arts style building you’ll find a number of art exhibitions and workshops. Children can get hands on with science at the children’s museum, Explorium of Lexington. See real planes and try flight simulators at the Aviation Museum of Kentucky just outside the city center.

Lexington is famous for its locally brewed beer. Sample some of the region’s finest beer and spirits at the Barrel House Distillery or Kentucky Ale. Take a guided tour, browse gift shops and try fresh brews in the tasting rooms.

Rent a car to leave town and breathe in the fresh air of the city’s rural outskirts, characterized by gentle rolling plateaus and fertile soil. The biggest city in Kentucky is Louisville, 78 miles (125 kilometers) west of Lexington.

Take a tour of one of the many horse farms to see champion steeds. Watch the speed of these majestic animals at the historic Keeneland Race Course. The American Saddlebred Museum showcases artifacts and displays about this local breed of horse.

Take in the scenic beauty of the region on a hike through the nearby Boone Creek Outdoors wilderness park. Challenge yourself with a zip line canopy tour to see the Boone Creek Gorge from above. Guided tours, fly-fishing trips and more can be booked at the information center at the entrance to the park.

After a busy day, treat the family to local cuisine such as a farmer’s steak and Kentucky chocolates from restaurants in downtown.

Where to stay in Lexington

Lexington showing tranquil scenes and farmland

Downtown Lexington

While visiting Downtown Lexington, you might make a stop by sights like Lexington Opera House and Rupp Arena.

Downtown Lexington
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Liberty Area

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Liberty Area, Hamburg Place and Hamburg Pavilon are top sights worth seeing.

Liberty Area
Lexington showing tranquil scenes and farmland

Northside District

While visiting Northside District, you might make a stop by sights like Lexington Opera House and Hunt-Morgan House.

Northside District
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Georgetown

When in Georgetown, you can plan a visit to Mary Todd Lincoln House and Rupp Arena, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Georgetown
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Historic South Hill

While Historic South Hill may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Lexington Memorial Coliseum and Rupp Arena.

Historic South Hill
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Beaumont Residential

While Beaumont Residential isn't home to many top sights, Kentucky Aviation Museum and Keeneland Racing Course are some notable places to visit nearby.

Beaumont Residential
Quality Inn Lexington -Horse Park

Quality Inn Lexington -Horse Park

2.5 out of 5
1938 Stanton Way, Bldg A, Lexington, KY
The price is €63 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€63
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Lexington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,641 reviews)
"Quick one night stay. Clean and safe. Hallways could use updating but overall fine stay."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Quality Inn Lexington -Horse Park
Spark by Hilton Lexington Hamburg

Spark by Hilton Lexington Hamburg

2.5 out of 5
2381 Buena Vista Rd, Lexington, KY
The price is €67 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€67
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lexington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (100 reviews)
"good to stop by while on a road trip"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Spark by Hilton Lexington Hamburg
The Manchester

The Manchester

4 out of 5
941 Manchester St, Lexington, KY
The price is €201 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€201
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lexington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (943 reviews)
"We loved the trendy vibe of the hotel — everything felt stylish but still cozy. We ended up eating most of our meals right at the hotel and honestly, the food didn’t disappoint. Service was consistently great, our bed was super comfortable, and the whole place was spotless. Would definitely recommend ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

The Manchester
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Charming Cottage Home On A Farm In The Kentucky Horse Country!  Relax!

Charming Cottage Home On A Farm In The Kentucky Horse Country! Relax!

Lexington
Book a stay at this golf cottage in Lexington. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Kentucky Horse Park and Keeneland Racing Course ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (269 reviews)
"Superrrr cute, clean cottage & location location location! Would stay again in a heartbeat."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Charming Cottage Home On A Farm In The Kentucky Horse Country! Relax!
Carriage on Petticoat

Carriage on Petticoat

2 out of 5
Frankfort
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Frankfort. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Buffalo Trace Distillery ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
"Great house, central to downtown and very well managed by the host! Hope to stay again sometime!"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Carriage on Petticoat
This house is a 3 bedroom(s), 2 bathrooms, located in Lexington, KY.

This house is a 3 bedroom(s), 2 bathrooms, located in Lexington, KY.

Lexington
Stay at this vacation home in Lexington. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kroger Field and Keeneland Racing Course are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (63 reviews)
"Lovely!"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

This house is a 3 bedroom(s), 2 bathrooms, located in Lexington, KY.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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