Four of the world's best skylines are within driving distance from Ohio. Where they are

Looking to get out of Ohio for a fun activity this summer? Four of the world's best city skylines, complete with iconic buildings and soaring skyscrapers, are within driving distance from Ohio.

Architectural Digest curated a list of 17 beautiful skylines in the world, and if an Ohioan is up for a short road trip, they definitely have to hit these spots.

Here’s what they are. (Driving distances and times based on Google Maps estimates).

Chicago, Illinois

  • Distance from Columbus: 356 miles, about 5 hours and 30 minutes

  • Distance from Cincinnati: 295 miles, 4 hours and 45 minutes

  • Distance from Akron: 367 miles, 5 hours and 40 minutes

Are you a lover of the windy city in the Midwest? Chicago’s skyline hovers over Lake Michigan, with iconic tall buildings such as Willis Tower (Illinois' tallest building), the John Hancock Tower, Vista Tower, and Marina City.

Chicago's ample lakefront parks and pedestrian areas allow you to soak in the skyline without actually getting in the water.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

  • Distance from Columbus: 453 miles, 6 hours and 50 minutes

  • Distance from Cincinnati: 391 miles, 6 hours

  • Distance from Akron: 467 miles, 7 hours

A bit smaller than Chicago, Milwaukee is an overlooked city in the Midwest that deserves recognition, according to Architectural Digest. Milwaukee’s skyline also meets Lake Michigan, including architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava’s beautiful art deco work in the city.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Distance from Columbus: 428 miles, 6 hours and 30 minutes

  • Distance from Cincinnati: 492 miles, 7 hours and 30 minutes

  • Distance from Akron: 314 miles, 5 hours and 15 minutes

You have to grab your passport for this one, but it's worth the trip, according to Architectural Digest.

Toronto’s skyline lights Canadian skies with its iconic CN Tower, which looks like a massive, glowing needle standing next to the dome-like Rogers Center. These historic structures tie together the rest of Toronto’s buildings, painting the perfect skyline scene.

New York City, New York

  • Distance from Columbus: 556 miles, 8 hours and 30 minutes

  • Distance from Cincinnati: 659 miles, 10 hours

  • Distance from Akron: 446 miles, 6 hours and 50 minutes

Up for a longer road trip to see a world-class skyline? New York's classic Manhattan skyline remains a must-see in the U.S.

These buildings go far back in time, telling stories about New York’s history. This city’s skyline contains many iconic buildings, such as the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and 1 World Trade Center.

Beautiful bridge: 50 beautiful photos of the Brooklyn Bridge

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Four world-class city skylines close to Ohio. See how far away they are