Cleveland is bustling with beauty and adventure, so much so that it can occasionally feel overwhelming. Whether you are a tourist or a native, it can be impossible to decide which activities are the best of the best and which are overrated, and every metropolitan city can cost you a lot of driving time and money trying to figure it out. There’s no need to worry, as these iconic destinations promise unforgettable adventure. There’s never a dull day in Cleveland, but if you start chipping away at this bucket list, you can make each day truly unforgettable.
- Pay a visit to the Rocky River Reservation.
Jen Goellnitz/Flickr This coveted park is perhaps the most scenic in the Cleveland Metroparks. Its landscape is carved by the Rocky River, creating a landscape that delights hikers, photographers, and picnickers.
- Visit the Haserot Angel in Lake View Cemetery.
Ian MacQueen/Wikimedia Commons Locals love our iconic weeping statue. The Angel of Death Victorious has watched over the cemetery and the Haserot family since 1923. While her solemn expression hasn’t changed, one thing has: black tears now seem to run down her bronze face.
- Visit Avon Lake at sunset.
Robert Chriss/Wikimedia Commons
- Pursue outdoor adventure.
Breakaway Excursions/Facebook A little dirt never hurt anyone. Go rock climbing at Whipp’s Ledges, glide over Lake Erie, or embark on a kayaking adventure. Here in Cleveland, the outdoors offer a variety of incredible activities to keep your adventurous spirit satiated.
- Experience the national park from the rails.
Jen Goellnitz/Flickr The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is one of the oldest and longest tourist excursion railways in the nation, and it takes tourists on an incredible journey through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. With stations in Independence, Peninsula, and Akron, you can easily circle the region in style. With special events like Ales on Rails and the Polar Express themed journey, this excursion offers an unforgettable way to experience the local landscape.
- Swing by the most unusual museum in the region.
Dittrick Museum Blog/Twitter The Dittrick Museum of Medical History is fascinating, informative, and… honestly, a little eerie. More than 175,000 artifacts bring the ghosts of medical practices past into the modern age, allowing you to learn about the somewhat cringe-worthy evolution of medical knowledge.This world renowned collection is an incredible attraction in Cleveland, and everyone must visit it at least once.
- Visit Vermillion for a meal with a view.
Vermilion Yacht Club / Facebook This lakefront community was once known as the Village of Lake Captains, as it’s a great place to drop anchor and stay a while. Visit the antique sailor community for a day of incredible views, fine dining, and shopping.
- Seek out some of Cleveland’s loveliest buildings.
master phillip/Flickr It’s okay, hop in your car and drive around to just look. Visit a concert at a historic church. Or maybe you will decide to walk along the streets of Playhouse Square to see the vintage signs. It’s totally okay to wander aimlessly with an end goal of discovering something beautiful.
- Order up some pierogies at Sokolowski’s University Inn.
Sokolowski’s University Inn/Facebook Sokolowski’s is a local favorite. Located in the super chic Tremont neighborhood, this restaurant is a true delight. It has operated since 1923, and its Polish-style recipes and fantastic service have made it a community icon.
- Pay a visit to the A Christmas Story House and Museum!
A Christmas Story House/Facebook Ralphie’s house still stands in Tremont where its festive atmosphere is celebrated year-round. Visit the house and then pop by the museum across the street to see original props from the production. Don’t forget to swing by the gift shop for a leg lamp!
- Take a waterfall tour.
Keith Roberts/Wikimedia Commons Ohio is full of waterfalls, but many seem to be concentrated in the stupendous landscape of Northeastern Ohio. Plan a weekend trip where you adventure from waterfall to waterfall, experiencing a variety of habitats along the way.
- Hike along a Lake Erie beach.
TripAdvisor/YoAdrian99 Northern Ohio is nestled up against the Lake Erie shoreline, and we often overlook the natural beauty of this environment. Cleveland beaches are stunning year round, and many have trails that will allow you to escape from the hustle and bustle of the Cleveland streets.
- Grab a table at Pier W.
Marie H./Yelp This unusual restaurant hearkens back to 1965 when it startled locals with a building that sits perched on the cliffs overlooking Lake Erie. Its patio offers incredible views of the Cleveland skyline, and its food will delight your palate.
- Go grocery shopping in the most elegant store in the city.
Heinen’s/Facebook The Cleveland Trust Company Building is now enjoying life as a Heinen’s Fine Foods. The majesty of the rotunda has been preserved, offering incredible views while you shop.
- Visit Cleveland’s most magical museum.
Buckland Gallery of Witchcraft & Magick/Facebook Did you know that Cleveland is home to the Buckland Gallery of Witchcraft & Magick? This super cool museum displays the famous collection of Raymond Buckland, the man who brought Wicca to the shores of the United States. You’ll find yourself mesmerized by the wonders that call this museum home. Stop by and stay for a spell.
- Pay a visit to Cleveland’s Little Italy.
Little Italy Cleveland/Flickr This neighborhood contains more than 20 super chic restaurants. Anyone up for Italian food?
- Stop by Squire’s Castle.
Tim Evanson/Flickr North Chagrin Reservation is not just one of the region’s most beautiful parks; its expanse hides one very special surprise. Squire’s Castle is the shell of an incomplete 1890’s castle, and you can actually walk its grounds and explore its splendor.
- Go ahead and take a #SteggieSelfie.
RBaran/Wikimedia Commons Families have taken photos outside of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for decades due to an iconic stegosaurus statue that greets visitors. It’s a Cleveland tradition, so you might as well join in on the fun. Since 1997, “Steggie II,” an exact replica of the original dinosaur statue, was unveiled. Several years later the #SteggieSelfie was born.
- Chow down on some of the yummiest donuts in the world.
Michael U./Yelp Jack Frost Donuts; write that name down and burn it into your memory. You haven’t lived until you’ve enjoyed a delicacy from their kitchen.
- Explore a cave.
Hussein K./Yelp Mary Campbell Cave has a history that is both legendary and fascinating. Rumor has it that this cave once housed the first white child in the Western Reserve, though that is likely just a local legend. The truth of this cave is that it has served as a tourist site since 1879, when High Bridge Glens and Caves Park opened on the property.
It is easy to see why so many love life in the CLE. It is overflowing with beauty and adventure, and it promises a lifetime of memories. What is your favorite way to spend an adventurous day in Cleveland? Tell us in the comments, and don’t forget to share with us some photos of your favorite places!
Jen Goellnitz/Flickr
This coveted park is perhaps the most scenic in the Cleveland Metroparks. Its landscape is carved by the Rocky River, creating a landscape that delights hikers, photographers, and picnickers.
Ian MacQueen/Wikimedia Commons
Locals love our iconic weeping statue. The Angel of Death Victorious has watched over the cemetery and the Haserot family since 1923. While her solemn expression hasn’t changed, one thing has: black tears now seem to run down her bronze face.
Robert Chriss/Wikimedia Commons
Breakaway Excursions/Facebook
A little dirt never hurt anyone. Go rock climbing at Whipp’s Ledges, glide over Lake Erie, or embark on a kayaking adventure. Here in Cleveland, the outdoors offer a variety of incredible activities to keep your adventurous spirit satiated.
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is one of the oldest and longest tourist excursion railways in the nation, and it takes tourists on an incredible journey through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. With stations in Independence, Peninsula, and Akron, you can easily circle the region in style. With special events like Ales on Rails and the Polar Express themed journey, this excursion offers an unforgettable way to experience the local landscape.
Dittrick Museum Blog/Twitter
The Dittrick Museum of Medical History is fascinating, informative, and… honestly, a little eerie. More than 175,000 artifacts bring the ghosts of medical practices past into the modern age, allowing you to learn about the somewhat cringe-worthy evolution of medical knowledge.This world renowned collection is an incredible attraction in Cleveland, and everyone must visit it at least once.
Vermilion Yacht Club / Facebook
This lakefront community was once known as the Village of Lake Captains, as it’s a great place to drop anchor and stay a while. Visit the antique sailor community for a day of incredible views, fine dining, and shopping.
master phillip/Flickr
It’s okay, hop in your car and drive around to just look. Visit a concert at a historic church. Or maybe you will decide to walk along the streets of Playhouse Square to see the vintage signs. It’s totally okay to wander aimlessly with an end goal of discovering something beautiful.
Sokolowski’s University Inn/Facebook
Sokolowski’s is a local favorite. Located in the super chic Tremont neighborhood, this restaurant is a true delight. It has operated since 1923, and its Polish-style recipes and fantastic service have made it a community icon.
A Christmas Story House/Facebook
Ralphie’s house still stands in Tremont where its festive atmosphere is celebrated year-round. Visit the house and then pop by the museum across the street to see original props from the production. Don’t forget to swing by the gift shop for a leg lamp!
Keith Roberts/Wikimedia Commons
Ohio is full of waterfalls, but many seem to be concentrated in the stupendous landscape of Northeastern Ohio. Plan a weekend trip where you adventure from waterfall to waterfall, experiencing a variety of habitats along the way.
TripAdvisor/YoAdrian99
Northern Ohio is nestled up against the Lake Erie shoreline, and we often overlook the natural beauty of this environment. Cleveland beaches are stunning year round, and many have trails that will allow you to escape from the hustle and bustle of the Cleveland streets.
Marie H./Yelp
This unusual restaurant hearkens back to 1965 when it startled locals with a building that sits perched on the cliffs overlooking Lake Erie. Its patio offers incredible views of the Cleveland skyline, and its food will delight your palate.
Heinen’s/Facebook
The Cleveland Trust Company Building is now enjoying life as a Heinen’s Fine Foods. The majesty of the rotunda has been preserved, offering incredible views while you shop.
Buckland Gallery of Witchcraft & Magick/Facebook
Did you know that Cleveland is home to the Buckland Gallery of Witchcraft & Magick? This super cool museum displays the famous collection of Raymond Buckland, the man who brought Wicca to the shores of the United States. You’ll find yourself mesmerized by the wonders that call this museum home. Stop by and stay for a spell.
Little Italy Cleveland/Flickr
This neighborhood contains more than 20 super chic restaurants. Anyone up for Italian food?
Tim Evanson/Flickr
North Chagrin Reservation is not just one of the region’s most beautiful parks; its expanse hides one very special surprise. Squire’s Castle is the shell of an incomplete 1890’s castle, and you can actually walk its grounds and explore its splendor.
RBaran/Wikimedia Commons
Families have taken photos outside of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for decades due to an iconic stegosaurus statue that greets visitors. It’s a Cleveland tradition, so you might as well join in on the fun. Since 1997, “Steggie II,” an exact replica of the original dinosaur statue, was unveiled. Several years later the #SteggieSelfie was born.
Michael U./Yelp
Jack Frost Donuts; write that name down and burn it into your memory. You haven’t lived until you’ve enjoyed a delicacy from their kitchen.
Hussein K./Yelp
Mary Campbell Cave has a history that is both legendary and fascinating. Rumor has it that this cave once housed the first white child in the Western Reserve, though that is likely just a local legend. The truth of this cave is that it has served as a tourist site since 1879, when High Bridge Glens and Caves Park opened on the property.
Willing to adventure a bit outside of Cleveland? No visit to Ohio is complete with a trip to Grandpa’s Cheesebarn.
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