Welcome to an exploration of the unforgettable and unique experiences awaiting you in Cleveland, Ohio. Rich with culture, fizzing with creativity, and tantalizing tastebuds with culinary surprises, Cleveland has something for everyone.
Join us as we discover the best things to do in Cleveland along with the must-sees in the city. Whether you're an experienced globe-trotter or taking your first trip, get ready to be captivated by the city's charisma and limitless attractions making it one exceptional travel destination.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, spans 183 acres, housing over 3,000 animals from over 600 species. It boasts seven main exhibits, including an elephant crossing, an Australian habitat, and an African savannah.
Additionally, the zoo offers the Cleveland Metroparks Railroad, programs like Inside Tracks Tour, providing insights into animal care and conservation efforts. Open year-round, this place is one of the Ohio Cleveland attractions that is a must-visit.
Situated in downtown Cleveland, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame serves as both a museum and a tribute to the history of rock music. Documenting the contributions of artists, producers, engineers, and other influential figures, it showcases exhibits highlighting famous artists and the impactful music that has shaped the industry.
Visitors can immerse themselves in interactive displays featuring artifacts and photographs. Additionally, the museum boasts a gift shop offering a variety of music-related items.
The Cleveland Museum of Art offers diverse experiences for visitors. It's a significant hub for exhibitions, scholarship, and performing arts. Guests can explore art from different periods and cultures, attend special events like conservation projects and play days, and engage in exhibitions.
Additionally, the museum's layout provides a natural and engaging experience, encouraging patrons to explore and learn at their own pace. Visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in Cleveland.
Playhouse Square in Cleveland is one of the largest performing arts centers in the U.S. It boasts 10 performance spaces, including five beautifully restored theaters from the 1920s, hosting over 1,000 events annually, including major Broadway productions.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of shows, from Broadway hits to concerts, comedy, dance performances, and children's programs. The Playhouse Square website offers an event calendar for upcoming shows, and tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
In winter, if you are looking for some exciting outdoor activities in Ohio, then you can enjoy ice skating at Public Square, Cleveland. The Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink in downtown offers a picturesque outdoor experience from November to January.
Here, families can create holiday memories and enjoy the festive atmosphere in the heart of the city. However, it is important to check the website for the latest schedule and events as it is a seasonal activity and may have varying hours.
The Cleveland Botanical Garden offers a delightful outdoor experience. Visitors can explore beautiful gardens and glasshouses included with admission. Seasonal activities and exhibits like Orchids Forever and Life in One Cubic Foot are highlights.
Outdoor gardens feature Japanese, herb, rose, and topiary gardens, along with the kid-friendly Hershey Children's Garden. Additionally, special services like bus rentals are available. This garden is a tranquil urban retreat for nature lovers and families to enjoy and learn.
The A Christmas Story House is a favorite tourist attraction offering tours of the restored house and museum. Visitors can see the house as it appeared in the movie, view original props and costumes, and take guided tours every half hour.
Moreover, the museum displays rare behind-the-scenes photos and movie items and the gift shop sells souvenirs like leg lamps and ornaments. Additionally, guests can even stay overnight in the house restored to its movie setting.
The Cleveland Institute of Art's Cinematheque is a renowned movie theater featuring classic, foreign, and independent films. Screenings are held in the state-of-the-art Peter B. Lewis Theater with a 36-foot-wide screen and Dolby Digital 7.1 sound.
Also, the theater offers exclusive films to Cleveland and discounted tickets for members and certain groups. Watching a movie at this cinematheque gives you a unique cinematic experience, making it a fun stuff to do in Cleveland Ohio.
Lake View Cemetery is a 285-acre nonprofit garden cemetery offering a peaceful experience for visitors. Known as "Cleveland's Outdoor Museum," it features beautiful landscaping and historic memorials.
Visitors can stroll along paths among trees and flowers, visit attractions like the James A. Garfield Memorial and the Wade Memorial Chapel, and enjoy group and school tours. It's a serene destination offering a peaceful experience and historical significance.
Edgewater Park is a beautiful spot for picnics and outdoor fun. With 6,000 feet of shoreline, two beaches, playgrounds, and pavilions, it offers stunning views of the city skyline and Lake Erie.
The park also has amenities like boat ramps and fishing piers, and you can even rent a pavilion for special events. Whether you want to dine outside, admire the scenery, or enjoy water activities, this family-friendly park welcomes visitors of all ages.
The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is a popular destination for all ages. It houses 2,700 aquatic animals from around the world, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. Visitors can explore seven immersive galleries, including the Ohio Lakes and Rivers Gallery and the Coastal Gallery.
Also, interactive experiences like touch tanks and animal encounters are available, along with behind-the-scenes tours. It's best to set aside 2-3 hours for a thorough exploration.
Cleveland Metroparks offers 18 reservations spread across over 25,000 acres with over 325 miles of trails to explore with activities including hiking, cycling, boating, and more. Educational programs and guided trips are available to learn about plants and wildlife.
Exploring this park system is one of the fun things to do Cleveland Ohio has to offer. This place is a family-friendly destination with kid-friendly hikes and activities.
The Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the historic Dunham Tavern and its campus. They offer various events like open house tours, the annual Juneteenth celebration, and educational activities such as book clubs and historical presentations.
Moreover, the museum's collection focuses on early Northeast Ohio home and tavern examples. It's a significant historical landmark, known for being one of the first taverns in Cleveland, with expansive grounds ideal for leisurely walks.
Watching the sunset at Lakewood Park is a popular activity. The park provides beautiful views of Cleveland and Lake Erie, making it an ideal spot to see the sun setting. Visitors can easily walk to the park, especially on busy days.
The landscape and the new Solstice Steps offer a picturesque setting for enjoying the sunset. Additionally, the Cleveland city overlook at the park is a great place for taking sunset pictures, and gives a serene and visually stunning experience, perfect for both locals and visitors.
Cedar Point Amusement Park near Cleveland is a must-visit for thrill-seekers and families. With over 150 rides and attractions, including 18 world-class roller coasters like Valravn and the tallest, fastest, and longest hyper-hybrid roller coaster, there's a full day of excitement in the 364-acre park.
Additionally, live shows, dining, and signature events add to the experience, along with an 18-acre water park. Also, visitors can stay overnight at one of the park's four hotels or campgrounds.
Cleveland Aerial Tours with companies such as Fly Heli Cleveland provides scenic flights over Cleveland granting passengers an exclusive viewpoint of the city's landmarks and attractions. You'll fly in small planes or helicopters, seeing iconic sights like the Cleveland skyline, and Lake Erie.
Additionally, experienced pilots share city history during the tour, making it a remarkable and thrilling opportunity to discover Cleveland from a high vantage point.
The West Side Market in Cleveland is an old and lively market with over 100 vendors selling a variety of goods like meats, seafood, fruits, and more. It's surrounded by trendy restaurants and breweries, making it a popular spot for food and fun.
You can wander the indoor market, try different foods, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere. Plus, it's conveniently located near other attractions, making it a great place for both locals and visitors to explore.
Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, near Cleveland, is a top outdoor music venue. Guests can relax on the Lawn or enjoy Pavilion seating for great acoustics. You can bring your picnic for orchestra events or enjoy food and drinks onsite.
The venue offers good customer service, private restrooms, and chances to attend other Live Nation concerts in Ohio. Just be sure to follow event-specific rules, like item restrictions.
Exploring Cleveland's Cultural Gardens is a special experience where you can visit 33 unique gardens, each honoring a different ethnic group that has shaped the city's heritage. These gardens celebrate diversity and promote global peace and cooperation.
Adorned with sculptures, sacred monuments, and tributes to cultural figures, the gardens offer a tranquil and educational setting, which makes the visit here one of the best things to do in Cleveland USA.
Touring a Cleveland brewery with companies such as Great Lakes Brewing Co and City Brew Tours Cleveland offers an immersive experience in craft beer production. Visitors enjoy guided tours where they learn about the brewing process.
Witness operations like the brewhouse and fermentation tanks while guides share brewery history and beer-making insights. It is a fun stuff to do in Cleveland Ohio while learning about the craft beer industry.
