50 Best Things to Do in Cleveland, Ohio
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Cleveland, Ohio is a city brimming with energy, situated perfectly on the shores of Lake Erie. Known for its passionate sports fans, world-class cultural institutions, and revitalized downtown, it offers diverse attractions for every type of traveler. You’ll find plenty to explore, from fascinating museums to scenic parks, and discovering great free things to do in Cleveland Ohio makes exploring this Midwestern hub even more accessible.
This guide highlights fifty fantastic ways to dive into Cleveland’s unique character. Whether you’re drawn to rock and roll history, beautiful natural landscapes, historic markets, or vibrant arts districts, Cleveland provides a memorable backdrop for adventure and discovery. Get ready to explore the heart and soul of this dynamic city.
World-Class Museums and Culture
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Explore the history of rock music through incredible exhibits and memorabilia dedicated to legendary artists. Plan for several hours to soak it all in right on the lakefront.
Cleveland Museum of Art: Discover a vast collection spanning various cultures and time periods, housed in a stunning building in University Circle. General admission is free, making it accessible to everyone.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History: Delve into exhibits on dinosaurs, human evolution, Ohio’s natural environment, and astronomy. Don’t miss “Lucy,” the famous early human ancestor fossil cast.
Great Lakes Science Center: Engage with hands-on science exhibits perfect for all ages, focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math. The attached NASA Glenn Visitor Center is a highlight.
A Christmas Story House: Tour the actual house used in the beloved holiday movie “A Christmas Story,” restored to its movie splendor. A fun, nostalgic trip for fans, located in the Tremont neighborhood.
Cleveland History Center: Learn about Northeast Ohio’s rich history through exhibits covering everything from settlement to industrial growth. See historic mansions and Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum items here.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Cleveland: Experience cutting-edge contemporary art in a unique, mirrored architectural gem. Exhibits rotate frequently, offering new perspectives on modern art.
Dittrick Medical History Center: Uncover the fascinating, and sometimes bizarre, history of medicine through unique artifacts and exhibits. It provides an unusual look into medical practices of the past.
International Women’s Air & Space Museum: Celebrate the contributions of women to aviation and space exploration at this museum located inside Burke Lakefront Airport. Admission is typically free.
Outdoor Adventures and Parks
Cleveland Metroparks: Explore this extensive park system known as the “Emerald Necklace,” offering trails, picnic spots, and nature centers. It encircles the city, providing easy access to nature.
Edgewater Park: Enjoy stunning views of Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline from this popular Metropark beach and park. It features a swimming beach, pier, and picnic areas.
Rocky River Reservation: Hike or bike through beautiful woodlands and along the Rocky River within this large section of the Metroparks. Look for the impressive shale cliffs along the trails.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Venture just south of the city to Ohio’s only national park, offering lush forests, waterfalls, and the scenic Cuyahoga River. The Towpath Trail is perfect for biking or walking.
Lake Erie Waterfront: Simply enjoy the presence of the Great Lake, whether walking along its shore, visiting a lakeside park, or dining with a view. The lake defines much of Cleveland’s character.
Cleveland Botanical Garden: Wander through beautiful themed gardens, including a Japanese garden and a children’s garden, plus the impressive Glasshouse. It’s a peaceful escape in University Circle.
Holden Arboretum: Explore one of the nation’s largest arboreta, featuring diverse plant collections, forests, and unique structures like the Canopy Walk and Emergent Tower.
Public Square: Relax or attend an event in the heart of downtown Cleveland’s recently renovated central plaza. It’s a vibrant gathering space surrounded by key city buildings.
Lake View Cemetery: Walk through this historic garden cemetery, known for its beautiful landscaping and notable monuments. The James A. Garfield Memorial and Wade Chapel are must-sees.
Towpath Trail: Walk, run, or bike along sections of this historic canal towpath running through the Metroparks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It offers level, scenic routes for recreation.
Neighborhood Exploration
West Side Market: Experience Cleveland’s oldest public market, bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and prepared foods. Grab lunch from one of the diverse food stalls.
Little Italy: Stroll through this charming neighborhood known for its authentic Italian restaurants, bakeries, and art galleries. Enjoy a delicious pasta dinner or grab a cannoli.
Tremont: Explore this trendy neighborhood filled with art galleries, boutiques, Victorian architecture, and acclaimed restaurants. Its hilly streets offer great city views.
Ohio City: Discover this vibrant historic neighborhood adjacent to the West Side Market, known for its craft breweries, independent shops, and dining scene. It has a lively, youthful energy.
University Circle: Immerse yourself in Cleveland’s cultural hub, home to major museums, Severance Hall (home of the Cleveland Orchestra), and Case Western Reserve University. It’s a concentrated area of arts and education.
Gordon Square Arts District: Experience this revitalized neighborhood on the west side, featuring theaters, galleries, unique shops, and restaurants. Catch a show at the Capitol Theatre.
The Flats (East & West Bank): Explore this entertainment district along the Cuyahoga River, offering restaurants, bars, and live music venues. Enjoy the riverside atmosphere and views of passing freighters.
Sports and Entertainment
Catch a Guardians Baseball Game: Cheer on Cleveland’s Major League Baseball team at Progressive Field during the season. The atmosphere is electric on game days.
See the Cavaliers Play Basketball: Experience the energy of an NBA game watching the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The downtown arena offers a modern fan experience.
Attend a Browns Football Game: Join the passionate Dawg Pound fanbase for a Cleveland Browns NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium on the lakefront. The tailgating scene is legendary.
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Events: Beyond sports, catch major concerts, family shows, and other large-scale events at this premier downtown arena. Check the schedule for touring acts.
Playhouse Square: Take in a Broadway show, concert, or play at the country’s largest performing arts center outside of New York City. The restored historic theaters are stunning.
Music Box Supper Club: Enjoy dinner and live music ranging from local acts to national touring artists in a relaxed setting with river views. It offers a great night out in The Flats.
Food and Drink Scene
Go Brewery Hopping: Sample local craft beers at popular spots like Great Lakes Brewing Company in Ohio City or Masthead Brewing Co. downtown. Cleveland has a thriving craft beer scene.
Explore Local Restaurants: Try diverse dining options across the city, from chef-driven restaurants in Tremont to casual eateries in Gordon Square. Cleveland’s food reputation continues to grow.
Sokolowski’s University Inn: Experience a Cleveland institution serving traditional Polish and Eastern European fare cafeteria-style. It offers hearty comfort food with city views.
Indulge at Mitchell’s Ice Cream: Treat yourself to homemade ice cream using local ingredients at one of Mitchell’s locations around the city. Their unique seasonal flavors are always popular.
Find a Great Coffee Shop: Relax and refuel at one of Cleveland’s many independent coffee shops scattered throughout the neighborhoods. They offer a local taste and cozy atmosphere.
Hunt Down Food Trucks: Keep an eye out for Cleveland’s diverse food truck scene, often found at parks, events, or downtown during lunch hours. It’s a quick and tasty meal option.
Free Cleveland Fun
Cleveland Public Library (Downtown): Explore the beautiful main branch, including the historic Main Building and the modern Louis Stokes Wing with its impressive atrium. Reading rooms and exhibits are free to browse.
Self-Guided Walking Tours: Discover neighborhoods like Ohio City or Tremont at your own pace using online guides or simply wandering. It’s a cost-effective way to see architectural details.
Explore the Metroparks: Enjoy hiking, birdwatching, or just relaxing in the vast Cleveland Metroparks system. Access to the parks and trails is free.
Relax on Lake Erie Beaches: Visit Edgewater Beach or other lakeside spots within the Metroparks during warmer months. Enjoying the sand and sun costs nothing.
Attend Public Square Events: Check the schedule for free concerts, markets, or seasonal activities happening in Cleveland’s central Public Square. There’s often something happening downtown.
Admire the Guardians of Traffic: See the iconic Art Deco statues on the Hope Memorial Bridge connecting downtown to Ohio City. They are impressive landmarks visible day or night.
Federal Reserve Bank Money Museum: Learn about the history of money and the Federal Reserve system through interactive exhibits. This small museum offers free admission.
Unique Cleveland Finds
The Arcade Cleveland: Step inside one of America’s first indoor shopping centers, a stunning Victorian-era structure with intricate ironwork and a glass skylight. It’s worth visiting for the architecture alone.
Terminal Tower Observation Deck: Ascend to the top of this iconic Cleveland skyscraper for panoramic views of the city and Lake Erie. Check for current hours and ticket availability.
Superelectric Pinball Parlor: Play dozens of vintage and modern pinball machines in this fun spot located in the Gordon Square Arts District. It’s a blast from the past for all ages.
Heinen’s Downtown Grocery Store: Visit this grocery store located in a breathtaking former bank building with a stained-glass rotunda ceiling. Grab lunch or admire the stunning interior architecture.
