While it may seem bonkers to locals, Cleveland is quietly one of the coolest vacation spots in the Great Lakes region. We have world-class museums and institutions, an impeccable brewing scene, food like you won't believe, hidden gems, and, of course, beaches. Some Lake Erie beaches are so clean and biodiverse that you might think you're standing in the tropics! Truly, nothing beats wiggling your toes in the sand on a sunny day... although crowds can put a damper on the fun. Today, we're going to take a virtual visit to what just may be the least-crowded beach in Cleveland: Villa Angela. Ready to dive in?

At circa 233 acres in size, there's no shortage of beauty in this Cleveland Metroparks reservation.

All year long, Euclid Creek Reservation captivates Clevelanders with its beauty. While it is now an urban oasis, the spot once housed the high-energy Euclid Beach Park. This Victorian-era amusement park was known for its rides and food, including the famous Humphrey popcorn balls we know and love today. Alas, the old amusement park is gone, though its grand gate still stands as a reminder of this park's past.

In the summer months, however, it takes on a special sort of energy.

The park is home to one of the famous Cleveland script signs, and it's a great spot to capture the majesty of Lake Erie.

It's no wonder an amusement park once sat here... the views are incredible!

If you find yourself wondering about the old Euclid Beach Park, you can learn more about it and even ride its old carousel at the Cleveland History Center. (Side note: Don't wear a dress if you plan to ride the carousel. The staff will politely inform you that riding sidesaddle is against the law... Not that I would know or anything.)

One of the biggest draws here is Villa Angela Beach, which is perhaps the least busy beach in the Cleveland Metroparks.

This 900-foot sandy shoreline became a part of the Cleveland Metroparks in 2013, yet many Clevelanders have yet to visit it. Unlike other urban Lake Erie beaches, this one is rarely packed, and you might even have the space all to yourself!

In 2015, the beach officially opened to swimmers, and it has been making summer memories ever since.

During your visit, be sure to follow the waterfront rules and regulations which you can find on the Cleveland Metroparks website. This includes keeping floaties (outside of U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets) out of Lake Erie, so you'll unfortunately have to keep that giant inflatable shark at home.

Right next to the beach is another attraction you must check out — it's one of the prettiest piers on Lake Erie.

At 315 feet in length, this pier takes you out onto Lake Erie. The pier was unveiled in 2019, and its picturesque arches dazzled visitors. If you look closely, you'll find that they immortalize moments from the old Euclid Beach amusement park!

This spot is a magical spot to visit, even if you don't plan on dipping your toes in the water.

Bring a picnic, read a book, or simply soak up some vitamin D. Whatever you decide to do, you'll love having Lake Erie as a backdrop! The views here are especially magical at sunset. I recommend bringing a blanket to sit on or cuddle into on the pier!

Once the year shifts to fall again, locals covet this site as one of the best places to see the annual butterfly migration.

Each fall, thousands of monarch butterflies move through Cleveland on their trek south for the winter. The forests of the Cleveland Metroparks provide sustenance and a safe place to rest, so they're often packed with additional flashes of orange in the form of fluttering wings.

But truth be told, you'll likely find some native residents no matter what time of year you visit!

From lakefront birds and bugs to white-tailed deer, all sorts of animals call this pretty park home. During your visit to Euclid Creek Reservation, make sure to leave nothing behind but footprints.

This park is vibrant, serene, and a true testament to the fierce protection of memories.

Villa Angela Beach is named for a Catholic School once located on the site. Pair this with the old Euclid Beach Park, and it's easy to view this park as a monument to Cleveland history. Locals have long cherished the memories made here, and its status as a park ensures that this spot will remain one of reminiscence for generations to come.

There's so much to love about this underrated park in Cleveland.

Cleveland beaches include Villa Angela Beach, perhaps the least-crowded beach in the state. Discover more on the Euclid Creek Reservation web page. It's the perfect way to spend a sunny day, and visitors carry on a generations-long tradition of making memories here.

Would you like to visit another secluded beach in the Cleveland Metroparks? Visit Wallace Lake to keep the fun in the sun going. And if you need a bathing suit, check out some cool options from REI.

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