The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You Greater Cleveland Like Never Before
We are treated to stunning lakefront views here on Cleveland’s coast. This can make days in the warmer months particularly memorable, as there’s nothing quite like fun in the sun right on the water. However, Cleveland’s own beaches can become crowded on particularly balmy days. Fortunately, the area abounds with lesser-known swimming beaches, both on Lake Erie’s shore and further inland… and they’re some of the best beaches in Cleveland! Pack some sunscreen and a few beach towels, because this adventure through some of the best swimming beaches near Cleveland just may become your favorite summertime trip.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Grab a beach towel and some sunscreen, because this road trip is full of fun in the sun.
We're swinging by some of the lesser-known lakes and beaches around Cleveland today, so prepare for a summertime road trip that you'll never forget. You can find an interactive map here.
Over in the stunning Ashtabula County area is an impressive state park with 698 acres right on the shore of Lake Erie. Geneva Park, though right on the lake, reflects an interesting moment in ancient Ohio history: its geological features demonstrate that it was under water at times and also miles away from water at others. In addition to unique geomorphic features, this site also hosts unique plants that are typically only found on the Atlantic Coast. You'll feel like you're somewhere far more tropical when you unwind on Geneva State Park's 300-foot swimming beach.
As Lake Erie is relatively shallow, it can churn tremendously and suddenly as storms roll in. There's no better place to watch cloud formations develop that Fairport Harbor Beach, a sanctuary for humans and indigenous species alike. If you're longing for some time in the water but don't want to swim, you can rent a kayak and embark on adventure. Those who need accessibility accommodations will be pleased to know that this beach includes a boardwalk, allowing wheelchairs and scooters to traverse the sandy beach with ease.
At only 20 acres, Lakeview Park is minuscule compared to many nearby reservations and preserves. This park, however, is small but mighty. It offers striking views of Lake Erie's sunsets and includes an aromatic, visually spectacular rose garden to stroll through.
If you're not a fan of Lake Erie beaches (admittedly, many area residents are not particularly fond of them), you just might enjoy a dip at Wallace Lake Beach. This former quarry site is located along Valley Parkway, and its man-made lake was built with the intention of creating a spot for summertime fun. As you can see, this is a particularly striking spot to visit in the late summer months as leaves are just starting to change.
Hinckley Reservation is iconic for its annual return of the buzzards celebration, but locals love the park for its swimming opportunities as well. The Spillway Swim Area by their Jazz Age dam is a hit with swimmers of all ages, and the Ledge Pool & Recreation Area offers an alternative for those craving something slightly less rustic.
While there is a $5 admission fee for adults at Munroe Falls Metropark, it's a price well worth paying for such a pristine and lovely beach. Once upon a time, the former owners of this property realized that swimmers enjoyed their small fishing lake, thus they expanded it to 13 acres in 1937 and opened Renner Park, a small sliver of sunshine in a tumultuous era. Summit Metro Parks acquired the site in 2007, expanding the area around the lake to include hiking trails, picnic tables, and pavilions.
Address: 521 South River Road, Munroe Falls, OH, 44262
At 2,650 acres, the lake at West Branch State Park is kind of a big deal with lovers of the great outdoors. Located just east of Ravenna, you'll find that this charming state park includes a land mass that's double the size of its impressive lake. Its meadows and woodlots are ideal for hikers, and its 700-foot-long sandy beach offers an ideal way to soak up some of the summer sun. After a bit of sunbathing, many enjoy cooling off in the forested shade on a few portions of the park's 14 miles of trails.
Address: 5570 Esworthy Road, Ravenna, OH, 44266
Summertime is magical in and around Cleveland, and there’s truly nothing quite like a swim just before sunset. Which of these Cleveland beaches is your favorite?
With a nickname like Forest City, Cleveland is not exactly known for its beaches. Even saying Cleveland beaches feels wrong to the uninformed citizen – but there are many incredible beaches throughout Greater Cleveland and the entire state. Edgewater Beach in Ohio (not to be confused with the Florida beach of the same name) is renowned for its beauty and proximity to Downtown Cleveland, and other lakefront properties in the Cleveland Metroparks offer endless beauty and charm. There are many charming beaches in Greater Cleveland that are not located on Lake Erie, as well, and they’re perfect for quiet outings with the family.
What are the best beach towns in Ohio?
Some of the finest beach towns in the state can be found not too far from Cleveland! Vermilion is a charming community that hosts what may be the best sandy beach in Ohio, and Huron is full of beauty and good times. If you’re longing for more of an island-style culture, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Lake Erie Islands! South Bass Island is downright enchanting in terms of culture, and it’s a hot spot on our favorite lighthouse road trip.
What beaches have the clearest water in Ohio?
Looking for the beach with the clearest water in Cleveland? Believe it or not, there’s a beach right in Cleveland that’s Blue Wave Certified by the Clean Beaches Council! Huntington Beach, the landscape that boasts this honorable certification, is a great stop in the Cleveland Metroparks, and it’s just one of many local sites that visitors and residents alike adore. If you’re on a mission to find your new favorite Cleveland beach, it’s never a bad idea to ask area residents about their favorite beaches – Clevelanders love fun in the sun and are a wealth of information on hotspots and little known attractions.
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Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is - she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
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