Like many Rust Belt cities, Cleveland is surrounded by vibrant, convivial suburbs that promise a slower pace of life. Cuyahoga County is filled to the brim with such communities, and each has its own distinct personality. Today, we’re going to take a road trip to a destination that we believe is the friendliest town near Cleveland, with oodles of personality and spunk. Hope you love the Great Outdoors, because the charming town of Bedford, Ohio, is truly a nature lover’s paradise, too.

Bedford, Ohio is one of the smaller cities in Cuyahoga County, but it's chock-full of charm.
friendliest town near Cleveland
Bennett-ne/Wikimedia Commons
This Cleveland suburb has a long history, with inhabitants first arriving in the area some 11,000 years ago. The first American settlers came around 1813, but it's no wonder this attractive chunk of land has been home to many across generations.
This community is a breath of fresh air, especially in the summertime.
Lauryn/Google Images
The plentiful verdant forests that stretch across the community today also caught the attention of early settlers. They helped build factories that once helped the community boom.
One of the main attractions in town is Tinker's Creek, whose picturesque falls once fueled local industry.
Great Falls of Tinkers Creek, Willis St, Bedford, OH 44264, USA
James Lundeen/Google Images
The Tinker's Creek Gorge is where this historic magic happened, and it's also where visitors can get up close and personal with the waterfall. I personally enjoy walking out on the big stones in the creek when the waters are low to get a closer look at its veil-like crest!
But Tinker's Creek is just a small portion of all Bedford Reservation has to offer, so bring your hiking boots on this journey!
Broadway Trailhead, Hawthorn Pkwy, Bedford, OH 44146, USA
Seth Kimble/Google Images
Pictured here is Broadway Trailhead, which offers easy access to some of the most stunning views in the park. But with 2,200 acres to explore, there's no shortage of greenery to explore!
You'll love walking around in town, too.
Bedford Historical Society & Museum, 30 S Park St RD, Bedford, OH 44146, USA
Angelo Cicero/Google Images
This town is deliciously walkable, and the Bedford Historical Society & Museum offers another opportunity to get your steps in. Their antique-filled buildings are stunning, and the grounds are downright attention-grabbing.
Bedford is also one of just a few towns in the nation where you can play whirlyball!
WhirlyBall, 5055 Richmond Rd, Bedford Heights, OH 44146, USA
Avinash Kanakamedala/Google Images
Whirlyball, which can be played at the business of the same name, is an unusual sport that takes influence from basketball, bumper cars, and lacrosse. It's a wild, one-of-a-kind experience that you can't help but love!

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If you're craving something more familiar, there's more to do at this family fun center near Cleveland.
WhirlyBall Cleveland/Facebook
You can also bowl or play laser tag at Whirlyball. Try virtual reality, play arcade games, and snack at this cool indoor fun center. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured that fun is on the agenda.
If you're into more extreme obstacle courses and challenges, then Adrenaline Monkey belongs on your Bedford bucket list.
Adrenaline Monkey Cleveland, 26800 Renaissance Pkwy, Cleveland, OH 44128, USA
Claire Gardulski/Google Images
This 24,000-square-foot indoor playground will bring out your inner ninja, and it's perfect for adventurous visitors of all ages.
After so much adventure, you'll likely find yourself hungry. Sirna's Cafe will take care of ya!
795 Broadway Ave, Bedford, OH 44146, USA
Muzzette Dove/Google Images
Comfort food is the name of the game at this friendly neighborhood restaurant. Burgers, steak, beer-battered fish, and more keep visitors returning time and time again.
Sirna's is one of the most talked about restaurants in Bedford, and it's a great place to rest after so much adventure.
Jasy Re/Google Images
Soak up some air conditioning while you unwind and take it easy. But remember, you're just fueling up... there's more to see and do in town!
No trip to Bedford is complete without a casual stroll through downtown.
friendliest town near Cleveland
City of Bedford, OH/Facebook
Like many Midwestern communities, this charming downtown district is full of local shops. The best way to get to know a community is to enjoy it like a local, and this walkable district is perfect for just that.
Before you head home, be sure to stop by Brulee Takeout for some grub for the road... or for dinner later.
Brulee Takeout, 802 Broadway Ave, Bedford, OH 44146, USA
Howard Dorsey Griffith/Google Images
Grab wings, mac and cheese, burgers, and more to take home. You'll regret heading back without some food from this friendly town!
If you don't make it to Bedford this summer, don't even sweat it... it's beautiful and roadtrip-worthy all year-round!
friendliest town near Cleveland
City of Bedford, OH/Facebook
No matter when you visit Bedford, Ohio, you're in for a treat. Make sure to add the friendliest town near Cleveland to this year's bucket list!

You can never go wrong with taking a road trip to a small town near Cleveland, but the town of Bedford is especially wow-worthy in the summer months. What’s your favorite thing to do in town? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Looking to get to know more towns in the Greater Cleveland area? Add the funky little town of Hudson to your local travel bucket list, too!

Hudson Is A Funky Little City Near Cleveland That’s A Hidden Treasure

 

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More to Explore

Things To Do Near Cleveland

Melanie J. | April 12, 2024

What are some more towns near Cleveland that are perfect for a day trip?

Whether you’re searching for outdoor adventure, historical sites, or delicious comfort food, these are the towns near Cleveland that are great for a day trip. 

  • Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga County
  • Peninsula, Summit County
  • Ashtabula, Ashtabula County
  • Kelleys Island, Erie County
  • Millersburg, Holmes County
  • Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ashtabula County
  • Oberlin, Lorain County
  • Huron, Erie County
  • Olmsted Falls, Cuyahoga County
  • Vermilion, Erie/Lorain County

Be sure to read our article telling you more about these towns near Cleveland that are great for a day trip. 

Besides visiting a small town, what are some day trip ideas near Cleveland?

While visiting a small town is one of our favorite day trip ideas near Cleveland, here are some more fun day trips that we recommend: 

  • Ohio Caverns, West Liberty
  • Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Peninsula
  • Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland
  • The Wilds Columbus Zoo, Cumberland
  • Cedar Point, Sandusky
  • Edgewater Beach, Cleveland
  • Northern Ohio Railway Museum, Seville
  • Cleveland Grays Armory Museum, Cleveland
  • Mapleside Farms, Brunswick
  • Willard Park, Cleveland
  • Greater Cleveland Aquarium, Cleveland
  • Kayaking the Cuyahoga River, Cleveland
  • Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland 

Don’t forget to check out this article to learn more about these fun day trip ideas near Cleveland. 

What are the best road trips near Cleveland?

If you plan on hitting the highway this year, here are some incredible road trips near Cleveland that belong on your list. 

Check out our website to discover more road trips near Cleveland.

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Bedford, OH 44146, USA