10 Perfect Things To Add To Your Cleveland Summer Bucket List
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
There’s something indescribably magical about a summer day spent in Cleveland. The sun, the lake-kissed breeze, the old-school simplicity of The Land’s well-traveled streets… there’s a lot to love here, but a few spots stand out like no others. These ten summer day trip destinations in Cleveland are one-of-a-kind places to spend a day. Take a look:
Solstice Steps, 14532 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA
Stretching along 480 feet of Lake Erie's southern shore, the Solstice Steps in Lakewood are a landmark like no other. In total, the steps tower 36 feet over Lake Erie, offering incredible views of the clouds that the Great Lakes are so apt to form. The Solstice Steps get their name because they face the northernmost point of the sunset on the summer solstice; the sun stands directly above the waves before melting into the horizon as it sets on this especially memorable occasion, and this Lakewood landmark offers a front-row seat to the experience.
Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Located in the magnificent University Circle right by Wade Lagoon is a collective of famous Cleveland institutions... and one local exotic butterfly population. At the Cleveland Botanical Garden, you'll find live landscaped ecosystems that range from the desert of Madagascar to the rainforests of Costa Rica. Inside and out, a variety of plants lend the massive campus a sense of richness and beauty. While the outdoor gardens are naturally populated by indigenous Ohio species, the indoor ecosystems are populated by birds, butterflies, and even lizards that greet visitors each and every day.
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Brandywine Falls, Sagamore Hills Township, OH 44067, USA
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the only national park in Ohio, and we're fortunate that it's close enough to Cleveland to merit a few summertime trips. In the national park itself, you can find a wide variety of features, ranging from historic buildings and company towns to waterfalls. The biggest waterfall in the park is Brandywine Falls, a 65-foot tall cascade that can be accessed via a brief staircase hike.
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Towpath Trail, Towpath Trl, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
Now the Towpath Trail is one of my favorite hikes in all of Ohio! At 101 miles in length, this stretch of historic trail reaches through many distinct communities... and it's no secret why! The trail follows the historic path that mules once walked to pull boats along the Ohio & Erie Canal, a role they fulfilled from 1827 to 1913. While the canal shut down at that time, portions of it are still visible along this incredible hike. Still, the historic route offers a glimpse of Ohio wilderness, and the northernmost portions of the route can be enjoyed right here in Cleveland.
Cuyahoga River, Ohio, USA
From Cleveland down to Kent and beyond, there are a number of memorable places where you can rent a kayak and explore the Cuyahoga River. Up near Cleveland, rentals often include access to explore Lake Erie if you so choose. There's something indescribably magical about exploring the region from its waterways, as it almost feels like you're dipping into history and exploring an unknown world... and I have to admit, the waters hide some of the most incredible views of the city.
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The Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Since 1913, the Cleveland Museum of Art has remained free to visit "for the benefit of all people, forever." Here, some incredible pieces of art contribute to a collection of some-61,000 pieces, many of which are unbelievably historic. Two of my favorite exhibits here are the Egyptian exhibit, as early art in the collection was procured by Howard Carter himself, and the Armor Court just upstairs, which has been in the very same exhibit space since it opened in 1916.
Edgewater Park, Cleveland, OH 44102, USA
Located between Lake Erie and the Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, there's one charming park that locals can't get enough of in the summer: Edgewater Park! As part of the Cleveland Metroparks, this beautiful lakefront park is one of many gems in the local Emerald Necklace... but it's framed by a sapphire blue water that's waiting for you to dive in. Edgewater Beach spans 2400 feet of sandy shore, and the pier and beach also offer stunning views of the skyline. It's a dreamy place to soak up some sun, catch a summer concert, or go for a carefree swim.
Blossom Music Center, 1145 W Steels Corners Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223, USA
No summer, in my opinion, is complete without at least one trip to Blossom Music Center. This amphitheater in the outdoor splendor of Cuyahoga Valley National Park hosts an annual lineup of world-class music... including performances by The Cleveland Orchestra. Each year, the orchestra will even play the entire start-to-finish soundtrack of a few famous movies as you watch it unfold on the big screens behind and beside the stage. I saw one of the Star Wars movies a few summers ago, and their accompanying performance was downright magical.
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Michael Angelo's Winery, 5515 Broadview Rd, Richfield, OH 44286, USA
In the countryside of Richfield, there's one charming winery that's like a small-scale Napa Valley. It's close enough to Cleveland for a quick visit, yet far enough to feel worlds away from city life. At Michael Angelo's Winery, delectable pastries and hearty entrees pair perfectly with the jaw-dropping view of the surrounding landscape... and their estate-grown and imported wines add an extra degree of flavor! Sit inside on especially hot days, or unwind on their massive patio. Special events like yoga can infuse your visit with extra fun, so this is one local landmark to keep on your radar.
Mason's Creamery, 4401 Bridge Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
While there are many local ice cream shops that one can choose to visit in Cleveland, there's something old-school and irresistible about Mason's Creamery. Here, handmade batches of ice cream take center stage, served in a variety of original flavors. The business has been around for just a decade, but it's become an annual summertime tradition for many Clevelanders. But the fun doesn't even stop there! As summer finally fades away and the landscape gets chilly, this cool sweet treat shack transforms into a ramen shop.
Each of these summer day trip destinations in Cleveland has a personality and flavor all its own. Which one is your favorite? What makes them so special to you? Tell us in the comments below!
Love spending time in the great outdoors? Check out our top 10 favorite summer hikes in Cleveland for even more seasonal fun.
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