8 Incredible Trips Around Cleveland That Will Change Your Life

Cleveland might not be the first destination that comes to mind when imagining an unforgettable vacation, but the Forest City is home to a wide variety of truly amazing locations that are just begging to be visited. From massive national parks to rocky freshwater beaches, Cleveland has something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

1. Lakefront State Park (8701 Lakeshore Blvd)

The splendor of Lake Erie is something best experienced as close as possible to the water, and the stone and sand beaches at Lakefront State Park do just that. The view of the iconic Cleveland skyline from this fantastic park is one of the best you'll ever find.

2. Brandywine Falls (8176 Brandywine Rd, Sagamore Hills)

The largest waterfall in Summit County, Brandywine Falls is a simply stunning view. The wooden observation deck just a few yards from the falls brings you closer to a waterfall than you've ever been. The roar of the water as it plunges over 40 feet of sandstone is something that must be experienced in person to be truly appreciated.

3. Edgewater Park (Lake Erie)

Isolated from the hustle and bustle of downtown Cleveland, Edgewater Park is perhaps the best blend of Lake Erie's aquatic beauty and the wonder of Cleveland's lush forests. The beach at Edgewater Park is one of the best of the city, and it's located smack dab on top of the sprawling woods of Edgewater.

4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Brandywine Rd, Northfield)

This amazing national park is the crown jewel of the Forest City's Emerald Necklace. Spanning hundreds of acres of remarkably preserved nature, exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park in all its glory will take more than a simple day trip, but even one day will show you just how magical the great outdoors can be.

5. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (13512 Station Rd, Brecksville)

What better way to cap off your visit to this mammoth state park than with a scenic tour of all it has to offer from the comfort and charm of a speeding train? The railroad at Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the most unforgettable train trips you'll ever take, showing you the beauty of the Forest City from a whole different perspective.

6. Cleveland Botanical Gardens (11030 East Blvd)

Cleveland's Botanical Gardens is a veritable oasis of lush, exotic plant life in the heart of the city. Walking through the unbelievable flora of this year-round garden will transport you to another world of natural beauty. Keep your eyes open for one of the many exotic species of butterflies that call the gardens their home!

7. Put-in-Bay (5174 Water St, Port Clinton)

The self-styled "Key West of the North Coast," Put-in-Bay is an amazing beach community, vibrant boardwalk and natural wonder all rolled into one tiny island. Its location right off the northeast Ohio mainland is a little remote, but one day in Put-in-Bay will be enough to make the ferry journey worthwhile.

8. Gildersleeve Mountain (9938 Chillicothe Rd, Kirtland)

Offering the most unique bird's eye view of Cleveland and the Lake Erie coastline, Gildersleeve Mountain is perhaps the most beautiful mountain trek anywhere in the Forest City. The natural deposits of Berea sandstone that dot the mountain make for a unique hiking experience, and the view once you reach the top is indescribably wonderful.

Have you been on any of these marvelous trips? Tell us about them in the comments below.