Top Things To Do In Cleveland

In addition to live performances, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame is also home to a giant glass pyramid and the largest collection of music memorabilia in the world. For something a little mellower, take a peek at the 45,000 pieces of artwork housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art.

To experience more of the best things to do near Cleveland, consider:

• Checking out Bono’s guitar in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame
• Walking along the banks of the Cuyahoga River
• Visiting the exhibits in the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
• The Cleveland Orchestra, one of the original “big five” orchestras
• Gazing at works by Andy Warhol and Jim Hodges in the Museum of Contemporary Art

Cleveland is a city of firsts. It was the first city to be lit by electricity, it’s home to the first traffic light, and it still houses the first indoor shopping center in the country.

Some other attractions near Cleveland include:

• The house featured in the pop-culture classic, “A Christmas Story”
• The westside market, Cleveland’s oldest open-air market
• Michael Jackson’s Thriller Mask, located in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame
• USS Cod Submarine, a retired Navy submarine that offers guided tours
• Cedar Point, an amusement park with a rollercoaster that reaches speeds up to 120 miles per hour

Cleveland is home to its fair share of local traditions, but the Polish Boy is one of the most iconic traditions of all. This kielbasa sandwich typically includes French fries, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce.

Other exciting Cleveland staples include:

• Visiting Little Italy for a taste of Italian culture
• Sipping on a craft beer from Great Lakes Brewing Company
• Listening to a live musical performance at the House of Blues
• Cooling down with a signature sundae from East Coast Custard
• Grabbing a bite to eat at Town Hall, a sustainable café with organic entrees, unique cocktails, and freshly ground coffee

As one of the largest cities in the state, Cleveland is no stranger to nightlife. For high culture, buy a ticket to an opera, ballet, or Broadway musicals in Playhouse Square. For something more low key, head downtown for clubs, pubs, and bars.

Nighttime activities near Cleveland include:

• The Hard Rock Casino
• The Cleveland Aquarium, which offers private sleepovers
• The Horseshoe Casino, the first and most extravagant casino in Ohio
• Playhouse Square, the largest performing arts center outside New York City
• The Velvet Tango Room, an upscale restaurant featuring live jazz performances

With multiple children’s museums and waterparks, Cleveland makes it easy to find activities for the whole family.

A few of the best family-friendly things include:

• The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, a sprawling 183 acres of fun
• The Memphis Kiddie Park, a small carnival with 11 kid-friendly rides
• The Cleveland Children’s Museum, full of educational exhibits for kids of all ages
• Melt Bar and Grilled, a grilled cheese-themed restaurant with multiple locations
• Lake Metroparks Farmpark, a working farm with exhibits on milking, sheep-herding, and more

Built in 1890, the Arcade is one of the first indoor shopping centers in the U.S. This marvel of iron and glass houses several restaurants, retailers, and boutiques. The West Side Market is also a great place for shopping and dining.

Other indoor activities in Cleveland include:

• The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, featuring classic cars and airplanes
• The Cathedral of Saint John, a church with awe-inspiring architecture
• The Great Lakes Science Center, a museum dedicated to the local flora and fauna
• The International Women’s Air & Space Museum, an educational facility about the impact of women on aviation and space travel
• The Western Reserve Historical Society, the oldest cultural institution in northeast Ohio

Cleveland is home to several metroparks and outdoor recreational centers. The 3,600 acre Holden Arboretum includes more than 20 miles of trails, while the Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers rock formations and waterfalls.

Some of the best outdoor activities in Cleveland include:

• Hiking through Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a short drive from the city
• Ogling at the biggest outdoor chandelier and rubber stamp in the world
• Viewing the monumental tomb of President Garfield
• Visiting all 18 Cleveland metroparks, known collectively as the “emerald ring”
• Exploring the Holden Arboretum, one of the largest botanical gardens in the country

FAQs about things to do in Cleveland:

What are some popular tourist attractions in Cleveland, Ohio?

• Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: This popular museum, located on the shores of Lake Erie, is a great place to learn about the history of rock and roll music. The museum has a variety of exhibits, including a collection of historic musical instruments and costumes.
• Explore the Cleveland Museum of Art: This museum, located in the University Circle neighborhood, is home to a collection of over 60,000 works of art, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary paintings. The museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
• Take a stroll through the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo: This popular zoo, which is located on the outskirts of the city, is home to a variety of animals, including gorillas, elephants, and polar bears. The zoo also has a number of special exhibits, including a rainforest and a desert.
• Go for a hike at the Cleveland Metroparks: This park system, which encompasses over 21,000 acres of land, offers a variety of hiking trails, as well as picnicking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The parks are a great place to enjoy the beauty of nature in Cleveland.
• Visit the West Side Market: This popular market, which is held on Saturdays and Sundays, is a great place to find locally grown produce, baked goods, and other goods. The market is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, and is a great way to support local businesses.
• Check out the Cleveland Orchestra: This professional orchestra, which is based in Cleveland, performs a variety of classical and popular music. Attending a concert is a great way to experience the city's thriving arts scene.

What are some fun things to do in Cleveland for families?
Some fun things to do in Cleveland for families include visiting the Great Lakes Science Center, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Families can also take a ride on the historic Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel or go for a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

What are some outdoor activities to do in Cleveland?
Some outdoor activities to do in Cleveland include hiking and biking in the Cleveland Metroparks, visiting the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, and taking a walk or jog along the Lakefront Nature Preserve or the Towpath Trail. Cleveland also has several golf courses and marinas where visitors can go fishing or boating.

Are there any popular sports teams in Cleveland?
Yes, Cleveland is home to several popular sports teams, including the Cleveland Browns (NFL), Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), and Cleveland Indians (MLB).

Are there any good places to eat in Cleveland?
Yes, Cleveland has a diverse food scene with many options for visitors to choose from. Some popular places to eat in Cleveland include the West Side Market, a historic public market with over 100 vendors selling a variety of food, the Great Lakes Brewing Company, a brewpub that serves beer and food made from local ingredients, and Lola, a popular American bistro.