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