This post may contain affiliate links. This means I might receive a commission for any purchases made using these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. So, go get your Amazon on!
Outside of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I knew nothing about Cleveland. If anything, I think it gets a bad rap. When we arrived in Cleveland, I was taken back by the bodies of water surrounding the downtown area. Even more, I could not believe the architecture throughout town and how there is so much to see and do in Cleveland. This post outlines 10 of the best things to do while in this beautiful city in Ohio.
1. Eat and Drink
With an amazing waterfront and a bustling downtown, Cleveland has so many great places to eat and drink.
If You Are Looking For a Rooftop…
Punch Bowl Social
This restaurant has arcade games downstairs. A fun way to spend a few hours, you can also escape to the rooftop bar. It overlooks the football stadium as well as the surrounding river. There is no shortage of sights upon this rooftop.
If You Are Looking For The Waterfront…
Lindey’s Lake House
Located only feet away from the Cuyahoga River, Lindey’s Lake House has indoor and outdoor seating available. Their patio is directly in the heart of the riverfront and has views spanning across the Flats neighborhood, the aquarium, and so much more.
Want to hear about these two restaurants and more? Check out these 10+ amazing restaurants in Cleveland you must try.
2. Take A Boat Ride
The city of Cleveland is surrounded by water so you cannot avoid it forever. Going for a boat ride lets you take advantage of the river at your fingertips. Our friends that live in Cleveland stay loyal to two different boat experiences:
The Tiki Barge
A Hawaiian themed barge offering 2 hour cruises around the river. Plus, it is a BYOB boat ride! Click here for more information.
The Good Time
Dubbed Cleveland’s largest sightseeing ship, The Good Time offers a variety of themed cruises at different times of the day. Click here for more information.
As you cruise along the river you will see Cleveland in a different light. You are no longer exploring on land and restricted to the traditional views of the city.
3. Tailgate A Browns Football Game
The Cleveland Browns play at FirstEnergy Stadium. While you should definitely go to an NFL game here, you can also tailgate in the parking lot. We were not eager to pay the money for tickets so we opted to tailgate. We cooked hotdogs and brought ice chests for our time there. Everyone tailgating made the experience fun as the parking lot started to fill in with Browns fans.
As an added bonus, you can leave as the game begins and watch it at a bar. It is much more comfortable and less expensive than watching the game live at the stadium.
4. Cheer At A Guardians Baseball Game
The Cleveland Indians have changed their name to the Guardians. They play at Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland. The team has become famous for the movie Major League and is a notable team from Ohio. Watch one of their 81 home games at Progressive Field the next time you are in town.
5. Take Pictures At The Cleveland Script Sign
You can take pictures in front of The Cleveland Script Sign. These signs are like Los Angeles’ version of the Hollywood sign, though they are so much easier to get to! When you take a picture at any of these locations, you can document your trip in Ohio.
There are 3 locations throughout the city where you can take these pictures. It is kind of like an easter egg hunt!
Tremont Location – 1502 Abbey Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
Edgewater Park Location – 6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland, OH 44102
North Coast Harbor Location – E 9th Street Pier, Cleveland, OH 44114
Have you taken pictures at The Cleveland Script Sign before? Comment below! I want to know your favorite location.
6. Shop At West Side Market
According to its website, West Side Market is Cleveland’s oldest public market. Selling everything from dairy, meats, seafood, and so much more. There is fresh produce, bakeries, and yes, sweets!
7. The Arcade
According to its official website, The Arcade in Cleveland first opened in 1890. The interior reminds me of a time close to the 1890’s but it is still so modern and chic. There are places to eat and shop throughout The Arcade and even a hotel to stay at!
If this is your vibe, check out the Hyatt Regency hotel inside The Arcade now.
8. Take Pictures at Jack Knife Bridge
Jack Knife Bridge can be seen at various places around the waterfront. At first it looks like a rusty structure erect in the sky. I did not know what it was until we got much closer. Once you get to Jack Knife Bridge, you will see that it was once a bridge that has now become overgrown with greenery. If you love whimsical backdrops, this is the spot for you.
Bonus: Shooters On The Water
Just next to Jack Knife Bridge is a restaurant and bar. Shooters On The River is located on the tip of Cuyahoga River. It has views of the Iron Curtain Bridge as well as the Flat Industrial Railroad Bridge. The water flows only feet away from you.
As an added bonus, Shooters On The Water has an outdoor venue. There is often live music playing as you explore the riverfront. The day we visited we listened to the band playing up on stage. We bounced around to take pictures along the water as we sipped our drinks.
Find out more about Shooters On The Water on their website.
Bonus: Flat Industrial Railroad Bridge
Before traveling to Cleveland I had no idea what the waterfront would look like. There are so many bridges in Cleveland they are hard to keep track of. Some of the most visible bridges include the Iron Curtain Bridge. Many of the restaurants along the waterfront and in the Flats have views of this bridge.
Another noticeable structure int he distance is the Flat Industrial Railroad Bridge. At the Jack Knife Bridge and Shooters On The Water is a great area to take pictures of these bridges.
9. Travel To The Waterfalls
Approximately 30 minutes away from Cleveland sits the small community of Chargin Falls. This town could be the setting of a Hallmark movie with one important feature: the waterfalls! It is worth the drive to escape the city and see these roaring falls.
Want to experience more of this quaint neighborhood? Check out these 3 memorable things to see and do in Chagrin Falls.
10. Visit The Suburbs
Cleveland has so many suburbs there is no way I could remember them all. The one I knew for certain is Shaker Heights, thanks to the amazing book and television series Little Fires Everywhere. Other popular suburbs include Lakewood, Cleveland Heights, Solon, and Mayfield Heights. Even though Baker Mayfield is the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, I do not think this suburb was named after him.
Book Your Trip Now
Whether you are planning a trip to Cleveland or are just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite places. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family.
I love recommendations! If you have any favorite spots in Cleveland, please share them below!
Cheers!
