45 Things to do in Cleveland, Ohio
Welcome to Cleveland! You might know us from the burning Cuyahoga River, but we’re so much more than that. We’re the comeback city by the lake, home of the Rock Hall, the 2019 All-Star Game, and more. While not widely known as much as Chicago or Miami, that doesn’t mean there’s any less to do.
There’s an abundance of activities to do here, but to get you started, here’s a list of 45 things a local recommends, from museums to nature to sports and everything else in between.
Visit Ohio’s only National Park, Cuyahoga Valley. Explore waterfalls, farmland, canals, stunning trails, and more.
The Holden Arboretum is an outdoor living museum, where you explore new heights on the canopy walk and emergent tower.
The Cleveland Botanical Garden is perfect all year long, with the greenhouse full of plants, butterflies, and more.
You can’t visit Cleveland without stopping by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!
A local’s favorite, stop by the West Side Market to get some yummy food.
A favorite for all ages, the Great Lakes Science Center is there to spark your inner scientist.
Cleveland Metroparks, where you can explore tons and tons of hiking trails, waterfalls, and other fun activities in the many reservations around Cleveland.
Explore the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, and see the diversity and multiculturalism that is Cleveland.
Catch an Indians baseball game at Progressive Field. #RallyTogether
Catch a Cavaliers basketball game or a concert at Rocket Mortgage Field House.
Catch a Browns football game at First Energy Stadium. #DawgPound
East 4th Street, to fulfill all your food and entertainment desires.
The Flats, an up-and-coming food and party scene.
House of Blues, for all the best live entertainment and music in Cleveland.
Explore the popular Ohio City and try one of the many food places.
Pickwick & Frolic/Hilarities, another spot for some of the best live entertainment.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, because who doesn’t love the zoo?
Cleveland Aquarium, for all those who love aquatic animals.
Visit A Christmas Story House and see Ralphie’s actual home from the movie and the leg lamp in the window.
Catch a show at Playhouse Square, the famous Theater District that’s the largest performing arts center outside of New York.
The Arcade, popular for the stunning architecture, but also a hotel.
Another popular architectural building, Downtown Heinen’s, but you can also go food shopping here.
JACK Casino, need I say more?
Tower City, for all your shopping, dining, and entertainment needs.
Explore the Lake View Cemetery, no it’s not weird. President Garfield and John D. Rockefeller are buried here.
Catch a show at The Agora.
Blossom Music Center, your summertime go-to outdoor music venue.
View the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, which commemorates the American Civil War and the people from Cleveland.
Public Square, the heart of downtown Cleveland.
Voinovich Bicentennial Park, for some great views of Lake Erie or a picture with the Cleveland Script Sign.
Explore a museum ship on the Steamship William G. Mathers.
Rockefeller Park and Greenhouse, a free garden best seen in the springtime for the blooming tulips.
Explore exhibits and meet some animals at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Cleveland Museum of Art, one of the world’s most distinguished art museums, btw it’s FREE.
Wade Oval, for all your summer concerts and wintertime ice skating.
Western Reserve Historical Society, for all your historical needs.
Eat at Barrio’s Tacos, a local favorite.
Cleveland has 6 Script Signs located around the city, all #instaworthy.
Snap a pic of the Hope Memorial Bridge, an art deco truss bridge with the notable “Guardians of Traffic.”
Catch the Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall.
Check out Brewnuts, for all your beer and donut needs.
Catch a show at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica.
View the beautiful Fountain of Eternal Life.
Take a ride on the Goodtime III, the largest luxury ship on the Great Lakes.
Explore the Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art, the only one in the region.
