Cleveland Day Trips: Top 5 Getaways for Adventure & Fun

So, you are itching to escape the city, huh? Well, if you’re from Cleveland, or even just visiting, you may find yourself looking for a change of scenery. That said, the great news is that you don’t even have to go far. Northern Ohio is brimming with cool spots that are perfect for day trips. From charming towns steeped in history to outdoor adventures that get the blood pumping, that said, there’s something for just about anyone. Let’s take a quick tour, virtually, of some top spots!

1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

If you need to unplug and surround yourself with some lovely nature, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is pretty hard to beat, or at least, very hard. Really, it is only a short drive south of Cleveland. So, what’s there to do? Oh, tons! that is, if you like the outdoors. You’ve got hiking trails galore, like the popular Brandywine Falls Trail that features a view to absolutely die for! Also, there is the Towpath Trail, and this basically follows the old Ohio & Erie Canal. That said, it’s super for biking or just an easy walk. Check out the Boston Store Visitor Center for all the park info, but also, you should consider planning for a full day, especially if you would like to explore multiple trails and have, maybe, a picnic. Plus, for train buffs, that’s right, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad cuts right through the park. Oh, it offers rides so that you may kick back and really savor the landscape. Almost a must-do!

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2. Geneva-on-the-Lake: Vintage Charm and Lake Views

Want something a little more, you know, lively? Geneva-on-the-Lake is often a go-to summer spot. That’s because it’s like stepping back in time to when family vacations were all about boardwalks and arcades. What can you do? Take a stroll down “The Strip,” that being the main drag where you can, really, eat some ice cream, play some mini-golf, maybe visit an amusement arcade, or go for a ride on the Ferris wheel. That said, for grownups, the area has some awesome wineries and breweries. You could, maybe, plan an afternoon tasting some local wines and beers, like your very own mini wine tour. Geneva State Park is right nearby too, so you may swim, fish, or even rent a cabin. The sunsets over Lake Erie are killer, almost magical! That said, if you fancy an old-school vacation vibe mixed with beautiful lake vistas, you might just fall in love with Geneva-on-the-Lake.

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3. Sandusky: Thrills and Islands Await

Okay, for those who need some high-octane thrills, Sandusky is often, perhaps usually, all about one thing: Cedar Point. It calls itself the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” and, really, they may not be exaggerating. Aside from screaming your lungs out on coasters, the area also has a pretty neat historic downtown with shops, eateries, plus the Sandusky Maritime Museum, so that’s cool. Is that too tame for you? That said, jump on a ferry to the Lake Erie islands! So, Put-in-Bay is great for a party atmosphere, while Kelleys Island has a more laid-back feel. Boating, fishing, island hopping – a great change from the everyday hustle! That said, keep in mind, in summer, Sandusky is a very happening spot. Maybe plan ahead to sidestep any insane lines, book your ferry tickets in advance.

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4. Amish Country: A Step Back in Time

If you want to chill out and slow things down, how about a visit to Ohio’s Amish Country? Basically, it’s in the counties of Holmes and also, maybe, surrounding areas. It offers a glimpse into a totally different way of living, you know? That said, imagine rolling hills, horse-drawn buggies, and farms scattered here and there. The towns of Millersburg and Berlin have tons of charming shops with handmade quilts, furniture, plus all kinds of local crafts. You will want to indulge in a hearty Amish meal – think comfort food like roast chicken, mashed potatoes, noodles. Many farms offer tours. If you wanted to learn a little bit about their traditions, that’s probably the best thing you can do. It’s really different, basically worlds away, from the bustle of Cleveland. And that change is super, almost amazingly, refreshing.

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5. Holden Arboretum: Gardens and Trails Galore

Okay, want beauty and peace? How about Holden Arboretum? It is one of the biggest arboretums in the country. That said, this place has collections of gardens, trails through forests, plus cool canopy walks. Oh, just stroll through the different themed gardens – roses, herbs, wildflowers; basically, they’re really pretty. Hike the trails, get lost in the woods, maybe discover some lovely little hidden spots. The Murch Canopy Walk & Emergent Tower offer killer views from up above, almost like bird’s eye views. Kids might like the Butterfly Garden, which is almost an explosion of color and fluttery wings. It is near Kirtland, and only about a 30-minute drive from Cleveland, so, for a nature-filled escape, Holden Arboretum is easy, and lovely, and super memorable. Seriously, one of the very best!

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