Well folks, it’s that time of year–long days, late sunsets, and plenty of sunshine to go around. It’s summer in Cleveland, and we know you’re itching to get out and enjoy it to the full! Whether you’re just visiting, or you’re a local who wants to spend some fun time right in the heart of the CLE, we’ve got you.
We’ve already shared a few of our favorite ways to celebrate the season, from spending time in the great Cleveland outdoors at a Guardians game and rocking out at Nautica’s Jacobs Pavilion, to learning about your favorite musical icons at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and shopping at the West Side Market. But if you’ve been in Cleveland for even a little while, you know there’s more to this city that’s waiting to be discovered. Here’s our latest bucket list of what to do in Cleveland, summer ‘22 edition.
Sunny Days, Relaxed Evenings
Ohio sure runs the gamut. You’ve got rural charm and traditional life in the south, large metro areas and cultural centers, and up here in Downtown Cleveland–among other things–you have a true beach!
Yes, that’s right, since we’re right on Lake Erie, there are plenty of well-maintained beaches in various spots along the lake that are worth a visit. Edgewater Beach is right downtown, offering food and drink and plenty of play space for you, your family, and friends–even the four-legged furry ones.
Take a break from play to enjoy a sweet treat from the one and only Northeast Ohio legend, Honey Hut Ice Cream, or get some made-to-order beach fare at the Edgewater Beach House. Catch a casual lunch and a drink on the patio at E. 55th on The Lake. And for those nature lovers out there, be sure to visit Wendy Park, near Cleveland’s well-known Whiskey Island. This wildlife area is home to 260 bird species and is a key habitat for many other creatures as well.
After your day at the beach, head over to Upper Edgewater Park and snap a shot with one of the six iconic “Cleveland” script signs at sunset. Then take in the vista of water and wildlife over a sumptuous dinner at Merwin’s Wharf, nestled in Cleveland’s post-industrial Flats neighborhood. This summer hot spot features dishes made with fresh, seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. Or opt for an outdoor bite, sip, and show at Whiskey Island Still & Eatery.
Finish up with a scoop or three from Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream or Mason’s Creamery in Ohio City, or head straight down Clifton to check out Remixx Ice Cream + Cereal Bar for an updated spin on the ever-popular creamy treat. Now that’s a day well spent!
Must-See Tours and Cultural Sights
Cleveland has some history, and there are a plethora of tours to bring out the highlights, be they food-related, purely historical, public art-based, or just a good old scavenger hunt. An assortment of self guided tours and TAKE A HIKE® Cleveland Walking Tours are worth checking out. Other touring companies take you around downtown’s Public Square and the Warehouse District or venture into nearby Tremont, University Circle, and Ohio City.
Tours of Cleveland, LLC is another downtown-centric option, featuring city history and important buildings and neighborhoods interlaced with tales of some of Cleveland’s most famous residents. Residents and visitors alike can learn something about the city, and these tours easily fit within a day of sightseeing.
Playhouse Square is always a big draw, with dazzling decor, shows both hilarious and dramatic, and an array of screened films. The gorgeous theaters are graced by the GE Chandelier, the largest outdoor chandelier in North America. You can also enjoy a memorable meal or cocktail in the neighborhood as you wait for your show to begin, or to cap off a great night.
The Cleveland Cultural Gardens is a collection of 30+ small gardens that stretch more than 1.5 miles, from Wade Oval to the Rockefeller Greenhouse in the University Circle area and along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Spend a calm afternoon touring the gardens, which are representative of Cleveland’s diverse cultural and ethnic groups. Multiculturalism is on display in the gardens’ plants, statuary and sculptures.
Since Cleveland is right on the shore of Lake Erie, a day or evening on the water is never far away. Cleveland’s largest sightseeing ship–The Goodtime III–offers two-hour sightseeing tours of downtown Cleveland, the Flats, the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie from a unique vantage point. The Nautica Queen luxury cruise ship is a smaller venue but offers an equally enjoyable view of the city and the lake, along with a sumptuous buffet and on-board musical entertainment.
Food and Fun in the CLE
When summer’s heat is at 10, you need something refreshing to cool you down. If craft beer is your thing, Cleveland has plenty to offer. Several companies–like Cleveland Cycle Tours and Bar Bike Cleveland–have compiled tours of some of the city’s best brew spots, accessible via a group bike trolley for you and 8-14 of your friends. If you’d prefer to be chauffeured, City Brew Tours Cleveland and Platinum Party Bus have you covered.
Rather stay put while you enjoy CLE brews? No problem. Plenty of bars in the Flats/Warehouse District offer games along with your pint. Punch Bowl Social Cleveland boasts what they call the “sickest rooftop pad in the Flats,” including craft cocktails, scratch-made nosh, and plenty of games, like billiards, foosball, putt putt, bowling, an arcade and the enduring and much-loved karaoke.
Out on restaurant row–AKA East 4th–you’ll find The Corner Alley, a sports bar that houses state-of-the-art bowling alleys alongside delectable culinary options and ultra high-def TVs for the ultimate game-watching experience. Not far from the city center, Hi and Dry in Tremont is a neighborhood bar and restaurant with an extensive craft beer list. This joint has the distinction of being Cleveland’s original duckpin bowling depot. They also feature old-school arcade games. Pinball wizards and bowling champs unite! What could be better on a summer’s eve?
East 4th in the Flats has plenty of other spots to sample, offering world-class dining and entertainment in the heart of Cleveland’s Downtown. Strung-up patio lights, outdoor seating, and a vibrant night-life just scream summer in the city. You can find food from any number of cultures and styles right alongside live entertainment, comedy and dance clubs. It’s all right here!
Little Italy is a short detour out of downtown proper, and is famous for its traditional vibes and undeniably delicious food, along with classic bakeries and drinks. The area is walkable and charming, and so worth visiting during summer. For a main course meal with a summer touch, you can also try out one of many patio dining options in the Tremont, Ohio City, Lakewood, Cleveland Heights, and Gordon Square neighborhoods. Many of these spots will welcome your four-legged pals to their patios too.
Festive Fun For All
Whether you’re into music or vintage vibes, there’s something for everyone in Cleveland this summer! From established festivals to free concerts in the park, here are some key events to know about happening in and around Downtown Cleveland:
- Cleveland National Air Show
- The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival
- Wade Oval Wednesdays in University Circle
- Taste of Tremont
- Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival
Whether it’s winter in Cleveland or the middle of the hottest summer you’ve ever seen, sometimes you just need a comfy and climate-controlled option when it comes to a fun way to spend your day. Cleveland has you covered there, with ample museums of every sort, a science center, aquarium, and more. Be sure to check out the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well, either on your own or with a group for a guided tour. There’s always something new to see, including this summer’s edition of the Asian Lantern Festival.
So get out there and get the most out of summer, knowing that wherever the road takes you, the team at Althans is here for you, every mile of the journey. We have your home, life, and auto insurance needs in the bag, so you can have fun without worry. That’s the power of protection. Check out our other informative blog articles or get in touch for dinner recommendations or our personally-curated lists of summer must-sees. Have fun out there!