Craving a fun day enjoying the Cleveland landscape? There’s much to discover here… and it doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank. There are many affordable weekend trips in Cleveland and in the surrounding area, all of which range from family-friendly activities to fun that you can enjoy solo. Check it out:
- Spend a day at the Cleveland Museum of Art and explore University Circle.
Erik Drost/Flickr It’s almost unbelievable that it’s one of the most distinguished art museums in the nation, but that’s just how it is at the Cleveland Museum of Art. It was established “for the benefit of all people, forever,” and it immerses visitors in art of all ages from all around the world. Craving more? Check out the Fine Arts Garden just outside of the doors.
- Get lost in the beauty of the Cleveland Metroparks.
Tim Evanson/Flickr The Cleveland Metroparks is an incredible collection of 18 parks and reserves across Northeast Ohio, spanning through Cuyahoga County and into portions of neighboring counties. Throughout this expansive acreage, over 300 miles of trails criss-cross the Greater Cleveland area. Lace up your hiking boots, because each park is lovely and worthy of exploration.
- Explore local cemeteries.
Steve586/TripAdvisor If this sounds like a morbid experience to you, then you’re not quite in the right state of mind. Cemeteries offer a glimpse into local history and the people that made it, and they are also extraordinarily beautiful. For the best experience, start with a further cemetery (like the Confederate cemetery pictured above) and work your way back into Cleveland.
- Go on a tour of local waterfalls.
Erik Drost/Flickr Even when they are frozen over in winter, waterfalls are magical. There’s so much to love about these dreamy natural structures and, fortunately for you, Northeast Ohio is full of ’em. Pictured above is Blue Hen Falls, a stream of pure majesty hiding in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
- See some bridges and sip some wine.
The Winery at Spring Hill/Facebook Grand River Valley may sound like an exotic far-away place, but it’s actually just a short drive away in Ashtabula County. Budget enough for gas and a few wine tastings (after your scenic tour is concluded and you’re done driving, that is) and get to know this lovely area with 19 covered bridges and 24 wineries. Consider starting with The Winery at Spring Hill, pictured above, as they tend to have live shows on Saturday nights.
- Take a tour of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.
Dave Neige/Google Images Since 1916, Clevelanders have enjoyed the vast collection of internationally-influenced architecture and landscaping in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. A walk around the gardens extends roughly three miles, so plan on giving yourself several hours to explore the majesty of these lovely cultural sites.
- Indulge in some cheap eats.
Charlie’s Dog House Diner/Facebook Grabbing some deliciously cheap eats isn’t much of a challenge in Cleveland. In fact, there are many quaint local diners that offer meals that will fill you right up without breaking the bank. Are you a fan of hot dogs? Now might be a great time to check out Charlie’s Dog House Diner!
- Explore the nooks and crannies of local bookstores.
Loganberry Books/Facebook Want to start your adventure on the right foot? Check out Loganberry Books, a delightfully purple (yes, it’s exterior is actually an eye-catching purple) independent bookstore.
- Spend a day at the beach.
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr It may not be super tropical here, but Cleveland does have its own beaches. Edgewater Beach is particularly pretty, and it’s just a stone’s throw from Downtown. For bonus points, stay and watch the sunset.
There are many incredible free and affordable weekend trips in Cleveland, so hopefully, your interest has been piqued. There’s so much to discover in and around The Land that you can continue to quench your sense of adventure all year round.
Erik Drost/Flickr
It’s almost unbelievable that it’s one of the most distinguished art museums in the nation, but that’s just how it is at the Cleveland Museum of Art. It was established “for the benefit of all people, forever,” and it immerses visitors in art of all ages from all around the world. Craving more? Check out the Fine Arts Garden just outside of the doors.
Tim Evanson/Flickr
The Cleveland Metroparks is an incredible collection of 18 parks and reserves across Northeast Ohio, spanning through Cuyahoga County and into portions of neighboring counties. Throughout this expansive acreage, over 300 miles of trails criss-cross the Greater Cleveland area. Lace up your hiking boots, because each park is lovely and worthy of exploration.
Steve586/TripAdvisor
If this sounds like a morbid experience to you, then you’re not quite in the right state of mind. Cemeteries offer a glimpse into local history and the people that made it, and they are also extraordinarily beautiful. For the best experience, start with a further cemetery (like the Confederate cemetery pictured above) and work your way back into Cleveland.
Even when they are frozen over in winter, waterfalls are magical. There’s so much to love about these dreamy natural structures and, fortunately for you, Northeast Ohio is full of ’em. Pictured above is Blue Hen Falls, a stream of pure majesty hiding in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
The Winery at Spring Hill/Facebook
Grand River Valley may sound like an exotic far-away place, but it’s actually just a short drive away in Ashtabula County. Budget enough for gas and a few wine tastings (after your scenic tour is concluded and you’re done driving, that is) and get to know this lovely area with 19 covered bridges and 24 wineries. Consider starting with The Winery at Spring Hill, pictured above, as they tend to have live shows on Saturday nights.
Dave Neige/Google Images
Since 1916, Clevelanders have enjoyed the vast collection of internationally-influenced architecture and landscaping in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. A walk around the gardens extends roughly three miles, so plan on giving yourself several hours to explore the majesty of these lovely cultural sites.
Charlie’s Dog House Diner/Facebook
Grabbing some deliciously cheap eats isn’t much of a challenge in Cleveland. In fact, there are many quaint local diners that offer meals that will fill you right up without breaking the bank. Are you a fan of hot dogs? Now might be a great time to check out Charlie’s Dog House Diner!
Loganberry Books/Facebook
Want to start your adventure on the right foot? Check out Loganberry Books, a delightfully purple (yes, it’s exterior is actually an eye-catching purple) independent bookstore.
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr
It may not be super tropical here, but Cleveland does have its own beaches. Edgewater Beach is particularly pretty, and it’s just a stone’s throw from Downtown. For bonus points, stay and watch the sunset.
Craving more weekend fun? These Ohio getaways may not be super duper cheap, but they’re well worth investing time into.
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Address: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USAAddress: Rocky River Reservation, Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070, USAAddress: Johnson’s Island Causeway, Marblehead, OH 43440, USAAddress: Blue Hen Falls, Brecksville, OH 44141, USAAddress: 6062 South Ridge Rd W, Geneva, OH 44041, USAAddress: 2102 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, OH 44134, USAAddress: 13015 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44120, USA
