Cleveland is an enchanting lakefront city, but it’s one of many on Lake Erie’s southern shore. As we move out of the city and into its suburbs, we find that the shoreline is consistently humbling — even in parts where it seems overgrown or overdeveloped. However, many portions of Lake Erie’s shore feature views that rival the look of a faraway tropical vacation. One beach in particular features the loveliest lighthouse walk near Cleveland, and it’s just a hop and a skip away in Lorain. Grab some sunscreen (yes, if you’re going near Lake Erie you’ll want to protect your skin even in the winter) and prepare to experience untamed beauty.
There are 28 parks and more than 70 miles of trails in the Lorain County Metro Parks, but only one park combines lakefront strolls with epic views of a lighthouse.
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr
This respectable lakefront park is a great place to unwind no matter the time of year.
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr
While sun worshipers adore the beach in the summer, photographers are obsessed with its icy shores in the winter.
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr
Believe it or not, this pretty piece of paradise was established for the public to enjoy because lakefront property was being purchased left and right.
Valeri Mariakis/Google Images
A historic rose garden was established in the park in 1932 and fills the park with thousands of fragrant blooms each summer.
stu_spivack/Flickr
While the park’s East Beach offers a fragrant encounter with roses, the West Beach (and much of the shoreline in between) offers spectacular views of the Lorain Lighthouse.
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr
The lighthouse, known colloquially as the Lorain lighthouse and officially as the Lorain West Breakwater Light, was built in 1917.
Chris van Geest/Google Images
During the warmer months, visitors appreciate the opportunity to tour the lighthouse.
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr
In the cooler months, locals are content to watch from afar as Lake Erie quietly freezes up.
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr
When it freezes over, the results are magnificent.
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr
No matter the season, this site offers magnificent bird watching opportunities in addition to stellar views of the lighthouse.
Wendy Gillan/Google Images
It also offers breathtaking views of Lake Erie sunsets.
Erik Messer/Google Images
All in all, a visit to the beach at Lakeview Park is a visual treat.
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr Click here for more information on this park.
This magnificent lighthouse walk near Cleveland is a real treat for locals and visitors alike. Which lakefront park is your favorite?
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr
Valeri Mariakis/Google Images
stu_spivack/Flickr
Chris van Geest/Google Images
Wendy Gillan/Google Images
Erik Messer/Google Images
Click here for more information on this park.
Craving more waterfront majesty? Take a hike on these Greater Cleveland trails.
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Address: Lakeview Park, 1800 W Erie Ave, Lorain, OH 44052, USA
