I enjoy visiting Cleveland for its vibrant energy and its beautiful waterfront, but if you want to get out of the city for the day, it also makes an excellent base for some excellent day trips. The city's location on Lake Erie makes it easy to get to charming seaside resort towns and secluded swathes of wilderness, but if you're looking for something more exciting, check out the roller coasters at Cedar Point or the nostalgic rides at Conneaut Lake Park. If you'd rather head inland, take a drive to Amish Country, where you can explore antique shops, heritage villages, and traditional working farms.
1. Lake Erie Islands - 2 hours from Cleveland
Rating: ★★★★★
There's no shortage of beaches on the shores of the Great Lakes, but if you're looking for a more unique day trip or weekend destination, be sure to consider Lake Erie Islands in Ohio.
The most popular is South Bass Island and its charming village Put-in-Bay, which offers a choice of restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. Kelleys Island and Middle Bass Island are great choices if you are looking for even more peace and quiet. All of these islands can be reached aboard Miller Ferries from the mainland.
2. Avon - 30 minutes from Cleveland
Conveniently located only 22 miles outside of Cleveland, the city of Avon offers a welcoming blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. The town is full of locally owned shops selling everything from fresh produce to antique furniture, and if you're lucky enough to be here during the annual Aunt Tique and Uncle Junque garage sale, you'll certainly be able to find some unique treasures to take home.
After an afternoon of shopping, stop at one of the city's excellent restaurants to refuel with wood-fired pizza, homemade ice cream, or a succulent steak before heading back to Cleveland.
3. Cedar Point - 1 hour by car
Fondly known as the roller coaster capital of the world, Cedar Point in Sandusky is a 364-acre amusement park that has been open since 1870.
Set on a peninsula on Lake Erie, the park boasts more than 70 exhilarating rides, including 18 roller coasters, a supersized swing that carries passengers more than 12 stories high, and a unique interactive adventure park.
The park also offers upgrades like an All-Day Dining Plan and a Fast Lane pass that allows visitors to skip the regular lines, and anyone who gets tired of the rides can take a wine tour, watch a glassblowing demonstration, or visit the petting zoo.
1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870
4. Amish Country
Home to the largest Amish community in the world, Amish Country is a family-friendly destination where visitors can learn about Amish history and culture in a fun, interactive way.
Driving through the scenic countryside is an enjoyable activity in and of itself, and there are plenty of interesting places to stop along the way, including family-run wineries, artisan shops selling handmade candles and wooden furniture, and traditional Amish farmhouses open for tours.
Whatever you decide to do, you can be certain you don't need to pack a lunch; there are dozens of local restaurants serving up hearty roast beef, butter noodles, and homemade fruit pie.
5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Set on the western shore of Conneaut Lake in Pennsylvania, Conneaut Lake Park is a vintage theme park that looks much the same as it did 100 years ago. Many of the park's original rides are still in operation, including a circular ride from 1925 known as the 'Tumble Bug', and a charming carousel dating back to 1910.
Other features include a public beach, a boardwalk overlooking the lake, and a mini golf course. Visitors are required to purchase a wristband in order to enjoy the rides.
12382 Center Street, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316, Phone: 814-382-5115
6. Geneva State Park
Occupying almost 700 acres of land on the shore of Lake Erie, Geneva State Park is an excellent destination for anyone who wants to enjoy water recreation activities.
The centerpiece of the park is its sandy 300-foot swimming beach, but if you'd rather stay on dry land, there are also six miles of multi-use trails and a picnic area with a horseshoe pit. The lake is also known for its excellent fishing, particularly when it comes to walleye, and visitors who want to get out on the lake are welcome to use the boat ramp at the Geneva Marina.
4499 Padanarum Rd, Geneva, OH 44041
7. Geneva-on-the-Lake
One of the first resort towns in the state, Geneva-on-the-Lake was established in 1869 to provide visitors with everything they needed for an enjoyable vacation on Lake Erie.
The town has done plenty of growing in the last century and a half, but its purpose hasn't changed; it's still one of the area's most popular vacation spots. Many visitors choose to spend the day at the beach or out on the lake, but there are plenty of things to do in the town as well, including arcades, wineries, and a heritage walking trail that leads past some of the area's most historic sites.
8. Granville
Surrounded by the rolling hills of Central Ohio, Granville is a charming New England style town established in 1805. The shady tree-lined streets of downtown offer plenty of boutique shops and cozy coffee houses, and visitors can easily stop by attractions like the historic Bryn Du Mansion, the Denison Museum, and a unique alligator mound built during prehistoric times.
If you're looking for something more active to do, you can go for a swim in Lake Hudson, play a round of golf at the Denison Golf Club, or walk or cycle along the scenic TJ Evans Trail.
9. Headlands Beach State Park
Best known for its mile-long sandy beach, the biggest in Ohio, Headlands Beach State Park is one of the area's most popular summer destinations.
The beach offers endless opportunities to swim and sunbathe during the summer months, and it offers plenty of amenities, including public restrooms, a picnic area with tables and barbecue grills, and a seasonal concession stand selling snacks and drinks.
There is also a breakwater on one edge of the park, where visitors are welcome to fish for bass, salmon, carp, and more. During the winter, the park is open for cross-country skiing when conditions allow.
9601 Headlands Rd, Mentor, OH 44060
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