Cleveland often gets overlooked as a romantic destination, but Ohio’s second largest city has plenty to offer couples. From scenic parks and gardens to cozy date spots and cultural attractions, Cleveland has beautiful settings, exciting experiences, and unique local flair perfect for romance.
No. | Activity | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | City Views Over Drinks or Dinner | Enjoy the skyline with dining options at Pier W, Terminal Tower, or Azure. |
2 | Tour the Botanical Gardens | Explore indoor biomes and exotic plants at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. |
3 | Sunset Cruise on Lake Erie | Romantic evening cruises with dining and city views on Goodtime III or Nautica Queen. |
4 | Stroll Through Little Italy | Walk through a historic area with Italian restaurants and quaint shops. |
5 | Wander Through the Cultural Gardens | Visit gardens representing various cultures in Rockefeller Park. |
6 | Metroparks Hike | Enjoy nature and scenic views in Cleveland’s Metroparks. |
7 | Show at Playhouse Square | Experience a show in one of the country’s largest performing arts centers. |
8 | Walking Tour of Downtown | Explore downtown’s architecture, boutiques, and art murals. |
9 | Relax at an Upscale Lounge | Enjoy cocktails in chic lounges like Bookhouse Bar or Azure. |
10 | Visit a Nearby Neighborhood | Explore unique local flavors in areas like Ohio City and Tremont. |
11 | Visit an Inspiring Museum | Discover art and history at museums like the Cleveland Museum of Art. |
12 | Propose at a Picturesque Park | Romantic settings for proposals in parks and gardens. |
13 | Rekindle Romance at a Bed and Breakfast | Stay at cozy B&Bs like Franklin Villa or Manor of the Woods. |
Take a stroll down memory lane at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, enjoy panoramic city views over dinner or cuddle close during an evening river cruise. Cleveland also boasts world-class art museums, theater and music performances fit for a special date night out.
And that’s not all – the city’s diverse neighborhoods serve up romantic walks, charming shops and cafes. Nature lovers can explore the Metroparks or enjoy the lakefront together. From popping the question to celebrating anniversaries or simply sharing quality time, Cleveland sets the scene for making magical memories.
Here are the top 12 most romantic things to do in Cleveland for couples:
Enjoy City Views Over Drinks or Dinner
Name and Location:
Rooftop bars and high-rise restaurants in the city center.
History and Significance:
These venues offer a modern dining experience, showcasing the city’s skyline and urban development.
What to Expect:
Panoramic city views, gourmet food, and a selection of fine wines and cocktails.
Visitor Information:
Reservations may be required. Dress codes vary by establishment.
Cleveland has spectacular city skyline views along its lakefront. What better way to soak in the scenery than with your sweetheart over cocktails or an intimate meal?
Top spots for dinner with a view include Pier W offering upscale seafood, the revolving restaurant in the Terminal Tower, and TownHall’s outdoor patio in Ohio City. Or head to one of Cleveland’s rooftop bars like Lago East Bank, Azure or the Hyatt Regency’s hip Bar 32 lounge.
Wherever you choose, Cleveland’s urban views make an ideal romantic backdrop for dining, conversing or simply admiring the sights arm-in-arm.
Tour the Botanical Gardens Together
Name and Location:
Botanical Gardens, located in the city’s green belt.
History and Significance:
A testament to the city’s dedication to preserving nature and promoting biodiversity.
What to Expect:
A variety of plants and flowers, peaceful pathways, and themed gardens.
Visitor Information:
Open daily. Entry fees may apply. Guided tours are often available.
Cleveland Botanical Garden allows you to explore 11 stunning indoor biomes showcasing over 40 unique plant habitats from around the world. It’s a beautiful, tranquil setting to wander through with your special someone.
Don’t miss the Glasshouse where you’ll be surrounded by exotic orchids and waterfalls. The Garden also hosts regular couples’ nights with wine, chocolate and roses included. Getting lost amongst tropical plants and flowers makes for a truly romantic outing.
Afterwards, head to the Garden’s Terrace Café for a bite in an equally charming courtyard setting.
Take in the Lake on a Sunset Cruise
Name and Location:
Lake cruises, departing from the main city dock.
History and Significance:
The lake cruises offer a unique perspective of the city and its surrounding natural beauty.
What to Expect:
Stunning sunset views, a relaxing boat ride, and possibly dining options on board.
Visitor Information:
Advance booking recommended. Various packages available.
For a romantic experience on the water, embark on an evening cruise along Cleveland’s Lake Erie shoreline. You’ll be surrounded by gorgeous sunset views and city lights.
Goodtime III cruises offer live entertainment, dancing and gourmet buffet dining. Or opt for Nautica Queen’s more intimate passing scenery aboard their Vista Prime vessel complete with window-side tables for two.
Sipping wine and snuggling close to your sweetheart, there’s no better place to be on a summer’s evening as the sun slowly sets over Lake Erie.
Stroll Through Little Italy Hand-in-Hand
Name and Location:
Little Italy, a charming neighborhood in the city.
History and Significance:
An area rich in cultural heritage, known for its immigrant history and traditional Italian cuisine.
What to Expect:
Authentic Italian restaurants, quaint shops, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Visitor Information:
Walkable area. Street parking and public transportation available.
Historic Little Italy is one of Cleveland’s most charming areas to explore as a couple. Its old-world architecture and European vibes make an ideal romantic setting for walking, talking and window shopping together.
After you’ve worked up an appetite strolling tree-lined streets checking out boutiques, bakeries and galleries, sit down for a decadent Italian meal at well-loved restaurants like Trattoria or wildly popular ice cream shop, Mason’s Creamery.
End your day recreating Lady and the Tramp over pizza at old-school hot spots Guarino’s or Corbo’s, then catch an independent or foreign film at the Capitol Theater.
Wander Through the Cultural Gardens
Name and Location:
Cultural Gardens, located in a large city park.
History and Significance:
These gardens represent the diverse cultural heritage of the city’s inhabitants.
What to Expect:
Themed gardens showcasing different cultural landscapes and flora.
Visitor Information:
Open to the public, free of charge. Best visited during daylight hours.
Spanning nearly 100 acres of Rockefeller Park are Cleveland’s beautiful Cultural Gardens representing over 30 different ethnicities and heritages. Meandering the winding pathways lined with flags, fountains, sculptures and vibrant flower beds is a unique, peaceful date.
Pack a romantic picnic together then find a quiet garden alcove or grassy knoll to relax completely surrounded by exotic architecture, artistic details and gorgeous greenery representing cultures from around the world.
It’s one of the city’s best kept secrets perfect for an off-the-beaten path date that feels a world away yet is totally free.
Enjoy Picturesque Scenery on an Metroparks Hike
Name and Location:
Metropolitan Park Trails, surrounding the city.
History and Significance:
These parks and trails offer natural escapes within the urban environment, promoting outdoor activities and conservation.
What to Expect:
Well-maintained trails, diverse wildlife, and scenic views.
Visitor Information:
Free access. Trail maps available at park entrances or online.
What’s more romantic than a scenic nature walk with your special someone? Cleveland Metroparks encompasses over 24,000 acres including 18 reservations across Northeast Ohio, offering countless trails for hiking together surrounded by forests, meadows or river valley overlooks.
Ideal for couples are the relaxing paths around Hinckley Reservation’s bucolic Buzzard Roost Spring, breathtaking vistas along Bedford Reservation’s Tinker’s Creek Gorge Overlook Trail or picturesque settings like Squaw Rock in the Cuyahoga Valley.
Pack some refreshments, grab your sweetie’s hand and take an intimate hike while admiring beautiful scenery all around.
See a Show at Playhouse Square
Name and Location:
Playhouse Square, the city’s theater district.
History and Significance:
A vibrant performing arts center, known for its historical theaters and cultural significance.
What to Expect:
Broadway shows, local theater productions, and live performances.
Visitor Information:
Advance ticket purchase required. Dining and parking available nearby.
Downtown Cleveland’s Playhouse Square is one of the country’s top theater districts and an amazing place to experience a show with someone special. As the country’s largest performing arts center outside of New York, renowned Broadway plays and musicals routinely come through on national tours.
Or for something uniquely Cleveland, check the schedule at one of Playhouse Square’s smaller, cozier resident stages like the Ohio Theater’s intimate cabaret setting.
Either way,Playhouse Square’s glamorous old-Hollywood architecture and ambience make a special date night out celebrating with cocktails, dinner and a show.
Take a Walking Tour of Downtown
Name and Location:
Downtown city area.
History and Significance:
The heart of the city, rich in history and architecture, showcasing the evolution of the city.
What to Expect:
Guided tours of historical landmarks, modern buildings, and cultural hotspots.
Visitor Information:
Tours may require booking. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
From iconic Public Square to eclectic neighborhoods like the Warehouse District or Playhouse Square theater district nearby, downtown Cleveland offers many unique areas to explore on foot.
Roam wide city sidewalks hand-in-hand checking out historic architecture, one-of-a-kind boutiques, vibrant street art murals or the lush 4-acre mall running through center city.
Stop for coffee and pastries in the charming 5th Street Arcades, once inside an elaborate 1800’s hotel. And be sure to pass by East 4th Street’s bustling pedestrian walk lined with al fresco dining patios, funky bars, and flashing theater marquees.
Wandering downtown together makes for inexpensive yet totally memorable date discovering hidden city gems.
Relax at an Upscale Lounge
Name and Location:
Luxury lounges and cocktail bars in the city’s upscale neighborhoods.
History and Significance:
These lounges offer a sophisticated environment for relaxation and socializing.
What to Expect:
Elegant decor, premium drinks, and often live music or entertainment.
Visitor Information:
Dress code may apply. Reservations recommended for weekends.
Sometimes nothing beats heading somewhere chic to relax over artisan cocktails with your sweetie, admiring upscale ambiance and one another.
In downtown’s Kimpton Schofield Hotel, sip signature craft beverages fireside in the cozy Bookhouse Bar. Or for stunning skyline views through floor-to-ceiling windows, head to swanky Azure rooftop lounge at The 9 Cleveland.
Over in Ohio City, TownHall has a slick vibe with unique small plates and 400 whiskeys to sample by a gorgeous granite bar. Wherever your lounge choice, dress up a bit to match the classy atmospheres while escaping into your own world together.
Pop Over to a Nearby Neighborhood
Name and Location:
Various vibrant neighborhoods surrounding the city center.
History and Significance:
These neighborhoods often have their own unique history and character, contributing to the city’s diversity.
What to Expect:
Local eateries, boutiques, art galleries, and a more relaxed, authentic experience.
Visitor Information:
Easily accessible by public transportation or walking.
Each of Cleveland’s eclectic neighborhoods boast their own unique local flavor from Victorian era charm to hipster havens, ideal for an afternoon or evening date.
Ohio City has become a trendy go-to with vibrant street art, historic Market District, boutique shopping and bar hopping along bustling W.25th Street. Or wander down the brick-lined streets of Tremont taking in indie galleries, cafes and cocktail lounges before grabbing dinner.
If you’re looking for quintessential Victorian architecture, check out Cleveland Heights’ charming Coventry Village or Giddings Plaza in Little Italy, oozing with old-world romance perfect for strolling arm-in-arm.
Visit an Inspiring Museum Side-by-Side
Name and Location:
City’s museums, varying in themes from art to history.
History and Significance:
These institutions preserve and showcase the city’s cultural, artistic, and historical treasures.
What to Expect:
Educational exhibits, interactive displays, and possibly guided tours.
Visitor Information:
Admission fees vary. Check individual museum websites for hours and special exhibits.
Lifelong couples never run out of things to chat about, and spending an afternoon at one of Cleveland’s world-renowned museums is sure to spark exciting new conversations.
Lose yourselves for hours wandering the Cleveland Museum of Art’s stunning halls, stopping to admire European masterworks or contemporary photography intimately together.
Over in University Circle, uncover something that fascinates you both among endless curiosities inside the vast Cleveland History Museum or eclectic MOCA exhibition spaces.
Matching your interests or exploring something totally new, Cleveland museums make ideal thought-provoking date spots.
Pop the Question at a Picturesque Park
Name and Location:
Scenic parks within the city or its outskirts.
History and Significance:
These parks offer natural beauty and tranquility, ideal for memorable moments.
What to Expect:
Beautiful landscapes, serene settings, and perhaps secluded spots perfect for intimate moments.
Visitor Information:
Open to the public. Some parks may have special areas that can be reserved.
For couples ready to take the next step, Cleveland parks offer plenty of romantic, picturesque spots to pop the big question.
In spring, many proposals happen in the Daffodil Meadow of the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. Rockefeller Park’s charming gardens provide unique cultural backdrops for any wedding theme.
For iconic city views, head to Edgewater Park’s beachfront Engagement Pier jutting out over Lake Erie. While scenic spots like Little Metorites Falls or Squaw Hollow Overlook in the Metroparks system offer equally beautiful rustic nature settings to promise forever together.
However or wherever you choose to ask, Cleveland provides plenty of scenic settings to mark the start of your new shared journey ahead.
Rekindle Romance at a Bed and Breakfast
Name and Location:
Bed and Breakfasts in the city and surrounding countryside.
History and Significance:
These establishments offer a cozy, intimate alternative to traditional hotels, often housed in historic buildings.
What to Expect:
Charming accommodations, personalized service, and a homey atmosphere.
Visitor Information:
Advance booking recommended. Check individual B&B websites for amenities and policies.
Sometimes you just need a quick romantic escape from everyday life, even without leaving town. Cleveland has some wonderfully cozy bed and breakfast options, perfect for reconnecting one-on-one.
Nestle into Ohio City’s Franklin Villa or Tudor Arms with uniquely decorated rooms featuring canopy beds, soaking tubs and fireplaces. Over in Little Italy, Manor of the Woods charms with secret garden patios and intimate hideaway cottages to cuddle up in.
Wherever you lay your heads, Cleveland B&Bs allow you all the familiar comforts of home yet extra touches like complimentary wine, expanded breakfast menus and privacy to focus only on each other.