Cleveland offers a surprising number of fun, interesting, and even adventurous activities for visitors. From exploring renowned museums and attractions to enjoying the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland has something for everyone.
| Attraction/Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum | Explore the history and impact of rock music |
| Playhouse Square | Attend performances at a large arts center |
| Cleveland Museum of Art | Enjoy diverse art collections |
| USS Cod Submarine | Tour a historic WWII submarine |
| Terminal Tower Observation Deck | Enjoy panoramic city views |
| West Side Market | Experience a historic public market |
| League Park | Watch vintage-style baseball games |
| Cleveland Botanical Garden Glasshouse | Explore diverse plant habitats |
| Blossom Music Center | Attend concerts in a natural amphitheater |
| Cleveland’s Lakefront Bikeway | Cycle along scenic lakeside paths |
| Cleveland Cultural Gardens | Discover gardens representing global cultures |
Here are 12 of the top things to see and do when visiting this great Midwest city.
Tour the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Name and Location:
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio.
History and Significance:
Established in 1983, the museum is dedicated to recording the history of some of the best-known and most influential artists, producers, and others who have had a significant impact on the development of rock and roll.
What to Expect:
Exhibits featuring memorabilia from iconic rock and roll stars, interactive displays, and educational programs.
Visitor Information:
Ticket purchase required. Open daily except certain holidays. Parking available nearby.
Cleveland’s most iconic attraction, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum celebrates the history and cultural significance of rock and roll music. Interactive exhibits allow you to learn about famous inductees, touch instruments used by rock legends, and view rare artifacts. Don’t miss the climbing wall, the opportunity to step into a mixing board and remix hit songs, the endless video clips of memorable performances, and much more. You’ll leave this architectural masterpiece and vibrant museum with a deeper appreciation for all the intricacies that shaped music over the decades.
See a Show at Playhouse Square
Name and Location:
Playhouse Square, located in the heart of downtown Cleveland.
History and Significance:
Playhouse Square is the largest performing arts center in the US outside of New York. The theater district was developed in the early 20th century and has been restored to its original splendor.
What to Expect:
Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances, comedy shows, and more in a historic setting.
Visitor Information:
Advance ticket purchase for shows is recommended. Dining and parking options available in the area.
Playhouse Square in downtown Cleveland is the second largest performing arts center in the country after New York’s Lincoln Center. What began in the early 1920s as series of old vaudeville houses has blossomed into a nine-stage entertainment complex. Catch a Broadway tour, ballet, symphony performance or comedy show in one of the beautifully restored theaters. Outside, a large chandelier with 4,200 crystals adds drama to the scene. Seeing a show surrounded by the bright lights of Playhouse Square lets you experience Cleveland’s captivating culture.
Explore the Cleveland Museum of Art
Name and Location:
Cleveland Museum of Art, located in the University Circle neighborhood.
History and Significance:
Founded in 1913, the museum is renowned for its diverse and high-quality collection, ranging from ancient to contemporary art.
What to Expect:
World-class art collections, special exhibitions, and educational programs. The museum is known for its Asian and Egyptian art collections.
Visitor Information:
Free admission to the permanent collection. Open Tuesday to Sunday. Paid parking available.
If immersing yourself in world-renowned artwork sounds appealing, head to the esteemed Cleveland Museum of Art in the University Circle district. The striking beaux-arts building houses more than 45,000 pieces spanning 6,000 years, with an impressive collection focusing on Asian and Egyptian art. Spend an afternoon wandering halls lined with stunning Gothic tapestries, paintings by European masters, intricate African sculptures, glasswork by Dale Chihuly, and more. The museum also hosts rotating special exhibitions from fashion to film for a dose of something new. With general admission being free, you can keep coming back to discover different corners of this architectural gem.
Tour the USS Cod Submarine
Name and Location:
USS Cod Submarine Memorial, located on Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor.
History and Significance:
The USS Cod is a historic World War II submarine and a National Historic Landmark. It served with distinction during the war.
What to Expect:
Self-guided tours of the submarine, providing a glimpse into life aboard a WWII sub.
Visitor Information:
Open seasonally for tours. Admission fee applies. Not wheelchair accessible due to the nature of the submarine.
For a family-friendly adventure, board the USS Cod submarine floating by Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor. The USS Cod actually cruised the open waters for seven WWII patrol missions. Now docked as a memorial, visitors can crawl through hatches, climb into bunks, and imagine the challenge of living aboard the cramped quarters with 70 other sailors. Friendly guides provide narration during your underwater escapade, discussing details like how crews showered on the sub. Brave a tour of the Cod for an interactive history lesson the whole family enjoys.
Take in the Views from the Terminal Tower Observation Deck
Name and Location:
Terminal Tower, located in Public Square, downtown Cleveland.
History and Significance:
Built in the 1930s, Terminal Tower was once the tallest building outside of New York City and remains a prominent Cleveland landmark.
What to Expect:
Spectacular panoramic views of Cleveland from the observation deck on the 42nd floor.
Visitor Information:
Observation deck open on select days. Tickets can be purchased online or onsite. Security check required for access.
For unmatched panoramic views around Cleveland, visit the free observation deck on the 42nd floor of Terminal Tower. Gaze out floor-to-ceiling windows surveying the cityscape, with Lake Erie glistening on the horizon on sunny days. Views stretch for 30 miles, letting you take in landmarks like FirstEnergy Stadium and Progressive Field. Interactive touchscreens educate visitors about identifiable buildings in the skyline while providing historical perspective on Cleveland’s architecturally rich past. Considering Terminal Tower stands prominently downtown as the city’s first skyscraper, the sweeping views from the top perfectly capture Cleveland’s essence.
Shop Till You Drop at West Side Market
Name and Location:
West Side Market, located in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood.
History and Significance:
Opened in 1912, it is one of the oldest operating indoor/outdoor market spaces in Cleveland, known for its diverse selection of fresh and prepared foods.
What to Expect:
A bustling market with over 100 vendors selling meats, seafood, bakery items, dairy products, fresh produce, and ethnic foods.
Visitor Information:
Open on specific days of the week. Parking available in the area. Bring cash as not all vendors accept cards.
West Side Market stands as a Cleveland institution and one of the oldest publicly owned markets in the country. Under one roof you’ll find over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, handmade sausages, spices from around the globe, and more. Even if you’re not shopping, exploring the sights and smells offers family-friendly fun. From local farmers chatting while selling just-picked apples to accomplished chefs shopping specialty stalls for their next culinary creation, West Side Market connects the community. Plan to snack as you wander among the maze of stands and sample ethnic delicacies from pierogies to empanadas that celebrate Cleveland’s diverse cultural heritage.
Take a Vintage Baseball Break at League Park
Name and Location:
League Park, located in the Hough neighborhood of Cleveland.
History and Significance:
Opened in 1891, League Park is a historic baseball park. It was home to the Cleveland Indians and other teams and has hosted many significant baseball events.
What to Expect:
A restored baseball field and a museum with memorabilia. A unique experience for baseball history enthusiasts.
Visitor Information:
Open to the public with free admission. Check for museum hours and special events.
For some historical fun, head to the newly restored League Park to catch a Cleveland baseball team play an 1864-style vintage game according to the early rules – no gloves allowed! League Park first hosted the Cleveland Spiders in 1891, but today a small portion of the historic field provides the backdrop for the Cleveland Blues to take on other teams dressed in old-fashioned uniforms. You can even snag a ticket for the “park guzzler” bleacher seats, where beer flows freely in this isolated section. Yell, cheer and soak up the nostalgia during a home game at one of baseball’s early legendary ballparks.
Tour the Cleveland Botanical Garden Glasshouse
Name and Location:
Cleveland Botanical Garden, located in University Circle.
History and Significance:
Established in 1930, the botanical garden features themed gardens and a Glasshouse that replicates the environments of Madagascar and Costa Rica.
What to Expect:
Exotic plants, butterflies, and birds in the Glasshouse, and beautiful outdoor gardens.
Visitor Information:
Admission fee required. Open Tuesday to Sunday. Parking available onsite.
Escape Cleveland’s cold winds by visiting the series of glasshouses at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. The sprawling Glasshouse lets you meander among desert cacti, relax amidst tropical palms, and stand beneath towering tree ferns from New Zealand. No matter the season, the Glasshouse provides warmth, sunlight and blooming botanicals. The intimate spaces, small waterfalls and peaceful ponds make touring the various climates and habitats the perfect outing for all ages. And be sure to catch one of the dazzling orchid or bonsai tree displays held annually.
Catch a Concert at Blossom Music Center
Name and Location:
Blossom Music Center, located in the suburbs of Cleveland in Cuyahoga Falls.
History and Significance:
Opened in 1968, Blossom Music Center is an amphitheater known for hosting a wide range of musical performances, including the Cleveland Orchestra’s summer concerts.
What to Expect:
An outdoor music venue with lawn and pavilion seating, offering a variety of concerts and events.
Visitor Information:
Ticket purchase required for events. Parking available. Picnicking in the park is popular before concerts.
Just 25 miles outside Cleveland, you’ll find the acclaimed outdoor concert venue of Blossom Music Center tucked into the natural amphitheater formed by steep, wooded hillsides. Since 1968, music legends from Miles Davis to Stevie Wonder have graced the Blossom stage for unforgettable summer performances. Today, the pavilion seats nearly 6,000 under canopies for covered enjoyment with additional lawn seating that can swell crowds to 19,000. Catch a chart-topping performer or the renowned Cleveland Orchestra at this picturesque venue embraced by Blossom’s signature pine tree backdrop.
Pedal Along Cleveland’s Lakefront Bikeway
Name and Location:
Cleveland’s Lakefront Bikeway, along the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland.
History and Significance:
Part of Cleveland’s initiative to enhance outdoor recreational activities and provide scenic routes for biking along Lake Erie.
What to Expect:
A scenic bike path offering views of the lake, beaches, and the Cleveland skyline.
Visitor Information:
Free and open to the public. Bike rentals available in the city. Suitable for all skill levels.
Pedaling along a designated bikeway makes sightseeing on two wheels safe and easy in Cleveland. Follow designated paths along Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor for nearly 7 miles of scenic cycling with spectacular views across Lake Erie. Several convenient bike rental stations like Wendy Park Bridge to the East Bank Esplanade make it simple to grab a bike and go. Don’t miss an opportunity to pause along one of Cleveland’s beaches to relax and watch sailboats drift across the glittering blue horizon.
Explore Cleveland Cultural Gardens
Name and Location:
Cleveland Cultural Gardens, located along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
History and Significance:
Established in 1916, these gardens celebrate the cultural diversity of Cleveland through beautifully landscaped gardens representing different nationalities.
What to Expect:
Over 30 unique gardens showcasing various cultural and national themes.
Visitor Information:
Open to the public, free of charge. Best experienced in the warmer months. Street parking available.
On Cleveland’s East Side, don’t overlook the unique Cleveland Cultural Gardens set along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive overlooking the Doan Brook ravine. Wander through 30 gardens celebrating Cleveland’s ethnic diversity through colorful flowers, topiaries, sculptures and more representing groups like Syrians, Estonians, Jews and Germans. Peaceful pathways meander between lush gardens and landscaping intermixed with gazebos, fountains and educational placards detailing the heritage of various nationalities. Enjoy an afternoon stroll admiring the melting pot of cultures thriving together in Cleveland.
With its revitalized districts filled with award-winning restaurants, breweries and one-of-a-kind shops combined with world-class arts and culture scenes, Cleveland offers big city fun with Midwest friendliness. No matter your interests, take time to explore museums, catch a concert, bike the lakefront and embark on unique adventures. Cleveland’s diversity guarantees memorable experiences for all.