Things to do in Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio, packs a lot into one city. You can spend a morning at the West Side Market, an afternoon at the Great Lakes Science Center, and an eve…
Cleveland, Ohio, packs a lot into one city. You can spend a morning at the West Side Market, an afternoon at the Great Lakes Science Center, and an evening catching a show at Playhouse Square. The lakefront has parks and piers, while historic landmarks and museums add depth. It's a city where food, culture, and outdoor space overlap easily.
Start at the West Side Market, a 1912 public market with vendors selling meat, produce, bread, and hot food. For families, the Great Lakes Science Center has interactive exhibits and a giant-screen theater, while the House from A Christmas Story is a quirky museum stop. Outdoors, Edgewater Park and Wendy Park provide beach access, fishing, and trails. Music fans have options like Jacobs Pavilion and the Beachland Ballroom. Nightlife ranges from cocktail lounges to clubs, and casual spots like Mabel's BBQ and Flannery's Pub cover the food spectrum.
Frequently asked questions about Cleveland
What are the best outdoor places to visit in Cleveland?▾
Edgewater Park and Wendy Park are the main lakefront options, with beaches, fishing piers, and picnic areas. Voinovich Bicentennial Park has Lake Erie views and a festival stage, while Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse includes gardens and a greenhouse. Wade Oval hosts summer concerts and a winter ice rink.
Where can families take kids in Cleveland?▾
The Great Lakes Science Center has hands-on exhibits and a giant-screen theater. The House from A Christmas Story is a fun museum for older kids. Superelectric Pinball Parlor and Adrenaline Monkey Adventure Park are also family-friendly. Progressive Field has a kids' club and youth workshops on game days.
What are the top live music venues in Cleveland?▾
Jacobs Pavilion is a seasonal waterfront venue with about 5,000 seats. The Beachland Ballroom & Tavern is an old-school spot for local and touring acts. House of Blues Cleveland mixes live music with Southern-inspired food. The Foundry Concert Club hosts intimate shows, and Music Box Supper Club combines dining with concerts.
Where can I get good food in Cleveland?▾
The West Side Market is a great place to sample local vendors. For barbecue, Mabel's BBQ has a long bar and communal tables. The Bourbon Street Barrel Room serves New Orleans-inspired dishes. Butcher and the Brewer is a brewpub with housemade beers, and Flannery's Pub offers Irish comfort food.
What historical sites should I see in Cleveland?▾
The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is a Civil War memorial with bronze statues. The James A. Garfield Monument is a 180-foot tomb with an outdoor balcony. The USS Cod Submarine Memorial offers tours from May to September. The Arcade, opened in 1890, is an ornate indoor mall worth a look.
Things to do in Cleveland
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Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Animal exhibits, a simulated rainforest, an interactive kids section, a gift shop & restaurants.
Walmart Supercenter
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Interactive marine exhibits, including a walk-through experience & a mock research vessel.
House of Blues Cleveland
Rock- & blues-themed restaurant & bar serving Southern-inspired dishes, plus live music.
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Museum featuring over 45,000 works covering 6,000 years plus films, music, lectures & a restaurant.
West Side Market
Grand, bustling public market from 1912 featuring vendors for meat, produce, bread & hot food.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
Opened in 1925, this airport features suspended sculptures that look like paper airplanes.
International Exposition Center
This large exposition center hosts a variety of major events, from car shows to travelling exhibits.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Iconic music-minded museum loaded with pop-culture memorabilia, artifacts, instruments & a jukebox.
House from A Christmas Story
House used in "A Christmas Story" film, now a museum with a replicated interior & film memorabilia.
Great Lakes Science Center
Kid-friendly venue with interactive exhibits, plus a giant-screen movie theater & steamship tours.
JACK Cleveland Casino
Gaming venue with slots, table games, live music & several restaurants, including a buffet.
Playhouse Square
Performing arts center for Broadway-style shows, concerts, dance productions, plays, comedy & opera.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Planetarium & museum focusing on local prehistoric discoveries, fossils & geological specimens.
Steelyard Commons
This sizable shopping center features familiar big-box stores, along with counter-serve eateries.
Edgewater Park
Park on Lake Erie featuring a yacht club, beaches, a fishing pier, picnic areas & more.
Tower City Center
Retail complex in a 1920s building offering shops, a food court, a casino & access to trains.
Progressive Field
Cleveland Guardians home field with a mezzanine-level kids' club, concessions & youth workshops.
Rocket Arena
Large indoor venue for pro sports such as hockey, basketball & arena football plus various concerts.
Cleveland Botanical Garden
All-seasons living museum with a greenhouse, a conservatory, outdoor gardens & an education center.