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

Shopping MallPhoto of Lee Harvard Shopping Center — Shopping Mallvia Google Maps

Lee Harvard Shopping Center

Cleveland, OH|4
Seafood RestaurantPhoto of Blue Point Grille — Seafood Restaurantvia Google Maps

Blue Point Grille

Bustling institution serving upscale seafood in an elegant, multilevel setting with skyline views.

Cleveland, OH|5
Convention CenterPhoto of Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland — Convention Centervia Google Maps

Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland

Cleveland, OH|5
MuseumPhoto of The Children's Museum of Cleveland — Museum

The Children's Museum of Cleveland

A family-oriented venue with interactive exhibits designed to foster playful learning.

Cleveland, OH|5
Live Music VenuePhoto of Music Box Supper Club — Live Music Venue

Music Box Supper Club

Relaxed bi-level venue with a New American eatery, a concert hall for live music & river views.

Cleveland, OH|4
Steak HousePhoto of Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar — Steak Housevia Google Maps

Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar

Upscale chophouse for steaks, seafood & cocktails in an opulent historic bank building.

Cleveland, OH|5
City ParkPhoto of Voinovich Bicentennial Park — City ParkOur original photo

Voinovich Bicentennial Park

Petite, man-made park with artistic landscaping & an outdoor festival stage, plus Lake Erie views.

Cleveland, OH|5
BarPhoto of 16-Bit Bar+Arcade — Barvia Google Maps

16-Bit Bar+Arcade

Cleveland, OH|5
Discount StorePhoto of Ollie's Bargain Outlet — Discount Storevia Google Maps

Ollie's Bargain Outlet

Discount chain carrying a wide range of closeout merchandise, including food, housewares & toys.

Cleveland, OH|4
Italian restaurantPhoto of Mama Santa's | Italian — Italian restaurantvia Google Maps

Mama Santa's | Italian

An old-time, checkered-tablecloth, family-run eatery relied on for classic Italian dishes.

Cleveland, OH|5
RestaurantPhoto of The South Side — Restaurant

The South Side

Popular spot offering up American fare, sports on TVs & a 1,000-sq.-ft. patio.

Cleveland, OH|4
BarPhoto of BrewDog Cleveland Outpost — Bar

BrewDog Cleveland Outpost

No-nonsense chain bar specialising in the Scottish brewery's craft beers, with regular guest brews.

Cleveland, OH|5
Home Improvement StorePhoto of The Home Depot — Home Improvement Store

The Home Depot

Chain home improvement retailer for tools, appliances & other products (some offer truck rentals).

Cleveland, OH|4
Home Improvement StorePhoto of The Home Depot — Home Improvement Storevia Google Maps

The Home Depot

Chain home improvement retailer for tools, appliances & other products (some offer truck rentals).

Cleveland, OH|4
SupermarketPhoto of Heinen's Grocery Store — SupermarketOur original photo

Heinen's Grocery Store

Supermarket chain with departments for meat, produce, deli & bakery, plus wellness items & wine.

Cleveland, OH|5
BarPhoto of Shooters Cleveland — Barvia Google Maps

Shooters Cleveland

A high-volume venue offering a long menu of familiar fare & a patio showing a sound & light show.

Cleveland, OH|4
Live Music VenuePhoto of Beachland Ballroom & Tavern — Live Music Venue

Beachland Ballroom & Tavern

Old-school ballroom, live music destination & American restaurant emphasizing locally sourced fare.

Cleveland, OH|5
Live Music VenuePhoto of Jacobs Pavilion — Live Music Venue

Jacobs Pavilion

Seasonal, 5,000-seat waterfront concert venue set within a dining & entertainment complex.

Cleveland, OH|5
Concert HallPhoto of Severance Music Center — Concert Hall

Severance Music Center

Locale hosting the Cleveland Orchestra, with an adjunct, summer-long outdoor music festival.

Cleveland, OH|5
American RestaurantPhoto of Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland — American Restaurant

Winking Lizard Downtown Cleveland

Relaxed neighborhood chain pub with classic American grub, hundreds of beer choices & sports on TVs.

Cleveland, OH|4