9 Best Things to Do in Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland is a bustling metropolis that has more entertainment than you might think. As a growing city full of life and character, there are a plethora of exciting activities to do here. Growing out of its prior role as an industrial steel town, Cleveland has luxury activities for everyone and a competitive real estate market with gorgeous properties. With art museums, parks and open spaces, botanical gardens, and Cedar Point within reach, there is plenty to do and see.

If you are browsing Cleveland, Ohio, homes for sale, read on to learn what you can look forward to once you call this city home.

Cleveland, Ohio, golf courses are top-rated and feature manicured greens and private lessons as well as comfortable and friendly clubhouses, including the world-famous Tanglewood Club located just a short drive from downtown Cleveland. The Cleveland Metroparks parks system also offers eight free public golf courses throughout the area for any skill level. These courses are the perfect place to practice your swing or show off your skills!

In addition to the incredible golf scene, Cleveland offers a parks system that is simply unmatched. At the National Recreation and Park Association Conference in 2021, Cleveland Metroparks won the gold medal for the “Best in Nation” Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation Management. This is the highest national honor possible for parks and recreation, recognizing the Metroparks system's record-breaking attendance and incredible network of trails and acreage. In fact, this was the fifth time Cleveland Metroparks has won the gold. With over 24,000 acres throughout Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township, the parks offer an exciting array of opportunities for outdoor adventures, including backpacking and hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and much more.

After a round of golf or an afternoon at the park, you may have worked up an appetite. Cleveland, Ohio, fine dining can hit the spot. With world-class restaurants like the Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar, which features fantastic steaks, seafood, and cocktails in an opulent, historic banker building, residents have their choice of fine dining establishments.

For a fabulous day out, spas and shopping are just the trick. Cleveland, Ohio, spas include Marengo Luxury Spa, Bohdi Tree Massage and Skincare, and others. Residents can enjoy custom massages, facials, body wraps, and other luxurious treatments at these relaxing spots.

For a day of retail therapy, Cleveland, Ohio, shopping does not disappoint. Head to Crocker Park in Westlake for a high-end, outdoor shopping and dining experience you won’t want to miss. This outdoor mall features a variety of retail spots to explore. Legacy Village in Lyndhurst offers an assortment of shops, whether it’s fashion, furniture, or football gear you seek. In nearby Orange Village, shoppers can check out Pinecrest for clothing, candle and pottery studios, fitness gear, and more. In Shaker Heights, the Van Aken District is the go-to spot for locally-based, unique items, from fashion-forward apparel to gourmet chocolates.

One of the highest-rated Cleveland, Ohio, attractions is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This world-famous museum hosts 150,000 square feet of exhibits spaced over seven floors. With four theaters for films and ever-evolving exhibits, visitors can easily spend an hour or the entire day exploring the history of rock and roll. Visitors from all over the world come to Cleveland to explore this incredible collection of art and music.

When you’re feeling hungry, one of the best places to eat isn’t necessarily at the best restaurants in Cleveland, Ohio, but rather at the West Side Market. This historic market was founded in 1912 and is one of the longest-standing open-air markets in the city. Featuring produce, meat, and dairy products to take home, the market also features a wide array of already prepared foods. This treasured culinary tradition in Cleveland hosts over 100 different vendors and is a family favorite for local residents as well as visitors.

Cleveland is filled with culture as well as great food and music. The Cleveland Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of over 61,000 artifacts, and its mission is to bring a transformative art experience to the people. With such an expansive collection, the Cleveland Museum of Art is free to the public and hosts many international exhibits, live performances, and studies of the arts. Examples of exhibitions include modernism, impressionism, photography, and more.

Cleveland has beautiful weather from spring through fall, and one of the best places to spend time outdoors is Edgewater Park. Along the shores of Lake Erie, Edgewater Park hosts over 9,000 miles of shoreline and features 147 acres of park space. The park includes biking and hiking trails, picnic areas, and plenty of watersports, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing. During the hot days of summer, Edgewater Park is one of the best places to cool off, and many residents can be found swimming and enjoying the refreshing waters of Lake Erie.

One of the most well-loved traditions in the midwest is a good old-fashioned ball game. Cleveland does not disappoint here, and their Major League Baseball team, the Cleveland Guardians is hosted at Progressive Field. Seating 43,000 people, Progressive Field has seats spanning three different levels, concession stands selling baseball favorites, and a variety of merchandise stores. With stunning architecture and design, as well as modern amenities for visitors to enjoy, Progressive Field is often rated as one of the best ballparks in America.

With both indoor and outdoor spaces, the Cleveland Botanical Garden features local and rare plants, animals, and art exhibits to explore. Complete with educational programs for the whole family, the Cleveland Botanical Garden offers visitors a relaxing afternoon as they stroll through the serene gardens and learn about the local and exotic flora and fauna. Spanning over 10 acres of space, the historical gardens were built in 1930, with the beautiful Glasshouse indoor gardens providing 18,000 square feet of greenhouse space. The garden features 11 gardens outside as well, with rotating exhibits of both botanicals and art.

When it’s time to go grocery shopping, Cleveland knows how to do it in style. Heinen’s Downtown is a modern grocery and restaurant with high-end, locally sourced food and wine set in a historical, opulent bank. With fresh produce, light fare offerings, and beer and wine, Heinen’s offers cafe-style seating in the fabulous rotunda, featuring views of the rich and ornate bank ceiling.

Thrill seekers will rejoice at the easy access to Cedar Point, one of America’s most beautiful amusement parks, just an hour away from Cleveland. Filled with towering coasters, zooming thrill rides, and even a dazzling waterpark, Cedar Point offers views, thrills, and excitement all along the Lake Erie shoreline. With 70 different rides, there’s something for every type of thrill seeker at Cedar Point.

If the activities here have piqued your interest, Wendy Poltorek Dickson at CPD Homes is here to help you in your search for Cleveland, Ohio, homes. With a wealth of experience in the Cleveland market and a goal-oriented approach, Wendy is here to guide you through every step in the real estate process. With excellent reviews and stellar customer service, CPD Homes is your go-to real estate team in the Cleveland area. Get started with them today!