Lake Erie: Great Lake or the Greatest Lake? We know our answer.
Make no mistake, we Clevelanders love lakeside living and take advantage of it any chance we get. When summer rolls around, the city heads to the shore daily for massive beach parties with live music and amazing food, not to mention gorgeous views of the lake and all its surrounding nature.
Break out those sea legs of yours and get out onto the open water with kayak, paddle board and jet ski rentals, or just relax on a leisurely cruise with a cold drink in your hand. There’s no wrong way to do Lake Erie, but if you’re looking for some adventuring tips, we’ve got you covered.
Home of summer fun on the near west side, Edgewater Beach boasts a 2,400-foot beach with 1,000 feet of swimming access and a pup-friendly section (plus cabana rentals and a fishing pier). Overheated? Grab some local Honey Hut ice cream at the Edgewater Beach House—an open-air hangout that oozes relaxation.
Consider Euclid Beachthe more laid-back yin to Edgewater’s bustling yang. Once a legendary amusement park, this lakefront expanse now houses a gorgeous new pier, sandy beach and selfie-friendly Cleveland script sign — not to mention killer skyline and sunset views.
Play sand volleyball or chill on the beach at Wendy Park at Whiskey Island, where a distillery once sat in the 1800s. Bird lovers also flock here for their fix, with 260 species of birds recorded on site. There’s also a kayak launch and fishing pier at this nature haven.
Take in nature’s splendor at the Lakewood Solstice Steps. Carved into the natural landscape of Lakewood Park, the nearly 500-foot-long Solstice Steps offer expansive Lake Erie views and Zen for days. Pack a picnic and drink in the sunset from this manmade wonder.
Happy trails await alongside Lake Erie, thanks to the new Euclid Lakefront Trail. Start at Sims Park, then head east down the three-quarter-mile trail for Zen-worthy views and fresh-air exercise. Afterward, perch on the fishing pier to take in a hot pink sunset.
At the northernmost part of Rocky River Reservation, 41° North Coastal Kayak Adventures rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at the Yak Shack, in addition to offering classes and tours (such as the three-hour Cleveland Rocks tour around the city’s best scenery). No experience? No problem, as all levels are welcome.
Local Tip
Why drive to Cleveland when you can cruise? The 53-slip North Coast Harbor Transient Marina lets boaters dock behind the Rock Hall while they grab dinner or go sightseeing.