Being outdoorsy in Cleveland means never having to choose between water, woods and city views. One moment you're paddling a river that helped shape the city's history. The next you're hiking through a national park, spotting herons along the shoreline or watching the sun disappear into Lake Erie. With a Great Lake, a national park, thousands of acres of protected green space and a river that has become one of Cleveland's greatest comeback stories, outdoor adventure comes with surprising variety here.
Keep reading if you prefer fresh air over four walls and believe the best souvenirs are stories you earn along the way.
Start the day your way. Settle into the tree-covered patio at Heck's Café in Ohio City or grab coffee and breakfast from Martha on the Fly in Tremont before taking a stroll along the nearby Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Either way, you'll ease into the day with good food, fresh air and plenty of reasons to stay outside.
Launch with one of Cleveland's kayak rentals right on the Cuyahoga River and paddle through the heart of Downtown. Along the way you'll pass industrial landmarks, new development coming to The Flats, bridges and some of the best skyline views in town. It's one of those experiences that completely changes how you see Cleveland.
Book a paddle with 41° North Kayak Adventures or Great Lakes Watersports, both offering rentals and guided experiences on the Cuyahoga River.
After your morning paddle, keep the river theme going with lunch at Merwin's Wharf. Grab a bite right along the river in a spot operated by Cleveland Metroparks. Merwin's Wharf feels like it was built specifically for days like this. Watch fellow kayakers and rowers pass by, grab a table on the patio and enjoy one of the city's best waterfront views while you recharge for the afternoon.
It's also a front-row seat to the new investments that will continue reconnecting residents and visitors to both the river and Lake Erie.
If you're still feeling adventurous, this is where the day can go in a few different directions. Explore the wooded trails of the Cleveland Metroparks, take a run or bike ride along Morgana Run Trail, or trade solid ground for a sailing excursion on Lake Erie. There's no wrong choice here. It just depends on what kind of outdoorsy you're feeling today.
No outdoorsy day in Cleveland feels complete without Lake Erie. Head to Edgewater Beach for sunset, where locals gather to walk the shoreline, toss frisbees, relax on the sand and watch the sky put on a show. On clear evenings, the colors over the water rival anything you'll find on the coasts.
End the day where Cleveland's brewing culture meets its waterfront. Located along the Cuyahoga River, Collision Bend Brewing offers house-made beers, elevated pub fare and a patio that puts you close to the same waterway you've spent the day exploring. If discovering local breweries is part of your travel style, be sure to check out the Cleveland Brewery Passport, a free way to explore participating breweries across the region while earning prizes along the way.
After a day spent on the river, trails and shoreline, there's no better place to raise a glass to Cleveland's outdoor side.