How to Spend a Day in Cleveland If You're an Outsidey Person

Outsidey people plan their day around being outside (minus the dirt and strenuous activity). Maybe it's coffee on a patio, a walk that turns into an afternoon adventure or a waterfront happy hour that somehow becomes dinner. The goal isn't necessarily to break a sweat. It's simply to spend as much time outside as possible.

Luckily, Cleveland makes that easy. With access to the waterfront, sprawling parks, outdoor dining, live music and some of the best sunsets in the Midwest, there's no shortage of places to soak up fresh air and let the day unfold naturally.

Here's how to spend the perfect outsidey day in Cleveland.

Breakfast by the Park

Start your day with breakfast on Civilization's shady patio before wandering through Lincoln Park, the heart of Tremont. From there, browse neighborhood shops, admire colorful murals or head a few blocks to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. No hiking boots required, just a good cup of coffee and a little curiosity.

Morning: Take the Scenic Route

Outsidey people appreciate a good walk. They just prefer it paved. The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail offers miles of smooth, scenic pathways that wind alongside the Cuyahoga River, making it easy to enjoy nature without feeling like you've disappeared into it. Walk as little or as long as you'd like, pause to watch boats pass, take in the city skyline and soak up one of Cleveland's most peaceful paths before the rest of the day unfolds.

Lunch: The Galley at E. 55th Marina

Keep the fresh-air streak going with lunch at The Galley, the newest Cleveland Metroparks waterfront restaurant at E. 55th Marina.

Grab a seat outside, order tacos, seafood or a frozen drink and watch sailboats drift across the harbor. The recently opened Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center has brought even more life to the marina, making it one of Cleveland's newest lakefront destinations.

It's also your first look at Lake Erie today, and trust, it won't be your last.

Afternoon: Pick Your Outsidey Vibe

Wander through the Cleveland Botanical Garden and relax around Wade Oval with a good book, spend a few hours shopping along Lorain Avenue in Ohio City with stops at vintage shops or make your way to the Gordon Square Arts District to browse local businesses, grab a drink and see where the afternoon takes you. There's no wrong choice here. It just depends on what kind of outsidey vibe you're feeling.

Golden Hour: Pick Your Sunset

As the day winds down, you've got two great ways to catch the sunset. Head to Edgewater Beach if sandy toes, music in the distance and a lively atmosphere sound like your type of evening. Prefer something a little quieter? Lakewood Park's Solstice Steps offer panoramic views of Lake Erie and one of the best places in Northeast Ohio to watch the sun slip below the horizon.

You've Got Options for Dinner with a View

Whether you wrapped up the day at Edgewater Park or the Solstice Steps, there's no reason to head inside just yet. Grab a patio table at Terrestrial Brewing Company for local beer and a laid-back atmosphere just steps from the lake, or settle into the lush garden patio at All Saints Public House, where string lights, greenery and incredible cocktails make it feel like a hidden backyard oasis.

If you're in the mood to keep exploring, the Cleveland Brewery Passport is the best way to discover even more local breweries while earning prizes along the way.