Trip Planner: Spring in The Land

Maybe you’re not from the frigid climate of the Midwest, so allow us to welcome you to the magic of a Cleveland spring — a time when 57 degrees signals the season for short sleeves, beach walks and drop-top convertibles.

Sure, it might still be a little chilly, but that’s no reason to keep your winterized skin under wraps. Plus, spring is the perfect time to visit Cleveland as locals climb out of their parkas and hit the great outdoors to peruse, booze and eat their way through all The Land has to offer as the sun rejoins the party.

Here’s how to do it in 48 hours.

Day 1:

Breakfast

Start your morning at Cleveland Bagel Co. in Fairfax, one of the most iconic breakfast spots in the city known for its perfectly chewy, wood-fired bagels and stacked sandwiches. From there, make the short drive into University Circle and park near The Coffee House. Grab a coffee and take a quick walk over to the Cleveland Botanical Garden to ease into your day.

Morning

Step into spring at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, where the season comes alive across gorgeous outdoor gardens and thoughtfully designed spaces. Wander through blooming landscapes before heading into the Glasshouse, where you’ll move between a Costa Rican rainforest and the desert of Madagascar, complete with butterflies, birds and tropical warmth that feels like a preview of summer.

Lunch

Lean fully into the season with a picnic. Stop in Little Italy for a pizza from Mama Santa's and pastries from the iconic Presti's Bakery, then head to nearby Wade Oval. In peak Cleveland spring, this area is especially stunning when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, making it one of the best picnic spots in the city.

Afternoon

Stay outside and make the most of the season. For a guided experience, check out Take a Hike CLE, which offers curated outdoor adventures around the city. And if you’re in the mood to get some extra steps in with a view, explore the nearby Cleveland Cultural Gardens. This scenic stretch that's perfect to bike, run or walk celebrates Cleveland's global heritage — especially beautiful in the spring as everything starts to come back to life.

Dinner

For dinner, take your pick:

• The former 1917 brick walled pub turned local favorite, Il Rione Pizzeria for some of Cleveland’s best New York-style pies.
• For a moodier date night option, Bartleby in Ohio City with a refined menu and a beautifully restored bank space

Evening

It’s not a trip to Cleveland without a stop for local craft beer. Head to Terrestrial Brewing Company in the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood where a bright, window-lined space and lakefront patio make it a local favorite when the weather starts to turn.

Then make your way to Edgewater Park. Walk the shoreline, catch a pickup volleyball game or just hang out and take in the lake breeze. Be sure to head up to Upper Edgewater for skyline views and a photo with one of the iconic Cleveland Script signs.

Late Night

Keep the night going at Shooters on the Water, a Cleveland staple that’s recently refreshed its space along the river. Expect a lively crowd, open-air energy and waterfront views. It's the kind of place where you can grab a drink, listen to music and stretch the night just a little longer.

Day 2:

Breakfast

Channel the romance of Paris to kick off your morning at Le Petit Triangle Cafe. The adorably quaint cafe opens at 10 am, so sleep in like a true Parisian artist before snagging a coveted sidewalk seat. Order an espresso and a croissant or opt for the heartier crepe stuffed with decadent house-made ratatouille.

Morning

Head to the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood and explore the Gordon Square Arts District. Browse modern, handmade jewelry at Océanne, dig through vinyl at Hausfrau Record Shop, and check out My Cuzin Vintage, a go-to for streetwear, collector pieces and hype finds. Connected next door, Inscentive offers a more elevated take with luxury athleisure and home goods.

It’s an easy, walkable stretch that perfectly blends Cleveland’s creative energy with its independent retail scene. And if your sweet tooth wasn’t satiated at breakfast, pop into Brewnuts for a donut infused with local beer. Just be warned: these babies usually sell out by midday.

Lunch

Make your way to Larder, a James Beard-recognized deli serving up standout Jewish Eastern European fare with house-made pastrami, babka and brisket. Also all of your favorite childhood pastries reimagined and made fresh in house.

If you’re a matcha person, grab the self-acclaimed best matcha in Cleveland at Verbena Free Spirited right across the street.

Afternoon

What’s a visit to Cleveland without experiencing the unstoppable force of Clevleand sports fans? Catch the Guardians in action at Progressive Field and root, root, root for the home team with all the rest of The Land's diehard fans.

If sports aren't your thing, hop on a Cleveland Cycle Tours bike and pedal your way through the city, learning about Cleveland’s history while making a few social stops along the way.

Dinner

After the game, head a few blocks from the stadium to East 4th Street and grab dinner at Cordelia, where Chef Vinnie Cimino puts a fresh, modern spin on Midwest comfort food. Snag a patio seat if the weather’s right, then stick around to bar-hop and soak in one of the liveliest stretches of Downtown.

Evening

Afterwards? Two words: ice cream. Mitchell's Homemade Ice Cream is the first place that comes to many Clevelanders' minds. With over 30 flavors including coffee chocolate chunk and wildberry crumble, you're sure to please the whole fam.

Late Night

Choose your vibe:

• Pins Mechanical Company for games and drinks
• Brightsidee if you’re ready for cocktails and dancing