10 Wonderful Day Trips from Cleveland, Ohio

Get ready to explore the best day trips from Cleveland, Ohio! From hiking to beaches to quaint towns, there’s something for everyone.

Best Day Trips From Cleveland Within 1 Hour

Cuyahoga Valley National Park (20 miles/30 minutes)

Just a short drive from Cleveland, this national park showcases the natural beauty and historical significance of the Ohio & Erie Canal. The highlight is Brandywine Falls, accessible via a trail or stairs. Don’t miss the moderate 2-mile loop around The Ledges for impressive geology. The park is free and especially stunning in autumn.

The Holden Arboretum (30 miles/40 minutes)

This expansive botanical garden offers walking trails, gardens, and special exhibits like LEGO sculptures and the “Pollinator Express” train. Kids will enjoy the nature play area, observation tower, and canopy walk. Headlands Beach State Park is nearby for an afternoon of sand and water.

Vermillion (40 miles/50 minutes)

Vermillion’s Main Street Beach offers a charming lakeside escape. The town is walkable and the beach is perfect for a summer day trip. Lakeview Beach in Lorain is another nearby option with a lovely rose garden.

Cleveland Day Trips Within 1.5 Hours

Cedar Point (60 miles/1 hour 15 minutes)

Known as the best amusement park in the world, Cedar Point boasts 17 roller coasters and a mix of water parks and beaches. It’s a must-visit for thrill-seekers.

Pro Football Hall of Fame (60 miles/1 hour 15 minutes)

Located in Canton, this museum covers the history of football, Hall of Fame inductees, and the Super Bowl. Nearby, the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum adds another layer of interest.

Ashtabula (60 miles/1 hour 15 minutes)

This area features over two dozen wineries, 19 covered bridges, and lovely hiking spots like Lake Erie Bluffs. Towns like Geneva-on-the-Lake and beaches like Walnut and Conneaut offer relaxation and charm.

Cleveland Day Trips Within 2 Hours

Mansfield (80 miles/1 hour 30 minutes)

Mansfield offers several attractions, including the Ohio State Reformatory, where “The Shawshank Redemption” was filmed. Kingwood Center Gardens is perfect for nature lovers, and the Ohio Bird Sanctuary is a great spot for families.

Day Trips from Cleveland Within ~2 Hours

Pittsburgh (135 miles/2 hours)

Pittsburgh offers a rich array of activities. Start with a city bike tour, then explore museums like the Andy Warhol Museum or the Carnegie Science Center. Don’t miss the Phipps Conservatory and the scenic Duquesne Incline.

Columbus (150 miles/2 hours 30 minutes)

Visit the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, COSI science museum, and Franklin Park Conservatory. Experience the vibrant downtown scene or catch an OSU Buckeyes game.

The Wilds (140 miles/2 hours 30 minutes)

This conservation park houses dozens of endangered species. The open-air safari tour is a hit with families, offering a fun and educational experience.

Wrapping Up

Whether you’re into nature, history, or thrills, there’s a perfect day trip from Cleveland waiting for you. Explore more and enjoy what Ohio has to offer!