When contemplating white sandy beaches and gorgeous blue seas, Cleveland, Ohio, might not be the first place that springs to mind. However, the home of Rock ‘n Roll is indeed located on the shores of the immense Lake Erie. And, while the city may not offer beaches in the exotic sense of the word, there are several great lakeside beaches for residents and visitors to enjoy.
For those renting in Cleveland, these scenic spots offer the perfect local escape, just minutes from home and ideal for soaking up the best of lakefront living. Let’s take a look at five of these areas and what they have to offer to those living in Cleveland.
1. Edgewater Beach
One of the pros of living in Cleveland, OH, is easy waterfront access. Edgewater Beach is perhaps Cleveland’s premier spot for fun in the sun. With an impressive shoreline to enjoy, the beach is located a stone’s throw away from Downtown Cleveland. Backed by the incredible Edgewater Park, there’s something for everyone.
From sunbathing and building sandcastles on one of the two sandy beaches, to swimming and even surfing on the lake, it’s easy to spend the day at the beach. While the beach is perfect for picnics, there’s also no shortage of spots to grab a bite to eat. The Edgewater Beachhouse is a top spot for a light bite or a refreshing drink, while several bistros can be found just outside the park.
And, to burn off those calories, there’s nothing like a stroll along the sands or a game of beach volleyball. With ample parking, numerous public toilets, and plenty of things to see and do, Edgewater Beach offers everything and more for a perfect day at the beach.
2. Lakewood Park
Lakewood Park, home to the iconic Solstice Steps, boasts acres upon acres of lakeside parkland and plenty of things to keep everyone entertained. To dry off after swimming, try a game of tennis on one of the four courts, or check out the three sand volleyball courts, all open to the public. Meanwhile, kids will love the Kids Cove Playground area.
However, one of the best things about Lakewood Park is the stunning natural beauty that abounds. The Solstice Steps and the Lakefront Promenade are both fantastic places to watch the sun sink into the lake, while views of the city skyline can also be enjoyed. The park boasts several picnic areas, with grills and tables to encourage cookouts. Finally, no visit to Lakewood Park would be complete without checking out the Oldest Stone House Museum, conveniently located in the park.
3. Huntington Beach
Just to the west of Cleveland sits Bay Village and the stunning Huntington Beach. The beach is a top spot for swimming on a fine day, which is why it can soon become quite busy during the summer.
With so much to see and do, it’s easy to make a day trip to the area. Beyond enjoying the soft sands and clear waters, visitors can explore the park and the nearby Lake Erie Nature and Science Center. And, for those four-legged friends, Columbia Dog Park is ideal.
The parkland behind the beach is also awash with picnic areas, walking trails, and playgrounds. And, for those who didn’t pack a picnic, several restaurants can be found within walking distance of the beach.
4. Euclid Beach & the Lakefront Reservation
Located in the east of the city, near the Waterloo Arts District, Euclid Beach and the Lakefront Reservation offer a lot of things to do. There are plenty of picnic and grill areas for the public to use, and a snack bar during the summer.
It’s also an incredible spot for birdwatching and taking in the seasonal bird migrations, and it also provides fishing and even ice fishing opportunities. Those craving a bit more activity have plenty of things to do, too. Paddleboarding is popular, while the park offers an array of walking and cycling trails along the shorefront to indulge in, not to mention volleyball courts and playgrounds. And when it’s time to cool off, why not jump into the water for a swim?
5. Whiskey Island
Whiskey Island, previously home to a distillery in the 1800s, has undergone a huge transformation in recent years. A paradise for kayaks and canoes, the public boat ramp offers easy access to the water. But there’s much more to enjoy on this idyllic spot. Check out the historic Coast Guard Station, or head into Wendy Park for amazing views of the Cleveland skyline or a game of Beach Volleyball.
While an island only in name (it’s actually a peninsula created as the Cuyahoga River spills into Lake Erie), the bulk of the park is surrounded by water on all sides and offers a sense of peace and tranquility, despite being just outside of Downtown Cleveland.
With its blend of lakeside charm and an abundance of outdoor recreation, Cleveland proves that you don’t need an ocean to enjoy beautiful beaches and waterfront views. Whether you’re spending a sunny afternoon at Edgewater, catching a sunset at Lakewood Park, or exploring the calm waters around Whiskey Island, the city’s shoreline has something for everyone.
Images: First Flash Photography; John Couture/Shutterstock.com
