Everyone needs to get away once in a while, but not all of us have the time or resources to take long trips. So here are a few ideas for places you can go on your day off that are right on our doorstep but feel like they’re worlds away. The best news is, most of these day trips are relatively affordable or even free! There’s something to suit all interests, from trailblazing to homemade chocolates. Come explore our beautiful state on one of these nine best day trips near Cleveland:
- Ohio Caverns
Brian Timmermeister/Flickr About 2 hours and 45 minutes from Cleveland, just outside of Dayton, are the Ohio Caverns. They’re open every day, except Christmas and Thanksgiving, making them a perfect winter activity. Even better, the caverns are always a comfortable 54 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s 12 degrees Celcius), regardless of surface temperature. Go and visit the Crystal King (pictured), one of the largest and most perfectly formed stalactites of its kind in the world. The crystal formations in this natural wonder are simply breathtaking and totally unique. Visiting is one of the most unique things to do around Cleveland. Ohio Caverns Visitors & Ticket Center, R, OH-245, West Liberty, OH 43357, USA
- Kelleys Island
RHal4D/Flickr The glacial grooves on Kelleys Island are thought to be the largest of their kind in the world. Millions of years ago, glaciers carved grooves in the bedrock which are visible today. It’s a great place for bird-watching as many seasonal migrations bring flocks to the island. In the warmer months, there’s biking, swimming, and scuba diving. And in the winter months, there’s beer and wine tasting, great food, and the unique Charles Herndon Galleries. Ferries depart hourly from Marblehead year-round, weather permitting. There are also some gorgeous antique bed and breakfasts if you decide to extend your day trip. Kelleys Island is one of the best getaway spots near Cleveland. Kelleys Island, OH 43438, USA
- Amish Country
Nicole Yeary/Flickr It’s hard to get further away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life than in Amish Country. Pop into a family-run Amish restaurant for some delicious home cooking or pick up a beautiful hand-sewn quilt or lovingly made piece of wooden furniture. Perhaps you’ll also want to fill up on penny candy, oven-fresh bread, and farm-fresh milk. Experience a totally different way of life just 90 minutes south of Cleveland in Holmes, Tuscarawas, Richland, Stark, and Wayne Counties, or east in Geauga County. One of the best day trips near Cleveland is to Ohio’s Amish Country. Amish Country Byway, Millersburg, OH, USA
- German Village, Columbus
Vasenka Photography/Flickr Made famous by its 30+ room bookstore and selection of delicious German food, German Village in Columbus is a quaint little city getaway. Spend a day wandering from cafe to restaurant to bookstore to cafe. Heck, spend a whole day wandering the Book Loft! If you’ve somehow never been to Columbus, it’s about two-and-a-half hours south. Go early and have a delicious German brunch, or stay late and treat yourself to fine German beer with your dinner. It’s one of the most unique getaway spots near Cleveland. German Village, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Cuyahoga jco/Flickr Take a trip through the beautiful wilderness of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park on a scenic train ride. During the winter, you can take excursions like the Grape Escape, a wine tasting trip, and Ales on Rails, a beer tasting trip. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view as you sip on expertly-chosen beverages and nibble on perfectly-matched hors d’oeuvres. Alternatively, take the train at your leisure, and see the National Park from the comfort of the train from Independence to Akron. A train ride with The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is one of the most memorable day trips near Cleveland any time of the year. Boston Mills Ski Area, Boston Mills:, 7100 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264, USA
- Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Tom Bower/Flickr In the warmer months, you can combine this biking/hiking trail with the train! The bike ride is long but not difficult and it’s a great way to see the Cuyahoga Valley National Park at your own pace. If you’re a bit behind schedule, or just want to do something a little different, the train will pick you up to take you back to the first station for a nominal fee. From there it’s a quick ride back to the trailhead, downtown, or home. Check the yearly schedule for dates. The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail is one of the most unique things to do around Cleveland. Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Akron, OH, USA
- Oberlin
Edsel Little/Flickr The hip little college town of Oberlin is about 40 minutes from Cleveland. Since it’s a college town, there’s plenty to do, from strolling the streets to visiting the art galleries and old churches. It’s got as much history as it does charm and as much good food and coffee as any big city. You’ll love this small town with so much to offer! Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
- Take a safari at The Wilds
Pat Williams/Flickr Believe it or not, there are multiple places in Ohio where you can take a safari. The Wilds is located in Cumberland, about two-and-a-half hours south of Cleveland. It’s affiliated with Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and aims to protect endangered species. You can take a safari and get up close and personal with zebras, rhinos, and giraffes. There are also cheetahs and various kinds of grazing animals. Help conservationists with their work and experience the African savannah first-hand. It’s one of the best day trips near Cleveland for the whole family. The Wilds Columbus Zoo, 14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732, USA
- Cedar Point
Jeremy Thompson/Flickr Located in Sandusky, about an hour west of Cleveland, Cedar Point is a must-do during the high season (May to October). It’s the second-oldest operating amusement park in the country and definitely one of the best. Cedar Point has set roller coaster records and continues to impress guests from all over the country. If you wish to spend a few days here, consider spending the night at Lighthouse Point at Cedar Point which is considered the best RV resort and campground in Ohio. Cedar Point, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
What do you think about our list of the best day trips near Cleveland? There’s a lot to do in Cleveland itself but sometimes you just have to get out for a while and take in something new. What’s your favorite day trip getaway from the city? Let us know in the comments!
Brian Timmermeister/Flickr
About 2 hours and 45 minutes from Cleveland, just outside of Dayton, are the Ohio Caverns. They’re open every day, except Christmas and Thanksgiving, making them a perfect winter activity. Even better, the caverns are always a comfortable 54 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s 12 degrees Celcius), regardless of surface temperature. Go and visit the Crystal King (pictured), one of the largest and most perfectly formed stalactites of its kind in the world. The crystal formations in this natural wonder are simply breathtaking and totally unique. Visiting is one of the most unique things to do around Cleveland.
Ohio Caverns Visitors & Ticket Center, R, OH-245, West Liberty, OH 43357, USA
RHal4D/Flickr
The glacial grooves on Kelleys Island are thought to be the largest of their kind in the world. Millions of years ago, glaciers carved grooves in the bedrock which are visible today. It’s a great place for bird-watching as many seasonal migrations bring flocks to the island. In the warmer months, there’s biking, swimming, and scuba diving. And in the winter months, there’s beer and wine tasting, great food, and the unique Charles Herndon Galleries. Ferries depart hourly from Marblehead year-round, weather permitting. There are also some gorgeous antique bed and breakfasts if you decide to extend your day trip. Kelleys Island is one of the best getaway spots near Cleveland.
Kelleys Island, OH 43438, USA
Nicole Yeary/Flickr
It’s hard to get further away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life than in Amish Country. Pop into a family-run Amish restaurant for some delicious home cooking or pick up a beautiful hand-sewn quilt or lovingly made piece of wooden furniture. Perhaps you’ll also want to fill up on penny candy, oven-fresh bread, and farm-fresh milk. Experience a totally different way of life just 90 minutes south of Cleveland in Holmes, Tuscarawas, Richland, Stark, and Wayne Counties, or east in Geauga County. One of the best day trips near Cleveland is to Ohio’s Amish Country.
Amish Country Byway, Millersburg, OH, USA
Vasenka Photography/Flickr
Made famous by its 30+ room bookstore and selection of delicious German food, German Village in Columbus is a quaint little city getaway. Spend a day wandering from cafe to restaurant to bookstore to cafe. Heck, spend a whole day wandering the Book Loft! If you’ve somehow never been to Columbus, it’s about two-and-a-half hours south. Go early and have a delicious German brunch, or stay late and treat yourself to fine German beer with your dinner. It’s one of the most unique getaway spots near Cleveland.
German Village, Columbus, OH, USA
Cuyahoga jco/Flickr
Take a trip through the beautiful wilderness of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park on a scenic train ride. During the winter, you can take excursions like the Grape Escape, a wine tasting trip, and Ales on Rails, a beer tasting trip. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view as you sip on expertly-chosen beverages and nibble on perfectly-matched hors d’oeuvres. Alternatively, take the train at your leisure, and see the National Park from the comfort of the train from Independence to Akron. A train ride with The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is one of the most memorable day trips near Cleveland any time of the year.
Boston Mills Ski Area, Boston Mills:, 7100 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264, USA
Tom Bower/Flickr
In the warmer months, you can combine this biking/hiking trail with the train! The bike ride is long but not difficult and it’s a great way to see the Cuyahoga Valley National Park at your own pace. If you’re a bit behind schedule, or just want to do something a little different, the train will pick you up to take you back to the first station for a nominal fee. From there it’s a quick ride back to the trailhead, downtown, or home. Check the yearly schedule for dates. The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail is one of the most unique things to do around Cleveland.
Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Akron, OH, USA
Edsel Little/Flickr
The hip little college town of Oberlin is about 40 minutes from Cleveland. Since it’s a college town, there’s plenty to do, from strolling the streets to visiting the art galleries and old churches. It’s got as much history as it does charm and as much good food and coffee as any big city. You’ll love this small town with so much to offer!
Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
Pat Williams/Flickr
Believe it or not, there are multiple places in Ohio where you can take a safari. The Wilds is located in Cumberland, about two-and-a-half hours south of Cleveland. It’s affiliated with Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and aims to protect endangered species. You can take a safari and get up close and personal with zebras, rhinos, and giraffes. There are also cheetahs and various kinds of grazing animals. Help conservationists with their work and experience the African savannah first-hand. It’s one of the best day trips near Cleveland for the whole family.
The Wilds Columbus Zoo, 14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732, USA
Jeremy Thompson/Flickr
Located in Sandusky, about an hour west of Cleveland, Cedar Point is a must-do during the high season (May to October). It’s the second-oldest operating amusement park in the country and definitely one of the best. Cedar Point has set roller coaster records and continues to impress guests from all over the country. If you wish to spend a few days here, consider spending the night at Lighthouse Point at Cedar Point which is considered the best RV resort and campground in Ohio.
Cedar Point, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips Near Cleveland July 06, 2022 Melissa M. What are some of the best getaway spots near Cleveland? If you want to spend the day by the water with the option of spending time out on the water, head to West Bank in the Flats. Rent a kayak from a local outfitter and spend some time paddling with views of the city at your disposal. It will surely be a day to remember! Another wonderful day or weekend getaway spot is Put-in-Bay where you can experience island life at its finest. Take a ferry over to the island and get ready to enjoy all that it has to offer! Rent a golf cart to get around or stroll around at your leisure. Visit the island’s many attractions and restaurants all while enjoying some time away. Are there any road trips from Cleveland you can suggest? While Cleveland is an incredible city, sometimes you just need to get away. So, how about a road trip? Maybe you wish to stick closer to home and, if that’s the case, we suggest you take our scenic road trip through greater Cleveland. There are some beautiful sites to see along this three-hour drive. You can also try our road trip to several landmarks around Cleveland. What are some other day trips to take around Cleveland? Did you know that you can take a day trip from Cleveland by train? Isn’t that exciting? Aside from the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, you can try the Lake Shore Limited for views of the nearby Great Lakes and several others. Sometimes there’s no better way to explore an area than from the comfort of a train.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips Near Cleveland
July 06, 2022
Melissa M.
What are some of the best getaway spots near Cleveland? If you want to spend the day by the water with the option of spending time out on the water, head to West Bank in the Flats. Rent a kayak from a local outfitter and spend some time paddling with views of the city at your disposal. It will surely be a day to remember! Another wonderful day or weekend getaway spot is Put-in-Bay where you can experience island life at its finest. Take a ferry over to the island and get ready to enjoy all that it has to offer! Rent a golf cart to get around or stroll around at your leisure. Visit the island’s many attractions and restaurants all while enjoying some time away. Are there any road trips from Cleveland you can suggest? While Cleveland is an incredible city, sometimes you just need to get away. So, how about a road trip? Maybe you wish to stick closer to home and, if that’s the case, we suggest you take our scenic road trip through greater Cleveland. There are some beautiful sites to see along this three-hour drive. You can also try our road trip to several landmarks around Cleveland. What are some other day trips to take around Cleveland? Did you know that you can take a day trip from Cleveland by train? Isn’t that exciting? Aside from the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, you can try the Lake Shore Limited for views of the nearby Great Lakes and several others. Sometimes there’s no better way to explore an area than from the comfort of a train.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you want to spend the day by the water with the option of spending time out on the water, head to West Bank in the Flats. Rent a kayak from a local outfitter and spend some time paddling with views of the city at your disposal. It will surely be a day to remember! Another wonderful day or weekend getaway spot is Put-in-Bay where you can experience island life at its finest. Take a ferry over to the island and get ready to enjoy all that it has to offer! Rent a golf cart to get around or stroll around at your leisure. Visit the island’s many attractions and restaurants all while enjoying some time away.
Are there any road trips from Cleveland you can suggest?
While Cleveland is an incredible city, sometimes you just need to get away. So, how about a road trip? Maybe you wish to stick closer to home and, if that’s the case, we suggest you take our scenic road trip through greater Cleveland. There are some beautiful sites to see along this three-hour drive. You can also try our road trip to several landmarks around Cleveland.
What are some other day trips to take around Cleveland?
Did you know that you can take a day trip from Cleveland by train? Isn’t that exciting? Aside from the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, you can try the Lake Shore Limited for views of the nearby Great Lakes and several others. Sometimes there’s no better way to explore an area than from the comfort of a train.
