We are treated to stunning lakefront views here on Cleveland’s coast. This can make days in the warmer months particularly memorable, as there’s nothing quite like fun in the sun right on the water. However, Cleveland’s own beaches can become crowded on particularly balmy days. Fortunately, the area abounds with lesser-known swimming beaches both on Lake Erie’s shore and further inland… and they’re some of the best beaches in Cleveland! Pack some sunscreen and a few beach towels, because this adventure through some of the best hidden beaches near Cleveland just may become your favorite summertime trip.

Grab a beach towel and some sunscreen, because this road trip to some of the best secret beaches near Cleveland is full of fun in the sun.
Google Maps
We're swinging by some of the lesser-known lakes and beaches around Cleveland today, so prepare for a summertime road trip that you'll never forget. You can use this interactive map as your guide.
1. Geneva State Park
4499 Padanarum Rd, Geneva, OH 44041, USA
TravelerELO/TripAdvisor
Over in the stunning Ashtabula County area is an impressive state park with 698 acres right on the shore of Lake Erie. Geneva Park, though right on the lake, reflects an interesting moment in ancient Ohio history: its geological features demonstrate that it was underwater at times and also miles away from water at others. In addition to unique geomorphic features, this site also hosts unique plants that are typically only found on the Atlantic Coast. You'll feel like you're somewhere far more tropical when you unwind on Geneva State Park's 300-foot swimming beach. It's one of the best hidden beaches near Cleveland.

Address: 4499 Padanarum Road, Geneva, OH, 44041
2. Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park Beach
301 Huntington Beach Dr, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077, USA
Vicki K/TripAdvisor
As Lake Erie is relatively shallow, it can churn tremendously and suddenly as storms roll in. There's no better place to watch cloud formations develop than at Fairport Harbor Beach, a sanctuary for humans and indigenous species alike. If you're longing for some time in the water but don't want to swim, you can rent a kayak and embark on an adventure. Those who need accessibility accommodations will be pleased to know that this beach includes a boardwalk, allowing wheelchairs and scooters to traverse the sandy beach with ease.

Address: 301 Huntington Beach Drive, Fairport Harbor, OH, 44077
3. Lakeview Park
1800 W Erie Ave, Lorain, OH 44052, USA
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr
At only 20 acres, Lakeview Park is minuscule compared to many nearby reservations and preserves. This park, however, is small but mighty. It offers striking views of Lake Erie's sunsets and includes an aromatic, visually spectacular rose garden to stroll through. It's one of the most beautiful secret beaches near Cleveland.

Address: 1800 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, OH, 44052

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4. Wallace Lake
Wallace Lake Drive, Wallace Lake Dr, Berea, OH 44017, USA
PapertigerOhio/TripAdvisor
If you're not a fan of Lake Erie beaches (admittedly, many area residents are not particularly fond of them), you just might enjoy a dip at Wallace Lake Beach. This former quarry site is located along Valley Parkway, and its man-made lake was built with the intention of creating a spot for summertime fun. As you can see, this is a particularly striking spot to visit in the late summer months as leaves are just starting to change.

Address: Wallace Lake Drive, Berea, OH, 44017
5. Hinckley Reservation
1151 Ledge Rd, Medina, OH 44256, USA
BrianParsons/TripAdvisor
Hinckley Reservation is iconic for its annual return of the buzzards celebration, but locals love the park for its swimming opportunities as well. The Spillway Swim Area by their Jazz Age dam is a hit with swimmers of all ages, and the Ledge Pool & Recreation Area offers an alternative for those craving something slightly less rustic.

Address: 1151 Ledge Road, Hinckley, OH, 44256
6. Munroe Falls Metropark
521 S River Rd, Munroe Falls, OH 44262, USA
Mano Chockalingam/AllTrails
While there is a small admission fee for adults at Munroe Falls Metropark, it's a price well worth paying for one of the most pristine and lovely secret beaches near Cleveland. Once upon a time, the former owners of this property realized that swimmers enjoyed their small fishing lake, thus they expanded it to 13 acres in 1937 and opened Renner Park, a small sliver of sunshine in a tumultuous era. Summit Metro Parks acquired the site in 2007, expanding the area around the lake to include hiking trails, picnic tables, and pavilions.

Address: 521 South River Road, Munroe Falls, OH, 44262
7. West Branch State Park
5570 Esworthy Rd, Ravenna, OH 44266, USA
BrianParsons/TripAdvisor
At 2,650 acres, the lake at West Branch State Park is kind of a big deal with lovers of the great outdoors. Located just east of Ravenna, you'll find that this charming state park includes a landmass that's double the size of its impressive lake. Its meadows and woodlots are ideal for hikers, and its 700-foot-long sandy beach offers an ideal way to soak up some of the summer sun. After a bit of sunbathing, many enjoy cooling off in the forested shade on a few portions of the park's 14 miles of trails.

Address: 5570 Esworthy Road, Ravenna, OH, 44266

Summertime is magical in and around Cleveland, and there’s truly nothing quite like a swim just before sunset. Which of these hidden beaches near Cleveland is your favorite?

Can’t get enough of area fun? You’ll have a ball when you add these things to your summer bucket list.

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More to Explore

Best Beaches In Cleveland

Nikki Rhoades | July 30, 2019

 What are the prettiest beaches in Cleveland?

With a nickname like Forest City, Cleveland is not exactly known for its beaches. Even saying Cleveland beaches feels wrong to the uninformed citizen – but there are many incredible beaches throughout Greater Cleveland and the entire state. Edgewater Beach in Ohio (not to be confused with the Florida beach of the same name) is renowned for its beauty and proximity to Downtown Cleveland, and other lakefront properties in the Cleveland Metroparks offer endless beauty and charm. There are many charming beaches in Greater Cleveland that are not located on Lake Erie, as well, and they’re perfect for quiet outings with the family.

What are the best beach towns in Ohio?

Some of the finest beach towns in the state can be found not too far from Cleveland! Vermilion is a charming community that hosts what may be the best sandy beach in Ohio, and Huron is full of beauty and good times. If you’re longing for more of an island-style culture, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Lake Erie Islands! South Bass Island is downright enchanting in terms of culture, and it’s a hot spot on our favorite lighthouse road trip.

What beaches have the clearest water in Ohio?

Looking for the beach with the clearest water in Cleveland? Believe it or not, there’s a beach right in Cleveland that’s Blue Wave Certified by the Clean Beaches Council! Huntington Beach, the landscape that boasts this honorable certification, is a great stop in the Cleveland Metroparks, and it’s just one of many local sites that visitors and residents alike adore. If you’re on a mission to find your new favorite Cleveland beach, it’s never a bad idea to ask area residents about their favorite beaches – Clevelanders love fun in the sun and are a wealth of information on hotspots and little known attractions.

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