When the weather warms up, life on the Lake Erie coast gets festive. Coastal communities open up patio dining, and their parks come to life with lush greenery and birdsong. One of the best places to visit near Cleveland is Lakewood, especially when the weather is warm. This community has something for everyone, with treasures awaiting discovery around every corner. Take a ride to the waterfront, take a walk around town, or rent a boat and relax in the sunshine. Let’s take a look at a few fan-favorite summertime attractions in Lakewood, shall we?

Welcome to the lovely community of Lakewood, Ohio!
Erik Drost/Wikimedia Commons
Lakewood is the third-largest city in Cuyahoga County, trailing just behind Cleveland and Parma in terms of population. It's a historically diverse community, with its unique neighborhoods attracting immigrants since almost the beginning. Today, it's a haven for young people and artists, as its up-and-coming businesses offer a multitude of things to do. (And, of course, its shores offer a stunning view of the Cleveland skyline, as pictured here!)
You simply can't pay a visit to Lakewood without checking out Lakewood Park.
Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA
Erik Drost/Flickr
The Cleveland Metroparks' Rocky River Reservation brushes up against the edge of this town, but one of its finest outdoor attractions is actually a municipal park. It features a skate park, an outdoor performance space, and even the Oldest Stone House Museum. At about 150 acres in size, you could easily spend all day at this city park.
Lakewood Park is also home to the Solstice Steps, which is one of the most unique attractions in Greater Cleveland.
Solstice Steps, 14532 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA
Erik Drost/Flickr
These massive concrete steps wrap along 480 feet of Lake Erie's shoreline, facing the place where the setting sun reaches its northernmost point on the first day of summer. Even if you visit any other day of the year, these steps are a magical place to catch the sunrise.
After spending some time in the park, you might need a cool place to chill out. There's no better spot to do that than the Malley's Chocolates old-school ice cream shop!
Ahmie Yeung/Google Maps
With a charming Alice in Wonderland theme, this cute ice cream shop is fun for all ages. And their hot fudge is downright legendary!
Of course, you can also shop around the store for chocolates and other sweets... but you absolutely must indulge in some ice cream during your visit.
James/Google Images
Whatever your flavor preferences are, there's something for everyone on the menu. Kids and adults alike will love the magic and flavors that this spot serves up.

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Not the ice cream type? (You should reconsider your perspective if that's true, but we can talk about that later.) Beck Center For the Arts is another sweet place to cool down!
Beck Center For the Arts/Google Images
Each year, performances, exhibitions, classes, and more are offered at this one-of-a-kind local art center.
At Beck Center For the Arts, youth and professional performances alike promise an entertaining show.
Beck Center For the Arts/Google Images
From classics to modern works, the shows here are always fun. You'll be amazed by the skills of their local actors!
When it comes to local dining, there's plenty to eat in Lakewood, too. Can't decide on one spot? Lakewood Truck Park might just have the variety you're looking for.
J. V. Rychman/Google Images
This food truck park has indoor and outdoor dining spaces, plus a selection of street food that's constantly rotating. Here, food trucks park and allow patrons to select from an impressive variety of offerings.
And if you're looking to make your visit truly unforgettable, there's a place where you can do that, too.
Cleveland Curiosities, 13375 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, USA
Cleveland Curiosities/Google Images
Cleveland Curiosities isn't your average antique store. Here, some of the oddest merchandise in Northeast Ohio is available for purchase. Skulls and bones, taxidermy, specialty books, and more round out the offerings of this store... but this is one place where you never really know what you're going to find.
Lakewood is one of the most walkable communities in Ohio. You could spend a whole day alone walking along Madison!
Google Maps
All sorts of shops line this street, from artsy storefronts to oddities like Cleveland Curiosities. The Lakewood antique shops are some of the best in the area!
Summertime in Lakewood, Ohio never disappoints.
Erik Drost/Flickr
You could spend all day exploring this charming community.

So there you have it! Lakewood is one of the very best places to visit near Cleveland, especially when the weather is warm. What’s your favorite thing to do in Lakewood? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Looking for more warm-weather fun? A trip to Geneva, Ohio is a treat… and its beachy shores are the perfect place to soak up the sun!

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