This 66.8-Mile Drive Is the Best Way to See Cleveland's Stunning Coast

Welcome to Cleveland, Ohio — a gorgeous, inspired post-industrial city situated on the southernmost of the Great Lakes. Our city is spectacular! Here, you’ll find museums, restaurants, markets, and more, but some of the best surprises can be found on the shore of Lake Erie. Today, we’re going to embark on the most picturesque road trip along Lake Erie’s Cleveland-centric shore. Prepare for beauty, because this Cleveland road trip is a true visual treat.

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Are you ready to see Cleveland's shoreline in its total splendor? You can access an interactive map here.

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Euclid Beach Park is a historic piece of property that has long delighted Northeast Ohioans. This area once hosted an amusement park, and a few architectural elements from this family fun center remain. Nowadays, Euclid Beach Park has a gorgeous beach and shady picnic spots, and its pier is perfectly picturesque.

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Lake Erie's shore is diverse, as it ranges from the untamed shoreline to dynamic and impressive cityscapes. Lakefront Nature Preserve is one of the more untamed destinations along Lake Erie's southern shore. This charming 88-acre peninsula features nearly 3 miles of hiking and its expanse hosts a myriad of local wildlife.

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Cleveland is the home of rock and roll, thanks to the dedication of a former Cleveland radio host. Nowadays, we celebrate our musical roots with our own iconic hall of fame. Their rotating exhibits are endlessly fascinating, and the building's very architecture is a tribute to the highs and lows of rock and roll.

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Wendy Park is an absolute haven for nature lovers. This little slice of paradise is just a stone's throw from Downtown, and it hosts some 260 species of birds. Additionally, this dreamy destination is an annual stop on the annual monarch butterfly migration, which is incredible to experience firsthand.

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Edgewater Park is a gorgeous destination in the Cleveland Metroparks' Lakefront Reservation, and its beach is a beacon to sun worshipers. This lovely lakefront destination features sand, shade, shoreline, and everything you need for a memorable day in the sun. One of the iconic Cleveland Script signs is located here, so it's the perfect selfie stop on your road trip.

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Lakewood is a suburb just outside of the big city, and its park had a recent facelift. Gorgeous and vibrant, this park is the perfect place to watch sunsets. With 31 total acres, this park is rather impressive for a community park. Its pool, sports courts, and skate park are perfect for seasonal fun, and its shoreline and the Lakefront Promenade is enchanting all year round.

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Huntington Beach is situated in the stunning Huntington Reservation, which also hosts the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center and BAYarts. The reservation's land was acquired by the Cleveland Metroparks in the 1920s, and it has flourished ever since. Nowadays, wildlife thrives here, which you can observe along the park's three miles of trail.

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As we head west, we'll approach the gorgeous fishing village of Vermilion. This community is home to a beach, a lighthouse, and a reputation as the Village of Lake Captains. History is abundant here and so, too, is shopping. This is a gorgeous little escape from the hustle and bustle of city life⁠ — things just seem to move slower here.

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If you keep heading west (toward the direction of the Lake Erie Islands which, by the way, merit their own weekend trip), you'll arrive at a gorgeous sandy beach that's absolutely pristine. While it's not monitored (so swim at your own risk), this sandy stretch is a nature lover's dream. There's nothing like Lake Erie sunsets!

Cleveland is an incredible city that has much to offer. While our culture is vibrant and our people are friendly, there’s nothing like a quiet road trip along the local shoreline. Which of these iconic sites is your favorite?

If you enjoyed this road trip, you’ll adore a trip to our most iconic landmarks.