Top Summer Escapes Near Cleveland

1. Overview

Discover exciting destinations just a short drive from Cleveland for summer family vacations and leisurely getaways.

2. Indian Mounds

Ohio has more than 70 Indian mounds, burial sites of the Adena and Hopewell tribes–the “mound builders”–who inhabited central and southern Ohio from roughly 3000 BC until the 16th century.

Many of these sites are open to the public, including the dramatic and fascinating Serpent Mound, in southwest Ohio. Some sites even have museums and visitor centers accompanying them. Visiting Ohio’s Indian mounds makes an interesting and educational weekend side trip from Cleveland.

3. Chautauqua, New York

New York’s Chautauqua Institution, founded in 1874 by an Akron Ohio inventor and a Methodist minister, is a summer retreat dedicated to the arts and continuing education. Based on the premise that everyone “has a right to be all that he can be — to know all that he can know”, the Institution, located about a three-hour drive from Cleveland, combines a relaxed country setting with excellent speakers, performers, and classes.

4. Cincinnati

Cincinnati, “The Queen City,” is located along the Ohio River in southwest Ohio, about 3 1/2 hours from Cleveland. The riverfront city offers a number of things to do, from sporting events to museums to the annual Tall Stacks Festival. Cincinnati makes an excellent and affordable weekend getaway from Cleveland.

Explore the free Cincinnati Art Museum, visit the art galleries, and enjoy the boutiques on Mt. Adams, or catch a Cincinnati Reds game.

5. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Niagara-on-the-Lake, located about 30 minutes north of Niagara Falls (and approximately a 5-hour drive from Cleveland), is a serene escape from the carnival-like atmosphere near the Falls. The charming 19th-century town on the shore of Lake Ontario features cozy bed and breakfast inns, a downtown shopping district filled with delightful shops in restored storefronts, delectable Scottish and Irish-style restaurants, and the Shaw Festival during the summer and fall months. Moreover, the American dollar enjoys greater purchasing power in Canada.

Among the best places to stay are:

• The Oban Inn
• The Pillar and Post
• The Prince of Wales
• Simcoe Manor

6. Cedar Point and Lake Erie Vacationland

The Lake Erie Islands and the surrounding area are among the most delightful places in the country to enjoy a summer weekend or week. The breezes from Lake Erie help maintain a moderate temperature, while the islands offer numerous activities ranging from wineries to beaches, lively bars, and restaurants. Additionally, Cedar Point continues to hold its reputation as the “World’s Favorite Amusement Park”.