Cleveland is one of Ohio’s biggest cities, filled with unique and beautiful attractions. Whether you are visiting or just passing by, Cleveland has gorgeous architecture, museums, water and nature, and even some one-of-a-kind attractions. It can be difficult trying to fit everything into a short amount of time, so this guide will help you plan out the perfect way to spend one weekend in Cleveland.
This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. There are only products included that I truly love. I APPRECIATE your support!
Table of Contents
How do I get to Cleveland?
Unless you choose to drive yourself, the best way to get to Cleveland is to fly into the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). It is 12 miles outside of the city and can be accessed by taxi, car rentals services, or the RTA Red Line. The RTA Red Line departs every 15 minutes to and from the airport to downtown.
Tip!! Use the DiscoverCars search engine to find the best deals on rental cars in Cleveland!
What is the best time to visit Cleveland?
When visiting Cleveland, be sure to mind the weather. Being such a northern city, temperatures get extremely cold in the winter, even well into the spring. The fall season (September & October) is the best time to visit Cleveland for a mixture of events and good weather. Outdoor activities tend to peak mid-summer but last well into the fall season. Additionally, the crowds from the summer season have begun to fade away.
Where should I stay in Cleveland?
When visiting Cleveland, unless you have a vehicle, staying downtown is going to be the best option. Downtown is where the majority of Cleveland attractions are located and there is an affordable accommodation for all budgets. It is easy to get around by walking, or riding a bike is very popular here as well. Some of the top-rated accommodation options downtown are The Ritz Carlton, Hyatt Regency, and the Hampton Inn.
If you have a car or are wanting to be somewhere a little quieter, cross the bridge in Lakewood. Home to Edgewater Park, Lakewood has a more peaceful environment. There are fewer hotels, but loads of Airbnbs and guestrooms in this Cleveland neighborhood.
Sample 3-Day Cleveland Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 in Cleveland:
Morning:
Start your weekend at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. Spanning over 10 acres, it is packed with hundreds of species of flowers and plants, as well as butterflies, birds, and other reptiles. Stroll through the glasshouse and 11 different outdoor gardens to learn and see some amazing sights.
Afternoon:
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Cleveland Museum of Art is a perfect way to keep the learning experience going today. Music fans will love seeing all the different exhibits dedicated to iconic musicians from all over the globe. Lovers of Art will enjoy the Cleveland Museum of Art, featuring over 45,000 pieces, some even dating back more than 6000 years.
Evening:
Enjoy your first night out in Cleveland in one of the most exciting sports in the city; America’s 2nd largest home for performing arts, Playhouse Square. There are always productions and touring broadway shows happening all year round most days of the week. It is also home to the World’s Largest Outdoor Chandelier with over 4.200 crystals.
Keep Reading!! The Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
Day 2 in Cleveland:
Morning:
Spend your second morning in Cleveland sightseeing and visiting some of the city’s unique attractions. Cleveland is home to the famous “Christmas Story” house, where the movie was originally filmed, the World’s Largest Rubber Stamp (601 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114), and a frozen lighthouse on the waters of Lake Erie.
Want to add a bit more adventure to your afternoon? Check out a fun and competitive scavenger hunt through Cleveland.
Afternoon:
Fill your bellies in the afternoon while on the Historic Tremont Food Tour. A foodies dream, walk the streets of Tremont and stop by some of Cleveland’s best restaurants with some award-winning dishes of all types of cuisine.
Evening:
Cleveland has some fantastic bars and restaurants that you must experience on your visit. Spend an evening at the Velvet Tango Room, a cocktail and jazz room. Dress your best for a night of live music and crafted drinks in a low-light setting.
Day 3 in Cleveland:
Morning:
The Westside Market is a must-see spot before leaving the city of Cleveland. Everything here is available at a fresh and low price, from baked goods, spices, nuts, meat, and more. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Cleveland and a really fun way to start the day.
Afternoon:
In every bustling city, there is always a hidden slice of paradise; Cleveland’s is Edgewater Park. This is an ideal place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Walk the sands of Edgewater beach, take part in water sports, and be sure to try a local brew.
Evening:
There is no better way to end your time in Cleveland than ‘Little Italy.’ The neighborhood of ‘Little Italy’ gives Ohio a taste of Italian culture and is one of the favorite ‘Little Italys’ in all of the country. Be sure to grab a bite at one of the 20 restaurants, and pick up any gifts or souvenirs at the surrounding shops and galleries in the area.
Other things to do in Cleveland:
- Brewery and Food Tour: Check out the four of Cleveland’s best breweries with 16 different tastings with lunch or dinner included!
- Progressive Field Ballgame: If you happen to visit Cleveland in the spring/summer, make sure to snag tickets for an Indians MLB Baseball game. Tickets can be bought on-site for regular-season games for an affordable price.
- Greater Cleveland Aquarium: For a little marine education or a slower-paced afternoon, visit the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. The aquarium’s biggest draw is a 230,000-gallon tank, exhibitions featuring sea life from all over the world, and a shark tunnel.
- Lakeview Cemetery: This Lakeview cemetery isn’t the typical tourist attraction, but it is a sight to see, and a lot of history is there to be learned. It is home to over 100,000 gravesites, including 20th president James Garfield.
- Super electric Pinball Parlor: Jump back in time to arcades and old-school pinball machines in this hidden gem in Cleveland. The parlor features more than 20 games dating back several decades, as well as an onsite restaurant for food and drinks.
Other Tips to know before visiting Cleveland:
Cleveland is home to over 37 different swimming beaches on the shoreline of Lake Erie. While it is not the same as the ocean, the beaches here give great relief on those hot and humid summer days. If you are visiting during the summer season, this is definitely another activity to add to your itinerary.
3-day Cleveland, Ohio Weekend Trip Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: Botanical Gardens, Rock and Roll Museum, and Playhouse Square
- Day 2: Sightseeing, Food Tour, The Velvet Tango Room
- Day 3: Westside Market, Edgewater Park, Little Italy
One Weekend In Cleveland Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Cleveland that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Cleveland itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Cleveland!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Cleveland” Itinerary?
Tip! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more USA weekend getaways and dog-friendly adventures!
Recent Posts
One Day in Seattle: How to Spend 24 Hours in the Emerald City
With so much to do in an iconic city like Seattle, it can feel pretty daunting when you think about what you want to do and see in such a short time frame. Luckily, this one day in Seattle guide...
Who's in need of a romantic, yet affordable getaway?! (*raises hand*). Traveling is a great way to reconnect and relax, BUT I know that sometimes travel just seems too expensive and out of reach. I...