Visiting Cleveland? 4 Overlooked Gems to Discover

Planning a trip to Cleveland? If so, you’re not alone. The Ohio city’s travel sector has skyrocketed in recent years, and that’s no accident. More than a decade ago, Destination Cleveland set out to bolster the city’s tourism figures, and it has achieved exactly what it set out to do. The number of annual visitors has steadily been increasing, with more than 18.5 million visitors in 2024 alone.

Should this come as any surprise? Not for anyone who’s visited Cleveland, a city that offers visitors a little bit of everything and some more. From the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to major league sports teams, it’s a city that makes it easy to fill up an itinerary for a trip.

And it only gets better once you dive a little deeper. That makes Cleveland a great space for first-time and repeat visitors. If you’re planning a trip soon, then here are some easy-to-forget qualities that Cleveland has in abundance.

It Has a World-Class Culture

Did you know that Cleveland has one of the best orchestras in the world? And perhaps one of the best free art galleries in the United States? It’s true. The Cleveland Orchestra is considered the finest in the United States and one of the top ten in the world. That’s pretty impressive, so check them out if they’re playing when you’re in town — tickets are surprisingly affordable. Cleveland Museum of Art, meanwhile, has a staggering art collection, including Water Lilies by Monet, and yep, entrance is free (some special exhibitions charge a fee, though).

It Has an Excellent Craft Beer and Coffee Scene

Like to enjoy the finer things in life? Cleveland has you covered. Most people know that Cleveland has an awesome food scene, but not everyone knows that it’s among the national leaders when it comes to drinks, too. Craft beer has a special place in Cleveland’s heart, with more than fifty breweries dotted around the city. It also has a blossoming coffee scene, with PureFyx expertly crafted coffees being perhaps the best example of what this city can do with a cup of joe. There are a few urban wineries that are very worth an hour or two of your time, too.

It’s an Outdoor Wonderland

From the outside, Cleveland can seem like another Midwest concrete jungle. But once you’re on the ground, you’ll find that it’s anything but that. This city is an outdoor wonderland, with plenty of awesome parks and beaches just waiting to be explored. Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling, kayaking, or more adrenaline-focused activities like ziplining, you’ll find that there’s something for you here.

It Has Plenty of Movie Magic

Did you think Hollywood has a monopoly on movie magic? Think again. Cleveland — and Ohio as a whole — has been the backdrop for plenty of famous movies over the years, allowing you to easily take a trip into cinematic history. A Christmas Story, The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Spider-Man 3 were all partly filmed in the city.

Featured photo by Pixabay.