Sometimes we forget that spending a day at the beach does not necessarily require a trip out-of-state. Lake Erie and nearby lakes, it turns out, offer some stunning beaches, the likes of which are unrivaled in beauty and opportunity for exploration. These ten beaches are all within driving distance of Cleveland, and each one is uniquely perfect for a day in the summer sun.
- Huntington Beach, 28648 Lake Road, Bay Village
Heather McLaughlin/Wikimedia Commons Huntington Beach is one of the finest beaches in the Cleveland Metroparks. It is Blue Wave Certified by the Clean Beaches Council, so you can feel confident knowing that this distinguished beach is both fun and the first on Lake Erie to be awarded for its cleanliness. You’ll love this vibrant beach and the views it offers of Downtown Cleveland!
- Rocky River Park Beach, 20250 Beach Cliff boulevard, Rocky River
Kevin Payravi/Wikimedia Commons This beach is smaller than many others on the list, but that just makes it more intimate. Bring a picnic lunch and take advantage of this pristine location coveted by birdwatchers.
- East Harbor State Park, 1169 N Buck Road, Lakeside Marblehead
Analogue Kid/Wikimedia Commons This park truly offers unlimited outdoor activities. Over 1800 acres lay waiting for your exploration, and different parts of the shoreline offer swimming, boating, and fishing spots.
- Headlands Beach State Park, 9601 Headlands Road, Mentor
LASZLO ILYES/Flickr This beach is celebrated as the longest natural beach in Ohio. What sets it apart from other beaches is its flora, much of which is typically only found along the Atlantic coast.
- East Beach at Lakeview Park, 1800 W Erie Avenue, Lorain
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr Everything about Lakeview Park is, to be put simply, magical. With stunning views of the Lorain Lighthouse, a rich history, and a breathtaking rose garden featuring over 2,500 roses, you won’t ever want to leave this paradise.
- Edgewater Park Beach, near 6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland
Erik Drost/Wikimedia Commons Edgewater Beach is a natural wonder within the urban jungle of Cleveland. Just a stone’s throw from downtown, this beach is home to one of the three cursive script Cleveland signs.
- Wallace Lake, 213 Prospect Street, Berea
Chris Light/Wikimedia Commons Located off of Valley Parkway is one of six Cleveland Metroparks beaches, and it is perhaps one of the most scenic. This manmade structure stretches over 17 acres, and is surrounded by trails you have got to explore.
- Hinckley Lake, 1822 East Drive, Hinckley
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook Just below this stunning lake is a family-friendly beach with sand and a stunning view of the emerald forests of the Hinckley Reservation. Plan to explore after your swim, because the Hinckley Reservation trails are truly a treat.
- Punderson State Park, 11755 Kinsman Rd, Newbury Township
Sam Howzit/Flickr Punderson State Park features a 140-acre lake with a 600-foot public beach. Plus, at the nearby lodge, there are additional swimming opportunities in the form of indoor and outdoor pools. This park is stunning year-round and is worth the drive.
- Cedar Point Beach off of Cedar Point Drive in Sandusky
Andrew Borgen/Flickr If you’ve ever been to Cedar Point, you’ve doubtlessly glanced over the fence at the white sandy shores of Lake Erie. Did you know that the beach is available to all Cedar Point guests? Next time you head to the amusement park or take advantage of Cedar Point Resorts, you have to check it out!
When planning summer days of leisure, there are a number of fantastic beaches that are local and lovable. Whether you want a big beach with lots of sand or a small intimate getaway from the real world, you can find what you are looking for all within the Cleveland area. What is your favorite local beach?
Heather McLaughlin/Wikimedia Commons
Huntington Beach is one of the finest beaches in the Cleveland Metroparks. It is Blue Wave Certified by the Clean Beaches Council, so you can feel confident knowing that this distinguished beach is both fun and the first on Lake Erie to be awarded for its cleanliness. You’ll love this vibrant beach and the views it offers of Downtown Cleveland!
Kevin Payravi/Wikimedia Commons
This beach is smaller than many others on the list, but that just makes it more intimate. Bring a picnic lunch and take advantage of this pristine location coveted by birdwatchers.
Analogue Kid/Wikimedia Commons
This park truly offers unlimited outdoor activities. Over 1800 acres lay waiting for your exploration, and different parts of the shoreline offer swimming, boating, and fishing spots.
LASZLO ILYES/Flickr
This beach is celebrated as the longest natural beach in Ohio. What sets it apart from other beaches is its flora, much of which is typically only found along the Atlantic coast.
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr
Everything about Lakeview Park is, to be put simply, magical. With stunning views of the Lorain Lighthouse, a rich history, and a breathtaking rose garden featuring over 2,500 roses, you won’t ever want to leave this paradise.
Erik Drost/Wikimedia Commons
Edgewater Beach is a natural wonder within the urban jungle of Cleveland. Just a stone’s throw from downtown, this beach is home to one of the three cursive script Cleveland signs.
Chris Light/Wikimedia Commons
Located off of Valley Parkway is one of six Cleveland Metroparks beaches, and it is perhaps one of the most scenic. This manmade structure stretches over 17 acres, and is surrounded by trails you have got to explore.
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
Just below this stunning lake is a family-friendly beach with sand and a stunning view of the emerald forests of the Hinckley Reservation. Plan to explore after your swim, because the Hinckley Reservation trails are truly a treat.
Sam Howzit/Flickr
Punderson State Park features a 140-acre lake with a 600-foot public beach. Plus, at the nearby lodge, there are additional swimming opportunities in the form of indoor and outdoor pools. This park is stunning year-round and is worth the drive.
Andrew Borgen/Flickr
If you’ve ever been to Cedar Point, you’ve doubtlessly glanced over the fence at the white sandy shores of Lake Erie. Did you know that the beach is available to all Cedar Point guests? Next time you head to the amusement park or take advantage of Cedar Point Resorts, you have to check it out!
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