Things To Do In Downtown Cleveland, Ohio

The Cleveland metropolitan area had almost 2.9 million people in 2010, the 16th-largest metro area in the nation. A sprawling city with such a population hardly invokes visions of outdoor recreational opportunities, but don't be fooled---there's plenty of active, outdoor pursuits in downtown Cleveland and the surrounding area. You'll hardly have to leave the city to encounter beaches, trails, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, parks and healthy foods.

Parks

Cleveland has an array of multi-purpose trails in and around the city and maintained by Cleveland Metroparks. The city's paved pathways are perfect for bicycling, running, walking and rollerblading. Surrounding downtown Cleveland are miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, running, walking and mountain biking, as well as physical fitness trails that have exercise stations every mile or so. If you're looking for a trail to suit your specific activity, you can find one at clemetparks.com.

Edgewater Beach

Edgewater Beach, part of Cleveland Lakefront State Park, is one of a handful of sandy beaches alongside Lake Erie, and is just two miles from downtown Cleveland. Edgewater has two picnic pavilions, playground equipment, restaurant facilities and a snack shack, and is a popular place for swimming, sunbathing and strolling along the water. The nearby pier provides access for fishing and has a bait shop, and there are boat ramps in the area, as well.

Zoo

Transport to rainforest and jungle without ever leaving Cleveland. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is less than five miles south of downtown Cleveland, and features 165 acres with more than 3,000 animals. What better way to get some exercise than by walking three or four miles alongside kangaroos, polar bears and the largest collection of primates in North America? Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is also a botanical garden, so you can stroll through rainforest, specialty gardens and greenhouses.

Healthy Foods

If you're looking for fresh, local, organic foods, Cleveland has you covered. The city's Food Co-Op market offers a variety of local produce, meat and dairy products. Or try The West Side Market, Cleveland's large farmer's market, open every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at West 25th and Lorain streets. The publicly owned market first opened in 1840 and is a Cleveland landmark with its 137-foot clock tower. Today, it is home to more than 100 vendors with fresh, local foods, including produce, meat, seafood and baked goods.

Cuyahoga River

The Cuyahoga River runs through the middle Cleveland before meeting up with Lake Erie and provides a range of activities for a range of outdoor enthusiasts. Want extreme white-water kayaking? Head to the middle river, near Cuyahoga Falls for expert-class whitewater. The calmer upper river has opportunities for fishing, canoeing and wildlife viewing. Join a guided canoe tour or rent a jet ski on the lower river to enjoy the sights of downtown Cleveland from the water.