One of the best ways to explore The Land is by water! Cleveland, Ohio is located right on the shores of Lake Erie and is home to the Cuyahoga River — both ideal waterways to experience the great city of Cleveland beyond any other tourist experience. Enjoy being out on the water while taking in all the sights and sounds that the beautiful city of Cleveland has to offer!
Here’s our pick of the top attractions and experiences on the water in Cleveland, Ohio that are all worth visiting.
Top Attractions on the Water in Cleveland, Ohio
Boating Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River
The great Lake Erie and the adjoining Cuyahoga River are yours to explore and commandeer in Cleveland, whether you own a vessel or not. Its proximity to these waterways makes Cleveland a premier boating destination where boaters of various experience levels can traverse Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River for spectacular waterfront views, fun water activities with friends and family, and a whole new perspective on Cleveland.
You can have a blast out on the water in Cleveland in many ways. You can take your own private boat out on Lake Erie, kayak or paddle down the Cuyahoga River, or even take a guided boat tour that’ll take you past all the best waterfront locations along the Lake Erie coastline or the banks of the Cuyahoga River.
North Coast Harbor Marina allows you to dock right near some of Cleveland’s top attractions, including the Cleveland Browns Stadium, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, while providing easy access to Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River. The marina also offers kayak rentals with Oasis Adventures on-site! You can reserve a kayak, paddleboard or pedal boat for 1, 2 or 4-hours easily at https://rentals.northcoastharbormarina.com/.
If you feel like kicking back and relaxing on a smooth cruise, the Goodtime III and Nautica Queen are Cleveland’s premier sightseeing ships. They offer a unique tourist experience that’ll take you through the Lake Erie Coastline, down the Cuyahoga River, and past downtown Cleveland and the Flats district, featuring fine dining, live music and entertainment, and a one-of-a-kind way to see Cleveland and learn more about its history.
And if you feel like partying, BrewBoat CLE prides itself on being Ohio’s first and only “pedal-powered paddle-wheel party-boat.” Gather all your friends and family and hop on one of their original pedal-powered cycleboats for a beer-filled boat party through the heart of Cleveland that you’re guaranteed never to forget.
With so many opportunities to get out on the water, Cleveland is hard to beat as a top-notch boating destination!
Whiskey Island Still and Eatery
Whiskey Island Still and Eatery is Cleveland’s best-kept not-so-secret secret and newest hip lakefront venue. Located right on the shore of Lake Erie on the Whiskey Island peninsula, Whiskey Island Still and Eatery features amazing views of the lake, quality food and drink, and an ideal place to sit down and have a spectacular time with friends and family in a warm, laid-back atmosphere.
Just dock your boat, find a table, and enjoy live bands and entertainment and their quality selection of food and beverages all through the night.
Cleveland Browns Stadium
Located in the North Coast Harbor area of Cleveland, right near the Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Browns Stadium, also called the First Energy Stadium, is home to the Cleveland Browns of NFL fame. It’s a must-stop for any football or Browns fan, especially if you’re lucky enough to be in the area in time for a big game!
For guests eager to catch a home game, North Coast Harbor Marina offers a special NFL Season Pass, giving boaters a season-long slip on all Browns home games in 2023!
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
What’s a trip to Cleveland without a stop at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? North Coast Harbor Marina is an easy two minute walk to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, making it the ideal place to dock your boat if you want to visit this top Cleveland attraction.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame features exhibits and memorabilia from rock stars both past and present. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just a casual listener, the Hall of Fame is sure to have something that’ll catch your eye, from outrageous stories and band histories to outstanding artifacts like instruments, costumes, and props used by world-famous artists. Who knows, you may even catch a live performance in their Rock Hall Live events!
Edgewater Park and Beach
Edgewater Park is a fitting name for this popular and well-loved Cleveland landmark since it’s found right at the water’s edge on Lake Erie. Edgewater Park is an excellent place to enjoy the great outdoors, with 9000 feet of beautiful shoreline, a beach, boat ramps, a fishing pier, picnic areas, and a pavilion that you can rent for special occasions.
Edgewater Park offers paddle, kayak, and boating access along the Lake Erie shoreline and is one of the best places in Cleveland to set off if you’re aching to get out on the water at Lake Erie.
The Flats District
Following the Cuyahoga River from its mouth will take you through a winding watery path all the way to the heart of the city and down to Cleveland’s Flats District. The Flats is Cleveland’s premier hub for entertainment and nightlife, containing bars, pubs, restaurants, clubs, and more. Located on the banks of the Cuyahoga River, the Flats offer easy docking and access to some of the best restaurants and bars the city has to offer, as well as all the happening events and shows if you’re looking for a taste of that intoxicating nightlife.
You’ll never run out of things to do or see when you’re in Cleveland’s hip Flats District.
There’s always something to see and do in Cleveland, especially when you have easy access to its waterways. Cleveland is a boating destination unlike any other and there’s never been a better way to experience the city than out on the water!