When it comes to summertime adventure, there’s plenty to do in Cleveland. After all, we have the Cleveland Metroparks system as well as an abundance of waterparks. Every so often, however, it’s worth organizing a weekend trip to experience the simplicity of a nearby community where life is just a bit slower. Today we are going to travel from Cleveland to Huron, a pretty coastal community over in Erie County. Pack some road trip snacks and games for family fun, because this trek is about an hour away from home… with a bit of help, the drive will go by in a snap!
For the first part of our road trip, we are going to stop at a few natural spots worth noting between Cleveland and Huron… plus we’ll pay a visit to a winery!
Google Maps Visit Google Maps for an interactive map of this road trip.
Before you leave Cleveland, you’ll start out your journey by burying your toes in the sand at Edgewater Park Beach.
Erik Drost/Flickr Located in lower Edgewater Park, this magnificent little stretch of shoreline is gorgeous all year long. The entirety of the park’s trails are incredible in every season, but the beach is best enjoyed during the dog days of summer.
Next up, we’re going to stop and smell the roses in Lakeview Park… literally!
Lorain County Metro Parks/Facebook At Lakeview Park, many visitors are surprised to find a coastal rose garden that’s both historic and beautiful. With circa 2,500 roses, this pretty landscape is truly breathtaking.
Next up we are going to indulge in food and drinks at Paper Moon Vineyards!
Paper Moon Vineyards/Google Images By this point in our road trip, you’ve surely worked up an appetite walking at the previous destinations on our trip. Indulge at Paper Moon Vineyards with options like hummus, pizza, cheese trays, and all sorts of incredible local wine to try.
Now that you’ve relaxed, we’re going to keep the chill vibes going at Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Russ Claus/Google Images Whew! Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve is a mouthful, but it’s worth the visit. With 573 acres awaiting exploration right where Lake Erie and land meet, the trails at this natural paradise are absolutely breathtaking.
Now, you’ll find yourself a tad bit west of Cleveland… and you’ll be arriving in Huron in no time!
City of Huron - Government/Facebook This pretty community of circa 7,000 residents has a rich history, with some of its first permanent residents arriving after the American Revolution. There’s so much to do in this community that it merits its own miniature road trip!
Now that we’re in Huron, we can really start exploring!
Google Maps Once again, you’ll find an interactive map for this portion of our road trip on Google Maps.
First up in Huron is a visit to Nickel Plate Beach!
YoAdrian99/TripAdvisor Nickel Plate Beach is truly a gem, though there’s no lifeguard on duty, so you will want to stick to the buddy system here. In addition to its sandy beach, the more wild portions of its shoreline as well as its unique features are stunning to admire via a kayak or paddleboard, either of which can be rented on-site.
Then, we’re going to indulge in some super sweet treats at the Pier Pub!
Pier Pub/Facebook The Pier Pub is an iconic little ocean blue building that’s hard to miss. The food options here are simple and will delight even the pickiest of eaters, but the ice cream treats truly take center stage.
Next up, we’re going to swing by the Huron Pier and Lighthouse.
Tonya Tackett/Google Images There’s oodles of history at this spot! A French trading post once operated in this area pre-1800s, and the first lighthouse in the area popped up in 1835. Today, the view off of Huron’s shore still feels as quaint and dreamy today as it did before Ohio’s northern shore was heavily populated.
If you’re looking for a place to stay the night, Captain Montague’s Bed & Breakfast belongs on your bucket list.
management/TripAdvisor This is the perfect time to stop and check in to Captain Montague’s Bed & Breakfast. This iconic little Lake Erie B&B is full of romance and charm, and its grounds even have a pool for added relaxation.
Or, you might choose to stay at the Huron River Valley Resort, where you can camp and kayak all in the same place.
American Marketing & Publishing/Google Images Reconnect with nature at this charming little family-friendly campground. With a swimming lake and game areas, there’s fun for visitors of all ages!
Last but not least, you will want to add Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve to your area adventure list.
Nick Blanchard/Google Images With 472 acres of landscape and oodles of native species, this pretty spot is an incredible family hiking destination. However, the fun doesn’t have to end here! Keep exploring the Huron area as a tourist, and you’ll surely find other hidden gems and points of interest. There’s so much to love about this eclectic little community near Cleveland!
There’s so much fun to be had via road trip. The allure of traveling from Cleveland to Huron and then back home again may not appeal to everyone, but adventure seekers love the coastal views in this eclectic community. Have you ever visited Huron? Tell us about your favorite local spot in the comments!
Google Maps
Visit Google Maps for an interactive map of this road trip.
Erik Drost/Flickr
Located in lower Edgewater Park, this magnificent little stretch of shoreline is gorgeous all year long. The entirety of the park’s trails are incredible in every season, but the beach is best enjoyed during the dog days of summer.
Lorain County Metro Parks/Facebook
At Lakeview Park, many visitors are surprised to find a coastal rose garden that’s both historic and beautiful. With circa 2,500 roses, this pretty landscape is truly breathtaking.
Paper Moon Vineyards/Google Images
By this point in our road trip, you’ve surely worked up an appetite walking at the previous destinations on our trip. Indulge at Paper Moon Vineyards with options like hummus, pizza, cheese trays, and all sorts of incredible local wine to try.
Russ Claus/Google Images
Whew! Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve is a mouthful, but it’s worth the visit. With 573 acres awaiting exploration right where Lake Erie and land meet, the trails at this natural paradise are absolutely breathtaking.
City of Huron - Government/Facebook
This pretty community of circa 7,000 residents has a rich history, with some of its first permanent residents arriving after the American Revolution. There’s so much to do in this community that it merits its own miniature road trip!
Once again, you’ll find an interactive map for this portion of our road trip on Google Maps.
YoAdrian99/TripAdvisor
Nickel Plate Beach is truly a gem, though there’s no lifeguard on duty, so you will want to stick to the buddy system here. In addition to its sandy beach, the more wild portions of its shoreline as well as its unique features are stunning to admire via a kayak or paddleboard, either of which can be rented on-site.
Pier Pub/Facebook
The Pier Pub is an iconic little ocean blue building that’s hard to miss. The food options here are simple and will delight even the pickiest of eaters, but the ice cream treats truly take center stage.
Tonya Tackett/Google Images
There’s oodles of history at this spot! A French trading post once operated in this area pre-1800s, and the first lighthouse in the area popped up in 1835. Today, the view off of Huron’s shore still feels as quaint and dreamy today as it did before Ohio’s northern shore was heavily populated.
management/TripAdvisor
This is the perfect time to stop and check in to Captain Montague’s Bed & Breakfast. This iconic little Lake Erie B&B is full of romance and charm, and its grounds even have a pool for added relaxation.
American Marketing & Publishing/Google Images
Reconnect with nature at this charming little family-friendly campground. With a swimming lake and game areas, there’s fun for visitors of all ages!
Nick Blanchard/Google Images
With 472 acres of landscape and oodles of native species, this pretty spot is an incredible family hiking destination. However, the fun doesn’t have to end here! Keep exploring the Huron area as a tourist, and you’ll surely find other hidden gems and points of interest. There’s so much to love about this eclectic little community near Cleveland!
While you’re in Erie County, swing by Vermilion for more fun. This historic community is full of charm!
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Address: Edgewater Beach, Cleveland, OH 44102, USAAddress: Lakeview Park, 1800 W Erie Ave, Lorain, OH 44052, USAAddress: 2008 State Rd, Vermilion, OH 44089, USAAddress: 2514 Cleveland Rd E, Huron, OH 44839, USAAddress: Nickel Plate Beach, Huron, OH 44839, USAAddress: 38 Main St, Huron, OH 44839, USAAddress: Huron, OH 44839, USAAddress: 229 Center St, Huron, OH 44839, USAAddress: 9019 River Rd, Huron, OH 44839, USAAddress: Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve, 2715 Cleveland Rd W, Huron, OH 44839, USA
