10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips from Cleveland, Ohio for Weekend Getaways

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Cleveland, Ohio

Looking for fun day trips from Cleveland that feel like a mini-vacation, but don’t require a hotel or a plane ticket? You’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll hit 10 short, out-of-county road trips from Cleveland in Cuyahoga County, exploring nearby gems in:
  • Geauga County
  • Lake County
  • Lorain County
  • Medina County
  • Portage County
  • Summit County
All of these spots are typically within about an hour’s drive. That makes them perfect for lazy Saturdays, last-minute adventures, or when you just need a break from city life.

1. Chardon & Amish Country Corners (Geauga County)

Head east about 30–40 minutes and you’ll reach Chardon, a small town that looks like it was made for postcards. The square has a classic courthouse, local shops, and friendly diners. What makes this road trip special is what’s around Chardon. Drive the back roads of Geauga County and you’ll start to see farms, roadside stands, and touches of Amish life.
  • Visit a farm market: Stock up on fresh pies, maple syrup, cheese, and homemade jams.
  • Slow scenic drives: Roll down the windows and enjoy quiet country roads lined with fields and forests.
  • Winter charm: Chardon gets plenty of snow, so the town square feels like a snow globe in colder months.
If Cleveland’s noise is getting to you, this is the kind of place where you can actually hear the wind and your own thoughts.

2. Holden Arboretum & Lake Erie Views (Lake County)

Less than an hour from Cleveland, Holden Arboretum in Kirtland (Lake County) is one of the best nature escapes in Northeast Ohio. This isn’t just a “walk in the woods.” It’s more like an outdoor museum of trees, gardens, and views.
  • Canopy walk: A raised walkway among the treetops where you can look out across the forest.
  • Emergent tower: Climb up for sweeping views that stretch toward Lake Erie on a clear day.
  • Peaceful trails: Easy paths that are great for families, couples, or solo walks.
If you’ve ever said, “I wish I could just get lost in nature for a while,” this is where you go.

3. Historic Kirtland & the Lake County Wine Country Feel

Also in Lake County, the Kirtland area offers a mix of history and rolling countryside. Just a short hop from Cleveland, you can explore Historic Kirtland, where restored 1800s buildings bring early Ohio life to life.
  • Step-back-in-time village: Period-style homes, a store, and workshops you can tour.
  • Quiet country roads: After your visit, take a slow drive and enjoy the hills and farmlands.
  • Nearby wineries: Lake County is part of Ohio’s wine region, so you can add a tasting stop to your road trip.
If you like history but don’t want a stuffy museum, this area gives you stories, scenery, and a relaxed vibe all in one.

4. Geneva-on-the-Lake Vibes, Mentor Shoreline & Lakefront Fun (Lake County)

For a quick coastal-style getaway without leaving Ohio, head to the Lake County shoreline. Towns like Mentor and the lakefront parks nearby give you that “little beach town” feel.
  • Mentor Headlands Beach: One of the largest natural sand beaches in Ohio, perfect for a summer day.
  • Picnics & sunsets: Pack a cooler, spread out a blanket, and watch the sun drop over Lake Erie.
  • Boardwalk and trails: Walk the sand, wander the dunes, or hit local parks near the shore.
On a hot July afternoon, when Cleveland streets feel sticky and slow, a quick drive to the lake can feel like a reset button.

5. Vermilion’s Harbor & Lake Town Charm (Lorain County)

Drive west along the lake about 45 minutes and you’ll hit Vermilion in Lorain County, a small town with big coastal energy. The downtown feels like a New England harbor town dropped in northern Ohio.
  • Walk the harbor: Watch boats glide in and out, and grab ice cream by the water.
  • Beach time: Relax on the sand, dip your toes in Lake Erie, or just enjoy the breeze.
  • Colorful buildings: Explore the pastel storefronts, galleries, and little cafes.
If you’ve ever wished you could take a quick trip to the coast without buying a plane ticket, Vermilion is a solid stand-in.

6. Oberlin’s Artsy College Town Energy (Lorain County)

Still in Lorain County, but inland, you’ll find Oberlin, home to Oberlin College and Conservatory. It’s only about 40–50 minutes from Cleveland, but it feels like its own little universe.
  • College-town streets: Bookstores, coffee shops, vintage stores, and street art.
  • Art museum: A surprisingly strong collection for a small-town campus, often free to visit.
  • Green spaces: Stroll the leafy campus, especially pretty in fall when the leaves turn.
If you like people-watching, grab a coffee, sit on a bench, and just soak in the mix of students, locals, and visitors drifting by.

7. Medina’s Picture-Perfect Town Square (Medina County)

Head south from Cleveland for about 40 minutes and you’ll reach Medina, a classic Midwestern town with a very photogenic square. The center of town feels like the set of a movie, with its gazebo, brick buildings, and charming shops.
  • Medina Square: Browse boutiques, candy shops, and cozy restaurants.
  • Seasonal festivals: From summer events to holiday lights, there’s often something happening.
  • Small-town comfort food: Grab lunch or dinner and take a relaxed stroll afterward.
If you’re craving a slower pace, this is an easy road trip from Cleveland that leaves you feeling refreshed instead of worn out.

8. Hinckley & the Buzzards, Parks, and Reservoir (Medina County)

Also in Medina County, the Hinckley area is a great pick if you’re chasing fresh air and outdoor time. Hinckley is famous for its buzzards that return every spring, but it’s also known for rugged scenery, big rocks, and water views.
  • Hiking and picnics: Wooded trails and picnic spots that feel worlds away from city traffic.
  • Reservoir views: Calm water, fishing spots, and quiet coves.
  • Wildlife watching: Keep an eye out for birds and other critters, especially at dawn or dusk.
If you like climbing over rocks, exploring trails, and ending the day pleasantly tired, this road trip is for you.

9. Kent’s Riverfront & College Town Food Scene (Portage County)

Head southeast into Portage County and you’ll find Kent, another lively college town just under an hour from Cleveland. Kent mixes old factory-town roots with a modern, artsy feel.
  • Downtown riverfront: Walk along the Cuyahoga River (yes, the same river from Cleveland) but in a very different setting.
  • Bars & restaurants: A wide range of food spots, from casual burgers to creative bistros.
  • Live music & murals: Street art and evening shows give Kent a fun nighttime energy.
If you’re looking for a date-night road trip or a casual evening out with friends, Kent is an easy choice.

10. Cuyahoga Valley Views from the Summit County Side

Although the national park itself winds through multiple counties, exploring it from the Summit County side offers a new angle if you’re used to the Cuyahoga County access points. Think of this as seeing an old friend from a new perspective.
  • Scenic drives: Wind through wooded roads with hills, valleys, and overlooks.
  • Bike the towpath: Bring your bike and ride gentle gravel paths along the old canal route.
  • Waterfalls & overlooks: Short hikes lead to photogenic spots that look great in every season.
Even if you’ve visited the park before, entering from the Summit County side turns it into a fresh day trip from Cleveland.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Cleveland Day Trips

To keep things simple and stress-free, here are a few quick tips:
  • Leave with a loose plan: Pick 1–2 main stops, then leave room for surprises along the way.
  • Pack basics: Water, snacks, a light jacket, and maybe a small cooler for farm finds or leftovers.
  • Check hours: Small-town shops, farm markets, and museums sometimes close earlier than big-city spots.
  • Take the back roads: When possible, skip the highway and enjoy the drive itself.
Some of the best memories on these short road trips come from the small, unplanned moments—like a random bakery, a roadside stand, or a view you spot while taking a “wrong” turn.

Share Your Cleveland Road Trip Stories

Now it’s your turn. Which of these out-of-county road trips from Cleveland are you adding to your list? Have you discovered a hidden gem in Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, or Summit County that more people should know about? Drop a comment with your favorite nearby getaway, your best small-town coffee shop find, or your must-visit hiking spot. And if you know someone in Northeast Ohio who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here,” share this post with them. You might just inspire their next Saturday adventure.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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