10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Euclid, Ohio (All Under 90 Minutes)
If you live in Euclid, Ohio and you’ve already done all the “close to home” stuff in Cuyahoga County, you might be wondering:
Now what?
The good news is, you’re surrounded by great day trip destinations in nearby counties like
Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Summit, and Geauga. In 30–90 minutes, you can go from busy Lake Erie suburb life to quiet Amish country, cute small towns, or even a waterfall hike.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Euclid with fun things to do, where to go, and a few tips from someone who’s spent plenty of weekends wandering Northeast Ohio backroads.
1. Chardon Square & Amish Country Backroads (Geauga County)
Driving time from Euclid: about
35–45 minutes (depending on route and traffic)
If you want a small-town feel without driving for hours, head out to
Chardon in Geauga County. The historic town square feels like something out of a movie, especially when the gazebo is decorated for the season.
Things to do:
- Stroll the historic Chardon Square and check out the local shops and cafes.
- Grab coffee or a homemade treat and sit on a bench to people-watch.
- Take a scenic drive east and south toward Amish country backroads.
- Stop at roadside farm stands for maple syrup, jams, and baked goods (bring cash—some are honor-system only).
On one of my fall drives out there, I ended up behind a horse-and-buggy for a few miles. At first I was impatient, but then I realized it forced me to slow down and actually look around—rolling fields, old barns, and those golden leaves you see in postcards. Totally worth the extra 5 minutes.
2. Headlands Beach State Park & Fairport Harbor (Lake County)
Driving time from Euclid: about
25–30 minutes
Want a beach day without crossing state lines? Lake County has you covered.
Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor has one of the longest natural sand beaches in Ohio—about a mile long.
Things to do:
- Walk the wide sandy beach and watch the waves roll in off Lake Erie.
- Pack a small cooler and have a picnic with lake views.
- Walk near the breakwall for a closer look at the lighthouse in the distance.
- Head over to nearby Fairport Harbor for a more relaxed harbor-town feel and another beach area.
On a warm evening, it’s hard to beat a simple walk along the sand, shoes in hand, with that Lake Erie breeze hitting your face. It almost feels like being by the ocean—just with freshwater and fewer seagulls eyeing your fries.
3. Geneva-on-the-Lake Wine & Water Views (Lake County / just beyond)
Driving time from Euclid: about
50–60 minutes
While the village of Geneva-on-the-Lake is technically in Ashtabula County, you’ll pass right through
Lake County wine country getting there, so it’s an easy extension of a Lake County road trip.
Things to do:
- Drive through Lake County’s vineyard region and stop at a winery or two along the way.
- Walk the strip at Geneva-on-the-Lake for old-school arcade vibes and lake views.
- Grab a burger or ice cream and watch the sun set over Lake Erie.
If you go in late summer or early fall, the vineyards have that end-of-summer glow. Even if you’re not big into wine, sitting outside with a soft drink and watching the vines stretch out around you is surprisingly relaxing.
4. Black River Landing & Lakeview Beach (Lorain County)
Driving time from Euclid: about
50–60 minutes
Lorain doesn’t always get as much attention as some other lake towns, but it’s worth the drive. The
Black River Landing and nearby
Lakeview Park in Lorain offer great views and easy walking.
Things to do:
- Walk along the Black River Landing area; check for festivals or events on summer weekends.
- Head to Lakeview Park to see the famous rose garden and enjoy the sandy beach.
- Catch views of the Lorain Lighthouse sitting out on the lake.
If you time it right, you can watch the sun melt into Lake Erie from Lakeview Beach. Bring a light jacket—breezes off the water can feel cooler than you expect, even on warm days.
5. Medina Public Square & Castle Noel (Medina County)
Driving time from Euclid: about
55–70 minutes
Medina’s charming downtown feels like a Hallmark movie set, especially when the lights are up around the square. If you love Christmas, this road trip from Euclid is a must.
Things to do:
- Walk around Medina Public Square, browse local shops, and grab coffee or ice cream.
- Visit Castle Noel, a quirky Christmas movie museum packed with holiday props and decorations (check hours ahead of time).
- Relax in the gazebo area and soak in the small-town atmosphere.
If you’re feeling worn out from city traffic and big-box stores, an afternoon in Medina can feel like a reset button. I went once on a random Tuesday and ended up wandering for hours, just popping into little stores I’d never heard of.
6. Hinckley Reservation & “Whipps Ledges” Hike (Medina / Summit Border)
Driving time from Euclid: about
50–65 minutes
If you’re craving some nature without driving all day, head south toward
Hinckley Reservation, which sits along the Medina and Summit County line.
Things to do:
- Hike the Whipps Ledges area for cool rock formations and short but satisfying trails.
- Pack a picnic and stop at one of the many grassy areas or picnic shelters.
- Look for wildlife—this area is known for birds and early spring buzzard sightings.
The first time I hiked Whipps Ledges, I was surprised how “big” the rocks felt. You don’t expect cliffs and stone walls like that so close to home. Wear good shoes—the trails can be muddy or slippery after rain.
7. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Areas from the Summit County Side
Driving time from Euclid: about
45–60 minutes
While a lot of people access Cuyahoga Valley National Park from the Cuyahoga County side, coming in from
Summit County gives you a different angle—and some less-crowded spots.
Popular stops on the Summit side:
- Brandywine Falls Overlook (accessed from the Summit County side even though the park spans counties)
- Sections of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail near Akron
- Small trailheads and picnic pull-offs that feel off the beaten path
If you go early in the morning, you might have some parts of the towpath almost to yourself. There’s something calming about walking along the old canal, passing runners, cyclists, and the occasional deer peeking through the trees.
8. Downtown Kent & Cuyahoga River Walk (Portage County)
Driving time from Euclid: about
50–65 minutes
Kent is a lively college town in Portage County, and it makes a great day trip if you like walkable downtowns with a little bit of everything.
Things to do:
- Walk through downtown Kent and check out local restaurants, bars, and shops.
- Follow the Cuyahoga River walkways to see the water and small dams.
- Look for live music or special events, especially during the school year.
Kent has that fun mix of students, locals, and visitors. You can grab a coffee, sit by the river, and just people-watch. If you’re used to Euclid’s suburban feel, Kent’s artsy vibe is a nice change of pace.
9. Aurora Farms Premium Outlets & Portage County Countryside
Driving time from Euclid: about
40–50 minutes
If your ideal road trip involves shopping and a laid-back drive, head toward
Aurora Farms Premium Outlets on the edge of Portage County.
Things to do:
- Shop name-brand outlet stores for deals on clothes, shoes, and home goods.
- Walk the outdoor mall area—it’s more relaxed than a typical indoor mall.
- After shopping, take a slow drive through the nearby country roads of Portage County.
I like doing this one on a cloudy day when outdoor adventures don’t sound as fun. You can get your errands done, enjoy a change of scenery, and still feel like you had a mini getaway.
10. Hudson’s Historic Main Street (Summit County)
Driving time from Euclid: about
45–55 minutes
Hudson, in Summit County, is another classic Northeast Ohio small town with a beautiful, walkable downtown.
Things to do:
- Stroll along Main Street and the central green, lined with historic buildings.
- Browse local bookstores, boutiques, and gift shops.
- Grab coffee, baked goods, or a sit-down meal at one of the many eateries.
Hudson is especially pretty in spring and fall. Think big old trees, brick buildings, and that “cozy town” feeling. It’s a great pick if you want something low-key but still special.
Tips for Planning Your Euclid Road Trips
To make these out-of-county adventures from Euclid even smoother, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check the drive time first. Most of these trips are under an hour, but traffic can add a bit.
- Look up hours for museums, wineries, or attractions so you don’t show up to locked doors.
- Pack a small bag with water, snacks, and maybe a light jacket—even in summer.
- Bring cash for farm stands, parking, or small shops that may not take cards.
Think of each trip as a “mini vacation” you can do in a day—no hotel, no airport, just your car and a tank of gas.
Where Will You Go First?
Living in Euclid, it’s easy to forget how many
day trip ideas you have within a short drive. Whether you want:
- a quiet hike in Medina or Summit County,
- a beach or lake view in Lake or Lorain County,
- or a charming small-town square in Geauga, Portage, or Medina,
there’s something nearby that doesn’t require crossing half the state.
Have you tried any of these road trips from Euclid?
Which one is your favorite—or which spot did I miss that you think more people should know about?
Please share this post with friends or family in Euclid who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.” And if you have your own favorite out-of-county getaway,
drop a comment with your tips and stories—I’d love to hear where the road takes you.
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