10 Easy Road Trips From Lakewood, Ohio (That Take You Out of Cuyahoga County)
If you live in
Lakewood, Ohio and you’re itching to get out of town for a bit, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you’ll find hiking trails, wineries, lakeside parks, small towns, and some pretty quirky attractions too.
The best part? All of these road trip ideas are
outside Cuyahoga County, in nearby places like
Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and
Summit Counties. So if you’re trying to explore a bit farther without going too far from home, this list is for you.
Use this as your go-to guide for
day trips near Lakewood, Ohio that are fun, easy, and full of things to do.
1. Chardon & Alpine Valley: Snowy Fun and Small-Town Charm (Geauga County)
If you’re craving a classic small-town vibe, hop in the car and head to
Chardon in Geauga County, about 45–55 minutes from Lakewood.
In the winter, Chardon feels like a snow globe. In fact, it’s one of the snowiest spots in Ohio, and that makes it great for cold-weather fun.
- Alpine Valley Ski Resort – Just outside town, Alpine Valley is a cozy ski hill with runs for beginners and more experienced skiers. You’ll find skiing, snowboarding, and lessons if you’re just starting out.
- Historic Chardon Square – Walk the square, grab a coffee, and browse local shops. When the snow is falling and the gazebo is lit up, it looks straight out of a movie.
From Lakewood, it’s a straight shot east. Pack layers, toss your boots in the trunk, and you’ve got an easy day trip for winter weekends.
2. Holden Arboretum & Kirtland: Tree Tops and Lake Views (Lake County)
Looking for something peaceful and scenic? Head to
Holden Arboretum in Lake County, roughly 45 minutes to an hour from Lakewood, depending on traffic.
This isn’t just any park. It’s a huge, beautifully maintained property full of gardens, trails, and some unique experiences:
- Emergent Tower – Climb this tall wooden tower and you’ll be standing above the tree line. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Lake Erie.
- Canopy Walk – A raised walkway lets you stroll through the treetops, which is especially stunning in fall.
- Gardens and trails – Easy walking paths, quiet benches, and seasonal flowers make it perfect for a slow Saturday.
After your visit, take a short drive through
Kirtland and enjoy the rolling countryside. It’s a nice change of pace from city life in Lakewood.
3. Headlands Beach State Park & Fairport Harbor: A Little “Beach Day” (Lake County)
Yes, you can have a beach day in Northeast Ohio. From Lakewood, drive about an hour to
Headlands Beach State Park in Lake County, near Mentor.
This is one of the largest natural sand beaches in Ohio, and on a warm summer day, it’s a great spot to lay out a towel and forget you’re only an hour from home.
- Long sandy beach – Great for walking, swimming on calmer days, and relaxing with a good book.
- Fairport Harbor Lighthouse area – A short drive away, you can explore the harbor, grab ice cream, and enjoy views of the lighthouse and lake.
- Picnic areas – Pack a cooler with sandwiches and make a full day of it.
If you time it right, stay for sunset. The pink and orange colors over Lake Erie are worth the drive all by themselves.
4. Vermilion: “Harbor Town” on the Lake (Lorain County)
Just about 35–45 minutes west of Lakewood,
Vermilion in Lorain County feels like a mini New England coastal town dropped onto the shore of Lake Erie.
Walk around town and you’ll see what I mean.
- Downtown Vermilion – Colorful buildings, cute shops, and a laid-back vibe. It’s perfect for a lazy afternoon stroll.
- Vermilion Lakefront parks – Check out parks along the lake for views, picnics, and some peaceful time by the water.
- Seasonal festivals – Summer often brings small-town festivals, craft shows, and live music.
If you’re in Lakewood and thinking, “I just need to see water and relax,” Vermilion is an easy answer.
5. Mill Hollow / Bacon Woods (Vermilion River Reservation, Lorain County)
For a quieter nature escape, head a bit south of Vermilion to the
Vermilion River Reservation (often called Mill Hollow / Bacon Woods), also in Lorain County. It’s usually about a 45–55 minute drive from Lakewood.
Here you’ll find:
- Scenic river views – The Vermilion River cuts through steep, wooded hills, and the scenery is especially pretty in fall.
- Easy hiking trails – Gentle paths that are great for families, beginners, or anyone just wanting to stretch their legs.
- Picnic shelters and open fields – Bring a frisbee, a blanket, and some snacks for a low-key day trip.
If you like the idea of
“real nature” without a long drive into another state, this is a solid pick.
6. Medina Square: Classic Main Street USA (Medina County)
If you enjoy small-town downtowns with brick buildings and a strong sense of history, set your GPS for
Medina, about 40–50 minutes southwest of Lakewood.
The heart of it all is
Medina Public Square.
- Historic courthouse and gazebo – It’s the kind of place that looks like it belongs on a postcard.
- Shops and cafés – Walk the square, pop into local stores, grab coffee, or treat yourself to dessert.
- Seasonal events – Medina hosts events throughout the year, from holiday lights to festivals and car shows.
If you’re looking for a relaxed day trip from Lakewood with shopping, food, and an easy walkable layout, Medina is high on the list.
7. Mapleside Farms: Apples, Hills, and Views (Medina County)
For a classic Midwest farm experience, visit
Mapleside Farms, set in the rolling hills of Medina County. Drive time from Lakewood is usually around 30–40 minutes, making it one of the quickest getaways on this list.
Here’s what makes it fun:
- Apple picking (in season) – When fall hits, apple picking becomes an easy, family-friendly day trip.
- Farm store and bakery – Fresh cider, donuts, pies, and local goodies. Your car will smell amazing on the way home.
- Scenic overlooks – The farm sits on a hill, with wide views of the valley below. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.
If you’re planning fall road trips from Lakewood, building one around Mapleside is almost a tradition.
8. Kent: College Town Energy and River Views (Portage County)
Drive about 50–60 minutes southeast from Lakewood and you’ll reach
Kent in Portage County. This is a lively college town with a mix of history, culture, and outdoor spaces.
Some ideas for a day in Kent:
- Downtown Kent – Restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and local boutiques give the area a fun, youthful feel.
- Cuyahoga Riverfront area – Walk along the river trails, watch the water rush over the rocks, and enjoy the bridges and artwork.
- Kent State University campus – Wide lawns, walkways, and historic spots make for a relaxing campus stroll.
If you like a little more buzz and nightlife than a small town usually offers, Kent is a great road trip option from Lakewood.
9. Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Southern Gateways (Summit County)
You might already visit parts of Cuyahoga Valley National Park from the Cuyahoga County side, but consider exploring its
Summit County entrances for a different feel. From Lakewood, you’re looking at roughly 35–55 minutes, depending on where you go.
On the Summit County side of the park, you can enjoy:
- Hiking and biking trails – Including sections of the Towpath Trail that run through forest, fields, and along the old canal.
- Scenic overlooks and boardwalks – Peaceful spots to watch wildlife or just sit and listen to the wind in the trees.
- Access to river and creek areas – Great for photography, birdwatching, or just taking a quiet walk.
If you’re in Lakewood and want a day of nature without flying across the country, this national park is one of your best bets.
10. Akron: City Vibes, Canal Trails, and Quirky Stops (Summit County)
Finally, don’t skip
Akron, about 40–50 minutes south of Lakewood in Summit County. It’s a mid-sized city with a mix of urban energy and easy access to the outdoors.
You can build your day around:
- Downtown Akron – Check out local restaurants, coffee spots, and public art.
- Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail access – Start a walk or bike ride right near the city and quickly find yourself in a more natural setting along the old canal route.
- Neighborhood exploring – Drive different districts, find murals, and uncover your own favorite corners of the city.
Akron works well if you want something that feels bigger than a small town but still relaxed enough for a low-stress day trip.
Tips for Planning Your Lakewood Road Trips
A few quick pointers to make these
Lakewood, Ohio day trips even better:
- Check drive times – Most of these spots are within about 30–60 minutes of Lakewood, but traffic can change that, especially on weekday rush hours.
- Pack smarter – Toss a small cooler, a change of shoes, and a light jacket in the car. Ohio weather likes to keep you guessing.
- Combine stops – Pair Vermilion with Mill Hollow, or Holden Arboretum with Headlands Beach for a full but doable day.
- Think seasons – Skiing in winter, apple picking in fall, beaches in summer, and arboretums in spring and fall.
Where Will You Go Next?
Lakewood may sit in Cuyahoga County, but your weekend fun definitely doesn’t have to. With
Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit Counties all close by, you’ve got a whole circle of easy road trips waiting for you.
Maybe your next free Saturday turns into:
- A snowy ski day in Chardon,
- A quiet walk through the trees at Holden Arboretum, or
- A sunset over the water in Vermilion.
Whatever you choose, you don’t need a plane ticket to feel like you’ve “gotten away” for a day.
Have you tried any of these road trips from Lakewood?
Which spots did you love, and what would you add to this list?
Share your experiences and ideas in the comments, and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are also looking for fun things to do near Lakewood, Ohio. Your shares and comments help other locals discover new places to explore!
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