10 Easy Road Trips From Strongsville, Ohio (All Outside Cuyahoga County)
If you live in or near
Strongsville, Ohio, you probably love how close you are to shopping, restaurants, and highways. But sometimes, you just need to hop in the car, drive a bit, and feel like you’re “away” for the day—without dealing with airports or long drives.
The good news? Within about an hour of Strongsville, you’ve got small towns, lake views, covered bridges, hiking trails, and wineries just waiting for a quick escape. And every spot in this guide is
outside Cuyahoga County, in the surrounding counties of
Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit.
Let’s look at 10 short out-of-county road trips with fun things to do near Strongsville, Ohio.
1. Medina Square & Castle Noel (Medina County)
About a 25–30 minute drive from Strongsville,
Medina, Ohio feels like you stepped into a small-town movie set.
Why go: Charming downtown, year-round Christmas museum, and great local eats.
- Medina Historic Square – Stroll around the old-fashioned square with its gazebo, brick sidewalks, and local shops. It’s especially pretty around the holidays, but it’s relaxing any time of year.
- Castle Noel – America’s largest indoor Christmas attraction, filled with props from Christmas movies, window displays from big-city department stores, and over-the-top decorations. It’s festive even in July.
- Shopping & snacks – Pop into local boutiques, antique shops, and ice cream spots around the square.
If you’re looking for an easy half-day trip from Strongsville, this is about as simple and stress-free as it gets.
2. Lakeview Park & Beach in Lorain (Lorain County)
Craving water views without going all the way to the East Coast? Head about 40 minutes northwest to
Lorain, Ohio on the southern shore of
Lake Erie.
Why go: Sunset views, a beach day, and a picture-perfect rose garden.
- Lakeview Park – Walk along the sand, watch the waves roll in, or just sit on a bench and take in the view. On a clear day, the sunsets over Lake Erie can be incredible.
- Historic Rose Garden – The park’s iconic rose garden is arranged in a giant blooming rose pattern when viewed from above. Even from ground level, it’s a beautiful place for photos.
- Lorain Lighthouse views – You can see the historic lighthouse from the shore. In summer, there are sometimes boat tours that get you closer.
Pack a small cooler, a few beach chairs, and you’ve got yourself a mini “lake vacation” less than an hour from Strongsville.
3. Headlands Beach State Park & Mentor (Lake County)
Drive about 50–60 minutes northeast from Strongsville and you’ll hit
Headlands Beach State Park near
Mentor, Ohio.
Why go: Long sandy beach, lighthouse views, and easy nature walks.
- Ohio’s longest natural beach – This park has a wide stretch of sand that actually feels like a coastal beach. It’s great for families, couples, or just a solo reset day.
- Breakwall & lighthouse – If conditions are safe, walk along the breakwall for a closer look at the Headlands Dunes area and views of the lighthouse.
- Mentor Marsh & nature centers nearby – If you like bird-watching or gentle hikes, there are several nature areas close by.
If you wake up on a warm day in Strongsville thinking, “I just want to sit by the water,” this is your spot.
4. Chagrin Falls & the Waterfall Overlook (Geauga County)
About 40–45 minutes east of Strongsville,
Chagrin Falls straddles the line between Cuyahoga and Geauga counties. Focus your time on the Geauga side and the downtown area around the falls.
Why go: Adorable downtown, real waterfall in the middle of town, cozy cafés.
- Waterfall viewing decks – Walk down the public stairs off the main street to stand next to the falls. It’s surprising to see such a big waterfall right in the middle of town.
- Ice cream and coffee shops – Grab a cone, hot chocolate, or coffee and people-watch from a bench.
- Small shops – Browse bookstores, gift shops, and local art galleries.
If you like Hallmark-movie-style towns, this little village is an easy win for a quick day trip.
5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Summit County side)
Most people think of
Cuyahoga Valley National Park as a Cuyahoga County thing, but a big part of it lies in
Summit County near
Peninsula and
Akron. From Strongsville, you can reach many of the Summit County trailheads in about 35–45 minutes.
Why go: Waterfalls, towpath biking, and classic Ohio scenery.
- Brandywine Falls (Summit side) – One of the most popular waterfalls in the park, with boardwalk viewing platforms. It’s great for first-time visitors.
- Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail – Walk or bike along the old canal route. You’ll see locks, wildlife, and stretches of peaceful woods.
- Scenic drives – Even just driving through the park’s Summit County roads is relaxing, especially in fall when the leaves are changing.
Bring a camera, some water, and comfortable shoes. You can make this either a light stroll or a full active day, depending on your mood.
6. Downtown Akron & the Akron Art Museum (Summit County)
If you want something a little more urban but still close to Strongsville, head about 40–45 minutes south to
Akron, Ohio in Summit County.
Why go: City energy, art, and unique local history.
- Akron Art Museum – A modern space with rotating exhibits that are easy to enjoy even if you’re “not usually an art person.”
- Lock 3 & downtown events – Outdoor concerts, festivals, ice skating in winter, and family activities throughout the year.
- Rubber & tire history – Akron was once the “Rubber Capital of the World.” You’ll see that legacy in local museums and old factory buildings.
If Strongsville sometimes feels a bit too suburban, a few hours in downtown Akron can give you that “small city” vibe without the headache of big-city traffic.
7. Put-In-Bay (via Lorain County ferry access)
This one’s more of a full-day adventure, but still very doable from Strongsville. You’ll drive through
Lorain County, then farther west to catch a ferry out to
Put-In-Bay on South Bass Island in Lake Erie.
Why go: Island atmosphere, golf carts instead of cars, and a mini-vacation feel.
- Ferry ride – The boat ride itself is part of the fun. On a sunny day, standing on the deck with the wind in your face feels like you’re far from Ohio.
- Golf cart rentals – Park your car and explore the island by golf cart. It’s laid-back and fun for families or friend groups.
- Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial – Climb or ride up for sweeping views of Lake Erie and the surrounding islands.
Yes, it’s a bit more of a drive and a ferry ride—but if you’re craving that “I really went somewhere” feeling, this is a great option.
8. Geauga County Amish Country (Middlefield Area)
Head about 45–60 minutes east of Strongsville into
Geauga County, especially around
Middlefield, and you’ll find a quieter pace of life.
Why go: Amish culture, homemade baked goods, peaceful back roads.
- Amish bakeries & cheese shops – Stock up on fresh breads, pies, jams, and local cheeses. It’s hard to go home empty-handed.
- Country drives – Drive the back roads and you’ll likely see horse-drawn buggies, rolling fields, and old barns.
- Farm stands – In season, pick up produce that was probably growing in the field just hours earlier.
If life in Strongsville feels too busy, a few hours in Geauga County Amish Country can be a nice reset button.
9. Portage Lakes & Nearby Parks (Summit / Portage County Area)
About 45–55 minutes south-southeast of Strongsville, the
Portage Lakes area offers a mix of lakeside relaxation and low-key recreation. Parts of the region are in
Summit County, with
Portage County close by.
Why go: Calm lakes, boating, and easy picnic spots.
- Portage Lakes State Park – Swim areas, walking paths, picnic tables, and boat launches. It’s great for a casual day outdoors.
- Kayaking or paddleboarding – If you have your own gear or rent locally, you can spend the day out on the water.
- Lakeside bars & restaurants – End the day with a meal on a patio overlooking the water.
Think of this as a more low-key, less crowded alternative to some of the bigger lakefront areas.
10. Hudson’s Historic Downtown (Summit County)
Around 35–40 minutes from Strongsville,
Hudson, Ohio in Summit County is a polished small town with a walkable center and New England-style charm.
Why go: Brick sidewalks, independent shops, and cozy restaurants.
- First & Main district – A blend of modern shops and historic buildings, all very walkable.
- Independent bookstores & boutiques – Spend an afternoon browsing and maybe discovering your new favorite local shop.
- Seasonal events – Farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and holiday festivals give downtown Hudson a lively feel.
If you like strolling Strongsville’s shopping areas but want something with more “old town” character, Hudson is a nice change of scenery.
Tips for Planning Road Trips From Strongsville, Ohio
To make these
short road trips from Strongsville even smoother, here are a few quick tips:
- Check drive times – Most of these are 30–60 minutes away, but traffic and weather can stretch that a bit.
- Pack a small day bag – Water, snacks, charger, light jacket, and maybe a simple first-aid kit.
- Look up hours ahead of time – Museums, boat tours, and seasonal attractions may have limited schedules.
- Have a backup plan – If a spot is too crowded, have a second option nearby in mind.
Over time, you might find yourself building a little “Strongsville road trip” tradition—maybe Saturday mornings are for trying a new town, or Sunday afternoons are for quick lake runs.
Share Your Favorite Day Trips From Strongsville
Now it’s your turn.
- Which of these out-of-county road trips near Strongsville sounds best to you?
- Do you have a favorite spot in Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, or Summit County that I didn’t mention?
Drop your ideas, questions, and personal tips in the comments so other Strongsville locals can discover new places too.
And if you found this list helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.” You might just help them plan their next mini-escape right down the road.
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