Cleveland has plenty of (underrated) beautiful spots to snap an Instagram pic and/or take in the view. From nature preserves to haunted houses, this city is jam-packed with seriously gorgeous spaces to admire year-round.
The Arcade
401 Euclid Ave.
The Victorian-style Arcade was erected in 1890 and has since been designated a National Historic Landmark, and more than 100 years later, it’s still as jaw-dropping as ever. The two-story building hosts myriad establishments, including the Hyatt Regency hotel and the Chocolate Bar restaurant.
Photo via funky_formaggi/InstagramThe Fountain of Eternal Life
120 Public Square
The Fountain of Eternal Life, designed by Cleveland Institute of Art graduate Marshall Fredericks in 1964, goes by many names. The gorgeous memorial is also referred to as The War Memorial Fountain and Peace Arising from the Flames of War. But no mater what it’s called, it will make you feel plenty of things just looking at it.
Photo via paperfawn_photos/InstagramEdgewater Park
Lakefront Reservation
Edgewater Park is a great multi-purpose space, where you can swim, sunbathe, or, in the winter, take in the frozen water’s beauty. Edgewater also hosts great events, including concerts, outdoor movies, and festivals.
Photo via the Scene ArchivesMaltz Performing Arts Center
1855 Ansel Rd., 216-368-6062
The stunning Maltz Center for the Performing Arts was originally used exclusively as a temple, but since Case Western Reserve University bought the space, the building has been used for more than just worship. They now host lectures, with guests like activist Tarana Burke and writers Judy Blume and Lemony Snicket.
Photo via maltzcenter/InstagramCleveland Metroparks
4101 Fulton Pkwy.
Referred to as the Emerald Necklace of Cleveland, the Metroparks consist of more than 23,000 miles of terrain, and offers great hiking and biking trails, rope courses and ziplines. Don’t be put off by the winter-like weather, as the parks, are still stunning when blanketed by snow.
Photo via the Scene ArchivesHope Memorial Bridge
Carnegie Ave.
The Hope Memorial Bridge, from Carnegie Avenue to Lorain Avenue, sets itself apart from the many other Cleveland bridges with its art-deco styling and Guardians of Traffic sculptures, who watch and protect Clevelanders stuck in rush-hour traffic.
Photo via korey.exploring/InstagramWest Side Market
1979 West 25th St.
The market is a pillar of Cleveland, and for good reason. While you’re scouring the fresh produce, scrumptious perogies and infinite meat cuts, be sure to glance up and around at the stunning space those delicious scents are wafting about. Also check out the indoor balcony upstairs, where you can rest and grab a bite.
Photo via the Scene ArchivesJames A. Garfield Memorial at Lakeview Cemetery
12316 Euclid Ave., 216-421-2665
Lakeview Cemetery is home to many famous Clevelanders, including Carl Stokes, John D. Rockefeller, Zelma W. George and Eliot Ness. However, the crown jewel of the space is the President Garfield Memorial, the final resting place of the 20th president. The buidling includes stained glass, Berea sandstone and gold mosaics.
Photo via the Scene archivesRockefeller Building
614 W Superior Ave.
The Rockefeller Building, now an office building, has been around since the 1800s. Purchased by John Rockefeller in 1903, the edifice has since become famous for its stunning lace-style facade, and was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Photo via mkstrab/InstagramCleveland Public Library
325 Superior Ave., 216-623-2800
The Main Branch of the Cleveland Public Library is an absolutely stunning space, from the beautiful facade to the well-lit and high-ceilinged interior. It’s a great place to get some studying done while taking in some beautiful sights when you need to take a break.
Photo via the Scene archivesHolden Arboretum
9550 Sperry Rd., Kirtland, 440-946-4400
The Holden Arboretum is a great place to escape when the city gets to be too much. The vast park is free from traffic sounds, and is sure to calm your mind. The spot is also known for hosting pancake breakfasts, and is a great wedding venue.
Photo via adventuring_in_the_meowtains/InstagramCleveland Museum of Art
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350
The Cleveland Museum of Art’s Ames Family Atrium is the capstone to an 8-year renovation, and transformed the already classically-gorgeous space to something even more striking. MIX at CMA is held there monthly, which is both a great party and an opportunity to get some culture in while you rest your feet. Otherwise, stop by throughout the week to see amazing artworks for free.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceTerminal Tower Observation Deck
50 Public Sq.
Terminal Tower is one of Cleveland’s prettiest skyline stars, but it also offers one of the best views. The seasonal observation deck is only $5, but spots fill up quickly, and signing up in advance for one of the Saturday or Sunday spots is the only way to guarantee a viewing.
Photo by Erik Drost/Flickr CCPublic Square
50 Public Sq.
Public Square is the heart of Cleveland, especially since its recent renovation. It was part of the original proposal by founder Moses Cleaveland, and includes gorgeous landmarks like the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceHeinen’s Downtown
900 Euclid Ave., 216-302-3020
More than just a grocery store, the downtown Heinen’s includes a lounge for partaking in snacks from their global grill or their coffee espresso bar. Plus, the rotunda is stunning, with gold trim and blue-green glass.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceLakefront Nature Preserve
8701 Lakeshore Blvd., 216-377-1348
This Lake Erie spot will almost make you forget you’re still technically in a CLE zip code. Almost, because if you turn your head, you’ll spot a great view of the city skyline.
Photo via kevin8875/InstagramChandelier at Playhouse Square
1501 Euclid Ave.
The largest outdoor chandelier in the world turns 5 this year. The chandelier, at East 14th and Euclid, has 4,200 lights, and is lit up during all four seasons, even winter.
Photo by Alana WhelanPier W
12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood
This Lakewood seafood restaurant has won Scene’s best of ‘most romantic restaurant’ multiple times, and for good reason. Since 1965, these views of Lake Erie and the city are unmatched, the atmosphere is sophisticated and elegant and the seafood is delicious.
Photo via Scene ArchivesThe Marble Room
623 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Since Marble Room opened in the old National City Bank building, it’s been hard to find a more beautiful restaurant in town then the swanky Marble Room. The name says it all – the beautiful marble columns and intricately designed molding is absolutely stunning. And the steak and seafood are up there for the best in town. Get the ribeye and thank us later.
Photo via Scene ArchivesRockefeller Park’s Cultural gardens
Rockefeller Park.
Rockefeller Park is the largest park within Cleveland’s city limits and boasts itself home of Cleveland’s cultural gardens. Spread across Doan Brook, the gardens provide both a view and some perspective for afternoon snackers. The 33 gardens are separated by culture, as the name implies, and features sculptures and landscaping quintessential to each region. Garden-goers can enjoy eats from Slavic Village at the Slovenian Garden, or bring their feasts from Little Italy to the Italian Garden.
Photo by Alana WhelanThe Cleveland Botanical Gardens
11030 East Blvd., 216-721-1600
If you’d like to step into another world and forget you’re in Cleveland for a few hours, visit the Botanical Gardens. Their Glasshouse is like stepping through a portal into “two other-worldly landscapes,” Madagascar and Costa Rica. The 11 different gardens, including a Japanese garden, are also a nice way to spend an afternoon outside in the sun.
Photo via thereal_mab/InstagramState Theatre
1519 Euclid Ave.
From the impeccable lobby to the gorgeous theater, the State is the crown jewel of Playhouse Square. The theater was built in 1921 in the Italian Renaissance architectural style and if you’ve never seen a show there, you need to. Or just tour the space, its that beautiful.
Photo via Playhouse SquareTrinity Cathedral
2230 Euclid Ave.
Trinity, which is the cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, was originally built in 1853 and the current building was built in 1873. They offer public worship services several days a week.
Photo via Scene ArchivesSeverance Hall
11001 Euclid Ave.
Known as America’s most beautiful concert hall, Severance Hall has been opened since 1931 and been home to the Cleveland Orchestra since. The main concert hall, currently known as the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Concert Hall, features art deco and Egyptian revival architecture.
Photo via Scene ArchivesWade Lagoon
11150 East Blvd.
Wade Lagoon rests across from the Cleveland Museum of Art and Severance Hall. Here, you’ll find tranquility and maybe even some swans (or in this case, geese).
Photo via _aylinatun_/Instagram