One of the greatest perks of living in a big city is the unrivaled accessibility provided by public transportation. Owning a car may be part of the American Dream, but no city dweller likes facing the frustration brought on by traffic jams. Cleveland, while smaller and friendlier than most “big cities,” is infamous for traffic jams around sites of interest. Fortunately, however, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) offers plenty of options to help you explore Downtown Cleveland and its surrounding suburbs without having to constantly wonder where you parked the car. Consider visiting some of these unique destinations:
- The Warehouse District
Sven/TripAdvisor This historical district Downtown is full of charm and surprises. Constantino’s Market offers some of the freshest produce in the neighborhood, and structures like the Rockefeller Building nod to the area’s commercial roots. This area was once heavily residential in the early 1800s, so you’ll be walking through local history as you explore its streets. The Warehouse District is best reached via the E-Line Trolley, which travels via Euclid Avenue.
- Beachwood City Park
Beachwood, Ohio/Facebook Nature lovers can’t resist the lovely Beachwood City Park - and it’s less than a mile from the Green Road Rapid Station. After you arrive on the rails, take a short stroll to the park and immerse yourself in the loveliness of nature. The sites are connected by the scenic Shaker Median Trail, offering pedestrians a pleasant descent into the wilderness. Once you emerge in the west end of this small park, you’ll find wooden boardwalks, 1.6 miles of paved trail, and an impressive hill that is one of the best sledding spots during the winter months.
- Crocker Park
Crocker Park/Facebook Despite what this image may lead you to believe, you won’t be arriving at Crocker Park in a small and stylish train. Instead, this vibrant commercial district is best reached via the Madison-Detroit, Lorain-Center Ridge, or Cleveland State Line bus routes.
- Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA)
Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland moCa/Facebook MOCA is delightfully quirky, and it places special emphasis upon the talents of local artists. This fun, unique museum is easily accessible in Cleveland via public transportation, which locals love. It’s super close to the Euclid Ave. & Cornell Rd. Station, so you can come to enjoy the art without facing the frustration of local traffic.
- The Van Aken District
The Van Aken District/Facebook This irresistible neighborhood is full of energy and excitement, and it’s quickly becoming one of Cleveland’s favorite hidden gems. The Van Aken District is full of places to shop and dine, and it has deep ties to the area’s history and culture. To reach this district, you’ll travel by rail from Tower City on the Blue Line.
- Playhouse Square
Michael (Miche) Spring/Flickr Cleveland’s iconic theater district is one of the loveliest and largest in the nation. Outside of New York, this district is actually the largest performing arts center in the nation! The C-Line Trolley connects Playhouse Square with places like the CSU campus, the Flats East Bank, and the Huntington Convention Center.
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo/Facebook The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo offers an unrivaled experience, and it’s truly all-inclusive now that they are offering additional tools and information in the form of sensory bags to visitors with sensory-related needs. During past visits, you may have noticed a bus dropping off visitors. The MetroHealth Line connects the zoo to other parts of Greater Cleveland.
- Lakewood Park
Erik Drost/Flickr Lakewood Park is perhaps one of the loveliest urban escapes in all of Greater Cleveland. This lively park sits on 31 acres of gorgeous lakefront property and includes attractions like a seasonal pool, a skatepark, the Lakefront Promenade, and the Solstice Steps. This park is easily accessed via the Warren-West 130 bus line or the Cleveland State Line route.
For more information about the Greater Cleveland RTA and its routes, visit its website here.
Sven/TripAdvisor
This historical district Downtown is full of charm and surprises. Constantino’s Market offers some of the freshest produce in the neighborhood, and structures like the Rockefeller Building nod to the area’s commercial roots. This area was once heavily residential in the early 1800s, so you’ll be walking through local history as you explore its streets. The Warehouse District is best reached via the E-Line Trolley, which travels via Euclid Avenue.
Beachwood, Ohio/Facebook
Nature lovers can’t resist the lovely Beachwood City Park - and it’s less than a mile from the Green Road Rapid Station. After you arrive on the rails, take a short stroll to the park and immerse yourself in the loveliness of nature. The sites are connected by the scenic Shaker Median Trail, offering pedestrians a pleasant descent into the wilderness. Once you emerge in the west end of this small park, you’ll find wooden boardwalks, 1.6 miles of paved trail, and an impressive hill that is one of the best sledding spots during the winter months.
Crocker Park/Facebook
Despite what this image may lead you to believe, you won’t be arriving at Crocker Park in a small and stylish train. Instead, this vibrant commercial district is best reached via the Madison-Detroit, Lorain-Center Ridge, or Cleveland State Line bus routes.
Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland moCa/Facebook
MOCA is delightfully quirky, and it places special emphasis upon the talents of local artists. This fun, unique museum is easily accessible in Cleveland via public transportation, which locals love. It’s super close to the Euclid Ave. & Cornell Rd. Station, so you can come to enjoy the art without facing the frustration of local traffic.
The Van Aken District/Facebook
This irresistible neighborhood is full of energy and excitement, and it’s quickly becoming one of Cleveland’s favorite hidden gems. The Van Aken District is full of places to shop and dine, and it has deep ties to the area’s history and culture. To reach this district, you’ll travel by rail from Tower City on the Blue Line.
Michael (Miche) Spring/Flickr
Cleveland’s iconic theater district is one of the loveliest and largest in the nation. Outside of New York, this district is actually the largest performing arts center in the nation! The C-Line Trolley connects Playhouse Square with places like the CSU campus, the Flats East Bank, and the Huntington Convention Center.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo/Facebook
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo offers an unrivaled experience, and it’s truly all-inclusive now that they are offering additional tools and information in the form of sensory bags to visitors with sensory-related needs. During past visits, you may have noticed a bus dropping off visitors. The MetroHealth Line connects the zoo to other parts of Greater Cleveland.
Erik Drost/Flickr
Lakewood Park is perhaps one of the loveliest urban escapes in all of Greater Cleveland. This lively park sits on 31 acres of gorgeous lakefront property and includes attractions like a seasonal pool, a skatepark, the Lakefront Promenade, and the Solstice Steps. This park is easily accessed via the Warren-West 130 bus line or the Cleveland State Line route.
There are many perks to living in and around a big city, but public transportation is doubtlessly one of the best aspects. Where do you like to travel via the RTA?
If you can’t get enough of regional adventure, you’ll doubtlessly enjoy these day trips from Cleveland.
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