Once a victim of industrial blight, today's "New American City" of Cleveland stands as a shining example of urban renewal. One-of-a-kind attractions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame draw visitors from near and far to see first-hand why Cleveland's been voted one of the country's most livable cities.
This waterfront fun zone occupies an area along the banks of the Cuyahoga River that was once the city's industrial core. Stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy stunning views of the downtown skyline, then visit one of the area's many nightclubs and restaurants. Other attractions include river cruises, a comedy club and an outdoor theater.
Centered around a beautifully renovated train station at Tower City Center, this development includes a wealth of retail shops, popular restaurants, and movie theaters. An indoor walkway connects Tower City to the city's major sports venues: Quicken Loans Arena (formerly Gund Arena) -- home of the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers -- and Jacobs Field, where the Cleveland Indians play baseball.
This park-like area may be four miles east of downtown, but it's the city's cultural heart. Within a single square mile, you can find the country's densest concentration of cultural sites and performing arts venues. Attractions here include the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Western Reserve Historical Society.
The area around Cleveland is home to a number of amusement parks, so the city is understandably popular with families and thrill-seekers. If you're planning on theme-park thrills, be sure to check the schedule at your destination: Many close entirely in the winter, and some are open only on weekends during other parts of the year.