Huntington Beach

While there's no mistaking that Edgewater Park (just west of downtown) is most famous as a sunset-watching beach in the Cleveland area, my favorite beach is Huntington Beach on the west side. (Follow the link for directions from anywhere!)

It is part of the Metroparks in the city of Bay Village, and it has this amazing cliff-like drop off that makes it feel very private down on the sand. That is, except for the fact that it's usually hoppin' with beach-goers! (Don't worry there are stairs, and it's easy to get down there with all of your beach gear.) I visited the beach this winter, and even then the lake is stunningly beautiful, and you can see the tiny outline of the Cleveland skyline to the east.

During peak hours, parking gets a little tight, but there is a giant field across the street that usually opens up for additional parking.

Try a sunset there - it's amazing! Take a friend and your camera for a fantastic photo shoot on the old concrete pier blocks.

And, the concession stand now features Honey Hut Ice Cream, another local Cleveland favorite.

by: Sarah Sloboda