31 Secret Places In Cleveland To Bring Your Girlfriend This Summer
Summer is perfect for spending some quality time with your S/O outdoors. From day dates in the beautiful sunshine to romantic evening strolls, there's plenty of things to do to make it a real summer of love. And you don't have to stick to the old faithful dinner and dessert or drinks at some random bar.
Cleveland has some of the best, most romantic spots that you and your girlfriend can hit up together to strengthen your bond and give you some serious brownie points. And the best part is, after reading this list, you won't even have to guess or search for a sweet place to bring your S/O. We've done that for you so you can just plan the date and impress your girl.
1. Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In
Where: 33395 Lorain Rd
Drive-ins are a dying breed but the nostalgia plus the chance to cozy up to your S/O with privacy while still getting off the couch will make it for a perfect date night your love won't soon forget.
2. Berea Falls
Where: Valley Parkway Trail
This beautiful setting is perfect to take your girlfriend in the summer because you'll both get to enjoy the weather and get outside. The privacy makes it a perfect date spot and the calm scenery will bring you closer together.
3. Holden Arboretum
Where: 9550 Sperry Rd
One of the largest botanical gardens in the US, this epic natural oasis should be number one on the list for a day date. With stunning lookouts, tranquil trails and a beautiful array of flora and fauna, your girlfriend won't want to leave!
4. B Side Liquor Lounge and Arcade
Where: 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd
Get your dance and game on at B Side Liquor Lounge and Arcade! This place has games, live music, and epic theme nights so you and your S/O can party the night away. Don't forget your dancing shoes!
5. Superelectric Pinball Parlor
Where: 6500 Detroit Avenue
This nostalgic spot is perfect for a little indoor fun that doesn't involve forced conversation over greasy apps and cheap beer. The retro vibes will punch up the it factor of the night and it'll be a date night unlike any other.
6. The Cinematheque
Where: 11610 Euclid Avenue
Watch an independent film in style at the Cinematheque. This place is located inside The Cleveland Art Institute so after you're done watching the flick you can venture around and see the stunning art installations scattered around the building.
7. Heinen's Rotunda
Where: 900 Euclid Avenue
This architectural gem in Cleveland's downtown used to be an old bank but now it's a grocery store. That doesn't change its beauty though! Head on down to get your favorite ingredients for a home cooked meal and awe at the marvel this building is.
8. Special Collections at the Cleveland Public Library
Where: 325 & 525 Superior Avenue Cleveland
The Cleveland Public Library is a beautiful piece of historic architecture all on its own, so it's perfect for a date spot, but if you really want to impress your girlfriend you'll head to the special collections and make love to her mind.
9. Quarry Rock Picnic Area
Where: 36000-36050 Solon Rd
With a beautiful view of the South Chagrin River, this spot is perfect for a quiet day alone with your significant other. Pack a lunch and a blanket and listen to the rushing waterfall nearby while you score some quality time points.
10. b.a. Sweetie Candy Co.
Where: 6770 Brookpark Rd
This hidden gem candy store has rows upon rows of everything your sweet tooth desires. You and your girlfriend will literally be kids in a candy store if you take her here! Just enjoy the sugar rush.
11. Rockefeller Park Greenhouse
Where: 750 E 88th St
This stunning greenhouse wreaks of romance. The collection of native and exotic plants will please the senses and taking your girlfriend to see a bunch of living flowers is way better than bringing home a bouquet of dying ones.
12. SPACES Gallery
Where: 2900 Detroit Avenue
This contemporary gallery explores what it really means to be an artist. The art offered here is both thought-provoking and beautiful and is the perfect place to get your culture on with the one you love.
13. Mill Creek Falls
Where: Mill Creek Trail
This stunning waterfall is located in the heart of the city and is the perfect place to indulge your inner nature lover. Your girlfriend will love the adorable pictures you two can get here and the stunning serenity of the nature park in the city.
14. Cleveland Botanical Gardens
Where: 11030 East Blvd
Take your girlfriend on a tour through the botanical gardens and release some beautiful butterflies into the wild.
15. The Mermaids on Wade Lagoon
Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
These statues in Wade Park Lagoon are a seriously beautiful hidden gem in the city. Explore the sites and bask in the mermaid's beauty while enjoying the scenery around you.
16. The Haserot Angel at Lakeview Cemetery
Where: 12316 Euclid Ave
This stunning statue is a little hard to find, but once you do, you'll be glad you took the time.
17. The Cleveland Flea
Where: 3615 Superior Ave
If your S/O loves to shop, they're going to love a day date at the Cleveland Flea. The flea market is perfect for a day of browsing through urban pieces and culinary adventures.
18. Mahall’s
Where: 13200 Madison Ave
This throwback jack-of-all-trades spot is perfect for a date because it acts as a music venue, bowling alley, occasional art gallery, and bar. There's always a little something for everyone at Mahall's.
19. Severance Hall
Where: 11001 Euclid Ave
The Severance Hall may be a seriously beautiful piece of historical architecture, but the concert hall is so much more than a feast for the eyes. With different musical acts gracing the stage, you and your girlfriend are sure to have a night to remember.
20. Nasa's Glenn Research Center
Where: 21000 Brookpark Rd
You don't have to travel all the way to Washington to get your space fix because NASA's Glen Research Center is right there in Cleveland to fill you up on all the infinite universe wisdom you can handle. And couples that learn together, stay together.
21. Edgewater Park
Where: 6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway
Nothing says romance quite like taking in the sunset of Cleveland's underrated skyline. Your girlfriend will thank you for pulling out all the stops after you shower her with love at Edgewater Park. Sunset plus views equal the best date night ever.
22. Dittrick Museum of Medical History
Where: 11000 Euclid Ave #3
Aside from the stunning architecture, the Dittrick Museum of Medical History is a great place to take your girlfriend for two reasons. A, she's probably never been before, and B, it's full of so much medical history the two of you will have your minds blown together.
23. Buckland Gallery of Witchcraft and Magick
Where: 2676 W 14th St
Explore black magic together at Cleveland's own gallery of Witchcraft and Magick. It's full of Wiccan artifacts and occult paraphernalia for you and your girlfriend to take in while you browse the history and lore of witchcraft. This is definitely not your typical dinner date!
24. West Side Market
Where: 1979 W 25th St
As the city's oldest indoor/outdoor market, it dates back to the 1800s! This sweet market has over 100 vendors so you're bound to find a souvenir or tasty treat.
25. The Brownstone Inn
Where: 3649 Prospect Ave E
For a little staycation action, bring your S/O to The Brownstone Inn. This bed and breakfast is a stunning architectural marvel dating back to the late 1800s. It's so quaint, you'll feel as though you stepped out of the city and into the countryside.
26. The Lakewood Solstice Steps
Where: Cook Ave
This place might not be a total secret but it's definitely somewhere you have to take your girlfriend if you haven't already. The beautiful steps overlook the lake and the sunset here is just phenomenal. Talk about romance!
27. Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse
Where: Lake Erie
Lighthouses for some reason just scream romance, and this one is no different. Explore the history behind the lighthouse and check back in the winter when it's completely frozen.
28. Brookside Reservation
Where: 3900 John Nagy Blvd
Take your S/O by the hand and stroll through this beautiful park full of lush trees and natural beauty. It's one of the oldest parks in the city, so you and your love can talk all about the lovers that could have walked the path before you.
29. Rocky River Reservation
Where: Valley Pkwy
Get back into nature with your girlfriend at Rocky River Reservation. This natural woodland is full of hiking and walking trails and even has been known to boast some impressive wildlife sightings. Don't forget your cameras!
30. Mill Stream Run Reservation
Where: Valley Pkwy
Another beautiful way to have a private walk through nature with the one you love is by hitting up the Mill Stream Run Reservation. Your girlfriend will love it because of its natural beauty and you will love how much time you get to spend with her while exploring all the reservation has to offer.
31. Landoll's Mohican Castle
Where: 561 Township Road 3352
Okay, so this castle is a little bit outside of Cleveland but it's definitely close enough to be warranted on this list. Offering unmatched luxury, dining experiences like no other and a truly royal experience, this is a must for you and your S/O this summer.
