Cleveland sits right where the Cuyahoga River meets Lake Erie, which means there's rarely a shortage of ways to see it from a boat, a kayak or a parachute instead. Here's some top ways of getting out onto the water to Discover Cleveland:
Kayak the Cuyahoga - The skyline looks entirely different from river level. Paddling the winding Cuyahoga puts you right alongside the city's working waterway, where old industrial buildings, wildlife and the odd graffiti mural all share the same shoreline. Rentals through Great Lakes Watersports drop you straight into the heart of the Flats, and if you've brought your own kayak, Merwin's Wharf is a handy launch point. Time it right and you might paddle past live music drifting out from Jacob's Pavilion.
Fly Above Lake Erie - For a genuinely different angle on the city, Great Lakes Watersports also runs parasailing flights that lift riders around 400 feet above Lake Erie, seagull's-eye views of the skyline and shoreline included. The flight usually runs eight to ten minutes and typically finishes with a dip of the feet in the water before you're back on the boat. Worth packing quick-drying clothes and shoes that won't come off mid-flight.
Reel In a Walleye on a Fishing Charter - Lake Erie is known as the Walleye Capital of the World, which makes a fishing charter a legitimate way to spend a day here rather than just a novelty. Midtown Fishing Charters runs private trips out of downtown Cleveland, guiding both first-timers and seasoned anglers to good spots for walleye, steelhead and yellow perch. Anyone over 16 needs an Ohio fishing licence, and each angler can keep up to six walleye a day, so there's a decent chance of taking a genuine Lake Erie catch home with you.
Dine and Dance on a Cruise - Cleveland's dinner cruises turn sightseeing into a proper night out. The Goodtime III sails through the Cuyahoga River, the Flats and out onto Lake Erie, passing industrial landmarks and open water while you eat, drink and dance on board, a Cleveland tradition that's lasted decades for good reason. For something newer, the Lady Caroline is the city's newest luxury vessel, four decks, multiple dance floors and a touch of yacht life for brunch, lunch or dinner cruises on the lake.
Take a Dip at Edgewater Beach - Sometimes the simplest option is the best one. Edgewater Beach offers wide-open water, skyline views and a properly local feel, making it an easy pick for swimmers and sunbathers alike. Afterwards, the Edgewater Beach House serves up ice cream, hot dogs and cocktails, and the pier is a good spot to watch the sun go down over the lake to finish the day.
Cruise the River on a Tiki Bar or Water Taxi - For something more social, CLE Tiki Barge runs Cleveland's only floating tiki bar, a two-hour BYOB cruise through the Cuyahoga River and Inner Harbor with skyline views and island vibes on tap. It departs from Main Avenue in the Flats and can be booked publicly or privately for groups. If you're already exploring the Flats on foot, the Cleveland Water Taxi offers hop-on, hop-off service between the area's waterfront spots, a scenic and genuinely useful way to get around.
Paddleboard The Land's Waterways - Standup paddleboarding trades Cleveland's busy streets for calm water, with launch points suited to every level. Wendy Park at Whiskey Island is a local favourite for beginners thanks to its sheltered breakwall, while Edgewater Park adds a bit more wave action for those wanting more of a challenge. Rocky River Reservation offers a quieter, wooded paddle, North Coast Harbor Marina puts the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame right behind you, and Merwin's Wharf lets you paddle the Cuyahoga itself through the Flats.
Make Waves on a Jet Ski - For visitors after speed rather than scenery, Great Lakes Watersports offers guided jet ski expeditions and hourly rentals on both Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River. Edgewater Park and Marina, the East 55th Street Marina, Gordon Park Boat Launch and North Coast Harbor are all popular launch points around the city for anyone looking to open the throttle up.
Posted by: Destination Cleveland
Posted on: 12/08/2026