Last Minute Travel Deals to Cleveland

Cleveland Last Minute

Located on the south shore of Lake Erie about 60 miles west of the Pennsylvania border, Cleveland is a city that will take any last minute traveler by surprise. Founded in 1796, Cleveland has come a long way to become an influential area that has even been ranked as one of the most livable cities in the United States by The Economist in 2005. While it only ranks as the 40th in the nation as far as size, Cleveland has a wealth of cultural resources that make it a great competitor to some of the U.S.’s more bustling cities.

Known as the “Rock and Roll Capital of the World,” this city lives up to its name as the home of the famed Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. This amazing attraction boasts the single largest collection of rock and roll artifacts, and is open seven days a week, year-round, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The museum had its beginnings in the early eighties, and Cleveland was chosen as the site because it is rumored to have been the location of the first rock and roll concert. The building is made up of seven floors, with the first five being dedicated to permanent and temporary exhibits documenting the history of rock and roll. While Hall of Fame inductees are honored in a special ceremony, the museum documents the history of the music regardless of induction status. Any rock music fan will be enchanted by the magic of this unique piece of music history.

Cleveland is also home to more nature inspired attractions, such as the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. With an exotic new glasshouse and 10 acres of gorgeous, sprawling gardens, this piece of paradise has something to offer the whole family. There is even an award winning children’s garden! If your last minute vacation is in late May, you’ll get to see the dazzling flower show, one of the largest in North America. If your trip takes place in the chilly winter months, never fear: during this time, the botanical garden features festive holiday decorations and twinkling lights, along with shopping and activities for the whole family.

Adding to this city’s reputation as a hub for culture and entertainment is the Cleveland Museum of Art, a spectacular demonstration of art at its best. Last minute travelers will be enchanted by exhibits from internationally recognized artists like Monet, Degas, Renoir, and Van Gogh. If that doesn’t satisfy your taste for art, head to the Museum of Contemporary Art and check out some modern pieces by notable local artists.

Besides culture and entertainment, Cleveland boasts a number of scientific resources, such as the Great Lakes Science Center, with its 400 hands-on exhibits and demonstrations about science phenomena. Also open to visitors is NASA Glenn Research Center, which offers interactive exhibits and historic artifacts that showcase NASA’s fascinating aerospace programs.

Besides all the great attractions Cleveland has available within its city limits, there are a number of excellent recreational options in the surrounding area. One such place is Cedar Point, an amusement park with over 150 rides and lots of award-winning entertainment. The Dover Lake Waterpark is only 30 minutes away, and the young ones on your trip will love the wave pool, water slides, and kiddie amusement rides.

Sports fans will be glad to know that the Pro Football Hall of Fame is only one hour south of Cleveland, and it’s open seven days a week!

If you make your last-minute getaway in the summer, there are a few summer events you’ll want to catch. The Annual Beachwood Art Festival displays artwork from over 200 artists from across the nation, including pottery, sculptures, ceramics, paintings, jewelry, photography and more. If you’re there in the fall, make sure to save your appetite for the Taste of Cleveland, the annual culinary event that features cuisine from the area and from all over the world.