You don’t have to be a kid on summer vacation to dig your toes into the soft sand at Edgewater Park. Since the Cleveland Metroparks took over the lakefront park in 2013, it set out to clean up Edgewater’s image — resulting in a Blue Wave Certification title, a national environmental award focused on preserving healthy, vibrant shorelines. You’ll find us soaking up every ray of sunlight, whether it’s lounging under a cabana or fishing off the pier. “It’s got 155 acres worth of green space, availability for parasailing, yoga and all sorts of interesting fun runs,” says Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman. And few beaches offer a panorama framed by a vibrant sunset to the west and a glimmering downtown skyline to the east. “That’s the view that gets me every time,” says Zimmerman. clevelandmetroparks.com
Huntington Beach
Voted the No. 7 best beach on a Great Lake by a USA Today reader poll, Cleveland Metroparks’ Huntington Beach is a suburban oasis that stretches along 2,000 feet of Lake Erie coast. “It has a unique neighborhood feel,” says Brian Zimmerman, CEO of Cleveland Metroparks. Sand castle-building competitions are held throughout the summer. 28649 Lake Road, Bay Village, 440-331-8111, clevelandmetroparks.com
Fairport Harbor Lakefront Beach
The Lake County summer hot spot features a lakeside boardwalk, historical lighthouse tours, a dog swim area and stand-up paddleboarding classes ($20) or rentals for experienced paddlers ($10). “We talk about maneuverability, how to stand up and paddle, and how to fall off correctly,” says manager Seth Begeman. 301 Huntington Beach Drive, Fairport Harbor, 440-469-9972, lakemetroparks.com
Portage Lakes State Park
If you’re in need of some major vitamin D, set sail from one of eight boat launches throughout Portage Lakes State Park and enjoy a day of boating by the beach, or take a swim in Turkeyfoot Lake before hiking the Shoreline Trail to dry off. “It’s a 6-mile loop you hop on at the beach and go to any other location within the park,” says Michael Studeny of Ohio State Parks. 5031 Manchester Road, Akron, 330-644-2220, parks.ohiodnr.gov/portagelakes