Plan Your Trip to Cleveland

Welcome to Cleveland for MAICON 2025!

While you’re here for the Marketing AI Conference, you’ll also be in one of the most vibrant cities in the country. If you're able to come in early or extend your trip afterward,  Cleveland offers incredible dining, lakefront views, world-class arts, and unique local experiences—all within easy reach of the conference venue. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a relaxing walk, or a night out, here’s your guide to making the most of your off-hours in The Land.

Eat & Drink 

Cleveland's dining scene blends innovative flavors with local flair. Try one (or several!) of these standout spots. 📆 indicates they take reservations: 

• Alley Cat Oyster Bar - Fresh seafood with riverfront views 📆
• Amba  - Indian-inspired plates with bold spices 📆 (for groups of 8+)
• Bar 32  - Rooftop cocktails and skyline views
• Blue Point Grille  - A Cleveland seafood institution 📆
• Butcher and the Brewer - Communal dining, house-brewed beers 📆
• Cleveland Chop - – Steaks, chops, and hearty American fare 📆
• Cordelia - Heritage-rich, locally-sourced dishes 📆
• Fahrenheit - Chef Rocco Whalen's modern American creations 📆
• GOMA Restaurant by DANTE - Elevated sushi and Japanese cuisine 📆
• Juneberry Table - Cozy,locally-loved brunch spot
• Larder - James Beard-nominated Jewish Eastern European delicatessen and bakery
• Mabel's BBQ - Michael Symon's Cleveland-Style barbecue
• Marble Room - Glamorous fine dining in a gorgeous restored bank building 📆
• Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar - Lakeside dining with bold flavors 📆
• Osteria - Classic Italian done right 📆
• RED Downtown - Upscale steakhouse experience 📆
• Saigon Restaurant & Bar - Vietnamese favorites and cocktails 📆
• Society Lounge - Speakeasy vibes with craft cocktails
• Taza, a Lebanese Grill - Fresh Mediterranean flavors 📆
• Many more!

See and Do

Whether you're into sports, art, music, or the outdoors, Cleveland has something for everyone: 

Arts & Culture

• Cleveland Museum of Art - World-class, free admission
• The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Cleveland – Bold, rotating exhibits
• Cleveland Orchestra - One of the world's best!
• Playhouse Square - Largest performing arts center outside NYC
• The Cleveland Arcade – Historic shopping and architecture
• Cleveland Cultural Gardens - Global heritage in bloom
• Cleveland Botanical Garden - A unique, all-season, indoor-outdoor garden experience

 History & Landmarks

• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – Music legends and interactive exhibits
• Lake View Cemetery – Historic tours and peaceful walks
• A Christmas Story House – Step inside a holiday movie classic
• Squire’s Castle – Picturesque park and picnic spot

Family-Friendly Fun

• Cedar Point Amusement Park – Roller coaster capital of the world
• Cleveland Metroparks Zoo - Animal encounters for all ages
• Great Lakes Science Center - Hands-on STEM exhibits
• Cleveland Museum of Natural History - The largest museum in Ohio dedicated to the natural sciences

Cleveland Sports Teams

• Cleveland Guardians - Fingers crossed for the ALCS this week! 
• Cleveland Browns - The Miami Dolphins are in town the Sunday after MAICON to take on our Browns
• Cleveland Cavaliers - The Detroit Pistons are in town on Tuesday, Oct. 14
• Cleveland Monsters - The Lehigh Valley Phantoms are in town the weekend after MAICON

Outdoor & Lakefront

• Edgewater Park – Sand, sunsets, and skyline views
• West Side Market – Fresh produce, meats, and international eats

Quintessential CLE Food & Drink Experiences

• Great Lakes Brewing Company - The first microbrewery and brewpub in the state
• Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream – Tour the kitchen in Ohio City

Don’t stop there! Visit Destination Cleveland for more ideas.

Additional Visitor Resources

In addition to Destination Cleveland, we recommend checking out the following articles for more on exciting things to do and see while in town.

• Here's Where to See the Gilded Age Across the United States, Forbes
• The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024, Travel & Leisure
• Where To Go in 2024: The 16 Best Places to Travel,  The Points Guy
• The Cleveland Bucket List, The Cleveland Bucket List
• 11 Best Things to Do in Cleveland, U.S. News & World Report
• 25 Best Things to Do in Cleveland, Family Destinations Guide
• The Most Underrated Travel Destinations In The U.S., HuffPost

We look forward to showing you around!