We know you've had a busy week. As a Republican National Convention delegate (2,500) or journalist (15,000), you've had an endless number of scheduled activities and meetings. But now you're on your own and we hope you've included an extra day or two to your Cleveland stay to check out sights beyond the blocks surrounding Quicken Loans Arena. To help you out, we've come up with a short list of places where you can enjoy Greater Cleveland's greatest asset - its Lake Erie and Cuyahoga River waterfront!

Scranton Flats - Google Maps Link

Where steel factories once stood, there is now a one-mile paved trail, waterfront habitat, and some of the best views of Cleveland.

The View from Sokolowski's University Inn - Google Maps Link

The home of one of Cleveland's classic culinary experiences, the view of Cleveland from Sokolowski's parking lot is legendary. If you're lucky, you'll get a chance to see a passing freighter.

Merwin's Wharf - Google Maps Link

This casual bar/restaurant has a spacious patio and the waterfront friendly design provides great views of the Cuyahoga River. It's neighbors are Cleveland Rowing Foundation and Crooked River Skate Park

The Flats East Bank = Google Maps Llink

The revitalized Flats East Bank is ground zero for a $750 million investment in a mixed use (office, hotel, residential, bar/restaurant) reboot of Cleveland's waterfront. A wide boardwalk fronts a wide variety of restaurants including Alley Cat Oyster Bar and Coastal Taco that provide relaxing views of Cleveland's Cuyahoga River waterfront.

The West Bank of the Flats - Google Maps Link

The West Bank is home to a survivor of the ebb and flow of Cleveland's Waterfront - Shooters on the Water, a great place to enjoy a sunset and your favorite beverage. Down the boardwalk is Music Bob Supper Club's unique offering - fine dining, two outdoor patios, and two live music stages.

Voinovich Bicentennial Park - Google Maps Link

Come for the Lake Erie view, then check out the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or Great Lakes Science center. And soon Nuevo Modern Mexican opens up as Cumberland Development's lakefront project comes on-line.

Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve - Google Maps Link

What was once a holding area (Dike 14) for dredged Cuyahoga River sediment is now an 88 acre urban nature preserve on the edge of Lake Erie that's an oasis for nature wildlife lovers. Port of Cleveland's webpage link: http://www.portofcleveland.com/infrastructure-environment/cleveland-lakefront-nature-preserve/:

Wendy Park/Whiskey Island - Google Maps Link

Wendy Park & Whiskey Island provides a variety of pleasures - access to Lake Erie, a marina, Whiskey Island Still & Eatery, volleyball courts, greenspace, a jumping off point for kayaks and paddleboards, and great Cleveland views from the west side of the Cuyahoga River.

Edgewater Park/Edgewater Beach - Google Maps Link

One of the jewels in Cleveland Metroparks Emerald Necklace, the park bordering Lake Erie offers an infinite variety of recreational experiences including swimming, volleyball, and paddleboarding. Or you can just sit on the beach and do nothing. Park website: http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/Main/Reservations-Partners/Lakefront-Reservation-18.aspx

Pier W Restaurant - Google Maps Link

An upscale seafood restaurant with beautiful views of Lake Erie and Cleveland.

The Solstice Steps in Lakewood, OH - Google Maps Link

The newest addition to Greater Cleveland's waterfront, the Solstice Steps provides a understated and elegant way to enjoy Lake Erie. It really has to be experienced in person to understand the vibe.

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