Photos courtesy of Lake Erie Shores & Islands
Ohio may not be anywhere near the sea, but you don’t have to go far to enjoy a day at the beach.
While the Lake Erie area is known as a favorite spot for empty-nesters and couples with and without children, Jill Bauer, public relations coordinator for Lake Erie Shores & Islands, says it’s also becoming a popular destination for millennials seeking adventure.
Regardless of your demographic, the region is a great – and affordable – way to get a taste of island life without leaving the state.
Lake Erie Islands
Nature lovers, rejoice. Kelleys Island is the perfect place for peaceful nature hikes, biking, beaching and other relaxing activities. Kelleys Island is also home to Kelleys Island State Park, a beach with a 100-foot stretch of sand.
“It’s great for anyone who’s outdoorsy – anyone who’s relaxed and goes with the flow,” says Bauer.
Kayaking near Gibraltar Island
You don’t have to go far for retail options, though. Kelleys Island also features outdoor patios and shopping.
Put-in-Bay is the place to go for those who enjoy more of the retail scene, as well as an active nightlife, live entertainment and a bit of history, as the area is well-known for its role in the War of 1812.
“There’s plenty of shopping, dining and museums between the two islands,” Bauer says. “Families like to have an educational aspect.”
If you’re interested in getting out on the water, you don’t even have to bring your own equipment. There are plenty of spots to rent kayaks, paddle boards and more.
Cedar Point
A trip up north isn’t complete without a stop at the second-oldest operating theme park in the U.S.
As usual, the theme park is shaking things up this season with the introduction of Valravn, the tallest, longest and fastest dive roller coaster in the world at 223 feet and 75 mph. The new coaster opened in May.
Another new addition to the park this season is the Battle for Cedar Point, an interactive reality game you can play during your visit that involves scanning various locations around the park and answering trivia questions to earn points.
Water Parks
Kalahari Waterpark Resort
The region is also home to some of the best water parks in the country. Kalahari Waterpark Resort in Sandusky is the U.S.’s largest indoor waterpark with 11 dining options, a spa, indoor glow golf, a zip line, a climbing wall, indoor body boarding and more.
You don’t have to travel across the ocean for a Hawaiian vacation. Maui Sands Resort & Indoor Waterpark, also in Sandusky, boasts Hawaiian-themed rooms, indoor body and tube slides, a lazy river and kiddie pool.
Looking for the real thing? Cedar Point Beach in Sandusky stretches about a mile long, and is the perfect spot for volleyball and sunbathing. Tip: Go on a Friday night before Aug. 14 for weekly summer beach parties, including music and fireworks.
Other water parks:
- Cedar Point’s Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark, Sandusky
- Great Wolf Lodge, Sandusky
- Monsoon Lagoon Water Park & Family Fun Center, Port Clinton
- RAIN Water Park, Sandusky
- Soak City at Cedar Point, Sandusky
An African Adventure
African Safari Wildlife Park
The African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton gives visitors an opportunity to get up close and personal with camels, giraffes, deer, zebras and alpacas, among other animals.
You can drive your own car through the safari, keep your windows down, and even feed some of the animals. There’s also a walk-through component, which features a white alligator exhibit. And the best part?
“Once you’re in the safari, you can do the drive-through part as many times as you want,” Bauer says.
Off the Beaten Path
If you’re searching for something a little less touristy, Lakeside Chautauqua could be the ideal retreat. Most don’t know that, though the community is gated, you can purchase a day or overnight pass to enjoy the community’s amenities for a limited time, with options including shuffleboard, tennis, fitness classes, mini golf and live entertainment in the form of comedians and musicians.
“Not many people know you can go for just a day,” Bauer says. “And there are people to watch your kids, so your kids are going to be safe.”
Lakeside is home to Central Park Beach, which includes a children’s splash park for ages 3 and under as well as a splash pad for ages 3-12.
The Liberty Aviation Museum is another somewhat hidden treasure, located in Port Clinton near the Erie-Ottawa International Airport. It has everything from World War II-era planes to torpedo boats, as well as an attached 1950s-style restaurant, the Tin Goose Diner.
Transportation to the Islands
The Jet Express takes visitors directly from Port Clinton, Sandusky and Cedar Point right to downtown Put-in-Bay or Kelleys Island. Passes can be purchased online or onsite; click here for the seasonal schedules.
Fun Facts
Thomas Edison was born in Milan – just south of Sandusky.
Marblehead Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. It’s been in operation since 1822.
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is the third-tallest monument operated by the National Parks System. Only the Washington Monument and St. Louis Arch are taller.
Hannah Bealer is an editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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