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Lake Erie Shores & Islands

· Sandusky, OH

Why you should go…

This stretch of northern Ohio shoreline and its islands, Kelleys Island, Put-in-Bay, and about 18 other lakeside towns, mixes beaches, wineries, and charter fishing with big draws like Cedar Point amusement park. Two staffed welcome centers, in Sandusky and Port Clinton, help visitors plan island ferries and lakefront stops.

  • #lake erie
  • #put-in-bay
  • #kelleys island
  • #sandusky
  • #port clinton

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Lake Erie Shores & Islands, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Fremont, Ohio

    Free

    The Sandusky County seat, home to the Hayes Presidential Library and a base within 30 minutes of the Lake Erie Islands.

    Right next doorMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums

    Under $25

    The 31-room mansion, museum, and burial site of the 19th U.S. president, set on 25 wooded acres in Fremont, Ohio.

    3.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Family Favorite

    Jet Express

    $25–$50

    The fast catamaran ferry that turns Lake Erie into a shortcut, downtown Port Clinton to Put-in-Bay in about 30 minutes.

    19 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    African Safari Wildlife Park

    $25–$50

    Drive your own car through a preserve where giraffes, zebras, and bison come right up to the window near Lake Erie.

    19 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Miller Ferry

    Under $25

    Vehicle and passenger ferry linking Catawba, Ohio to Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island.

    19 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Put-in-Bay

    Free

    A lively Lake Erie island village on South Bass Island, reached only by ferry or plane.

    30 mi awayMore like this