With its sandy beaches, fresh seafood, island hopping, and laid-back vibe, Ohio’s Lake Erie region just feels like vacation. Not to mention it’s the home to the epic Cedar Point Amusement Park, the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World.” Yes, there’s a lot to love here. Locals call it their “Lake Erie Love.” That’s also the name of a tourism campaign I helped create a few years ago that still resonates with locals and loyal visitors alike. Trust me, you’ll want to come back again and again to America’s North Coast. And we do. While it’s hard to narrow them down, here are 8 perfect ways to find your Lake Erie love.
1. Take the Jet Express on an island-hopping adventure
Leave your worries at the dock and climb aboard the Jet Express, a high-speed ferry service, to maximize your time on the islands. We love sitting on the top deck as it zips across open water to South Bass or Kelleys Island. Be sure to check departure times and locations on their website, and be sure you make the last ferry back to the mainland, unless you’re staying on the island. While you could take your vehicle on the slower ferry, you won’t need to drive on the islands. That’s what golf cart rentals are for.
2. Rent a Golf Cart
Whichever island you’re visiting, the best (and most fun) way to explore it is renting a golf cart. Kelleys Island is only 4 miles by 2 miles, and South Bass Island is even smaller. With that said…there’s so much to see! Restaurants, cute shops, scenic parks, homes and harbors. And riding in a golf cart lets you take it all in at a leisurely pace. On busy weekends carts can sell out, so be sure to book yours ahead of time online.
3. Get away for the day at Put-in-Bay
If you’ve never been to “The Key West of the Midwest” you’re missing out on something special. Put-in-Bay is the town on South Bass Island, and it can be whatever escape you want it to be. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back getaway, family-friendly fun, or a party-seekers paradise you’ll find it here. Put-in-Bay is picturesque and walkable, and the people watching is outstanding. We always make a stop at the Heineman’s Winery, a historic winery founded in 1888 by German immigrant Gustav Heineman. And while we’re there we explore the Crystal Cave, the world’s largest geode. Discovered in 1897, this ecological wonder is so large that you can walk through it!
4. Catch the sunset at Kelleys Island
South Bass Island gets a lot of the attention, but Kelleys Island is an equally impressive gem. Rent a golf cart, explore the state park, hang out at the beach, enjoy seafood and cocktails dockside, and watch the sun set on the west side. It’s a bit less crowded, with all the chill island vibes you’re looking for.
5. Feed your wild side at African Safari Wildlife Park
Ever had a giraffe stick its head in your car? Get some drama from a llama? Have a bison buffalo its way so close you think its horns will rip your convertible top? Those adventures and more await at this unforgettable drive-through animal encounter in Port Clinton. While it’s not quite like a real African safari, it’s super fun even if you don’t have kids with you.
6. See what’s new in Sandusky
While it’s always been the home of the world-famous Cedar Point amusement park, Sandusky has been steadily becoming so much more. In fact, USA Today recently named it the “Best Coastal Small Town” in the country. In addition to a charming historical downtown, waterfront parks and vacation attractions, there are cool new breweries, bars, coffee shops and our favorite boutique hotel, the stylish Hotel Kilbourne. And it makes a great base for your shores & islands getaway.
7. Visit a foodie festival that’s a mouthful to say
Port Clinton is home to the impossible-to-say-four-times-fast “Perch, Peach, Pierogi and Polka Festival.” And it’s a blast. Great food, fun music and welcoming people. We stayed at the historic Island House hotel in the center of town. Originally opened in 1870 as a luxury destination for well-to-do travelers, it has hosted plenty of celebrities over the years including Babe Ruth, Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe, and my personal favorite, Bob Dylan. Special shout-out to Coffee Express for a great grind and perfect pastries.
8. See the light in Marblehead
Built in 1821, Marblehead Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. It’s also one of the most loved and most photographed landmarks on the lake. And no doubt the tallest of our Lake Erie loves. Be sure to wander the grounds and learn its impressive history after you snap a selfie or three.
These are just a few of our favorites, but plenty of folks come for the boating, fishing, amusement parks, water parks, parasailing, and a thousand other things. Whatever kind of adventure you’re up for, you’ll find more than 8 Great Lake Erie Loves on Ohio’s north shore.
