Unmissable Things to Do at Lake Erie for a Fun Ohio Coast Getaway!
Did you know Lake Erie is packed with charming lakeside towns, historic lighthouses, and some of the most stunning lakefront views the Midwest has to offer? Whether you’re in the mood for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, Ohio’s Lake Erie coastline has something for just about everyone.
From the lovely streets of Vermilion to the island escapes of Kelleys Island and Put-In-Bay, this guide will take you through the best places to visit along Lake Erie. Explore scenic state parks, sip wine at historic vineyards, indulge in delicious local eats, and even channel your inner thrill-seeker at Cedar Point.
And what makes this a special destination to us is that I, Megan, grew up going to all of these places living in Northeast Ohio! It’s been so fun taking Scott to some of these places I cherish most from my childhood growing up in Ohio to visit family and just visit what one of the greatest lakes has to offer!
Things to See Along Lake Erie in Ohio
Spend Time in Vermilion
One of the most charming Lake Erie towns in Ohio is Vermilion, with its lovely downtown area and layer upon layer of history.
If you love lighthouses, an essential stop is Main Street Beach Park, where you can see the historic Vermilion Lighthouse. Enjoy the views of Lake Erie from here, and in the warmer months, you can even take a dip in the water at Main Street Beach or enjoy a beach day.
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Lake Erie and the Vermilion River during the summer season. West River Paddling Company has great rental plans for canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards.
When you get hungry, we suggest heading to Old Prague Restaurant for traditional Czech food and some great beer.
Oh and don’t miss a visit to Brummer’s Homemade Chocolates while you’re downtown. It’s an old school homemade candy shop – they have the best selection around Easter time if you’re visiting in the spring! Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with any of their chocolates and other sweet treats in the store!
Day Trip to Kelleys Island
If you have a chance to spend a day on Kelleys Island, do it! It’s an excellent place to find a surprising range of some of the best things to do around Lake Erie in Ohio.
The small island is just a quick ferry ride from Port Clinton or Sandusky and is best visited in the summer months.
Once you’re here, you have plenty of options, depending on what you’re interested in! There are quirky historic sites to visit which is best explored by golf cart! You can even check out the local wine trail!
You can get all the details in my day trip guide, Fun Things to Do on Kelley’s Island.
Cedar Point
Calling all roller coaster and amusement park fans! Cedar Point is America’s Roller Coast! Haha, I have always loved that tagline and this spot is extra special to me personally as this is where I’d go for a day after prom or in the summer with friends to ride some of the most thrill-seeking roller coasters in the country!
You’ll find Cedar Point in Sandusky on Lake Erie Peninsula, and it’s famous for it’s collection of record-breaking roller coasters. I can vividly remember growing up and hearing year after year when they announced a new roller coaster and they were always introduced as the new fastest or steepest roller coaster on the planet!
This is a seasonal attraction and hands down one of the most popular places to visit along Lake Erie in Ohio.
There are thrilling rides for all ages, live shows, a water park, and even a gorgeous beach right on the lake!
Check out Downtown Sandusky
Downtown Sandusky is a treasure trove of things to do at Lake Erie, and the perfect spot to channel your inner Tommy Boy (there’s even an Amtrak station here!).
A visit to the Merry-Go-Round Museum will leave a smile on your face. Or you can deep dive into local history at the Follett House Museum, set inside a gorgeous old mansion.
Then head to the Underground Railroad marker on W Shoreline Drive to honor its significance. And don’t miss the Marketplace at the Cooke, where you can shop, try ax throwing, and wander the history-filled hallway.
There are some pretty cool buildings downtown, waterfront views, and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or drink at the end of the day.
Visit Put-In-Bay
Put-In-Bay is an island and one of the liveliest places to visit along Lake Erie in Ohio, often called the party version of Kelleys Island. It’s fun if you’re up for a night on the town near the beach.
You can get there easily with the Jet Express Ferry from Port Clinton or Sandusky. Then, you can take your pick when it comes to bars, wineries, and restaurants.
It’s also a very popular destination during special events, like the wine festival in June and the vintage car race in September!
I would say, if you’re looking for something a bit more chill or family-friendly that Kelleys Island is a better choice. If you’re looking for more of a party place – Put-In-Bay is your go to summer hot spot.
Day Trip to Middle Bass Island
For more laid-back vibes, there’s Middle Bass Island. Just hop on a ferry from Catawba Island or Put-In-Bay to get there.
This is the perfect spot if you’re looking for slower-paced things to do around Lake Erie in Ohio. Pack a picnic and relax at Middle Bass Island State Park. And remember to stop by Lonz Winery, a historic winery located inside the park.
And that’s pretty much it! There’s also the Middle Bass General Store in town, and a few cute vacation rentals and a resort, if you want a quiet retreat for the night.
Wine Tasting at Gideon Owen Wine Company
Whenever we’re in Ohio, I have to stop by Gideon Owen Wine Company near Port Clinton. If you’re familiar with the area, you might know the winery as Mon Ami Restaurant and Winery. But the property’s history goes all the way to 1870!
Today, the winery is honoring its past while moving forward with a vision for the future. You can tour the gorgeous property or come for a tasting of their great wine (proud sister moment – my brother’s the current head winemaker!).
There’s also a great restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, as well as music every weekend.
Cheesehaven
I LOVE CHEESE! And stopping at Cheesehaven in Port Clinton is always a must on my list of things to do at Lake Erie.
This place is tons of fun, with that classic destination general store feel. Obviously, you come here for the array of different kinds of cheese. They even have smoked cheeses and meats, as well as fresh-baked bread.
But there are also bins of penny candy, gourmet fudge, novelty gifts, and kitschy décor. And don’t forget about the wall of regional wines and locally-roasted coffee.
Marblehead Lighthouse
Lighthouse hunters will want to add Marblehead Lighthouse to their Lake Erie itinerary. This historic lighthouse at the tip of Marblehead Peninsula was built in 1821 and is also the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes.
When you visit, you can see the old structure and visit the museum inside the Keeper’s House. It’s a great place to learn about the interesting and long history of the lighthouse and its attendants.
Just keep in mind that the museum is seasonal, open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.
Catawba Island
For more outdoor things to do around Lake Erie in Ohio, don’t pass up a chance to explore Catawba Island. This is a quick visit with only a few points of interest, but worth the drive.
First up is Catawba Island State Park, a peaceful spot perfect for fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the lakefront views. Pack a picnic or launch a kayak to explore the water at your own pace. The pebble beach is a popular spot for sunset views.
Next, head to Twin Oast Brewing for German-inspired craft beer and stunning scenery. This is definitely a stop to save for warmer months so you can sit on the patio and explore the stunning 60-acre farm!
Port Clinton Lighthouse
Heading back to Port Clinton, you can visit the Port Clinton Lighthouse in Waterworks Park. This one is a reconstruction of the original, built in 1833. It stands out for being an adorable small square building on 4 legs!
If you visit on Saturdays, you can pay a small fee to go inside the lighthouse. Throughout the year, it’s just a nice place to enjoy a stroll, read the historic plaque, and see the statue of the lighthouse keeper.
There are benches to sit and enjoy the view and a paved path leading to the beach in the park.
Lorain Lighthouse
Yet another Lake Erie lighthouse to add to the list is the gorgeous Lorain Lighthouse in Lorain, Ohio. What makes this one stand out is the unique appearance of the multi-level square-style structure!
The Lorain Lighthouse is beautiful in the winter, set upon the frozen lake surrounded by snow. But during the summer, lighthouse tours and sunset dinners are offered with transportation to and from Oasis Marina in Lorain.
Visit Milan
Milan, Ohio (pronounced “my-LAN”), is a charming small town with lots of history and a downtown area that feels like a Hallmark movie! You can stroll through Milan’s pretty town square, lined with shops, cafés, and local charm.
It’s also one of the most unique Lake Erie towns in Ohio to visit, holding big historical significance as the birthplace of Thomas Edison. Make sure to stop by the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum.
There’s also the Milan Museum, where you can learn about the town’s past as a key port on the Milan Canal during the 19th century.
Avon Lake
Not far from Milan is another quaint small town called Avon Lake. It’s where you’ll find Jameson Homestead Antiques, and if you like antique shopping as much as we do, plan on stopping here!
Jameson Homestead Antiques boasts 2 buildings full of curated finds. The first thing you’ll notice is the quality and variety of the antique furniture and a fine selection of smaller pieces throughout the house and also the barn outback.
And Wild Iris Home is a really cool home goods store you should check out. Located inside The Shoppes At Olde Avon Village, it’s a great place to find interesting and timeless pieces to add to your home.
Cleveland
Cleveland is an obvious stop when exploring things to do around Lake Erie in Ohio! Here are a few favorite stops, or you can read about more things to do in Cleveland here.
If you love music, you can’t miss the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where you’ll learn about rock legends through exhibits and memorabilia.
Or head to Ohio City, one of Cleveland’s coolest neighborhoods. You can explore local breweries, trendy shops, street art, and the iconic West Side Market.
Cleveland is also home to the iconic House from A Christmas Story! You can see the outside and take a picture, then go inside and take a tour. It’s a must-do if you’re a fan of the Christmas classic.
It’s also fun to hunt down all the Cleveland Script signs and snap a photo! You’ll find a few around the city, perfectly placed to capture Cleveland’s energy.
Headlands Beach State Park
Moving to the east side of Cleveland, enjoy some classic lakefront views by exploring Headlands Beach State Park.
Home to Ohio’s largest natural sand beach, it’s the perfect spot for a swim or a walk along the shore. The park’s mile-long shoreline offers stunning lake views, including of the Fairport Harbour Lighthouse.
There are plenty of walking trails to explore, through the park’s dunes and coastal vegetation. It’s also a favorite spot for beachcombing and catching a Lake Erie sunset.
Lake Erie Bluffs
There are so many amazing choices if you’re looking for outdoorsy things to do at Lake Erie, and one of the best is hiking the Lake Erie Bluffs. This nature preserve is lush and untouched, offering acres of peaceful wilderness for your pleasure!
It boasts 9,000 feet of shoreline and protects meadows and marshland that you can explore via paved walkways. It’s a popular site for hikers and runners, as well as bird catchers and nature lovers, with the bluffs being home to a variety of rare animals.
One highlight is the 50-foot observation tower, which you can climb for panoramic views of the water.
Stop by Geneva-On-the-Lake
For a bit of nostalgia, there’s Geneva-on-the-Lake. This is a timeless lakeside resort town, perfect for a getaway along Lake Erie. For over a century, it’s drawn visitors with its nostalgic charm and classic lakefront beauty.
The town’s iconic strip is full of arcades, retro diners, mini-golf, and ice cream shops. Spend the day swimming, boating, or fishing on Lake Erie, then relax with a lakeside sunset.
Nearby, you can explore local wineries, scenic walking trails, or Geneva State Park.
Ashtabula
Ashtabula is an essential stop among the Lake Erie towns in Ohio, offering small-town comfort and a rich industrial history. Start in the Ashtabula Harbor District to explore shops, cafes, and restaurants and take in the waterfront atmosphere.
You can also visit the historic Ashtabula Lighthouse here and tour the Ashtabula Maritime Museum to learn all about the area’s history.
While you’re in Ashtabula, take some time to see Lake Shore Park. You’ll see why this peaceful lakeside spot is one of the best things to do around Lake Erie in Ohio. It’s a beautiful park, perfect for picnics, fishing, or strolling along the shore.
Plus, we love a covered bridge, and Ashtabula County is famous for them! Just take a drive south of town to find quite a few, including the longest covered bridge in the US!
When you get hungry, head back to town and check out the Bum Boat, a fun and casual bar aboard a docked boat at Lake Erie Harbor.
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