Beach Bums and Island Hoppers

by DiscoverOhio

Get a real taste of island life at Lake Erie islands and coastal Ohio!
 
With an endless list of activities and events from history to jet skiing, Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island is Ohio's best kept secret. Dock your boat after a fun day on the lake and spend an evening at a winery.  

The next day, visit Marblehead, home of the oldest operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. After some exploration, take Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Lines and adventure out to Kelley’s Island, the largest American freshwater island in Lake Erie, nationally recognized as “Top-10 Healthiest Beach and Lake Getaway.” 

Coastal Ohio is known for its array of sandy beaches that provide a perfect setting for relaxation before getting back to your real life routine. So before you venture home, visit East Harbor State Park or Cleveland Lakefront State Park where you can spend the day swimming, fishing or just soaking up the sun by the pristine water.

Whether you’re a beach bum or an island hopper, Lake Erie shores and islands have something for every member of the family.

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Tour Stops

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  Marblehead Lighthouse State Park

  Marblehead Lighthouse State Park is located in Ottawa Co. on the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula, 10 mi. east of Port Clinton and 50 miles east of Toledo. Marblehead Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes, guiding sailors safely along the rocky shores of the peninsula since 1822. Tours are offered on weekdays during the summer months and on select Saturdays. The Keeper's house offers interesting displays of Lake Erie maritime history.
  The annual Lighthouse Festival is held in October. 
  There are no overnight facilities available at this location.

  • Address: 110 Lighthouse Drive
    Marblehead, Ohio 43440
  • Phone: Local Number: 4197344424
  • Email:
  • Website: http://www.ohiostateparks.org
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  Cleveland Lakefront State Park

  Cleveland Lakefront State Park is located in Cuyahoga Co., 3 miles from downtown Cleveland. Six park areas, Edgewater Park, East 55th St. Marina, Gordon Park, Euclid Beach, Villa Angela & Wildwood, offer greenspace & relief from the city skyline, as well as lakeside recreation on Lake Erie. Lake Erie swimming beaches are offered at Euclid Beach, Villa Angela and Edgewater.  A nature center at Gordon Park offers interesting displays and programs.
  
  Boat launch ramps are available at Edgewater, East 55th Marina, Gordon Park and Wildwood. There are full-service marinas with dock rentals at East 55th and Wildwood, Scenic picnic areas at each location offer picnic tables and grills. Reservable shelter houses are available at Euclid Beach, Edgewater and Wildwood. Excellent fishing access to the "walleye capital of the world" is available at each location.
  
  No overnight facilities are available.

  • Address: 8701 Lakeshore Boulevard NE
    Cleveland, Ohio 44108
  • Phone: Local Number: 2168818141
  • Email:
  • Website: http://www.ohiostateparks.org
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  East Harbor State Park

  East Harbor State Park, located in Ottawa County just east of Port Clinton on the Marblehead Peninsula, provides the perfect setting for Lake Erie adventures. The campground is favored by lake lovers as well as visitors to Cedar Point. Hike & birdwatch on 7 miles of nature trails through a variety of beach & wetland environments, including a game sanctuary with a waterfowl observation blind. Picnic areas with fantastic views of the lake & coastal wetlands offer tables & grills. Two large shelterhouses may be rented.  A disc golf course, playgrounds, and paved biking trails add to the fun.
  
  The campground offers 351 campsites with electric hookups, 23 full-hookup sites with electric, sewer and water, and 196 non-electric sites. Amenities include showers, modern flush restrooms & a boat launch for campers. Pets are allowed on designated sites. Enjoy hassle-free camping in a Rent-A-RV or Camper Cabin.
  
  Enjoy a large sand beach on Lake Erie, with concessions.  The marina offers supplies, fuel, a restaurant, dock rentals & launch ramp for access to the lake. There is shoreline fishing access on Lake Erie, as well as East Harbor and West Harbor. Waterfowl hunting is permitted in designated areas. 
  
  Camping Fees (weekends) range from $28-$38/night for electric campsites; $32-$36 for full-service sites; and $23-$25 for non-electric sites. Rent-A-RV is $90/night. Camper Cabin is $55/night. Rates subject to change. Reservations: 1-866-OHIO-PARKS

  • Address: 1169 North Buck Road
    Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio 43440
  • Phone: Local Number: 4197344424
  • Email:
  • Website: http://www.ohiostateparks.org
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  Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island

  Put-in-Bay, on beautiful South Bass Island, is Ohio's and Lake Erie's best kept secret. Situated between Cleveland and Toledo, the island offers lots of activities and events.
  Put-in-Bay attracts more than 750,000 visitors each summer. Families, school & tour groups are drawn to here to enjoy the history and the terrific shopping & fun attractions. The Perry Memorial dominates the downtown harbor. There are two cave tours, a butterfly house, antique car museum, 18-hole miniature golf course & maze. A new amusement park features an arcade, water balloon launch, electric go-carts and bumper boats.
  Enjoy our historical museum, historic home tour, Perry Memorial visitor center, DeRivera Park, a winery and South Bass Island Lighthouse.
  Fish for perch and walleye, jet ski or kayak Put-in-Bay's waters. Dock your boat for the night, camp for the week or spend a restful night at one of our great hotels, bed & breakfasts, cottages, condos or private homes. Great entertainment, fantastic restaurants and fun taverns round out the island's nightlife.

  • Address: 148 Delaware Avenue
    PO Box 250
    Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456
  • Phone: Local Number: 4192852832
  • Email: questions@visitputinbay.com
  • Website: http://www.visitputinbay.com/
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  Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Lines

  Daily passenger and automobile transportation to Kelleys Island from Marblehead, departing every half hour during peak times. Available year-round, weather permitting.

  • Address: 510 W. Main St. (SR 163 E)
    Marblehead, Ohio 43440
  • Phone: Local Number: 4197989763
  • Email:
  • Website: http://www.kelleysislandferry.com