Sandusky

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Photos courtesy of www.SHORESandISLANDS.com
Photo provided by Photos courtesy of www.SHORESandISLANDS.com
Photo provided by Photos courtesy of www.SHORESandISLANDS.com
Photo provided by Photos courtesy of www.SHORESandISLANDS.com
Photo provided by Photos courtesy of www.SHORESandISLANDS.com
Between seeking thrills on some of the world’s best roller coasters or reeling in your big catch from Lake Erie, this charming town will keep you entertained for days.

Sandusky, located directly on Lake Erie’s south shore in Ohio, is a small city with a big personality. It retains its vintage charm while having a variety of tourist attractions. Stop through as part of a Great Lakes tour or visit Sandusky as a standalone destination.

The months between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the high tourism season in the Great Lakes region. The famed amusement park at Cedar Point is easily the main attraction of Sandusky. It is widely known as one of the world’s best amusement parks for its large number of rides and prime spot on the edge of a peninsular. Millennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster are two of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world. Cedar Point also has water rides, an arcade, children’s attractions and musical performances. Take a break from the rides and soak up the sun on the adjacent beach along Lake Erie.

Five indoor water parks operate year-round. These include Castaway Bay and Soak City, located adjacent to Cedar Point. Spend a day at Kalahari Resort, which has the largest indoor water park in the U.S.

Boaters and fishers will find Sandusky the perfect base from which to get out on the water. Charter a boat to reel in the big catches during a day of offshore fishing. Try your luck at the scenic Castalia State Fish Hatchery along Cold Creek or head to Cold Creek Trout Camp. Rent a motorboat or ride the ferry to go island hopping along the charming Lake Erie Islands. Explore the shops, restaurants and attractions at Put-in-Bay, Kelleys Island and Middle Bass Island.

Stop at one of the many restaurants in the area for a delicious meal fresh from the lake. Take the marked wine trail to visit more than a dozen different wineries that offer tastings. 

Sandusky is conveniently located just over an hour’s drive from Cleveland to the east and Toledo to the west.

Where to stay in Sandusky

Jackson Street Pier is a great place to catch a sunset or the Pelee Islander ferry to, oddly enough, Pelee Island, Canada.  Great place to have a little island winery adventure just across the border. #WeekendGetaway

Historic Downtown Sandusky

While Historic Downtown Sandusky isn't home to many top sights, Jackson Street Pier and Merry-Go-Round Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Historic Downtown Sandusky
Cedar Point's Castaway Bay
Cedar Point's Castaway Bay
3 out of 5
2001 Cleveland Road, Sandusky, OH
The price is CA $211 per night from Feb. 23 to Feb. 24
CA $211
CA $240 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 23 - Feb 24
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly resort in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (675 reviews)
"Meet our granddaughter and parents there for 3 day stay. She is 4 yrs old and she had a blast from the time she got there until she left"

Reviewed on Feb. 18, 2025

Cedar Point's Castaway Bay
Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky OH
Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky OH
3.5 out of 5
4600 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH
The price is CA $268 per night from Mar. 5 to Mar. 6
CA $268
CA $361 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 5 - Mar 6
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly resort in Sandusky. Enjoy 5 indoor pools, 2 spa tubs, and free water park access. Popular attractions Kalahari Waterpark ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Family oriented and lots to do for the kids."

Reviewed on Feb. 20, 2025

Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky OH
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sandusky, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sandusky, an IHG Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1515 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, OH
The price is CA $138 per night from Mar. 11 to Mar. 12
CA $138
CA $156 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 11 - Mar 12
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sandusky. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (958 reviews)
"Conveniently located, quiet and clean"

Reviewed on Feb. 19, 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sandusky, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Inn at Fulton
The Inn at Fulton
2 out of 5
201 Fulton St, Sandusky, OH
Stay at this aparthotel in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Cedar Point and Merry-Go-Round Museum are ...
7.4/10 Good! (13 reviews)
"Great stay for my family will be back…"

Reviewed on Feb. 2, 2025

The Inn at Fulton
5-Mins to Cedar Point, 4-bedroom house.
5-Mins to Cedar Point, 4-bedroom house.
Sandusky
Stay at this vacation home in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Cedar Point and Kalahari Waterpark Resort are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
Good time
"If you are looking for somewhere to lay your heard and relax for the weekend in between your trips to islands, this is your place! Has a nice vintage look while being updated as well. We will be returning!"

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2024

5-Mins to Cedar Point, 4-bedroom house.
Lakefront 3-BR Home Holiday and Winter Getaways close to Sports Force
Lakefront 3-BR Home Holiday and Winter Getaways close to Sports Force
Sandusky
Stay at this vacation home in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and patios. Popular attractions Kalahari Waterpark Resort and Cedar Point are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (108 reviews)
Cleaning fee was unnecessary
"We stayed barely 2 days, and did not cook anything. Yet the cleaning fee was very high. They had nothing to clean but strip the bed and wash sheets and towels."

Reviewed on Feb. 17, 2025

Lakefront 3-BR Home Holiday and Winter Getaways close to Sports Force
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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