Sandusky, OH

Travel Guide

An aerial view of a coastal town with a prominent lighthouse, marina, and lush greenery.
A boat named 'GOODTIME I' with multiple flags, including the American flag, sailing on water with roller coasters in the background.
A landscaped garden with the words "Lake Erie" and "Shores & Islands" in the center.
A lighthouse with a red and white color scheme, a black top, and a large red propeller.
A sailboat on a calm lake with a large building and trees in the background.
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

Find the best Sandusky areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Sandusky
Learn more about Sandusky

Historic Downtown Sandusky

While Historic Downtown Sandusky isn't home to many top sights, Merry-Go-Round Museum and Sandusky History Museum at the Follett House are some notable places to visit nearby.

Cedar Point's Express Hotel

Cedar Point's Express Hotel

2 out of 5
1201 Cedar Point Drive Sandusky OH
The price is ¥20,422 per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
¥20,422
¥23,229 total
Oct 22 - Oct 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,340 reviews)
"Great location to the park and the area."

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2026

Cedar Point's Express Hotel
Cedar Point's Hotel Breakers

Cedar Point's Hotel Breakers

3.5 out of 5
One Cedar Point Drive Sandusky OH
The price is ¥40,057 per night from Oct 29 to Oct 30
¥40,057
¥45,564 total
Oct 29 - Oct 30
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"We’ve been coming to Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point for years, but after our recent stay, I don’t think we will be returning. We booked a suite, & I was disgusted by the condition of the room. There was what appeared to be mold growing inside the trash can & not just a little bit. The amount made ..."

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2026

Cedar Point's Hotel Breakers
Cedar Point's Castaway Bay

Cedar Point's Castaway Bay

3 out of 5
2001 Cleveland Road Sandusky OH
The price is ¥20,771 per night from Oct 18 to Oct 19
¥20,771
¥23,626 total
Oct 18 - Oct 19
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly resort in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,257 reviews)
"This hotel has a lot of potential and is a decent choice if you have kids who are the age to enjoy the water park and the theme park. I almost cancelled based on negative reviews, and decided to give it a try. While we had a good time and I think this property has a ton of potential, there are areas ..."

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2026

Cedar Point's Castaway Bay
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.
Cedar Point's Lighthouse Point

Cedar Point's Lighthouse Point

2.5 out of 5
1 Cedar Point Drive Sandusky OH
Stay at this cabin in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and water park access (surcharge). Popular attractions Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (442 reviews)
"Clean and nice"

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2026

Cedar Point's Lighthouse Point
Great Location - 3 miles to Cedar Point Park, 2.8 miles to CP Sports  Force Park

Great Location - 3 miles to Cedar Point Park, 2.8 miles to CP Sports Force Park

Sandusky OH
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Cedar Point and Kalahari ...
Great Location - 3 miles to Cedar Point Park, 2.8 miles to CP Sports Force Park
Buckeye Sports ~ Mins to CP & SF ~ King/WD/Pet OK/Kids Friendly/Largest Mural

Buckeye Sports ~ Mins to CP & SF ~ King/WD/Pet OK/Kids Friendly/Largest Mural

Sandusky OH
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Sandusky. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Cedar ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
"AMAZING"

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2026

Buckeye Sports ~ Mins to CP & SF ~ King/WD/Pet OK/Kids Friendly/Largest Mural
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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