Sandusky, OH

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, Merry-Go-Round Museum and Maritime Museum of Sandusky are some notable places to visit nearby.

Historic Downtown Sandusky
Cedar Point's Express Hotel

Cedar Point's Express Hotel

2 out of 5
1201 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, OH
The price is ¥12,504 per night from Oct 23 to Oct 24
¥12,504
¥14,224 total
Oct 23 - Oct 24
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,045 reviews)
"Really decent staff and cleanliness for the holiday event"

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025

Cedar Point's Express Hotel
Cedar Point's Castaway Bay

Cedar Point's Castaway Bay

3 out of 5
2001 Cleveland Road, Sandusky, OH
The price is ¥14,828 per night from Oct 2 to Oct 3
¥14,828
¥16,867 total
Oct 2 - Oct 3
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"My family and I had a great time, and will definitely be back!"

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2025

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

Cedar Point's Hotel Breakers

3.5 out of 5
One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, OH
The price is ¥26,614 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥26,614
¥30,273 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,033 reviews)
"Location is great. It is pricey but room was clean and spacious. The only complaint is the shower head is at a weird position so I felt like I had to lean to far back but not a huge deal."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Cedar Point's Hotel Breakers
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 Sports Force Parks at Cedar ...
9/10 Wonderful! (323 reviews)
"Really loved our 3 day stay here. My only (very small) complaint is the amount of spider/cob webs inside the cabin. Something that would be easily taken care of to make the stay that much more comfortable. The grounds are incredibly clean and visually pleasing. Fantastic sunset views and a great ..."

Reviewed on Sep 3, 2025

Cedar Point's Lighthouse Point
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 Sports Force Parks at Cedar ...
7.8/10 Good! (30 reviews)
"Efficient, high quality, and very good communication."

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2025

The Inn at Fulton
Lakefront 3-BR Home Summer and Winter Getaways close to Sports Force

Lakefront 3-BR Home Summer and Winter Getaways close to Sports Force

Sandusky
Stay at this vacation home in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kalahari Waterpark Resort and Cedar Point ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (125 reviews)
"Good location, easy access to Cedar Point. Beautiful sunrise from the balcony. The interior is somewhat dated, but clean."

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2025

Lakefront 3-BR Home Summer 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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