Sandusky, OH

Travel Guide

Sandusky showing a bay or harbor, general coastal views and a coastal town
Sandusky showing a bay or harbor, general coastal views and a coastal town
Sandusky featuring sailing, swimming and a beach
Sandusky which includes general coastal views, boating and rides
Sandusky showing a garden, signage and flowers
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

history still stands

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 Castaway Bay

Cedar Point's Castaway Bay

3 out of 5
2001 Cleveland Road Sandusky OH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥18,420 per night from Mar 5 to Mar 6
¥18,420
¥20,953 total
Mar 5 - Mar 6
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,058 reviews)
Check in was super fast and easy. Also was able to check in a little early.

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2026

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 ¥23,231 per night from Mar 2 to Mar 3
¥23,231
¥26,424 total
Mar 2 - Mar 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly resort in Sandusky. Enjoy 5 indoor pools, 2 hot tubs, and free water park access. Popular attractions Cedar Point and Kalahari ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
I GOT CHARGED A EXTRA NIGHT. I NEVER STAYED. THIS PLACE IS A SCAM!

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2026

Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky OH
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Sandusky South

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Sandusky South

2 out of 5
3309 Milan Rd Sandusky OH
The price is ¥8,739 per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
¥8,739
¥10,117 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Great price and staff

Reviewed on Feb 17, 2026

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Sandusky South
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! (328 reviews)
Everything was excellent. The view was over the top. You can just walk across for the amusement park never had so much fun in my life. It was really really fun.

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2025

Cedar Point's Lighthouse Point
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 OH
Stay at this vacation home in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cedar Point and Kalahari Waterpark Resort ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (135 reviews)
The host was incredibly responsive and helpful. The house had a lovely view of the sunrise over the lake from the Balcony.

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2026

Lakefront 3-BR Home Summer and Winter Getaways close to Sports Force
GLASS HOUSE 5 BR Private Lake Erie Beach Great for Summer, Fall & Winter

GLASS HOUSE 5 BR Private Lake Erie Beach Great for Summer, Fall & Winter

Sandusky OH
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Sandusky. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Cedar Point and Kalahari Waterpark ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (201 reviews)
All of the communications were automated. I reached out 3 times, twice to the primary contact and once to secondary, about checking in early but never received confirmation if it would be okay.The house can use a bit of maintenance. A couple of upper windows would not close fully so there was a draft. ...

Reviewed on Dec 29, 2025

GLASS HOUSE 5 BR Private Lake Erie Beach Great for Summer, Fall & Winter
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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