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, Sandusky History Museum at the Follett House and Maritime Museum of Sandusky 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 ¥20,523 per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
¥20,523
¥23,345 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
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 ...
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 ¥19,903 per night from Sep 13 to Sep 14
¥19,903
¥22,640 total
Sep 13 - Sep 14
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! (1,186 reviews)
"This hotel is definitely geared toward families. The water park and arcade are pretty awesome, and there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained. However, the rooms are lackluster at best. There’s no coffee maker, iron, ironing board, freezer, or hair dryer. The rooms also have no carpet, and the beds ..."

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2026

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 ¥47,568 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
¥47,568
¥54,108 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
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 ...
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 Cedar Point Shores are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (413 reviews)
"The Lake Erie views unparalleled."

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2026

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 Merry-Go-Round Museum are ...
The Inn at Fulton
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! (219 reviews)
"Our 7-day stay, which included 6 adults and 5 children under 6, was well accomodated here. The open area of living room, kitchen and large dining table was ideal for our crew. The private beach and large back yard were great for activities with the kids, and proximity to Cedar Point and other attractions ..."

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2026

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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