Best Beaches in Ohio
Ohio may not be the first place that comes to mind for a beach getaway, but its Lake Erie shoreline is home to some surprisingly beautiful spots. Having explored the region for four weeks, I’ve found that Ohio’s beaches offer a mix of relaxation, family-friendly fun, and scenic views that make them well worth a visit.
I’ve enjoyed sandy stretches perfect for swimming and sunbathing, peaceful parks where the sunsets are unforgettable, and lively waterfronts with plenty of activities. From hidden gems to popular summer escapes, Ohio’s beaches have something for everyone. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Headlands Beach
When I visited Headlands Beach on Lake Erie, I found it to be Ohio’s quintessential lakeside retreat with broad sandy expanses, bordered by gentle dunes and the Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve.
Just a quick 30-minute drive from Cleveland, I think Headlands Beach is one of the best beaches in Ohio. Why? The mood here was unhurried and restorative. I walked along the mile-long sandy shoreline (the longest in Ohio!). I adored walking on the trails of the adjacent preserve, watched migratory birds, checked out the historic Fairport Harbor Lighthouse nearby, climbed its tower for panoramic views, and strolled into the harbor town for fish fry dinners and ice cream cones. We also ate at nearby Pickle Bill's Lobster House.
- Location: Map & Directions
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays in summer for smaller crowds
2. Cedar Point Beach
When I visited Cedar Point Beach, I discovered a surprisingly serene stretch of sand tucked beside the roller coaster capital of the world We drove about 1 hour west from Cleveland to Sandusky, home to Cedar Point, “The Roller Coaster Capital of the World.” In addition to the thrill rides, the resort also has a mile-long Lake Erie beach that’s been welcoming visitors since 1870. We spent two nights at 3-star Hotel Breakers.
Cedar Point Beach is one of my favorite beach escapes in Ohio because it offers calm when you want it, thrills when you don’t mind the adrenaline. I lounged in a cabana with views of the water, then later darted off for a two hours in the park. Families built sandcastles, paddleboarders skimmed the shoreline, and couples lingered at sunset with Cedar Point’s skyline behind them.
- Location: Map & Directions
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays in summer for smaller crowds
3. Maumee Bay
While we were based in Toledo this month, I liked visiting Maumee Bay State Park, a 1,336-acre stretch of shoreline just outside Toledo. This park combines beach, marsh, and meadow, the best of Ohio's natural wetlands.
If you want to totally unplug, settle into the 3-star Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center for a weekend, a lakeside retreat with balconies overlooking the water. Start your days with sunrise walks along the boardwalk trail, relax at the beach and end the day with roasting marshmallows by the campfire.
If you get bored of the beach, hop over to Toledo and check out Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, National Museum of the Great Lakes, Imagination Station, and the wonderful Toledo Botanical Garden.
- Location: Map & Directions
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays in summer for smaller crowds
4. Edgewater Beach
When I visited Edgewater Beach in Cleveland, I found a lively urban shoreline that blends city energy with lakeside calm. The beach is broad and sandy, with sweeping views of Lake Erie’s horizon on one side and the Cleveland skyline rising on the other.
Edgewater Beach is now part of the Cleveland Metroparks system. Just minutes from downtown, I settled in for an afternoon that felt like a quick vacation. I checked out the Edgewater Pier, and enjoyed skyline views. The park came alive with families grilling at picnic shelters and cyclists cruising along the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway that completely won me over.
I think Edgewater Beach is one of the best city beaches in Ohio. Why? Because it offers the perfect blend of urban convenience and waterfront escape.
- Location: Map & Directions
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays in summer for smaller crowds
5. Catawba Island State Park
Catawba Island State Park is a peaceful lakeside retreat tucked along the shores of western Lake Erie. But unlike Ohio’s broad sandy beaches, the shoreline here is more rugged and rocky. This beach was no frills, just water, sky, and open space.
We drove about 1 hour 20 minutes west from Cleveland to Catawba Island State Park, a 10-acre gem on the Lake Erie shore. Despite its name, it’s actually a peninsula rather than an island, but it’s long been a launching spot for fishing trips into the lake’s western basin. 2-star Holiday Inn Express & Suites Port Clinton-Catawba Island nearby has affordable rooms just a short drive to the beach.
- Location: Map & Directions
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays in summer for smaller crowds
6. Geneva State Park
When I visited the 698-acre Geneva State Park this month, I found a broad, inviting shoreline that captures the easygoing charm of Ohio’s Wine Country. The beach stretched in a wide crescent of golden sand along Lake Erie. Behind me, trails wound into woodlands and wetlands alive with birds.
Just outside the park, the small resort town of Geneva-on-the-Lake offered classic boardwalk fun with arcades, diners, and ice cream stands. But inside the park itself, I settled into a quieter rhythm. I walked on the marina docks at sunrise, where anglers prepped their boats for the day. The 4-star Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake is the best place to stay in the area, a wonderful 4-star hotel I've been recommending for decades but book early on busy summer weekends.
- Location: Map & Directions
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays in summer for smaller crowds
7. Huntington Reservation
I thought that Huntington Reservation Beach in Bay Village has one of Lake Erie’s most picturesque shorelines. The wide sandy beach curves gently along the water, framed by wooded bluffs and grassy picnic lawns above. On clear days, the horizon stretches far and open, yet turn east, and the distant silhouette of Cleveland’s skyline appears on the water’s edge. The air was fresh and cool, touched with the faint scent of wildflowers drifting from the upland meadows.
- Location: Map & Directions
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays in summer for smaller crowds
8. Nickel Plate Beach
Nickel Plate Beach in Huron is a laid-back shoreline with one of the largest sandy stretches along Lake Erie. The beach here is broad and welcoming. You'll find volleyball nets, kayak rentals, and plenty of space for families to spread out with coolers and umbrellas. The sand was soft underfoot, the breeze carried the scent of lake water, and the horizon stretched wide and calm, perfect for a simple day outdoors.
I think Nickel Plate Beach is one of the best “locals’ beaches” on Lake Erie. Why? Because it has the essentials—space, sand, and simple pleasures—without the bustle of Ohio’s bigger waterfront parks.
- Location: Map & Directions
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays in summer for smaller crowds
Conclusion
After exploring these incredible spots during all seasons (yes, winter is lovely around these beches too, just cold), I can honestly say Ohio’s beaches are some of the most underrated gems in the Midwest. You can always find a unique beach getaways not far from where you are based but if you are up for some driving, you can really choose the type of beach experience that you are craving. I also recommend my article on Best Lake Erie Beaches and Islands where are cover more suggestions for a longer vacation, not just a beach day trip.
Booking Checklist
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5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
