Sandusky

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 Labour 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 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 CA $209 per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
CA $209
CA $238 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
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! (1,173 reviews)
"Me and my son at amazing stay! From the late check in due to being at park, the clean rooms, and my son LOVED that their pools stayed open until 11. It was perfect even for a hour after long day at park. Will definitely be back and would highly recommend this location! We will be booking again!"

Reviewed on Jul 17, 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 CA $518 per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
CA $518
CA $589 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
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
Cedar Point's Castaway Bay

Cedar Point's Castaway Bay

3 out of 5
2001 Cleveland Road Sandusky OH
The price is CA $252 per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
CA $252
CA $286 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
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! (1,124 reviews)
"Walked into our room smelling like terrible mold. I had my 3 yr old grandson. No way was I staying in there. Manager tried telling me they are booked & she can move me to Express Hotel down the road and we’d have to go back n forth to the waterpark. The guy checking me in gave me the option of what ..."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 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 Jackson Street Pier are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (370 reviews)
"Excellent location, easy walk to the park. Deluxe cabin was plenty big for our group. We had 3 adults and 3 kids. Two full bathrooms was a plus! No cons but due to location near water and woods like setting do not leave food out! You will get ants. The top loft has a low ceiling but there were 2 ..."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 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 Sports Force Parks at Cedar ...
8.2/10 Very good! (37 reviews)
"We would absolutely stay here again. It was a great location close to great restaurant options and pretty views of the downtown and water. In the reviews I read the biggest complaint was the noise level. You could clear as day hear any conversations of other rooms if you were in the hallway. Once ..."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2026

The Inn at Fulton
Cozy 3BD 5min Cedar Point/Sports Force

Cozy 3BD 5min Cedar Point/Sports Force

Sandusky OH
Stay at this apartment in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Cedar Point and Kalahari Waterpark Resort ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (22 reviews)
"Nice condo on the 2nd floor in old unique building. No elevator but large stairs so easy to carry up luggage. Convenient to downtown and cedar point. Perfect for our weekend getaway!!!"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2026

Cozy 3BD 5min Cedar Point/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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