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 $179 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
CA $179
CA $203 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
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 Hotel Breakers

Cedar Point's Hotel Breakers

3.5 out of 5
One Cedar Point Drive Sandusky OH
The price is CA $414 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
CA $414
CA $471 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 ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,026 reviews)
"We had a very mixed experience during our stay. Unfortunately, what started off awesome ended on a very disappointing note. Checking in was fantastic. I unfortunately didn’t get the young lady’s name, but she was from Romania and was incredibly friendly, and informative. The hibachi restaurant offered ..."

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2026

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 $173 per night from Sep 13 to Sep 14
CA $173
CA $197 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! (1,203 reviews)
"All in all we had a great time! Due to check in time and hrs of the water park..you would want to plan at least two days. Some of the waterpark attractions and slides weren’t open, due to short staffing. But eventually opened as more workers came in during the last three hours of the waterpark being ..."

Reviewed on Sep 1, 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 Cedar Point Shores are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (422 reviews)
"Amazing!!!"

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2026

Cedar Point's Lighthouse Point
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
Five bedroom  in United States of America, Sandusky

Five bedroom in United States of America, Sandusky

Sandusky OH
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Sandusky. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Sandusky Bay and The Watering Hole Safari and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"I rate the place 5 stars! The place itself is very very nice! Lots of room. Very clean. Exceptionally stocked. It has everything you need.With all that being said, I must warn if you have any fear of spiders, this may not be the place for you. There are a ton of spiders on the back deck. And I truly ..."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2026

Five bedroom in United States of America, Sandusky
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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