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 23 to Aug 24
CA $209
CA $238 total
Aug 23 - Aug 24
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! (1,210 reviews)
"Loved the location, the pool was great and I appreciated a coffee maker and small fridge in the room. Staff was very helpful and gave us early entry passes to the park. My only complaint was that I was told the small store in the lobby would open at 8:00 am but when we left at 8:45 the next morning ..."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 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 $419 per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
CA $419
CA $477 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
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 $201 per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
CA $201
CA $228 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
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 ...
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 Sports Force Parks at Cedar ...
9/10 Wonderful! (385 reviews)
"Love, love, love staying here! This was probably our 5th or 6th time staying. We've been in the cottages, regular cabins and deluxe cabins. All three types have been clean. It's a great place to stay while visiting cedar point to make your park trip feel much less stressful."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 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 ...
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! (218 reviews)
"This place was quite nice. It's shoreline location was exactly what we were looking for. No longer need to go to the Ocean. This is SO MUCH better. It's not as hot as the East Coast, you can leave your beach canopies up and the water feels great (I think mid August might be warmer)."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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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