Things to Do in Sandusky, Ohio: A 3-Day Guide to the Shores, Islands and Cedar Point

Jess is from Ohio, and over the years the two of us have explored a great many parts of her home state together. We’ve now been to nearly every corner of it (including all the best waterfalls in Ohio!), and we’re looking forward to sharing one of our favourite parts of the state with you.

In today’s post I want to share a suggested itinerary for visiting one of the more popular parts of the state, the Lake Erie Shores and Islands, which we were invited to visit by the Shores and Islands tourism board on one of our trips to Ohio.

Centred on the town of Sandusky on Ohio’s northern edge by Lake Erie, the Shores and Islands region packs in one of the world’s biggest amusement parks, a cluster of Lake Erie islands, good food, and a walkable historic downtown.

This three day itinerary is perfect for a long weekend or a midweek break. You can do it in any order you like, although we’d suggest setting it up so you visit Cedar Point on a less busy day, so try to avoid weekends or holidays if you can. School holiday periods will be busier in general too.

Quick take: Sandusky sits on the southern shore of Lake Erie in northern Ohio, and it’s best known as the home of Cedar Point, one of the world’s biggest amusement parks. Three days is the sweet spot for the area: one day on the mainland (the downtown museums, the family waterpark resorts, or a mix), one day out on the Lake Erie islands of Kelleys Island or Put-in-Bay, and a full day at Cedar Point. Tight on time? You can pair Cedar Point with one island in a busy two days, or do Cedar Point on its own in a single day.

• Three days is ideal: one on the mainland, one on the islands, one at Cedar Point.
• Late May to early September is the best window, when the ferries, islands, and Cedar Point are all running.
• You’ll want a car for the mainland and a ferry for the islands.

 

Day One: Explore Sandusky Ohio

Our first day has you exploring the town of Sandusky, where there is plenty to occupy you. How you spend it really depends on who you’re travelling with. If you like history and a walkable old town, Sandusky’s downtown and its cluster of small museums make for an easy, low-key day. If you’ve got kids in tow, you might swap some of that for one of the big family attractions, the indoor waterpark resorts or the safari park just up the road. You can mix the two, but you probably can’t do all of it in a day, so pick the track that fits your group.

 

What to Do in Sandusky Ohio

For a history-and-downtown day, here are our favourite stops in and around Sandusky.

 

1. Walk around Sandusky Historical Downtown

Established in 1818, the town of Sandusky has plenty of old buildings and pretty streets to occupy your time with a wander, as well as a number of cafes and restaurants where you can stop in to refresh and revive.

If you’re interested in a detailed walking tour, the Erie County Historical Society website has an excellent suggested walking tour of Sandusky with a number of stopping points that you should definitely check out.

 

2. Visit the Merry Go Round Museum

If you’re a lover of old-time amusement park rides, then a visit to the Merry-Go-Round Museum in Sandusky is a must.

Here you’ll find everything you ever wanted to know about carousels, including a number of hand carved wooden figurines and a full, working, original 1939 Herschel carousel that you can take a ride on.

The museum is also home to a number of master carvers who both create and restore carousel animals, and you’ll learn all about their historically accurate processes when you take the tour.

 

3. Visit the Maritime Museum

If you’re interested in learning all about Sandusky’s maritime history, then you should definitely include a visit to the Sandusky Maritime Museum on your itinerary.

The museum houses all sorts of exhibits about the fishing, boating and shipping activities on Lake Erie, as well as having information on boat-building and wetlands. There’s even an exhibit about Sandusky’s role in the Underground Railroad.

 

4. Head to the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum

A short drive south of Sandusky will take you to the small town of Milan, which is famous as being the birthplace of the inventor Thomas Edison.

Today, you can visit the home where Edison was born, the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum, and learn all about the early life of the man who invented hundreds of things we take for granted today, everything from lightbulbs to phonographs!

The museum has to be visited as part of a tour, and as well as touring the house where Edison was born and raised, you’ll see examples of Edison’s early inventions, some of his documents, and family mementos.

 

5. Visit the Follett House Museum

To learn all about the history of Sandusky and surrounds, look no further than the Sandusky History Museum at the Follett House. Here you’ll find everything you ever wanted to know about this area, from before the War of 1812, through the Civil War and right up to the present day.

Located in Follett House (a National Historic Landmark) and spanning four floors, you’ll find everything here from information on Presidential visits through to the industries that have driven Sandusky through the years, told through documents, photographs, maps, and more.

 

Sandusky’s Family Attractions: Worth It or Skip?

Sandusky has a second side that’s all about the big family draws, the indoor waterpark resorts and the drive-thru safari park. These weren’t part of our own trip, which centred on the islands, the museums, and Cedar Point. But they’re the attractions most families heading to Sandusky end up weighing up, so here’s how they compare and who we’d point towards each one.

Attraction	What it is	Best for	Rough 2026 cost	Our verdict
Kalahari Resort	Ohio’s largest indoor waterpark, and a big African-themed hotel	Families who want a full waterpark day or stay	Day pass about $65 weekday, $75 Saturday; rooms extra	Worth it if a waterpark is the point of your trip. The biggest and most feature-packed of the indoor parks.
Great Wolf Lodge	Indoor waterpark resort, smaller and geared to younger kids	Families with under-10s	Day passes from about $35 when available; often guests only	Best for little ones. Book a room to guarantee waterpark access.
Castaway Bay	Caribbean-themed indoor waterpark resort by Cedar Point, open year-round	A smaller, cheaper waterpark, or a winter visit	Waterpark included with a room stay	A good off-season option. Smaller than Kalahari but easier on the wallet, and resort guests get early entry to Cedar Point.
African Safari Wildlife Park	Drive-thru and walk-thru safari where you feed animals from your car	Families with younger kids and animal lovers	About $19 per person, $5 more on peak days	Worth a half day, especially with small children. The drive-thru feeding is the draw. Open roughly late March to early November.
Goodtime I cruise	Island-hopping and sunset cruises on Lake Erie from Sandusky	Time on the water without your own boat; couples for the sunset run	Sunset cruise about $20 adult, $12 child	A nice add-on rather than a main event. The sunset cruise is the pick.
Toft’s Dairy	Ohio’s oldest dairy (since 1900) and ice cream parlour	Everyone, as a cheap treat	A few dollars for a cone	An easy yes. It’s cheap, it’s local, and the cones are huge. A good end-of-day stop.

If we had to call it: with young kids and a rainy forecast, Kalahari is the one we’d steer you to, as it’s the biggest and has the most to do under one roof. With toddlers, Great Wolf is gentler. African Safari is the best-value half-day if the weather’s good and you want something different from a waterpark. And wherever you end up, finish the day at Toft’s.

 

Day Two: Visit the Islands

One of the wonderful things about this part of Ohio is the huge expanse of Lake Erie that forms the northern border of the state. Sitting out in Lake Erie are a number of islands, which are an easy boat ride from the mainland using the Jet Express ferry service, which is exactly what we did.

We spent a day exploring two of the islands, Kelleys Island and South Bass Island, which is usually referred to as Put-in-Bay, the name of the main town on the island.

If you only have one day, we’d pick one island and do it properly rather than rush both. Kelleys Island is the quieter, more laid-back of the two, all glacial grooves, state park trails, beaches, and cycling. Put-in-Bay is the livelier one, with the Perry’s Victory monument, the wineries, the carousel, and the bars. If your idea of a good day is a relaxed wander and a bit of nature, go to Kelleys. If you want more to see and do and a bit of a party atmosphere, go to Put-in-Bay.

You can fit both into a single day if you’re determined, and we did exactly that, but it means keeping an eye on the ferry clock all day. Getting the ferries right is the difference between a relaxed day and a stressful one, so here’s how they actually work.

Ferry	Runs to	Departs from	Crossing	Takes cars?	Round-trip fare (2026)
Jet Express	Put-in-Bay, and Kelleys Island	Port Clinton (for Put-in-Bay); Sandusky (for Kelleys)	About 25 min to Put-in-Bay; about 40 min to Kelleys	No, passengers only	$40 adult ($35 from Port Clinton), $15 youth, $6 child, under 5 free
Miller Ferry	Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island)	Catawba Point	About 18 min	Yes	Car about $23 each way, plus $9 adult / $1.50 child each way

A few things worth knowing. Miller Ferry is the cheapest option and the only one that carries vehicles, though most people leave the car on the mainland and get around the islands by golf cart or bike instead. Jet Express is faster and drops you right in downtown Put-in-Bay. Jet Express also runs a quick 20-minute hop directly between Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island, which is how you’d link the two if you’re doing both in a day. Whichever you pick, check the time of the last ferry back before you set off, because missing it means an unplanned night on the island. Fares are as of the 2026 season and are always worth double-checking on the operators’ sites.

Here’s what we got up to on each island to give you some ideas. Let’s start with Kelleys.

 

What to Do on Kelleys Island

 

1. Rent a Golf Cart

On both Kelleys Island and South Bass Island we rented a golf cart. There are very few cars on either island, and if you want to do some sight-seeing then we highly recommend either a golf cart or a bicycle, both of which can be hired near the ferry ports. On Kelleys Island we used Portside Marina, and at Put-in-Bay we were actually lent a golf cart by the local tourism office. There are a number of operators though, so you’ll easily find one.

Golf carts are super easy to drive and they’re road legal. There’s not much traffic, and you’ll be able to get from location to location much more quickly when using one. Do be aware though that the rules of the road do apply when driving a golf cart, and in particular the drink-driving limit is still enforced for golf cart drivers, so you’ll still need a designated driver!

 

2. Visit the Glacial Grooves

A remarkable natural feature, these rock grooves were formed by the movement of ice across the limestone around 20,000 years ago. They’re found around a mile and a half north of the main town on the island (you’ll appreciate that golf cart), and you can walk all around the grooves on the well marked trail, which also has information signposts.

These are in fact the largest easily accessible glacial grooves in the world, and as they’re so easy to get to we definitely encourage you to check them out. It’s hard not to be impressed by the power of ice against rock when you see them first hand!

 

3. Take a Hike

Nearly a quarter of Kelleys Island is given over to Kelleys Island State Park, which covers 677 acres. In those acres, which include both lakefront and forested interior, you’ll find six miles of hiking trails which are perfect if you’re looking to stretch your legs.

The island is pretty flat, so you shouldn’t tire yourself out, but this is a lovely and peaceful way to get back to nature and relax.

 

4. Marvel at the Architecture

There are numerous historical properties on Kelleys Island, and in fact the entire island is on the National Register of Historic Places. Just wander along Division Street and you‘ll come to the Old Stone Church and Estes School, with many more historic homes and businesses found throughout the island.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the island, you can visit the Old Stone Church, which is now home to the Kelleys Island Historical Association. You can also pick up the Kelleys Island tour guide, prepared by this association, which is available at various gift shops on the island.

 

5. Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding

If you’re feeling a bit more active, one good option is to hire kayaks and take to the water. Kayaks can be hired on State Park Beach, which is just a short walk from the Glacial Grooves. They also offer stand up paddleboard rentals.

If you’re after something a bit more exciting than kayaking, you’ll probably want to head to South Bass Island, where you’ll find numerous water activities including jet-skiing.

 

6. Enjoy the Beach

If you’re not feeling active, no worries. You can just relax on the beach instead. Kelleys Island State Park beach is the main public beach on the island. There are other beaches but they are privately owned, so off-limits to visitors without specific permission.

Once you’re all done with sight-seeing (there’s lots more to do on Kelleys Island, see their official website for more ideas), you’ll either hop on the boat home, or, if you’re fitting both islands into the same day, take the boat across to South Bass Island and continue the adventure.

 

What to Do on Put-in-Bay / South Bass Island

 

1. Sample the Local Fish

If you’re doing this itinerary to include both islands in one day, then you might find yourself getting hungry at this point. We recommend you satisfy your hunger with some of the local fish. As you wander around the various eateries, you’ll probably notice Lake Erie perch and other local catches being advertised.

This is a freshwater fish, officially known as yellow perch, and is most commonly served breaded and fried in a sandwich with various accompaniments. Not to be missed.

 

2. Visit Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial

Lake Erie, and its islands, were the site of a major naval battle during the War of 1812, between the United States and the British. Despite the name of the war, the battle itself took place on September 10th, 1813, and involved six British ships and nine American ships. Despite their lesser numbers, the British had the advantage due to having much longer range guns on their ships.

The battle itself was fierce and brutal, with losses on both sides. However, the American side prevailed, and managed to capture six of the nine British vessels, with the remaining boats either sunk or damaged beyond repair. If you’re interested, you can read a full depiction of the battle itself here.

In Put-in-Bay, you can visit Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. This consists of a 352ft high monument, as well as a visitor centre, where you can learn all about the Battle of Lake Erie, and about Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry, commander of the US ships during the battle, and for whom the memorial is named.

One thing to flag for 2026: the observation deck at the top of the memorial is closed for the 2026 and 2027 seasons while the National Park Service carries out repairs, so you can’t currently ride up the column for the view. The grounds, the visitor centre, and the talks and demonstrations all remain open.

There are also often talks and demonstrations here, and we watched a fun talk about the war on the lawn outside the visitor centre which included a musket firing demonstration.

The memorial itself celebrates the long peace that has existed between the US, Canada, and Britain, and is symbolically located five miles from the longest undefended border in the world. It was a highlight of our visit to Put-in-Bay, and we highly recommend you stop by.

 

3. Go Wine Tasting

Ohio has been producing wine since the 19th century, and for a time was the leading wine producer in the United States. After the American Civil War though, and following a number of crop-disease outbreaks, wine production had virtually died out. It has since had a resurgence, and the German immigrants who moved to the islands of Lake Erie at the turn of the 20th century helped drive Ohio’s wine renaissance.

With this in mind, we feel that no visit to the Lake Erie islands would be complete without taking in a tour of the vineyards and a spot of wine tasting. There aren’t quite as many vineyards as you’d have found a hundred years ago, however excellent wine is still produced on the islands, and you can sample the produce at both Heineman’s Winery, which is a very popular spot, or in town at the Put-in-Bay Winery.

Both locations offer wine tastings for reasonable prices, and Put-in-Bay Winery also includes a tour of the property and estate during the tasting.

 

4. Visit the Crystal Cave

South Bass Island has another record to its name. If you visit the Crystal Cave, part of Heineman’s Winery, you’ll be able to step inside the world’s largest geode!

This geode was discovered in 1897, when workers at the winery were digging a well to water the vineyard. Found 35ft below ground and around 12,000 years old, the Crystal Cave is in fact one giant geode that you can step inside.

Since its discovery it has been a popular attraction for visitors to the area, and you can combine a bit of wine tasting with a tour. The income from cave visitors even helped the winery survive when times were harder, such as during Prohibition.

 

5. Ride Kimberly’s Carousel

Jess’s favourite ride at every fairground we visit is always the carousel, and Put-in-Bay is home to a gorgeous original 1917 Herschel carousel with wooden animals, everything from the classic horse to chickens, pigs, roosters, and, of course, a perch!

Rides are excellent value and are a lovely way to experience a bit of nostalgia for when fairground rides were somewhat more laid back.

 

6. Visit the Aquatic Visitors Centre

Last on our list of fun things to do in Put-in-Bay and South Bass Island would be a visit to the Aquatic Visitors Centre.

Operated by the Ohio Division of Wildlife, this building was once home to the state hatchery, where countless millions of Lake Erie fish were hatched and raised to a viable size.

Today, the centre is a place to learn all about the marine life living in Lake Erie and around the islands. It also has fishing gear you can borrow, free to children under the age of 16, which makes it a lot of fun to visit for the whole family. Definitely worth checking out when visiting Put-in-Bay.

 

7. Drink at a Record-Breaking Bar

One thing that Put-in-Bay is definitely known for is having a good party scene. And what better way to start off your party than with a drink at the Beer Barrel Saloon, home to what was, for over 30 years, the longest bar in the world?

The 405-foot counter held the Guinness World Record for the longest bar from 1989 right up until 2023, when the record passed to a venue in Tennessee. Record or not, there’s still 405 feet of bar surface to choose from, so you shouldn’t have too much difficulty finding a spot to get served. With plenty of food and drink to choose from, you’ll keep yourself entertained for a while, and there are several other popular bars within walking distance too.

And that summarises some of our favourite activities on Kelleys Island and South Bass Island! There is plenty more to do than the list above, and you could easily spend a weekend or more on either island by itself. But we’re heading back to the shore to relax now, before a fun-filled day on our third and final day.

 

Day Three: Cedar Point

Our last day in the Sandusky area is the big one: a full day at Cedar Point, one of the best-known amusement parks in the world. Cedar Point is a roller-coaster fan’s dream, with 18 roller coasters among its 66 rides, which is one of the largest line-ups of any park in North America. It has been running since 1870 and holds records for several of its rides.

Cedar Point has a broad enough mix of rides and attractions that even if you aren’t a big-coaster person, there’s still plenty to fill a day. Jess isn’t a fan of the really big rides, but we both found lots to do when we visited.

Naturally I did go and experience some of the biggest rides in the park, with my favourite being Millennium Force. When it opened in 2000 it was the tallest and fastest complete-circuit roller coaster in the world. Records like that get broken quickly as parks try to outdo each other, but it’s still a real thrill.

Two big coasters have opened since our own visit, and they’re the headline acts for 2026. Top Thrill 2 is a triple-launch coaster that fires you up a 420-foot tower at up to 120 mph, including a stretch where it launches you backwards. Siren’s Curse, which opened in 2025, is a tilt coaster: the track tips you forwards over a 90-degree drop before you plunge. If you’re a coaster person, those two, plus Millennium Force, Steel Vengeance, and Maverick, are the ones to prioritise.

Beyond the roller coasters there’s a lot more to do, from water rides to a beach, a petting farm, glass blowing demonstrations, a big dedicated kids’ area with plenty of smaller rides, live entertainment, and restaurants, bars, and even face-painting. You won’t find it hard to stay entertained all day. Jess really loved visiting the older part of the park, the classic rides, and learning about its history.

The beach is accessible from the park although it’s not on the park grounds, so if you want to visit the beach as well you’ll need to get a re-entry stamp on your hand. It’s also worth remembering that on select summer evenings (roughly mid-July to mid-August) the park runs its Boardwalk Nights programme, which turns the beach and boardwalk into a party after dark.

A few practical things for 2026. The season runs from early May to early November, with the park open daily through the summer and on weekends in spring and autumn. Tickets are a lot cheaper booked online ahead of time, often starting around $52, compared with up to $105 at the gate. Parking is about $25 to $30 a day. If you’re planning more than one visit, the season Gold Pass (around $99, and it now covers entry to other Six Flags parks too) pays for itself fast and includes parking.

Our main advice hasn’t changed: go on a quieter weekday outside the school holidays if you can, and get there for park opening. The first hour or two after the gates open is the quietest the big coasters will be all day, so head straight for the rides you most want to do before the queues build up.

Alternatively, you could invest in a fast pass, although these are relatively expensive, so really only worth it if you want to ride the biggest rides multiple times, or if it’s a particularly busy day.

The larger rides, especially the roller coasters, can close for safety reasons due to rain and bad weather, and occasionally for maintenance, so do check the forecast before you go. You can also download the Cedar Point mobile app for live information on ride status and queue times.

 

When to Visit the Sandusky Shores and Islands

We’d suggest that Sandusky and surrounds are best visited when the weather is warm and sunny. So many of the attractions are outdoors, and you’ll find that more is open over the summer months. Northern Ohio typically has very cold winters, and many of the attractions in this post, especially on the islands, won’t be open in the winter months.

Overall, either summer, late spring, or early autumn are good times to visit. Early autumn and late spring will be a little less busy than the summer months, although as this is a popular part of the state, it can be busy throughout, and accommodation can book up a long time in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. Late June through to late August will be busiest due to school holidays and better weather.

 

Where to Stay When Visiting the Sandusky Shores and Islands

There are a lot of accommodation options in the area, including in downtown Sandusky, on the islands themselves, and even at Cedar Point.

If you’d rather we just point you at somewhere specific, here are the ones we’d look at first. To be right on top of the action, Cedar Point’s Hotel Breakers is a beachfront hotel a couple of minutes’ walk from the park gates, and guests get early ride access. For a more relaxed lakefront base about fifteen minutes away in Huron, Sawmill Creek by Cedar Point Resorts is a solid pick. If you’re staying out on the islands, The Commodore Resort is the main full-service resort right in downtown Put-in-Bay. And remember the waterpark resorts from Day One, Kalahari, Great Wolf, and Castaway Bay all double as hotels if you want the waterpark on your doorstep.

Depending on what your priorities are for your stay, you’ll want to locate yourself appropriately. If you’re super keen on visiting Cedar Point, you might want to be as close to the park as possible to maximise your time there and to save on the parking fees. It’s also worth remembering that some hotels have special packages that include Cedar Point entry.

If you’d prefer to spend more time exploring the islands, then finding a hotel on one of the islands themselves is going to be your best option.

Do be aware that despite the availability of lodging, the popularity of this area means prices are a little higher than other parts of the state, and budget accommodation in particular is hard to come by. This is particularly true during the peak summer months and over holidays.

If budget is a main concern, do take a look at some of the nearby towns, including Huron, and the further out Vermilion.

We actually stayed at a vacation rental in Vermilion, and it was only around a thirty minute drive to all the attractions we visited, including Cedar Point.

You can see more vacation rental listings for Sandusky and the surrounding area here.

If you’re struggling to find accommodation, or just want some alternatives to the usual options, check out my guide to the best AirBnB alternatives, which should give you all the resources you need to find the best location at the perfect price.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are the best things to do in Sandusky, Ohio?

The headline attraction is Cedar Point, one of the world’s biggest amusement parks, but Sandusky is about more than the coasters. The other big draws are the Lake Erie islands of Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay, reached by a short ferry ride, plus a walkable historic downtown with several small museums.

Families also have the indoor waterpark resorts (Kalahari, Great Wolf, Castaway Bay) and the African Safari Wildlife Park drive-thru just up the road. We’d give the area three days: one on the mainland, one on the islands, and one at Cedar Point.

 

How Many Days Do You Need in Sandusky?

Three days is the sweet spot, and that’s how we’ve laid out this guide: a mainland day, an islands day, and a full day at Cedar Point. That gives you time for the big attractions without rushing.

If you only have a weekend, you can pair Cedar Point with one island and still have a good trip. And if Cedar Point is the only thing you’ve come for, you can do it in a single long day.

 

Is Cedar Point Worth Visiting?

Yes, if you like amusement parks at all. Cedar Point has 18 roller coasters among its 66 rides, one of the largest coaster line-ups of any park in North America, plus two major new coasters in recent seasons in Top Thrill 2 and Siren’s Curse.

It isn’t only for thrill-seekers either. There’s a beach, a big children’s area, water rides, and live entertainment, so it works for mixed groups. Go on a weekday if you can, and arrive at opening to beat the worst of the queues.

 

Should I Visit Kelleys Island or Put-in-Bay?

If you only have time for one, pick based on the kind of day you want. Kelleys Island is the quieter, more laid-back option, good for the glacial grooves, the state park trails, cycling, and the beach.

Put-in-Bay, on South Bass Island, is livelier and has more to see in one place: the Perry’s Victory monument, the wineries, the Crystal Cave, the old carousel, and a busy bar scene. We’d send nature-lovers to Kelleys and anyone after more buzz to Put-in-Bay. You can do both in a day, but only if you plan around the ferry times.

 

How Do You Get to the Lake Erie Islands?

By ferry. Two main operators run the routes. Jet Express runs fast passenger ferries to Put-in-Bay from Port Clinton and to Kelleys Island from Sandusky, and it drops you right in the middle of town. Miller Ferry runs to Put-in-Bay from Catawba, is the cheapest option, and is the only one that carries cars.

Most people leave the car on the mainland and get around the islands by golf cart or bike, both of which you can rent near the ferry docks. Always check the time of the last ferry back before you set off.

 

When Is the Best Time to Visit Sandusky?

Late spring through early autumn, roughly mid-May to September. That’s when Cedar Point is open daily, the ferries are running their full schedules, and the islands are fully open. Summer is the warmest and busiest, while late spring and early autumn are a little quieter.

Winters in northern Ohio are cold and many island attractions close, so it isn’t a winter destination unless you’re heading for one of the indoor waterpark resorts, which run year-round. Book accommodation well ahead for summer weekends and holidays, when the area fills up.

 

Further Reading

Hopefully all the above gives you plenty of ideas for spending some time visiting Sandusky and the Shores and Islands region of Ohio! Before you head on, I wanted to share some additional resources to help you plan both this trip and future travels.

• For all the information you need to plan your trip, take a look at the official Shores and Islands website.
• You can also visit the official websites of Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island.
• If you’re planning a trip to the US, take a look at my guide to How Much it Costs to Travel in the USA.
• If you’re hiring a car, check out my Tips for Driving in the USA.
• For a good all-rounder to help pull a longer US trip together, the Lonely Planet USA guidebook is well worth a look.
• Want to see more of Ohio? Check out our guide to the best waterfalls in Ohio, as well as our guide to Amish Country, Ohio, our experience visiting The Wilds African Safari Park in Ohio, and our guide to things to do in Caldwell Ohio.
• Looking for some USA inspiration? Check out our two week California itinerary, our guide to driving the Pacific Coast Highway, our Deep South Road Trip itinerary, and our guide to planning a Route 66 adventure to get you started!

And that sums up our guide to visiting the Shores and Islands region of Ohio! Have you ever visited this region? Have tips to share, or questions you’d like to ask? Just pop them in the comments below, and remember, if you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it with your friends!

Disclaimer: Lake Erie Shores and Islands supported our trip by providing us with our Jet Express boat tickets, golf cart rental on both islands, and Cedar Point entry. We covered all other expenses ourselves, including meals, hire car, parking fees, and accommodation. As always, you can see our code of ethics for who we choose to work with and what that means!