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The 12 Best Lake Erie Beaches in Ohio and Pennsylvania

By Sarah Ashley

| Mar. 28, 2022

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If you don’t live near the Great Lakes, you may not be familiar with the wonder that is Lake Erie. The fourth largest of the Great Lakes, its northern shore is Canada’s Ontario Peninsula while its western, southern and eastern shores stretch from Michigan to New York, making up a big slice of Ohio’s northern border as well as Pennsylvania’s northwestern “chimney” region. Along its U.S. coastlines are tons of hidden, beachy gems. There’s no shortage of nature preserves, hiking trails, historical sites and good old-fashioned sandy beaches to keep you and your family entertained—whether you want to go away for a weekend or the entire summer. The best Lake Erie beaches in the U.S. offer up more than one attraction, though they all have natural beauty in common.

One thing to remember: Always check the water quality of the beach you are visiting beforehand! Lake Erie is unique in that it experiences huge algal blooms every summer thanks to rainfall in Indiana and Michigan. Sometimes, depending on weather patterns, the algae makes swimming impossible (or unsafe). It’s not always the case, but it’s wise to do your research before packing your bikini.

Michelle/Flickr

1. Port Clinton City Beach (Port Clinton, Ohio)

Getting There: 45 minutes from Toledo
Where to Stay: Lakefront Condo Rental, Fairfield Inn & Suites Port Clinton Waterfront
Ideal for: Gorgeous views, beach walks, sailors

Across the street from Lakeview Park is Port Clinton City Beach. This 2,180-foot-long beach is ideal for lengthy strolls, and anyone looking to sit back and relax with a good book for an afternoon. You’ll be able to snag gorgeous views of South Bass Island and hop over to several different marinas along the Portage River to check out crazy yachts or rent your own sailboat.

Check out Port Clinton City Beach

Ohio Department of Natural Resources/Facebook

2. Headlands Beach State Park (Mentor, Ohio)

Getting There: 40 minutes from Cleveland
Where to Stay: Private, Pet-Friendly House
Ideal for: Sand dune lovers

Headlands Beach State Park is a 2021 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice location. Its beach along Lake Erie is 35 acres of sandy lakefront. Visit the Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve just north of the beach, bike the 1.5-mile trail nearby or simply relax in the sunshine. Grills are also available for use if you feel like cooking midday. (Note: The dunes are not pet-friendly.)

Check out Headlands Beach State Park

Angelo Merendino/Getty Images

3. Edgewater Park Beach (Cleveland, Ohio)

Getting There: 10 minutes from Cleveland
Where to Stay: Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower
Ideal for: Dog owners, just about everyone

Edgewater Park is 147 acres of park with 2,400 feet of beach. The Edgewater Beach House and Centennial Plaza make changing, using the bathroom and grabbing a snack simple—and clean. Unlike many beaches on our list, you can get a huge city skyline view here, too. The beach even has a “K-9” section specifically for furry family members. Honestly, it’s a perfect location to experience both city and beach living.

Check out Edgewater Park Beach

Anna Tymczak-Rzemieniuk/Getty Images

4. Main Street Beach (Vermillion, Ohio)

Getting There: 45 minutes from Cleveland or 1 hour 30 minutes from Toledo
Where to Stay: Vermilion Ohio Beautiful Lake Front Beach House
Ideal for: Small town vibes, romantic getaways

There’s nothing like the charm of a small town. Vermillion has it all—including an opportunity to take sunset strolls along Main Street Beach near the Vermillion Lighthouse. Swing on hammocks at nearby Wakefield Metro Park or watch the boats come in from Lake Erie from Harbor View Park. Rent a canoe or paddle boards together for a truly romantic excursion!

Check out Main Street Beach

Marada/Flickr

5. Kelleys Island State Park (Erie County, Ohio)

Getting There: 20-minute ferry ride from Marblehead, OH, then 5-minute drive
Where to Stay: Water’s Edge Retreat, Kelleys Island State Park Campground
Ideal for: Secluded lake vacations, camping enthusiasts

A hop, skip and a jump away from the Kelleys Island State Park campground is a small swimming beach. Take a dip after a day of hiking, kayaking or fishing (though you need an Ohio fishing license to participate). We recommend a fall visit so you can witness the monarch butterfly migration!

Check out Kelleys Island State Park

Maumee Baby State Park/Facebook

6. Maumee Bay State Park Beach (Oregon, Ohio)

Getting There: 30 minutes from Toledo
Where to Stay: Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, Bayview Bed & Breakfast and Tea Cottage
Ideal for: Nature conservancy lovers, quieter stays

Maumee Bay State Park has two beaches to choose from: one on Lake Erie and one on an inland lake. Folks rave about the two-mile long, ADA accessible marshland boardwalk and the many biking trails in the area. The Maumee State Park Golf Course nearby could be a perk for anyone interested in playing a quick (or leisurely) 18 holes.

Check out Maumee Bay State Park Beach

K T/Flickr

7. Nickel Plate Beach (Huron, Ohio)

Getting There: 1 hour from Cleveland or 1 hour 30 minutes from Toledo
Where to Stay: Comfort Inn River’s Edge, Beach N’ Peaks Old Homestead Lake House
Ideal for: Bigger groups, volleyball enthusiasts

As the largest public swimming beach in Ohio, Nickel Plate offers plenty of room for big groups (and small ones!). There are beach volleyball nets for active types and a playground for kids. If you don’t want to lug water gear to the lake, you can rent floaties, paddleboards and kayaks there. Reviewers rave about the soft sand and expansive, ocean-like views of Lake Erie.

Check out Nickel Plate Beach

Kevin Vail

8. Lake Erie Bluffs (Perry, Ohio)

Getting There: 45 minutes from Cleveland, OH or 1.5 hours from Erie, PA
Where to Stay: Residence Inn by Marriott Cleveland Mentor, Family Summer House on Lake Erie
Ideal for: Non-swimmers, geocachers

Less a beach and more a work of art, the Lake Erie Bluffs offer an exceptional nature experience. Climb up the 50-foot coastal observation tower for spectacular views or hike along the rocky lakefront. Chances are good you’ll spot rare birds, bugs and plants. Participate in the area’s geocaching community or toss a canoe into the water for a completely different experience. Note: This not a swimming beach.

Check out Lake Erie Bluffs

East Harbor State Park/Facebook

9. East Harbor State Park (Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio)

Getting There: 1 hour from Toledo
Where to Stay: Modern Boho Waterfront Condo
Ideal for: Small kids, disc golfers

Set up shop along the 1,500-foot sandy beach in East Harbor State Park for a relaxing day of swimming and picnicking. Unlike some Lake Erie beaches, this one is known for being a bit calmer (aka, little-kid-friendly). There’s a legit disc golf course for anyone looking to show off their frisbee skills. Since East Harbor State Park is situated on a peninsula, there’s plenty of delightful views to take in on both sides.

Check out East Harbor State Park

Marada/Flickr

10. Cedar Point Beach (Cedar Point, Ohio)

Getting There: 1 hour 30 minutes from Cleveland or Toledo
Where to Stay: The Glass House
Ideal for: Thrill-seekers, families

While Cedar Point is known for its incredible amusement park, its beach is worth a visit, too. Soft, clean sand and a wide expanse of lakefront makes for an ideal day. Admission is free with park passes, but you can also go parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking and paddleboarding through North Coast Parasail without buying park tickets.

Check out Cedar Point Beach

James St. John, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

11. South Bass Island State Park (Put-in-Bay, Ohio)

Getting There: 20-minute ferry from Catawba Island
Where to Stay: Island Club House
Ideal for: Party people, boat people

The attractions on this small island (it’s just 3.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide) pack a punch. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to rent a boat or has a boat, as the beaches are not easily accessible for swimmers. However, there is a wildlife center, a scenic lookout, an aquatic center, a nature preserve, a winery and lots of restaurants. Though the vibe is slightly more party animal than family friendly, there are tons of educational opportunities and several state parks ripe for exploring. Rent golf carts or bicycles on the island to visit historical sites and the state park.

Check out South Bass Island

Anthony Burkholder/Getty Images

12. Presque Isle Beach (Erie County, Pennsylvania)

Getting There: 2 hours from Cleveland, OH or Buffalo NY
Where to Stay: Courtyard by Marriott Erie Bayfront, Sunny & Stylish Townhome
Ideal for: Groups with multiple interests, Pennsylvania residents

As a 2021 Traveler’s Choice on Tripadvisor, it’s hard to go wrong with Presque Isle Beach. There’s 3,200 acres of space and 13 unique beaches to explore. Make sure you know the lifeguard schedule, as swimming is only allowed when they are present (typically 12 to 7:30 p.m. in the summertime). If you can’t—or don’t want to—take a dip in the water, opt for a kayak cruise or a pontoon boat tour instead.

Check out Presque Isle Beach

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The 12 Best Lake Erie Beaches in Ohio and Pennsylvania

1. Port Clinton City Beach (Port Clinton, Ohio)

2. Headlands Beach State Park (Mentor, Ohio)

3. Edgewater Park Beach (Cleveland, Ohio)

4. Main Street Beach (Vermillion, Ohio)

5. Kelleys Island State Park (Erie County, Ohio)

6. Maumee Bay State Park Beach (Oregon, Ohio)

7. Nickel Plate Beach (Huron, Ohio)

8. Lake Erie Bluffs (Perry, Ohio)

9. East Harbor State Park (Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio)

10. Cedar Point Beach (Cedar Point, Ohio)

11. South Bass Island State Park (Put-in-Bay, Ohio)

12. Presque Isle Beach (Erie County, Pennsylvania)

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The 12 Best Lake Erie Beaches in Ohio and Pennsylvania

1. Port Clinton City Beach (Port Clinton, Ohio)

2. Headlands Beach State Park (Mentor, Ohio)

3. Edgewater Park Beach (Cleveland, Ohio)

4. Main Street Beach (Vermillion, Ohio)

5. Kelleys Island State Park (Erie County, Ohio)

6. Maumee Bay State Park Beach (Oregon, Ohio)

7. Nickel Plate Beach (Huron, Ohio)

8. Lake Erie Bluffs (Perry, Ohio)

9. East Harbor State Park (Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio)

10. Cedar Point Beach (Cedar Point, Ohio)

11. South Bass Island State Park (Put-in-Bay, Ohio)

12. Presque Isle Beach (Erie County, Pennsylvania)

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