The 12 Best Lake Erie Beaches in Ohio and Pennsylvania
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.
RELATED: 9 Little-Known Lake Michigan Beaches Where Crowds Are Few and Far Between
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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