Put-in-Bay, OH

Travel Guide

Photo provided by National Parks Service
Photo provided by National Parks Service
Put-in-Bay
Photo by Eve Reeves
Photo by Deepti Reddy

The historical site of the Battle of Lake Erie gets a modern makeover as Ohio’s top getaway destination.

Surrounded by Lake Erie, Ohio’s South Bass Island feels a world apart from the mainland. The island’s only town, Put-in-Bay (often written Put In Bay), has become a top Midwest getaway. The village got its name in the 1700s, when boats would “put in” to the bay during inclement weather.

Put-in-Bay has many restaurants, shops and bars concentrated in its downtown. Relax in a village nightspot and enjoy live music, available almost any evening. During the day, find a winery and pass the afternoon lounging on the expansive vineyards. Doller House, one of the area’s most famous wineries, doubles as a museum depicting island life in the mid-1800s. Heineman’s Winery is home to the famous Crystal Cave, which holds the world’s largest geode.

Spend a few hours at Perry's Cave Family Fun Center, with cave tours, an antique car museum and a butterfly house. Learn about the history of the island at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, which was built to commemorate those who fought in the War of 1812’s Battle of Lake Erie. The setting of the massive column against the water creates a perfect photo opportunity.

Lake Erie appears prominently in Put-in-Bay’s recreational activities during summer the waterfront is filled with swimmers, kayakers, Jet Skiers and sailors. Moorings are also available so that visitors can bring their boats from the mainland.

The town offers a variety of accommodation that ranges from budget hotels to quaint bed-and-breakfasts. South Bass Island State Park, located at the far end of the island, has a campground with full facilities.

Although cars are permitted in Put-in-Bay, most people opt to explore by foot, or with golf cart or bicycle, both of which can be rented upon arriving on the island.

Most people visit Put-in-Bay from May to September. Ferries run to and from the island daily during the peak season. Port Clinton, Sandusky and Catawba Island are the top mainland departure points. Alternatively, visitors can fly into the tiny Put-in-Bay Airport or take a private boat.

Commodore Resort

Commodore Resort

2.5 out of 5
272 Delaware Avenue, Put-in-Bay, OH
$98 nightly
The price is $109 total per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
$109 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions DeRivera Park and Lake Erie Islands Historical Society ...
6.6/10 (454 reviews)
"Great stay for cheap and right downtown. You can walk through the hotel into Mr. Ed’s, and there is a subway in the lobby. However, take the Jet Express so you can just walk to your room. You will save $80 a day on a cart and if you park out back in the alley, you will get your golf cart stolen. ..."

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2025

Commodore Resort
Bayshore Resort at Put-in-Bay

Bayshore Resort at Put-in-Bay

3.5 out of 5
328 Toledo Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (278 reviews)
"We stayed for the weekend at the Bayshore Resort and we cannot say enough about the customer service and kindness the staff showed us from check in to check out! The views were amazing and we rented a golf cart from them which was very convenient. Yes we were there in the off season but what a great ..."

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2025

Bayshore Resort at Put-in-Bay
Islander Inn

Islander Inn

2.5 out of 5
225 Erie St, Put-in-Bay, OH
Stay at this hotel in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and 2 poolside bars. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (411 reviews)
"It was nice. Clean. Close to all of the activities"

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2025

Islander Inn
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.
Middle Bass Island retreat,10-min ferry ride to Put-in-Bay, Pet friendly!

Middle Bass Island retreat,10-min ferry ride to Put-in-Bay, Pet friendly!

Middle Bass
Stay at this vacation home in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions St. Hazards Beach and Middle Bass Island ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"Had a wonderful weekend on a girls trip. Accidentally selected this property we thought was in Put-in Bay. Was a great mistake the property and community was fun."

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2025

Middle Bass Island retreat,10-min ferry ride to Put-in-Bay, Pet friendly!
Best Downtown Location- Large, Beautiful!- The Queen Elizabeth House

Best Downtown Location- Large, Beautiful!- The Queen Elizabeth House

Put-in-Bay
Stay at this vacation home in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Kimberly's Carousel and Aquatic ...
10/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
"We had a great stay this past weekend. Everything was perfect!"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Best Downtown Location- Large, Beautiful!- The Queen Elizabeth House
RARE FIND! Guest House in downtown Village of Put-in-Bay!

RARE FIND! Guest House in downtown Village of Put-in-Bay!

Put-in-Bay
Stay at this vacation home in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Kimberly's Carousel and DeRivera ...
8/10 Very Good! (17 reviews)
"Fantastic host, amazing location, and very accommodating housekeeper!"

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2025

RARE FIND! Guest House in downtown Village of Put-in-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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Put-in-Bay

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
60
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
26
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

One of my favorite places on earth!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Put-in-Bay has so many attractions to explore! We especially enjoyed the Crystal Cave and Perry's Cave.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Would stay at Resort again.

5/5 - Excellent

Anthony

I would like to see more pet friendly places to eat.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Great fun. Good food and drinking spots. Great variety of live music.

5/5 - Excellent

Kate

Love coming here every summer. Chicken next to round house, hiking, history, great wine, caves, unplug, great food.

Cities near Put-in-Bay

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