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
$160 nightly
The price is $177 total per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
$177 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Catawba Island State Park and DeRivera Park are located ...
6.6/10 (369 reviews)
"Absolutely love how close the walking distance everything was, having the pool right outside The front door was amazing when the weather was good. Room service was so great and was the front desk."

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Commodore Resort
Islander Inn
Islander Inn
2.5 out of 5
225 Erie St, Put-in-Bay, OH
$158 nightly
The price is $175 total per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
$175 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (282 reviews)
"Had a great time.Would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Islander Inn
Bayshore Resort at Put-in-Bay
Bayshore Resort at Put-in-Bay
3.5 out of 5
328 Toledo Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH
$286 nightly
The price is $319 total per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
$319 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (184 reviews)
"Very clean and comfortable. I wish there had been a mini fridge in the room though. Pools were very nice."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Bayshore Resort at 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.
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! (7 reviews)
"Convenient resort small home/trailer park with pool, bar abd restaurant. Staff friendly. Working hard to get everything ready for summer fun."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Middle Bass Island retreat,10-min ferry ride to Put-in-Bay, Pet friendly!
Waterfront condo on Middle Bass Island
Waterfront condo on Middle Bass Island
Middle Bass
Stay at this condo in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy laundry facilities, balconies, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions St. Hazards Beach and Lonz Marine Harbor ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
"I love the quiet location and the water front view. Condo is well kept and clean with all necessities."

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Waterfront condo on Middle Bass Island
Middle Bass Island-Premium Lakefront Condo with Large Lakefront Covered Patio
Middle Bass Island-Premium Lakefront Condo with Large Lakefront Covered Patio
Middle Bass Island
Book a stay at this beach condo in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions St. Hazards Beach and Lonz Marine Harbor ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (106 reviews)
"Awesome place. Well stocked with everything we needed, the porch and the view are amazing. Walking distance to the water taxi, restaurant, and pool."

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Middle Bass Island-Premium Lakefront Condo with Large Lakefront Covered Patio
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.

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