Sandusky, OH

Travel Guide

An aerial view of a coastal town with a prominent lighthouse, marina, and lush greenery.
A boat named 'GOODTIME I' with multiple flags, including the American flag, sailing on water with roller coasters in the background.
A landscaped garden with the words "Lake Erie" and "Shores & Islands" in the center.
A lighthouse with a red and white color scheme, a black top, and a large red propeller.
A sailboat on a calm lake with a large building and trees in the background.

Between seeking thrills on some of the world’s best roller coasters or reeling in your big catch from Lake Erie, this charming town will keep you entertained for days.

Sandusky, located directly on Lake Erie’s south shore in Ohio, is a small city with a big personality. It retains its vintage charm while having a variety of tourist attractions. Stop through as part of a Great Lakes tour or visit Sandusky as a standalone destination.

The months between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the high tourism season in the Great Lakes region. The famed amusement park at Cedar Point is easily the main attraction of Sandusky. It is widely known as one of the world’s best amusement parks for its large number of rides and prime spot on the edge of a peninsular. Millennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster are two of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world. Cedar Point also has water rides, an arcade, children’s attractions and musical performances. Take a break from the rides and soak up the sun on the adjacent beach along Lake Erie.

Five indoor water parks operate year-round. These include Castaway Bay and Soak City, located adjacent to Cedar Point. Spend a day at Kalahari Resort, which has the largest indoor water park in the U.S.

Boaters and fishers will find Sandusky the perfect base from which to get out on the water. Charter a boat to reel in the big catches during a day of offshore fishing. Try your luck at the scenic Castalia State Fish Hatchery along Cold Creek or head to Cold Creek Trout Camp. Rent a motorboat or ride the ferry to go island hopping along the charming Lake Erie Islands. Explore the shops, restaurants and attractions at Put-in-Bay, Kelleys Island and Middle Bass Island.

Stop at one of the many restaurants in the area for a delicious meal fresh from the lake. Take the marked wine trail to visit more than a dozen different wineries that offer tastings.

Sandusky is conveniently located just over an hour’s drive from Cleveland to the east and Toledo to the west.

Where to stay in Sandusky

Find the best Sandusky areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Sandusky
Learn more about Sandusky

Historic Downtown Sandusky

While Historic Downtown Sandusky isn't home to many top sights, Merry-Go-Round Museum and Maritime Museum of Sandusky are some notable places to visit nearby.

Cedar Point's Hotel Breakers

Cedar Point's Hotel Breakers

3.5 out of 5
One Cedar Point Drive Sandusky OH
$351 nightly
The price is $399 total per night from Jul 5 to Jul 6
$399 total
Jul 5 - Jul 6
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
"Nice accommodations. Pillows weren’t very comfortable and there is no coffee maker. The shower was lovely. Being able to sleep and shower after a day at the park was priceless. And the early entry!!!"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2026

Cedar Point's Hotel Breakers
Cedar Point's Express Hotel

Cedar Point's Express Hotel

2 out of 5
1201 Cedar Point Drive Sandusky OH
$143 nightly
The price is $163 total per night from Jul 5 to Jul 6
$163 total
Jul 5 - Jul 6
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,130 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2026

Cedar Point's Express Hotel
Cedar Point's Castaway Bay

Cedar Point's Castaway Bay

3 out of 5
2001 Cleveland Road Sandusky OH
$191 nightly
The price is $217 total per night from Jul 5 to Jul 6
$217 total
Jul 5 - Jul 6
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly resort in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,095 reviews)
"Breakfast was not included, options were onsite."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2026

Cedar Point's Castaway 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.
Cedar Point's Lighthouse Point

Cedar Point's Lighthouse Point

2.5 out of 5
1 Cedar Point Drive Sandusky OH
Stay at this cabin in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and water park access (surcharge). Popular attractions Cedar Point and Sports Force Parks at Cedar ...
9/10 Wonderful! (361 reviews)
"Cottage could use a good cleaning dust dirt cobbwebs all over. They started blowing leaves at 5:30am! Woke us all up."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2026

Cedar Point's Lighthouse Point
The Inn at Fulton

The Inn at Fulton

2 out of 5
201 Fulton St Sandusky OH
Stay at this aparthotel in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Cedar Point and Sports Force Parks at Cedar ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (37 reviews)
"We would absolutely stay here again. It was a great location close to great restaurant options and pretty views of the downtown and water. In the reviews I read the biggest complaint was the noise level. You could clear as day hear any conversations of other rooms if you were in the hallway. Once ..."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2026

The Inn at Fulton
Cozy 3BD 5min Cedar Point/Sports Force

Cozy 3BD 5min Cedar Point/Sports Force

Sandusky OH
Stay at this apartment in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Cedar Point and Kalahari Waterpark Resort ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (18 reviews)
"Unit was well stocked with supplies needed. It was spacious with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. I recommend replacing carpet throughout (flooring other than carpet) as it's well worn and probably hard to keep clean. When we arrived, dryer still had bed linens in it. Dishwasher still had dishes in it. ..."

Reviewed on May 10, 2026

Cozy 3BD 5min Cedar Point/Sports Force
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.

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