Sandusky, OH

Travel Guide

Sandusky showing a bay or harbor, general coastal views and a coastal town
Sandusky featuring sailing, swimming and a beach
Sandusky which includes general coastal views, boating and rides
Sandusky showing a garden, signage and flowers
Sandusky featuring general coastal views and a lighthouse

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

history still stands

Historic Downtown Sandusky

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

Historic Downtown Sandusky
Cedar Point's Castaway Bay

Cedar Point's Castaway Bay

3 out of 5
2001 Cleveland Road Sandusky OH
$159 nightly
The price is $181 total per night from Apr 12 to Apr 13
$181 total
Apr 12 - Apr 13
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,047 reviews)
We always love staying at castaway Bay. A few disappointments this time. It seems they opened and closed a lot of the slides. We went to get ice cream on Saturday night and they were out of almost every topping. They said they were out of sprinkles but I saw a box there on the counter. I think they ...

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2026

Cedar Point's Castaway Bay
Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky OH

Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky OH

3.5 out of 5
4600 Milan Rd Sandusky OH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$149 nightly
The price is $170 total per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
$170 total
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly resort in Sandusky. Enjoy 5 indoor pools, 2 hot tubs, and free water park access. Popular attractions Cedar Point and Kalahari ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Clean room, clean facilities, friendly staff, main restaurant had good food at a reasonable price, plenty of kid friendly events all day. It felt like an escape from the cold weather. I thought it was a great value for the money.

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2026

Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky OH
Comfort Inn Sandusky

Comfort Inn Sandusky

2.5 out of 5
5909 Milan Rd Sandusky OH
$71 nightly
The price is $81 total per night from Apr 15 to Apr 16
$81 total
Apr 15 - Apr 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sandusky. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
Everything is good about this hotel

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2026

Comfort Inn Sandusky
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 Cedar Point Shores are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (328 reviews)
Everything was excellent. The view was over the top. You can just walk across for the amusement park never had so much fun in my life. It was really really fun.

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2025

Cedar Point's Lighthouse Point
Lakefront 3-BR Home Summer Getaways & Sports Force

Lakefront 3-BR Home Summer Getaways & Sports Force

Sandusky OH
Stay at this vacation home in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cedar Point and Kalahari Waterpark Resort ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (136 reviews)
Doug was great at communicating before and during our trip. Answered questions very quick. We would stay again.

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2026

Lakefront 3-BR Home Summer Getaways & Sports Force
Minutes to Cedar Point, newly remodeled 4 bedrooms.

Minutes to Cedar Point, newly remodeled 4 bedrooms.

Sandusky OH
Stay at this vacation home in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Cedar Point and Kalahari Waterpark Resort are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (53 reviews)
Overall great stay. Very accommodating to our family. Really enjoyed the smal attention to detail.

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2026

Minutes to Cedar Point, newly remodeled 4 bedrooms.
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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