Summer has finally arrived, and that means (hopefully) long, sunny days are upon us. But before you pack up and head south for the ocean, make sure you’ve checked out these Ohio beaches, all within a day’s driving distance of Cleveland. These are all a little more low key and off the beaten path from the usual. Get exploring.

Firefly Beach Resort 4903 Cleveland Rd E, Huron, 419-557-4108 Located off the shore of Lake Erie, Firefly Beach Resort is the perfect place to relax and meditate. Not only does the lakefront resort afford summer cabins, camping and RV sites, but it also offers yoga classes with a certified instructor three days a week. Photo via dailydownwarddog/Instagram
Headlands Beach State Park 9601 Headlands Rd., Mentor, 440-466-8400 The largest in the state, this mile-long beach is a magnet for wildlife, attracting migrating songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, gulls and Monarch butterflies. There are also ample opportunities for fishing at a federal breakwall east of the park, where anglers can catch bluegill, walleye, coho salmon and carp among others. Photo via cohen_alex/Instagram
Nickel Plate Beach 1 Nickel Plate Dr, Huron, 419-433-8487 The largest public beach in Erie County has everything you’ll need for a fun-filled summer day: swimming, picnic tables, grills, playground equipment and sand volleyball courts. Here, there’s something for everyone. Photo via prettyinohio/Instagram
White Star Quarry 901 S. Main St., Gibsonburg, 419-334-4495 White Star Quarry is all about the scuba diving. Divers’ friends and family can watch them plunge for free, or they can spend some time swimming at the beach. Photo via jamie.byrdd/Instagram
Alum Creek State Park Beach 3400 Lewis Center Rd, Lewis Center, 740-548-4631 If you feel like swimming, Alum Creek State Park is Ohio’s largest inland beach in the state park system. Away from the beach, the state park offers boating, disc golf, a dog park, fishing and more. Photo via maria_blatnick/Instagram
Main Street Beach 479 Main St, Vermilion, 440-204-2402 Main Street Beach is great for swimming, but visitors also have the opportunity to go canoeing, kayaking, fishing and birding. Head on over, and try them all. Photo via kylestimenow/Instagram
Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park 301 Huntington Beach Dr, Fairport Harbor, 440-639-9972 Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park is a great place to swim, kayak, paddleboard or just hang out on the beach. Make sure to check out the adapted programming for people with physical, sensory or developmental disabilities, too. Get on over there before Labor Day. Photo via fcostell1/Instagram
Maumee Bay State Park Beach 1400 State Park Road, Oregon, 419-836-7758 At Maumee Bay, you can swim in Lake Erie or in the park’s inland lake. Take a day trip or stay in the campground, cabins or lodge. You may need to make it a weekend trip, because there are many activities to choose from. Photo via emilym628/Instagram
Salt Fork Lake Beach 14755 Cadiz Road, Lore City, 740-439-3521 Salt Fork Lake was once just Salt Fork Creek, which has since been impounded to offer visitors many recreational activities. Salt Fork State Park has a swimming beach, an 18-hole golf course, 14 hiking trails and 10 boat launching ramps. Visitors can even camp on their boats in no-wake zones. Photo via pchyjnn/Instagram
Euclid Beach Park 16301 Lakeshore Blvd, 216-635-3200 Visiting Euclid Beach Park, a 90-acre amusement park that was open from 1895-1969, is a great way to immerse yourself in some Cleveland history. Part of the lakefront property is now owned by the Cleveland Metroparks, and you can check out some great views from the beach or newly-redone pier. Photo via konhur/Instagram
Centennial Quarry 5773 Centennial Rd, Sylvania, 419-885-7106 Swimmers should be especially sure to check out Centennial Quarry. This deep-water swimming facility offers diving platforms, a water teeter-totter and several swim rafts and water toys. Photo via allison_victoriaaa/Instagram
Conneaut Park 480 Lake Rd., Conneaut, 440-599-7071 Offering a series of wooden boardwalks and eight sporting fields, Conneaut Township Park allows you to kick back on the sandy beach and watch the sunset while also taking some time to get your recommended exercise. Photos: one approved Photo via revwaynard/Instagram
East Harbor State Park 1169 N. Buck Rd., Lakeside-Marblehead, 419-734-4424 A full-stocked marina with seasonal and daily dock rentals, a disc golf course, 11 hiking trails, basketball and volleyball courts, a nature center. These are just some of the recreational amenities available at the historic East Harbor State Park — never mind the wetlands, which produce more wildlife than any other type of habitat in Ohio. Photo via kathyjaworski/Instagram
Genoa Quarry Swimming Beach 607 Washington St., Genoa, 419-855-7791 ext. 222 Part of the 30-acre Veterans Memorial Park area, you can relax on this beach after exhausting yourself at the park’s many baseball fields or in-line skating court. The quarry, staffed with Red Cross certified lifeguards, is also one of the safest bets when it comes to swimming (or watching your kids swim). Photo via laurenmarcon/Instagram
Hinckley Lake 1822 East Drive, Hinckley, 330-278-2160 Anyone interested in fishery should be sure to make a trip to Hinckley Lake off the Rocky River. With largemouth bass, rainbow trout, bullhead catfish and more, Hinckley is a prime spot for resident anglers to kick back with their rods. Photo via olenalevan/Instagram
Lakeview Park 607 Washington St., Genoa, 419-855-7791 ext. 222 After enjoying the beach from a lovely sunset terrace, visitors of Lakeview Park can take a walk through the 2,500 acres rose garden or relax at the historic bathhouse. Photo via c_nick_ventures/Instagram
Lakewood Beach Park 3801 Lake Rd., Sheffield Lake, 440-949-6259 Located along the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Trail, Lakewood Beach Park is a great place to bring the whole family. This small gem includes a picnic table and girl, along with an open-sun beach area and a shady woodland path. Photo via austinkunch/Instagram
Perkins Beach Lakefront Reservation, Cleveland Sitting at the bottom of a 60ft cliff, Perkins Beach is not for the faint of heart. While swimming is not permitted, beachgoers can partake in boating, sailing, paddlesports and more. Photo via madisonhayes24/Instagram
Reno Beach Toledo Reno Beach and the nearby hotels are a great place to stay while in town for the many events in and around Toledo. Photo via luvbnett/Instagram

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