20 Ohio Beach Towns Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

Vermillion

Erie and Lorain Counties

Bordering both Lake Erie and the scenic Vermillion River, Vermillion is a quintessential beach town. The historic downtown features a plethora of waterfront restaurants, marinas, and old-timey storefronts, giving the town a vintage feel. A sidewalk connects downtown to Main Street Beach, where you can see the historic Vermillion Lighthouse and watch the sunset from the beach’s observation platform.

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Oregon

Lucas County

Just east of Toledo, this beach town claims one mile of shoreline on Lake Erie. Visitors can swim on the sandy beaches of Maumee Bay State Park, bike along the “Oregon Trail” or relax at one of three regional parks.

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Conneaut

Ashtabula County

Located at the far Northeast corner of the state, this beach town is home to world-class fishing in both Lake Erie and Conneaut Creek. The Conneaut Port Authority provides a boat launch, sand bar, fuel dock and several fishing charters, while Conneaut’s marina houses hundreds of boats each year.

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Fairport Harbor

Lake County

Off the shores of Lake Erie, this charming harbor town boasts one of the most beautiful public beaches in the state. Visit the historic Marine Museum and Lighthouse, grab lunch at one of the many seaside restaurants and explore the quaint shops before heading out on the water. With three boating ramps, a fishing pier, several marinas, plenty of public swimming area and canoe/kayak access, Fairport Harbour offers endless opportunities for recreation.

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Geneva-on-the-Lake

Ashtabula County

Established in 1869 as a public picnic grounds, Geneva-on-the-Lake has been a recreational destination for generations of Ohians. Today you can enjoy fishing, boating and swimming at the nearby Geneva State Park, shoot a round at one of the in-town golf courses and explore the town’s selection of arcades, restaurants, nightclubs and wineries. If travelling with kids, be sure to visit Adventure Zone, a family fun center featuring a zipline, go karts, bumper boats, mini-golf, batting cages and more.

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Kelleys Island

Erie County

Take a ferry to the largest freshwater American island in Lake Erie. Once there, swim at the sandy beach, rent a bike or kayak, go scuba diving, tour the historic Kelley’s mansion and fish from various piers or boats. Be sure to check out the Glacial Grooves State Memorial — the largest and most breathtaking example of glacial grooves in the world.

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Marblehead

Ottawa County

Marblehead gets its name from early settlers, who mistook the limestone bordering the shore for marble. Sitting at the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula, this seaside town offers two miles of sandy beach. Visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, picnicking and camping at East Harbor State Park, go on a tour of the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes, stop by the historic Keeper’s House and museum or even catch a ferry to the Lake Erie Islands.

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Mentor-on-the-Lake

Lake County

Perched off the shores of Lake Erie, Mentor-on-the-Lake contains four parks within its small lakeside community, two of which sit directly overlooking the lake. It is only a short drive from Headlands Beach State Park, the longest natural beach in Ohio.

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Put-in-Bay

Ottawa County

Only a two-hour drive from Cleveland, Put-in-Bay offers an island getaway experience right in your backyard. You’ll have to take a ferry to reach the island, but once there recreational opportunities are boundless — explore a cave, go parasailing or jet skiing and tour the island by helicopter or train. While Put-in-Bay offers an extensive list of attractions, one of the most popular has to be Perry’s International Peace Memorial, an observation deck where you can see the Detroit, Toledo and Cleveland skylines from an observation deck.

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Port Clinton

Ottawa County

Commonly referred to as the “Walleye Capital of the World,” Port Clinton upholds its namesake with several marinas and fishing charters dispersed throughout the town. With plenty of quaint restaurants and shops in the downtown area, along with a lighthouse, five unique parks, a nature preserve and a sandy beach, this good ol’ fishing town has something to offer for everyone who visits.

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