Sandusky, OH

Travel Guide

Sandusky showing a bay or harbor, general coastal views and a coastal town
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

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 Maritime Museum of Sandusky 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩170,615 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
₩170,615
₩194,075 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
includes taxes & 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! (1,070 reviews)
i normally dont leave these kind of reviews but honestly what a great hotel. my kids are both under 10 and this was the perfect size hotel for them much easier than getting around kalahari and great wolf is just not as fun. it is incredibly clean and with the small size the workers are very quick ...

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2026

Cedar Point's Castaway Bay
Comfort Inn Sandusky

Comfort Inn Sandusky

2.5 out of 5
5909 Milan Rd Sandusky OH
The price is ₩102,817 per night from Feb 19 to Feb 20
₩102,817
₩116,954 total
Feb 19 - Feb 20
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Sandusky. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
The hotel overall was very dirty. There were dirty handprints on the door. The shower was dirty and had to be recleaned. The refrigerator was rusting on the outside and molding on the inside. I had very few tv channels. Not even simple ones for news. The hallways smelled of marijuana. The only good ...

Reviewed on Feb 17, 2026

Comfort Inn Sandusky
Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky OH

Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky OH

3.5 out of 5
4600 Milan Rd Sandusky OH
The price is ₩215,165 per night from Feb 25 to Feb 26
₩215,165
₩244,749 total
Feb 25 - Feb 26
includes taxes & 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! (1,001 reviews)
We were charged $100 more to stay there. They told us if we did not pay that our kids couldn't use the water park just a dirty scam.

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026

Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky OH
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
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 Merry-Go-Round Museum are ...
The Inn at Fulton
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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