You'd Be Surprised To Learn That Sandusky, Ohio Is One Of The Country's Best Coastal Towns
By Sarah McCosham|Published May 10, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
We often think of US coastal towns as the lovely locales dotting the shores of the Atlantic and Pacific — the former includes places like Newport Beach, The Outer Banks, and Hilton Head; the latter includes spots like Laguna Beach, Bodega Bay, and Cannon Beach. But the Buckeye State is a proud part of the country’s acclaimed North Coast (also called the Third Coast): the lovely waters that make up the Great Lakes region. Within this water-filled wonderland, Sandusky, Ohio, has been hailed as one of the country’s best coastal towns — and indeed, it certainly is.
On shores of Lake Erie in north-central Ohio, Sandusky is an enchanting slice of coastal paradise in the Buckeye State.
Sandusky has long been a must-visit destination in the Midwest for folks looking for a classic "beach" town experience. The town of 25,000 truly is the sum of its parts, as you'll soon see.
Families flock to Sandusky for all sorts of delightful attractions, including the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, Sandusky Children’s Museum, and the Merry-Go-Round Museum.
Of course, Cedar Point is *the* must-visit destination in town, and its brand-new Boardwalk offers a modern-day take on the experience of yesteryear complete with new experiences, a Grand Pavilion dining venue, and classic boardwalk.
Marblehead Lighthouse is another must-visit in the area. The oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes and one of the most-photographed lighthouses in Ohio, Marblehead Lighthouse is a beautiful beacon welcoming folks to the beaches of the Buckeye State!
Please note: the lighthouse is located at the eponymous Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, which is open year-round. Lighthouse tours, however, are offered seasonally -- Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
Of course, what's a lighthouse without boats and watercraft? During the summer, the shores of Sandusky are filled with all sorts of watercraft, from paddlers to boaters to, during the annual Ironman, even swimmers!
Of course, no self-respecting beach town would be without an ice cream stand, and Toft Dairy & Ice Cream Parlor is a longtime favorite that has the distinction of being the oldest dairy in Ohio! Don't leave without trying a dip of the blue-hued Lake Erie Cookie Island Monster.
Dining options abound in Sandusky as well, where you'll find everything from tasty pizzerias and town pubs to beloved barbecue joints and swanky bistros -- and oftentimes, these restaurants *also* boast outdoor dining and waterfront views, too!
DeMore's Offshore Bar & Grill, 302 W Perkins Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
Pictured here is a delicious seafood platter from DeMore's Offshore Bar & Grill.
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In terms of accommodations, Sandusky has much to offer, from luxury hotels and family-friendly resorts to posh waterfront condos and lake houses. We're partial to the latter, admittedly, and definitely suggest checking sites like VRBO for your "home away from home" when in Sandusky.
When you visit Sandusky, Ohio, you're getting so much more than a mere "beach vacation." You're getting the best of the Buckeye State -- the charm, hospitality, and scenery -- combined with a quintessential "beach town" experience, all right here in beautiful, wonderful Ohio!
While those who don’t call the Buckeye State home might be surprised to learn one of the best coastal towns in the country is in Ohio, we’re not surprised at all. Because we know how amazing our state is, and Sandusky has long been a perennial favorite for folks looking for a coastal getaway in Ohio.
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