Here in Ohio, Lake Erie is our own special sort of ocean—just without all the salt and jellyfish. This summer, take to the coast for a beach day and enjoy the fresh water, natural sand and beautiful views of our majestic Great Lake. The following are 9 stunning beaches in Ohio that we think look and feel like the ocean.
See which ones you've been to before and which ones belong on your summer bucket list:
1. Headlands Beach State Park (Mentor)
Headlands Beach is a mile-long natural sand beach, which makes it the largest in the state. It's also one of the most beautiful in the state. You'll find it at 9601 Headlands Rd., Mentor, OH 44060.
2. Maumee Bay State Park Beach (Oregon)
This half-a-mile-long beach features an amphitheater for special entertainment, an inland lake for smoother swimming, a large inflatable water slide, beach volleyball and boat rentals. You'll find it at 1400 State Park Rd., Oregon, OH 43616.
3. Breakwater Beach (Geneva State Park)
While the entire state park is gorgeous, the beach at Geneva State Park is unparalleled. Warm, smooth sands and picture picture views of Lake Erie await you at this little-known beach. You'll find it at 4499 Padanarum Rd., Geneva, OH 44041.
4. Cedar Point Beach (Sandusky)
While the beach behind Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio isn’t necessarily a secret, it’s not the most accessible beach—making it seem a like an exclusive, picture perfect beach away from it all. If you’ve never been here before, it’s definitely worth a visit. Take a peaceful break from your roller coaster mania or check into the beach’s nearby hotels for a picturesque Ohio beach experience you won’t soon forget.
5. Kelleys Island State Park Beach (Kelleys Island)
Tucked away on the north side of Kelleys Island is a secluded and lovely 100-ft. stretch of sand and a beach perfect for wading waist-deep in Lake Erie. It's located at 920 Division St., Kelleys Island, OH 43438.
6. Lakeview Park Beach (Lorain)
Lorain County's beloved beach features a summer concert series, beach volleyball, the historic Rose Garden, a nearby cafe and even stand-up paddle board lessons. Lakeview Park Beach is located at 1800 W Erie Ave., Lorain, OH 44052.
7. Walnut Beach (Ashtabula)
One of the most little-known Lake Erie beaches features a nearby playground and a picturesque view of the Ashtabula Lighthouse. You'll also find interesting rocks and pieces of driftwood along this pretty little beach. It's located at Lake Ave. & W 1st St., Ashtabula, OH 44004.
8. Nickel Plate Beach (Huron)
Tucked away behind several cottages you'll find Nickel Plate Beach in the small coastal town of Huron. In addition to some beach volleyball nets, you'll find some playground equipment for the little ones on this beach. It's located at 1 Nickel Plate Dr., Huron, OH 44839.
9. East Harbor State Park Beach (Lakeside-Marblehead)
This Lake Erie beach also features a large inflatable water slide and is close to ferries for beach goers to take to nearby islands and Marblehead Lighthouse. You'll find it at 1169 N Buck Rd., OH 43440.
Have you been to any of these beaches before? What others would you add to this list? Let us know!
For more summer fun in Ohio, check out our previous article: This Little Known Resort In Ohio Will Be Your New Favorite Summer Destination.
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