When you fall in love and marry a man from Ohio, over time you begin to conform to his Ohioan ways–one of those being that “up north” is now considered Lake Erie. My husband grew up coming to the shores and islands of Lake Erie since he was a baby, and shortly after we began dating I met his family there for the first time. It quickly held a special place in my heart.
Over the years we have stayed all along the coast line, from Port Clinton to Vermilion. We have taken our kids over to both Put-In-Bay and Kelleys Island. We have had an amazing time each and every trip, and there is always some place new to explore. Also, did I mention that this beach trip to the shores and islands of Lake Erie is under two hours away from Metro Detroit?!
Sample Itinerary for the Shores + Islands of Lake Erie
Day 1
2:00 p.m.| Travel Time
The wonderful thing about this beach trip is that it is only about two hours away. Our check-in to our condo was at 4:00 p.m., so we chose to leave at 2:00 p.m., stop at Kroger for an order pickup, and then check into our condo.
5:00 p.m. | Beach
It has now somehow become a tradition with every beach trip we go on that the first night, the kids end up swimming in their clothes. Our night ended with dinner at the condo followed by ice cream.
Day 2
10:00 a.m. | Beach
My husband’s moms came up to our condo from mid-Ohio and we spent all day at the beach.
4:00 p.m. | Sand Bar | 54 McKinley St, Huron, OH
We took a drive to Huron, another beachfront community, to check out the house that my husband’s family was in the process of buying. We ended our night with dinner at the Sand Bar.
Day 3
10:00 a.m. | Lakeview Park | 1100 E Perry St, Port Clinton, OH
My husband took the kids to Lakeview Park for a morning of play.
4:00 p.m. | Marblehead Lighthouse | 110 Lighthouse Dr, Marblehead, OH
Our trip would not be complete without a trip to take in the beautiful views at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park.
6:00 p.m. | Twin Oast Brewing | 3630 NE Catawba Rd, Port Clinton, OH
This was one of the best dining experiences I have had in a very long time. There were different seating styles and locations all around the very large property. We ordered our food from a QR code and they brought our food out to whatever table we chose on the property. My kids loved running around, playing the games, and frolicking in the sunflowers.
8:00 p.m. | Purple Parrot Ice Cream Bar | 1070 N Buck Rd, Marblehead, OH
We made a wrong turn out to the lighthouse earlier in the day, and when turning around, we saw the cutest ice cream shop, which of course my four-year-old WOULD NOT STOP talking about. So of course we had to end our night getting a sweet treat!
Day 4
9:00 a.m. | Jet Express |49 Jackson St, Port Clinton, OH
One of the wonderful things about the condo complex we have stayed at in the past few years is that it is right next to the Jet Express. We were able to walk from our condo, over to the Jet Express, and over to Put-In-Bay in under an hour.
10:00 a.m. | AB Cart Rental | 222 N Toledo Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH
After landing on the island, we made our way over to our cart rental so we could cruise around the whole island with ease.
11:00 a.m. | DeRivera Park | 100 Delaware Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH
We made a stop at the playground for the kids to burn off some energy and eat their packed lunch.
12:00 p.m. | Dodge Woods | 101 Thompson Road, Put-in-Bay, OH
We did our first hike of the day, which happened to be a story book walk put on by the Put-In-Bay Library.
12:30 p.m. | Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center | 255 Meechen Rd, Put-in-Bay, OH
Next stop was a trip to the nature center. The kids loved exploring the taxidermied animals and live turtles. We then did our second hike along the backside of the nature center.
1:30 p.m. | South Bass Island State Park | 1523 Catawba Ave, South Bass Island, OH
Would it be a trip to Put-In-Bay without snapping a picture with the big sign? There was also a nice playground and restrooms.
2:30 p.m. | The Boardwalk | 341 Bayview Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH
With a wonderful view of the bay, The Boardwalk had many different dining options all within the building to appeal to everyone.
4:00 p.m. | Perry’s Memorial | 93 Delaware Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH
Although we were unable to go to the top due to an issue from the bad storms the week before, we enjoyed taking in the views at the memorial.
4:30 p.m. | PIB Candy Bar | 170 Delaware St, Put-In-Bay, OH
Last but not least, our trip to the island ended with the kids picking out a candy from the PIB Candy Bar.
5:00 p.m. | Jet Express
We took the 5:00 p.m. ferry back to Port Clinton, ate dinner at home, and without a nap the kids were so tired and quickly headed to bed.
Day 5
10:00 a.m. | Beach
This was the nicest of our five days, so we chose to soak up the sun and have a fun beach and pool day.
5:00 p.m. | Saucey Slices Pizzeria | 90 Madison St, Port Clinton, OH
We got carry-out pizza for dinner. It was delicious and they have many specialty pizza options!
7:00 p.m. | Purple Parrot Ice Cream Bar
Would it be an end to a vacation with one last late night ice cream run?
Attractions You Must Visit
Glacial Grooves | 739 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH
This national natural landmark is a must-see when on Kelleys Island. The grooves are 400 feet long and show how the massive glaciers helped create the Great Lakes.
Liberty Aviation Museum | 3515 East State Rd, Port Clinton, OH
A perfect spot for the aviation geek or historian in your life. This museum showcases WW2 aircrafts and memorabilia.
Marblehead Lighthouse |110 Lighthouse Dr, Marblehead, OH
Marblehead Lighthouse offers wonderful views of Lake Erie as well as a water view of Cedar Point. You can also climb to the top of the lighthouse!
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial | 93 Delaware Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH
When in operation, you can take a trip to the observation deck which is 107 meters above lake level.
Portage River Paddling Company | 3134 W Harbor Rd, Port Clinton, OH
Daily rentals of kayaks, paddle boats, and canoes, along with group tours of the Portage River.
Favorite Coffee Shops
Brewed Awakening | 5485 Liberty Ave, Vermilion, OH
Along with decadent coffee, how does an egg avocado pesto bagel sandwich sound? Yum!
Coffee Express | 128 W 2nd St, Port Clinton, OH
Be sure to pack your patience because this popular coffee spot gets quite busy in-season. Be sure to also grab a slice of quiche!
Noddi’s Java | 196 Hartford Ave, Put-In-Bay
Right across from the playground! Stop in, grab a coffee, and let the kids play.
Taste by the Lake | 115 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH
Along with coffee you will find all sorts of tasty pastries, donuts, and breakfast sandwiches.
Favorite Places for Sweet Treats
Brummer’s | 672 Main St, Vermilion, OH
The kind of homemade chocolate shop that you can smell while walking down the street.
PIB Candy Bar | 170 Delaware St, Put-In-Bay, OH
From old school to new school candy, right on your way to the Jet Express Ferry.
Island Fudge Shoppe |109 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH
Mackinac Island isn’t the only island making amazing fudge . . .
Purple Parrot Ice Cream Bar | 1070 North Buck Rd, Marblehead, OH
The kids loved that this ice cream shop was shaped like a giant ice cream cone!
Scooter’s Dairy Bar | 425 Fremont Rd, Port Clinton, OH
Your good old-fashioned ice cream shop that is whipping up burgers and hot dogs too.
Restaurants You’ll Love
Boardwalk | 341 Bayview, Put-In-Bay, OH
With live music, four different bars, and different dining options which all having amazing food, what is not to love?
Kelley’s Island Wine Company | 418 Woodford, Kelleys Island, OH
A must-visit when on Kelley’s Island, especially with kids. Aside from the winery, the property also has the KI Cantina, which has excellent margaritas and many street tacos to choose from for you to enjoy while the kids play on the playground and pet the farm animals.
Saucey Slices Pizzeria
Hibachi pizza? Shrimp scampi pizza? Or just an original pepperoni? Saucey Slices has one for you!
The Wine Vault | 5581 Liberty Ave, Vermilion, OH
Sip on a glass of wine while indulging in the seasonally cultivated menu.
Twin Oast Brewing | 3630 NE Catawba, Port Clinton, OH
A must visit when in the area. This brewery is extremely family-friendly and offered me the best dining experience of our whole trip.
Bonus Tips to the Shores + Islands of Lake Erie
- Many of the condos, hotels, and homes are right on the beach or have private community beaches.
- Be sure to check out both Kelleys Island and Put-In-Bay. Both are a quick 30-minute ferry ride away and you can easily spend a day cruising around on a golf cart, taking in the island beauty, and eating and drinking some wonderful meals.
- With so much to see and do, I like to think of making each day a “mini day trip” to each region of the shores and islands of Lake Erie.
