The Best Things To Do In Sandusky, Ohio (2024)

Founded in 1818, Sandusky sits along the shores of Lake Erie and has been a popular Ohio vacation hotspot since the late 1800’s. As the home to Cedar Point Amusem*nt Park, known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” hundreds of thousands of people flock to the amusem*nt park each year.Sandusky, Ohio is much more than just a home to a world-renowned amusem*nt park! While preserving its historical past, Sandusky is a thriving town with new attractions, restaurants serving delicious cuisine and local bars providing exciting nightlife. Keep reading for the bestthings to do in Sandusky, Ohio!

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The Best Things To Do In Sandusky, Ohio

This Sandusky Ohio travel guide will show you the best Sandusky attractions, restaurants and hotels to make the most of your visit to this lakefront town. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly vacation, romantic getaway or a retreat with your friends, a coastal Sandusky getaway is fun for everyone!

Historic Sandusky, Ohio

Since 1818, Sandusky has seen its share of historical events. It was once the world’s largest freshwater fishing port and products were shipped year-round. Even during the winter as harvested ice from Lake Erie enabled fish to be shipped to the East Coast. During the 1830’s-1850’s, Sandusky was a major depot on the Underground Railroad as slaves escaped to Canada on ships sailing from the port of Sandusky. There’s plenty of historic places in Sandusky for history buffs to explore. Visit historic sites and museums or take a self-guided Downtown Sandusky Historic Walking Tour.

Historic Downtown Sandusky

The revitalization of historic downtownSanduskyinvites visitors and locals alike to enjoy the peaceful waterfront and well-manicured parks, stroll the charming streets, shop at local boutiques, dine at locally owned restaurants and marvel at beautifully restored buildings.

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Boy with the Boot Statue

Located in Washington Park, near the Erie County Courthouse, the replica Boy with the Boot statue dwells within the park’s water fountain. The original bronze statue was installed in 1895 and now resides in the lobby of City Hall. This charismatic statue serves as Sandusky’s unofficial mascot and is an endearing symbol of the city’s past.

Sandusky State Theatre

Sitting in the heart of historic downtown Sandusky, the stunningSandusky State Theatreofficially opened in 1928. This historic landmark has been providing live entertainment, comedy, musical and theater performances and educational series to the Sandusky community for nearly 100 years. While you may visit the theatre for a show, take time to appreciate the beautifully restored architecture, numerous original features and the spectacular grand chandelier.

{Due to a strong windstorm in June 2020, the Sandusky State Theatre is currently closed for renovations.}

Museums In Sandusky, Ohio

Merry-Go-Round Museum

Located in the original Sandusky Post Office building (which is now on the National Register of Historic Places), theMerry-Go-Round Museumofficially opened in 1990. With exquisite and rare carousel figures, the museum gives visitors a glimpse of amusem*nt and carousel history. The museum features Dentzel carving tools, a Gustav Dentzel deer (ca. 1895), Charles Looff goat and camel (ca. 1880), the King Armored horse by Daniel Muller (ca.1925) from Cedar Point’s Kiddieland carousel and a circa 1939 Allan Herschell Corporation Merry-Go-Round that children and kids-at-heart can still ride today.

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Other popular Sandusky museums include; the Maritime Museum of Sandusky, Follett House Museum and the Ohio Veterans Home Museum.

Boat Tours In Sandusky, Ohio

There’s no better way to experience Sandusky’s lake life than by taking a boat tour.

Airboat Ride

Take a thrilling ride through Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay on aAir1 Airboat. Captain Tony takes guests on a fun, high-speed ride with waterfront views of Cedar Point and local wildlife. Bring a waterproof jacket because you may get wet!

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Sandusky Sunset Cruise

I love watching the sunset on a daily basis, but there is just something magical about watching the sun set over the water. With a relaxing sunset cruise on theGoodtime I, guests are encouraged to sit back and enjoy the serene surroundings as the boat cruises through Sandusky Bay. With views of the Sandusky shoreline and Cedar Point, you’ll be in the perfect spot to watch the star of the cruise, the sun, gently sink into the water. A sunset cruise in Sandusky, Ohio is the perfect way to experience the breathtaking Lake Erie sunsets.

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More Sandusky Attractions

Segway Tours in Sandusky, Ohio

As an alternative to a walking tour, taking a Segway tour withSandusky Segwaveis a fun way to explore the town. Jim, your friendly and knowledgeable tour guide and owner of Sandusky Segwave, offers one and two-hour tours that showcase Sandusky’s historic sites and local attractions.

Firelands Winery

Producing wines since 1880,Firelands Wineryis one of the oldest wineries in the state. Take a self-guided winery tour, sample a wine flight, relax on the outdoor covered patio and walk through the vineyards.Wine lovers could easily spend an afternoon at Firelands Winery enjoying the delightful wines, delicious cuisine and the serene surroundings!

Toft’s Ice Cream Parlor

You can’t miss the deliciousness of Toft’s ice cream! Since 1900, the family owned, and operated dairy has supplied the Sandusky region with milk and dairy products. Toft’s Dairy is Ohio’s oldest dairy.

Sandusky, Ohio Waterparks

Sandusky has two huge indoor waterpark resorts that make for the perfect year-round weekend getaways.Kalahari Resortis Ohio’s largest indoor waterpark, while theGreat Wolf Lodge Waterparkis equally exciting.

Sandusky, Ohio Amusem*nt Parks

Cedar Point Amusem*nt Park is known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” with hundreds of thousands of people flocking to the park each year. Another spot for thrilling indoor adventures in Sandusky is Ghostly Manor Thrill Center.

Hiking near Sandusky, Ohio

Sawmill Creek Preserve offers three miles of quiet trails and Sheldon Marsh Nature Preserve is home to nearly 500-acres and is a great place to watch migrating birds.

Lighthouses near Sandusky, Ohio

While there aren’t any lighthouses in Sandusky, Ohio, Marblehead Lighthouse is just a short 30-minute drive away. During the warmer months, visitors can climb the 77 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of Lake Erie, learn about the history of the lighthouse at the museum and stroll around the waterfront park for more Lake Erie views.

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Sandusky, Ohio Restaurants and Bars

Sandusky’s Food Scene

Sandusky has a surprisingly diverse gastronomy scene. From brewpubs to brasseries, you’ll find a little bit of everything in Sandusky. A few of my favorite place to eat in Sandusky, Ohio are:Vine & Olive,Toft’s Dairy,J Bistro,Zinc Brasserie, OH Taco,Small City Taphouse, Sandusky Bay Pancake House. Dockside Café for a laidback Sandusky waterfront restaurant.

Sandusky’s Nightlife

Whether you want to enjoy a hand-crafted co*cktail or local craft beer, Sandusky has plenty of bars to serve you a refreshing libation. A few of my favorite bars are:Volstead Bar,Crush Wine Bar,Moseley’s Rooftop Bar(enjoy great views of Lake Erie while sipping on a cold drink at Moseley’s) andBait House Brewery.

Hotels in Sandusky, Ohio

From a boutique hotel, family friendly beach hotels to national chain hotels, there are plenty of options in the Sandusky area. A few of my favorite places to stay in Sandusky, Ohio are:Hotel Kilbourne,Cedar Point’s Hotel BreakersandKalahari Resort.

While Sandusky can be a bustling town spring through fall due to roller coaster fans flocking to Cedar Point and the abundance of lake activities, it’s a great coastal town to visit in any season. During the colder months, there are still lots of great things to do in Sandusky, Ohio in the winter. No matter the season, there’s plenty of fun things to do in Sandusky, Ohio!

PIN IT!

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A special thanks to Lake Erie Shores & Islands and all the wonderful businesses we visited in Sandusky! I was an invited guest of Lake Erie Shores & Islands. As always on Ohio Girl Travels, all opinions are my own!

The Best Things To Do In Sandusky, Ohio (2024)

FAQs

What is Sandusky, Ohio famous for? ›

Located along the Sandusky Bay shoreline, Sandusky has been named the Best Coastal Small Town in America! This growing destination is home to world class amusem*nt park, Cedar Point, and is known as Ohio's Water Park Capital due to the popularity of year-round indoor water park resorts.

Is Sandusky, Ohio worth visiting? ›

Sandusky, Ohio, is on the shores of Lake Erie and is famous for its family attractions, amusem*nt parks, animal experiences and quirky, kid-friendly museums. Among the most famed sites in Sandusky is the famed Cedar Point amusem*nt park, which boasts one of the highest roller coaster counts in the world.

Which is better, Castaway Bay or Great Wolf Lodge? ›

The hot tub at Great Wolf was not very warm, did not have much jacuzzi action and did not go outside (another reason we prefer Castaway Bay). There were also no lounge chairs at Great Wolf, only upright seating so you could not lay back and relax like you can at Castaway Bay.

What is the importance of Sandusky? ›

Prior to the abolition of slavery in the United States, Sandusky was a stop for refugee slaves on the Underground Railroad, as some would travel across Lake Erie to reach freedom in Canada.

What is an interesting fact about Sandusky? ›

It was also briefly known as Portland. The present name (from a Wyandot [Wendat] Indian word meaning “cold water” or “pure water”) was adopted in 1818. The first railroad arrived in 1835. In the 1850s Sandusky was a terminus of the Underground Railroad, an escape route for slaves.

Is Sandusky Ohio water safe to drink? ›

IN DRINKING WATER

The Sandusky water treatment process has been effective in removing algal toxins from Lake Erie water since testing began in 2011. In 2022 all tap samples tested at BIWW were non-detect for microcystins.

How deep is the Blue Hole in Sandusky Ohio? ›

From layover to tourist attraction

“The Blue Hole is approximately 40 feet in diameter. Between 40 and 50 feet of depth. It's an artesian spring – water comes from underground. It's void of oxygen.

Is Sandusky beach for free? ›

Fees for South Sandusky Beach use are charged per day, $5.00 per vehicle and $20.00 per commercial vehicle. Persons displaying a valid Corps of Engineers campsite registration tag, an American the Beautiful pass or the Corps of Engineers Annual Day Use Pass will receive free admittance to the beach.

Does Sandusky Ohio have a boardwalk? ›

SANDUSKY, Ohio — Cedar Point announced that next year, the park is adding The Boardwalk, a new themed area along the Lake Erie shoreline, as well as a Grand Pavilion entertainment space on The Boardwalk, and a new roller coaster that pays homage to one of the park's early attractions.

What is so cool about Great Wolf Lodge? ›

1. Hit the Waterpark – The Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, VA is home to a massive indoor water park resort that features waterslides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and more. With options for both kids and adults, it's the perfect place to beat the heat and have some fun.

What time of year is Great Wolf Lodge the cheapest? ›

If you're after a cheap room at Great Wolf Lodge Southern California, then you should consider staying during the low season. The cheapest deals can generally be found in February and April. Prices can also vary depending on which day of the week you stay.

Are there wolves at Great Wolf Lodge? ›

At Great Wolf Lodge we like all kinds of wolves! Did you know we have two wolves that families have come to love within our Great Wolf Kids? Wiley the Wolf and Violet!

What is the crime rate in Sandusky? ›

Sandusky Annual Crimes
ViolentProperty
Number of Crimes23443
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents)0.9418.06

Why is Cedar Point so popular? ›

The park has reached numerous milestones over the years, including one in which Cedar Point became the only amusem*nt park in the world with five roller coasters that exceed 200 feet (61 m) in height – Magnum XL-200, Millennium Force, Valravn, Steel Vengeance, and Top Thrill 2 – as well as the only park with roller ...

What is the ethnicity of Sandusky? ›

Race and Ethnicity

In 2021, there were 2.88 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (15.9k people) in Sandusky, OH than any other race or ethnicity. There were 5.51k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 1.49k Two+ (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

What is the history of Sandusky Ohio? ›

Sandusky, Ohio (see Google map) was founded as Portland Township in 1816, first identified as Sandusky City in 1817, and officially platted and recorded as the city of Sandusky in 1818; it was incorporated in 1824.

Why is it called Sandusky Ohio? ›

It was originally the home of the Wyandotte Indians from whom it received its name, “Sa-un-dus-tee” meaning “Water Within Pools” and “Upper” denotes its location on the Sandusky River.

What is the violent crime rate in Sandusky Ohio? ›

Sandusky Annual Crimes
ViolentTotal
Number of Crimes23466
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents)0.9419.00

What Native American tribe was in the Sandusky? ›

In 1817 the United States established two reservations for the Ohio "Seneca." One was for the Seneca of Sandusky, a mingling of Cayuga, Erie, Conestoga, and others, along the Sandusky River, and the second was for a consolidated band of Seneca and Shawnee at Lewistown.

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