Sandusky Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

An aerial view of a coastal town with a prominent lighthouse, marina, and lush greenery.
A boat named 'GOODTIME I' with multiple flags, including the American flag, sailing on water with roller coasters in the background.
A landscaped garden with the words "Lake Erie" and "Shores & Islands" in the center.
A lighthouse with a red and white color scheme, a black top, and a large red propeller.
A sailboat on a calm lake with a large building and trees in the background.

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 Labour 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.

Our guide on where to stay in Sandusky

Find the best Sandusky areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Historic Downtown Sandusky

Though Historic Downtown Sandusky may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Merry-Go-Round Museum and Maritime Museum of Sandusky.

Cedar Point's Express Hotel

Cedar Point's Express Hotel

2 out of 5
1201 Cedar Point Drive Sandusky OH
The price is AU$243 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
AU$243
per night
16 Aug - 17 Aug
Stay at this hotel in Sandusky. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,200 reviews)
"Clean room and facilities. Felt safe and secure"

Reviewed on 25 July 2026

Cedar Point's Express Hotel
Cedar Point's Hotel Breakers

Cedar Point's Hotel Breakers

3.5 out of 5
One Cedar Point Drive Sandusky OH
The price is AU$569 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
AU$569
per night
23 Aug - 24 Aug
Stay at this beach hotel in Sandusky. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,029 reviews)
"Everything was great but only one elevator worked until the third day then it was perfect"

Reviewed on 25 July 2026

Cedar Point's Hotel Breakers
Cedar Point's Castaway Bay

Cedar Point's Castaway Bay

3 out of 5
2001 Cleveland Road Sandusky OH
The price is AU$248 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
AU$248
per night
23 Aug - 24 Aug
Stay at this family-friendly resort in Sandusky. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
Cedar Point's Castaway Bay
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and water park access (surcharge). Popular attractions Cedar Point and Sports Force Parks at Cedar ...
9/10 Wonderful! (376 reviews)
"It was fine"

Reviewed on 25 July 2026

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 Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Cedar Point and Sports Force Parks at Cedar ...
The Inn at Fulton
GLASS HOUSE 5 BR Private Lake Erie Beach Great for Summer, Fall, Winter

GLASS HOUSE 5 BR Private Lake Erie Beach Great for Summer, Fall, Winter

Sandusky OH
Stay at this beach holiday home in Sandusky. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park and a garden. Popular attractions Cedar Point and Kalahari Waterpark Resort are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (216 reviews)
"Awesome location with bay and beach access. Doug was quick to respond when we had an issue. Loved all the glass windows-water views no matter which way you looked!"

Reviewed on 23 July 2026

GLASS HOUSE 5 BR Private Lake Erie Beach Great for Summer, Fall, Winter
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.

Stay near popular Sandusky attractions