If you are a beach person who loves to spend time on beaches, then don’t worry here in this post, we will tell you the 20 best beaches in Ohio you can visit in 2023. However, Ohio may not be known for its beaches, but it has some hidden gems that are perfect for a fun summer day trip.
From Cedar Point Beach to the shores of Lake Logan State Park Beach, Ohio, it offers a variety of beach destinations that are perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers.
This blog will explore Ohio’s 20 best beaches, each with unique features and attractions. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day lounging on the sand, a fun-filled day of water activities, or a scenic spot to enjoy a picnic, these beaches have something for everyone. So, grab your sunscreen and towels, and let’s dive into Ohio’s best beaches.
Importance Of Choosing The Best Beach For A Fun Summer Day Trip
Choosing the best beach for a fun summer day trip is important for several reasons:
1. Safety
Beaches have different water conditions, including currents, waves, and tides. Choosing a safe beach for swimming and water activities can prevent accidents and ensure an enjoyable day.
2. Amenities
The best beaches typically offer a range of amenities such as showers, restrooms, food vendors, and picnic areas. Choosing a beach with these amenities can make your day trip more comfortable and convenient.
3. Activities
Some beaches offer a range of activities, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and beach volleyball. Choosing a beach that offers activities that interest you can make your day trip more enjoyable and memorable.
4. Crowds
Some beaches are more crowded than others, especially during peak season. Choosing a less crowded beach can provide a more relaxing and peaceful experience.
5. Scenery
Ohio has a variety of beaches with stunning natural scenery, including Lake Erie and the shores of Maumee Bay. Choosing a beach with beautiful views can enhance the overall experience of your day trip.
Choosing the best beach for your summer day trip can ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience that meets your preferences and interests.
20 Best Beaches In Ohio That You Can Visit In 2023
Here are the 20 best beaches in Ohio that you can visit in 2023:
1. Cedar Point Beach
Cedar Point Beach is located on a peninsula on the south shore of Lake Erie in the town of Sandusky, Ohio. The beach is at the Cedar Point amusement park, known for its roller coasters and thrilling rides. Cedar Point Beach is accessible via the Cedar Point Causeway, a road that connects the park to the mainland.
The beach is adjacent to the park’s Hotel Breakers, making it a convenient spot for guests to enjoy a day there. The location of Cedar Point Beach offers stunning views of Lake Erie and the surrounding area, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals.
2. Headlands Beach State Park
Headlands Beach State Park is located in Mentor, Ohio, on the shores of Lake Erie. The beach is part of a 1,500-acre nature preserve with a mile-long natural sand beach, scenic picnic areas, and over 70 acres of wetlands.
The park is about 30 miles east of Cleveland, making it easily accessible for a day trip from the city. The beach stretches along the shore of Lake Erie and provides stunning views of the water and nearby bluffs. The park is open year-round, but swimming is only allowed from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
3. East Harbor State Park Beach
East Harbor State Park Beach is located on the eastern shore of Lake Erie in Marblehead, Ohio. The beach is part of East Harbor State Park, which spans over 1,800 acres and includes not only the beach but also a campground, hiking trails, fishing areas, and more.
The beach is a long stretch of sand and pebble shoreline that offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding countryside. The park is about 10 miles east of Port Clinton and easily accessible via Route 2.
4. Maumee Bay State Park Beach
Maumee Bay State Park Beach is located on the southern shore of Lake Erie in Oregon, Ohio. It is situated within the Maumee Bay State Park, which spans 1,336 acres and includes wetlands, meadows, and beaches. The beach is easily accessible by car, with ample parking for visitors.
The park is located just a few miles east of Toledo, Ohio, and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The beach area stretches for over a mile along the Lake Erie shoreline and is surrounded by scenic natural beauty.
5. Geneva State Park Beach
Geneva State Park Beach is located in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio, on the shores of Lake Erie. The beach is situated within the larger Geneva State Park, which spans over 698 acres and features a variety of recreational activities and amenities. The beach is a 300-foot-long sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
The water at Geneva State Park Beach is clear and inviting, and beautiful trees and natural landscapes surround the beach. The park is easily accessible from Route 534, just 50 miles east of Cleveland. Visitors can park in the beach’s lot, with ample parking spaces, picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms nearby.
6. Edgewater Beach
Edgewater Beach is located in Cleveland, Ohio, on the southern shore of Lake Erie. The beach is within Edgewater Park, a 147-acre park offering stunning views of the Cleveland skyline and Lake Erie. Edgewater Beach is easily accessible from downtown Cleveland, with just a short drive or bike ride along the parkway.
The park features ample parking, and visitors can also take advantage of the park’s many amenities, including picnic areas, grilling stations, and a playground. Edgewater Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Cleveland, drawing crowds of locals and visitors alike during the summer months.
7. Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is a popular beach destination located in Bay Village, Ohio, along the shores of Lake Erie. It is situated in the Cleveland Metroparks system, which offers over 18 parks and reservations throughout the Greater Cleveland area.
Huntington Beach is located in a natural setting with a stunning view of Lake Erie. It has a long sandy beach that stretches for over a mile, with plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and playing beach games. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and has picnic areas and shelters, making it ideal for a day trip with family or friends.
8. Mentor Headlands Beach
Mentor Headlands Beach is a beautiful natural beach in Lake County, Ohio. It is on Lake Erie’s shore, North America’s fourth-largest lake. The beach is located in the city of Mentor and spans over 1,200 acres, making it the largest natural sand beach in Ohio. The beach is easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby.
Visitors can reach the beach via Ohio State Route 2 or Interstate 90. The beach is about 25 miles east of Cleveland, making it a popular day trip destination for residents and tourists. With its long stretch of sandy shoreline and clear blue waters, Mentor Headlands Beach is a true natural wonder of Ohio.
9. Nickel Plate Beach
Nickel Plate Beach is a popular beach in Huron, Ohio, on the southern shore of Lake Erie. It is situated on Nickel Plate Drive, just off Route 6, and is easily accessible by car. The beach is approximately 25 acres, making it one of the larger beaches in Ohio, with over 1,000 feet of sandy shoreline.
Nickel Plate Beach is a popular destination for families, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy the beach’s serene atmosphere, calm waters, and beautiful scenery. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, visitors can enjoy a range of other activities at the beach, such as picnicking, volleyball, and fishing. The beach is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day and is free.
10. Miller Ferry Beach
Miller Ferry Beach is located on the southern tip of Put-in-Bay Island, in the western basin of Lake Erie. The beach is easily accessible by taking the Miller Ferry from Catawba Island or Port Clinton, Ohio. Once you arrive on Put-in-Bay Island, the beach is just a short walk or bike ride away from the ferry dock.
The beach is peaceful and scenic, surrounded by lush greenery and crystal clear waters of Lake Erie. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the lake, nearby islands, and even the mainland on a clear day. The beach is known for its calm waters and gentle waves, making it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
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11. Kelleys Island State Park Beach
Kelleys Island State Park Beach is located on the northern side of Kelleys Island, one of Ohio’s popular vacation destinations in Lake Erie. The beach is on the island’s western shore, and visitors can access it by car or on foot. Visitors must first take a ferry or a private boat to Kelleys Island to reach the beach. Once on the island, the park is about a 10-minute drive from the ferry terminal.
The beach is a long stretch of sandy shoreline offering stunning views of Lake Erie. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy various water activities like fishing, boating, and kayaking. The surrounding park also features picnic areas, hiking trails, and campsites, making it a great spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Overall, Kelleys Island State Park Beach offers a beautiful and serene setting for beachgoers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
12. South Bass Island State Park Beach
South Bass Island State Park Beach is located on South Bass Island, one of the Lake Erie Islands, in Put-in-Bay, Ohio. The island can be reached by ferry from Catawba Island or Port Clinton on the mainland. Once on the island, visitors can access the beach by car, bike, or golf cart, as the island has no public transportation.
The beach is on the island’s southern tip, offering stunning views of Lake Erie and neighboring islands. It is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach is also just a short walk from the lively town of Put-in-Bay, where visitors can find a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
13 Put-in-Bay Beach
Put-in-Bay Beach is located on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, Ohio. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals and is accessible via ferry from Port Clinton or Catawba Island. The beach is on the island’s southern tip, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding natural scenery.
The island is a popular vacation spot known for its lively atmosphere, historic sites, and outdoor activities. The beach is conveniently located near restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a great spot to spend a day or an entire weekend.
14. Catawba Island State Park Beach
Catawba Island State Park Beach is located on the northern shore of Catawba Island, on the western end of Lake Erie in Ottawa County, Ohio. The park is approximately 15 miles northwest of Port Clinton and is easily accessible by car or boat. The beach is part of Catawba Island State Park, which encompasses over 1,500 acres of land and offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking.
The park has a long sandy beach, clear shallow waters, and a designated swimming area perfect for families with children. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Lake Erie and the surrounding islands and access various facilities, including restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and a playground.
15. Marblehead Lighthouse State Park Beach
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park Beach is located in the town of Marblehead, Ohio, on the shores of Lake Erie. The beach is on the eastern tip of the Marblehead Peninsula, offering stunning views of the lake and the iconic Marblehead Lighthouse.
The park covers 9 acres and includes a sandy beach popular for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach is also adjacent to the lighthouse, which is open for tours during the summer months. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding area. Marblehead Lighthouse State Park Beach is a popular destination for families and couples looking to enjoy a day on the water in a scenic and historic location.
16. Alum Creek State Park Beach
Alum Creek State Park Beach is in Delaware County, Ohio, just north of Columbus. The beach is situated along the eastern shoreline of Alum Creek Lake, which is a 3,387-acre reservoir that provides a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors. The beach is easily accessible from State Route 36/37, which runs adjacent to the park.
Visitors can enter the park from Hollenback Road’s main or Africa Road’s south entrance. Once inside the park, follow the signs to the beach area, which is located near the southern end of the lake. The beach area features a large parking lot, picnic areas, restrooms, and changing rooms. Visitors can also rent kayaks, paddleboats, and canoes to explore the lake or enjoy the hiking and biking trails that wind through the park’s wooded areas.
17. Buck Creek State Park Beach
Buck Creek State Park Beach is in Springfield, Ohio, within Buck Creek State Park. The park is on the 2,120-acre Buck Creek Lake shores, surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque countryside. The beach area is located on the north side of the lake and is easily accessible by car from the park entrance.
The address for the park is 1901 Buck Creek Ln, Springfield, OH, 45502. The beach offers plenty of parking, and picnic areas, grills, and restrooms are nearby. The beach is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and admission is free for park visitors.
18. Deer Creek State Park Beach
Deer Creek State Park Beach is located within the Deer Creek State Park, which spans 2,337 acres of rolling hills and scenic woodlands in central Ohio. The park is located in Fayette and Pickaway counties, approximately 35 miles southwest of Columbus, and is easily accessible from major highways.
The beach is along the 1,277-acre Deer Creek Lake, a popular spot for boating, fishing, and other water activities. The beach is located on the south side of the lake and features a large swimming area with a sandy beach and clear water, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The beach is open to the public and is a popular destination for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for a fun summer day trip.
19. Salt Fork State Park Beach
Salt Fork State Park Beach is in southeastern Ohio, in Guernsey County. The beach is within Salt Fork State Park, Ohio’s largest state park, covering over 17,000 acres. The park is approximately 100 miles east of Columbus and 80 miles west of Pittsburgh.
The beach is on the eastern side of Salt Fork Lake, a 2,952-acre lake known for its clear water and excellent fishing opportunities. The beach is a 2,500-foot-long sandy stretch perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The surrounding area is forested and hilly, providing a beautiful backdrop for a day at the beach. Several hiking trails within the park offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
20. Lake Logan State Park Beach
Lake Logan State Park Beach is located near Logan in the Hocking Hills region of southeastern Ohio. The beach is on Lake Logan’s shore, a 400-acre lake popular for boating, fishing, and swimming.
The park is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, offering visitors a beautiful natural setting for their beach day. The address for Lake Logan State Park Beach is 30443 Lake Logan Rd, Logan, OH 43138.
Conclusion
Ohio may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beach destinations, but it certainly has much to offer. From Cedar Point Beach to Lake Logan State Park Beach, visitors have plenty of options.
Ohio’s beaches have everything whether you’re looking for a place to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Additionally, many of these beaches are located within state parks, which means visitors can enjoy a wide range of amenities and activities, including hiking, camping, and more.
So, next time you plan a day trip or weekend getaway, consider visiting one of Ohio’s many beautiful beaches.
FAQs
Q1. Why is the Blue Hole in Ohio closed?
The Blue Hole in Ohio is closed due to safety concerns and environmental protection measures. The closure aims to prevent accidents and preserve the natural ecosystem. Regulations and restrictions have been put in place to maintain the integrity of the site and ensure public safety. These measures are implemented to safeguard both visitors and the ecological balance of the Blue Hole.
Q2. Where is worlds dirtiest beach?
The world’s dirtiest beach is located in Manila Bay, Philippines. It has been consistently ranked as one of the most polluted beaches, with high levels of solid waste and untreated sewage. On the other hand, efforts have been made to clean up the beach and improve its condition, but it remains a significant environmental challenge.
