Summer Vacation Guide to Sandusky, Ohio and Catawba Island

Jul 13, 2023

Welcome back to another fun edition of Classic’s Vacation Road Trip Guide! Today, we’re sharing our picks for great destinations for a splendid Summer in Sandusky and beyond. Let’s take a look at some of the fantastic places you can visit with your friends and family on a road trip to one of Ohio’s most fun vacation spots.

First Stop: Sandusky!

Sandusky is located along the Sandusky Bay shoreline, and has a wonderful variety of water parks and amusement parks to explore. It’s also a fabulous place to enjoy maritime hobbies such as sailing, boating, fishing, island-hopping cruises, and much more. The city nightlife is bustling, as it’s home to some wonderful art galleries, unique shopping, incredible restaurants and fine dining, and the gorgeous Sandusky State Theatre, home of live music and theatrical productions.

There are numerous monthly activities year round, but it’s really hopping during the summer months! Enjoy the Party at the Pier, Community Bike Rides, Car Shows, Sandusky 2023 Art Walk, Live Music, Yoga on the Pier, and Movies by the Bay, just to name a few. Check out the Shores and Islands calendar for ongoing events.

We recommend these fantastic points in the area as an itinerary plan springboard:

Cedar Point Amusement Park – Known for its incredible collection of roller coasters and rides. Plus, check out the on-site 38,000 square foot indoor waterpark with a Caribbean theme and indoor Arcade at Castaway Bay!
Ghostly Manor and Thrill Center – One stop family fun! Including an entertainment center complete with a haunted house, mini-golf course, 3D theatre, and even a skating rink!
Sandusky Speedway – A half-mile race track just south of the main city, home to eciting races and special events, and available for personal rentals.
The Merry-Go-Round-Museum – A destination for history buffs that’s truly one of a kind! Featuring a working vintage carousel and a collection of incredible carved antique animals. It’s small, family friendly, and a great budget stop.
Maritime Museum of Sandusky – This history museum is a ship lovers dream. From exhibits about pirates to shipwrecks to fishing, you’ll have a boatload of fun here! Plus, you can even check out the boat-building workshop and get an up close look at what it takes to create a seafaring rig.
Distilleries, wineries, and Bars – The city is home to Everwild Spirits, Firelands Winery & Restaurant, and plenty of other local establishments for adults to kick back and relax and have a fine beverage or two. If you’re looking for a romantic date night option to add to your trip, you can’t go wrong with these!
The Follet House Museum – Perfect for older teens and adults, this historic Victorian Museum has four floors of history tucked away in the rooms of this Greek Revival Mansion. Hop on a tour and explore the history of Sandusky, Erie County, and the Lake Erie area.
The Sandusky Children’s Museum – With attractions, exhibits, and hands-on fun for kids aged 4 through 14, it’s a must-see stop in Sandusky for those traveling with children. Families can enjoy science experiments, giant bubble makers, and a rotating series of themed events and activities.
The Milan Museum – This destination is jam packed with fun. You can explore the historic buildings, check out the permanent and rotating exhibits, try some hands-on activities, and explore the galleries on sight. There’s even a Blacksmith Shop where you can learn about blacksmithery, or visit the old-timey general store for a blast from the past!

Next Stop: Catawba Island!

This coastal stop in Port Clinton, OH is home to a ten-acre public state recreation area right on Lake Erie. It was established as a state park in the 1950s, and has since become a top destination for family friendly fun and relaxation.

We recommend these exciting establishments for your vacation itinerary:

The Watering Hole Safari and Water Park – Beat the heat at this thrilling water amusement park home to water slides, splash pads, and a whole lot of excitement. It’s a perfect way to spend the day with your family and a wonderful mid-week retreat after all the touring and museum hopping.
Cheese Haven – This is a must-see store for the foodie in your midst, or even just the cheese aficionado. This local shop features more than 140 different varieties of cheese, both locally made and from around the world! They’ll even help you find the right beer or wine to pair with your selection, and set you up with top notch snacking.
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial – A quiet, serene stop that commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. Purchase some tickets and schedule a time to visit the observation deck inside the Memorial at the visitor center.
The Marblehead Lighthouse and Museum – This is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the US side of the Great Lakes. It’s still an active aid for maritime travelers, but the grounds are open daily from 12PM to 4PM for tours and visitors.
The Liberty Aviation Museum – This will delight all transportation enthusiasts in your party! Set adjacent to the Erie-Ottaway International Airport, this museum is home to 16 dioramas and recreations of famous war scenes from history, and showcases functional and historic aircraft as well as German and American vehicles.
Lakeview Park – Perfect for a picnic lunch and a wonderful place to let the kids run wild, jump, and play and explore the on site playground. Take in the fresh air and enjoy the beach across the street, too!
African Safari wildlife Park – Take a drive on the wild side with this drive-through 65 acre wildlife preserve and get an up close look at some incredible animals. As a bonus, you’ll even be able to give snacks to some of the critters in their enclosures as you go. Great for kids to interact and make some memories to last a lifetime! There’s also a walk-through safari option where you can meet a slew of smaller animals and birds, too!
East Harbor State Park – This public recreation area has it all! There’s a beach for swimming and playing, a marina for sailing or kayaking or fishing and more, a wetland wildlife preserve for hiking, and a campground for a taste of the great outdoors. There are 10 campsites to choose from, each with a max capacity of 50, making it a really fun place to do group activities or family reunion campouts!