Sandusky

Travel 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.

Where to stay in Sandusky

Find the best Sandusky areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Sandusky
Learn more about Sandusky

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 Hotel Breakers

Cedar Point's Hotel Breakers

3.5 out of 5
One Cedar Point Drive Sandusky OH
The price is HK$3,365 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
HK$3,365
HK$3,827 total
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,008 reviews)
"Expensive"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2026

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

Cedar Point's Express Hotel

2 out of 5
1201 Cedar Point Drive Sandusky OH
The price is HK$1,123 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
HK$1,123
HK$1,278 total
12 Jul - 13 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,132 reviews)
"We had an issue when we first checked into our room and it was quickly taken care of by staff."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2026

Cedar Point's Express Hotel
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Sandusky near Cedar Point

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Sandusky near Cedar Point

3 out of 5
3304 Milan Rd Sandusky OH
The price is HK$840 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
HK$840
HK$955 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sandusky. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,006 reviews)
"Katie the manager went above and beyond! It was safe, clean and comfortable! I can’t say enough about the manager and the property!"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2026

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Sandusky near Cedar Point
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 Jackson Street Pier are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (363 reviews)
"The property was extremely convenient for a family trip to cedar point. The beach, restaurants, and park are all walking distance so our vehicle was able to stay parked the whole trip. The cottage is basic but very nice and the view of the lake is great. The only complaint is that the pool was extremely ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 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 ...
8.2/10 Very good! (37 reviews)
"We would absolutely stay here again. It was a great location close to great restaurant options and pretty views of the downtown and water. In the reviews I read the biggest complaint was the noise level. You could clear as day hear any conversations of other rooms if you were in the hallway. Once ..."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026

The Inn at Fulton
Cozy 3BD 5min Cedar Point/Sports Force

Cozy 3BD 5min Cedar Point/Sports Force

Sandusky OH
Stay at this apartment in Sandusky. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Cedar Point and Kalahari Waterpark ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (18 reviews)
"Unit was well stocked with supplies needed. It was spacious with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. I recommend replacing carpet throughout (flooring other than carpet) as it's well worn and probably hard to keep clean. When we arrived, dryer still had bed linens in it. Dishwasher still had dishes in it. ..."

Reviewed on 10 May 2026

Cozy 3BD 5min Cedar Point/Sports Force
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

Other places like Sandusky

Explore a world of travel with Expedia