Sandusky Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Sandusky, Ohio with our comprehensive tour guide. Discover cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, local food and drink, accommodations, and transportation options.


Introduction to Sandusky

Sandusky is a charming city located in Erie County, Ohio, on the southern shore of Lake Erie. Known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and outdoor activities, Sandusky offers plenty of fun and adventure for travelers of all ages. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, Sandusky has something to offer. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll help you plan your perfect trip to Sandusky.

List of Places to Visit in Sandusky

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Sandusky has a rich history, and there are plenty of ways to explore it. The city is home to several museums and historical sites, including:

  • The Merry-Go-Round Museum: This unique attraction showcases the history and artistry of carousel horses. Visitors can watch a carousel being restored and take a ride on a vintage carousel.
  • The Sandusky Maritime Museum: This museum houses a collection of boats and naval artifacts and offers tours of historic ships.
  • The Follett House Museum: This Victorian-era mansion has been restored and turned into a museum showcasing Sandusky’s history.

Natural Attractions of Sandusky: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Sandusky is nestled in a beautiful natural setting that offers plenty of outdoor activities and scenic views. Some of the top natural attractions in the area include:

  • Cedar Point Amusement Park: Known as the “roller coaster capital of the world,” Cedar Point Amusement Park is a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers and families. With over 70 rides and attractions, including 18 roller coasters, there’s something for everyone.
  • Lake Erie Islands: Located a short ferry ride away from Sandusky, the Lake Erie Islands offer plenty of outdoor activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. The islands also provide an opportunity to explore local history, natural beauty, and unique shops and restaurants.
  • Sandusky Bay: This bay is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and bird-watching. It’s also a beautiful place to catch a sunrise or sunset.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sandusky

Sandusky is home to several beautiful parks and nature preserves that provide excellent opportunities for hiking and biking. Some of the best trails include:

  • Sandusky Bay Pathway: This 12-mile trail winds through scenic wetlands and provides stunning views of the bay.
  • Sheldon Marsh Nature Preserve: This beautiful park offers several hiking trails through wetlands and forested areas.
  • North Coast Inland Trail: This 22-mile trail runs through the heart of Sandusky, connecting several parks, nature preserves, and historical sites.

Best Things to Do in Sandusky: Activities and Tours

Sandusky offers plenty of activities and tours that allow visitors to experience the culture and history of the area. Some top things to do in Sandusky include:

  • Ghostly Manor Thrill Center: This spooky attraction features a haunted house, 4D motion theater, and virtual reality experiences.
  • Sandusky Segwave: Explore Sandusky on a Segway with this guided tour of the city.
  • G.A.R. Museum: This historic building was once the meeting place for the Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization for Union soldiers. Today it houses a museum showcasing Sandusky’s military history.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sandusky

Day 1: Arrive in Sandusky and explore downtown, including the Follett House Museum and Sandusky Maritime Museum.

Day 2: Visit Cedar Point Amusement Park and ride some of the most thrilling roller coasters in the world.

Day 3: Take a ferry to the Lake Erie Islands and spend the day exploring the natural beauty and unique shops and restaurants.

Day 4: Hike or bike the Sandusky Bay Pathway and enjoy the stunning views of the bay.

Day 5: Visit the Merry-Go-Round Museum and ride a vintage carousel.

Day 6: Take a Segway tour of Sandusky and discover more about the city’s history and culture.

Day 7: Relax and enjoy a day at the beach before departing Sandusky.

Food and Drink Scene of Sandusky

Must-Try Dishes

Sandusky offers a variety of dining options that showcase the flavors and traditions of the area. Some must-try dishes include:

  • Lake Erie perch: This fresh-caught fish is a local delicacy and can be found at most seafood restaurants in Sandusky.
  • Cedar Point’s famous corn dogs: These tasty treats are a staple at Cedar Point Amusement Park and can be found at several locations throughout the park.
  • Tony’s Pasta House: This family-owned Italian restaurant has been a fixture in Sandusky since 1967 and is known for its homemade pastas and sauces.

Local Beverages

Sandusky is located in the heart of Ohio’s wine country, and there are several wineries and breweries in the area. Some of the best places to enjoy local drinks include:

  • Firelands Winery: This award-winning winery offers tastings and tours and is located just outside of Sandusky.
  • Sandusky Bay Brewing Company: This brewery serves up a variety of craft beers and is located in downtown Sandusky.
  • Quarry Hill Winery: This scenic winery is located on a hill overlooking the Sandusky River and offers tastings and tours.

Where to Stay in Sandusky: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sandusky offers plenty of accommodation options for travelers of all budgets. Some top choices include:

  • Hotel Kilbourne: Located in the heart of downtown Sandusky, this boutique hotel offers stylish rooms and easy access to local attractions.
  • Cedar Point’s Hotel Breakers: This historic hotel is located right on the beach at Cedar Point Amusement Park and offers luxury accommodations and easy access to park rides and attractions.
  • Hi-Sandusky Hostel: This budget-friendly hostel is located in a historic building in downtown Sandusky and includes shared dorm rooms and private rooms.

What to Buy in Sandusky: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Sandusky offers plenty of unique souvenirs and local products that make great gifts for friends and family. Some popular items include:

  • Cedar Point merchandise: Whether you’re a coaster enthusiast or just want a reminder of your visit, Cedar Point merchandise is a must-buy.
  • Lake Erie Wine: Take home a bottle of locally produced wine from one of the area’s many wineries.
  • Mon Ami Winery Grape Juice: This popular grape juice is made by one of Ohio’s oldest wineries and makes a great non-alcoholic souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Sandusky

Sandusky is a friendly and welcoming community that values its history, natural beauty, and family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, including:

  • Observing beach and park rules, including no alcohol or smoking.
  • Being courteous and respectful to other visitors and locals.
  • Taking time to explore the many cultural and historical attractions in the area.

Best Time to Visit Sandusky

Sandusky is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests. Summer is the most popular time to visit, thanks to warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities. Fall is also a great time to visit, with cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. Winter is a quieter time to visit, but still offers plenty of indoor activities and holiday events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sandusky

Do:

  • Do enjoy the natural beauty of the area, including the beaches, parks, and trails.
  • Do take time to explore the many cultural and historical attractions in the area.
  • Do try local cuisine and beverages, including Lake Erie perch and Ohio wines.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or pollute the area’s beaches, parks, or trails.
  • Don’t disrespect local customs or traditions.
  • Don’t behave recklessly on roller coasters or other rides at Cedar Point Amusement Park.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sandusky

Sandusky is a safe destination for travelers, but visitors should take common sense precautions to stay safe, including:

  • Being aware of your surroundings and staying alert to any potential safety issues.
  • Locking your car and securing valuables when parking.
  • Staying away from any areas that appear unsafe or unfamiliar.

Health in Sandusky

Sandusky has several medical facilities, including hospitals and urgent care centers, to provide medical assistance if needed. Travelers should take precautions to stay healthy, including:

  • Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated.
  • Protecting skin from sun exposure by using sunscreen and hats.
  • Washing hands and using hand sanitizer regularly to avoid getting sick.

Getting to Sandusky: Transportation Options and Logistics

Sandusky is easily accessible by car, plane, or bus. Some transportation options include:

Airports Near Sandusky

  • Erie International Airport (ERI): Located in Erie, Pennsylvania (30 miles from Sandusky) and served by several major airlines.
  • Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE): Located in Cleveland, Ohio (60 miles from Sandusky) and served by major airlines.

Bus Stations Near Sandusky

  • Greyhound Bus Station: Located in Sandusky and served by Greyhound bus lines.
  • Lakefront Lines: Offers daily bus service from Cleveland to Sandusky.

Other Options

  • Amtrak: Offers train service to Sandusky via the Sandusky Station, which is located in the heart of downtown Sandusky.
  • Car rental: Several car rental agencies are located at the airports and in Sandusky.

How to Get Around in Sandusky

Sandusky is easily explored on foot, but visitors may want to use public transportation or rent a car or bike. Some options include:

  • Trolley: Sandusky offers a trolley service that runs throughout the city and connects to several local attractions.
  • Bike rentals: Several bike rental shops are located in downtown Sandusky and offer rentals by the hour or day.
  • Car rentals: Several car rental agencies are located in Sandusky and offer daily or weekly rentals.

Where to Go Next from Sandusky: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sandusky is located in a beautiful natural setting that offers plenty of nearby destinations and excursions. Some popular options include:

  • Cleveland: Located about an hour’s drive from Sandusky, Cleveland offers plenty of cultural and historical attractions, including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Art.
  • Put-In-Bay: This charming island destination is located a short ferry ride away from Sandusky and offers plenty of outdoor activities and unique shops and restaurants.
  • Amish Country: Located about an hour’s drive from Sandusky, Amish Country is a charming destination that offers a glimpse into Amish culture and tradition.

Conclusion

Sandusky is a unique and charming destination that offers a variety of outdoor activities, cultural and historical attractions, and delicious cuisine. With this comprehensive tour guide, you’ll have everything you need to plan your perfect trip to Sandusky, Ohio.

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