When it comes to long weekend trip options from Cleveland, we’re kind of spoiled for choice. Cleveland is a short drive from cities like Pittsburgh and Columbus and Detroit; you can even head to Cincinnati or Indianapolis or Washington DC if you don’t mind a bit of a drive.
But if you want to stay within northern Ohio for a weekend away, then my top pick would be to head to the Sandusky area.
Much like most of the cities in northern Ohio, Sandusky is having a bit of a resurgence right now – and it’s close to so many cool things to do, from Cedar Point to the Islands.
Here’s how I would spend a long (ideally summer) weekend in and around Sandusky
3 days in Sandusky itinerary
Friday
Afternoon: Sandusky
Drive to Sandusky, a city of about 26,000 that sits right on the edge of Lake Erie. Sandusky has been around since before the United States was the United States (having been settled in 1744), and has served many purposes over the years, including being a key stop on the Underground Railroad prior to the abolition of slavery.
The first stop I recommend on Friday afternoon is the Merry-Go-Round Museum. This museum is a unique one, and a $8 tour will introduce you to the different styles of carousel animals.
You’ll see rare carousel carvings, and may even have the chance to see some carvers at work. If you’ve brought the kids along (or if you’re just a big kid yourself), they’ll get to have a go on a speedy historic carousel at the end of the tour.
(Note that the museum closes at 4 p.m. on Fridays.)
Then you can wander around Sandusky’s historic downtown area. Definitely go for a walk along the waterfront.
Evening: Food and drink in Sandusky
For dinner, check out a spot like Landmark Kitchen and Bar or Saucy Brew Works. Afterwards, head over to Volstead Bar, Sandusky’s only speakeasy, for some craft cocktails. (If all their seats are full, Crush Wine Bar on Columbus Ave. is also quite good.)
Saturday
All day: Cedar Point
Even though it will undoubtedly be crowded on a Saturday in the summer months, you cannot visit northern Ohio without spending at least one day at Cedar Point.
This 364-acre amusement park is why people come to Northwest Ohio. It holds the largest collection of roller coasters in the world (there are 17 of them), as well as many former and current record holders.
Often voted the best amusement park on the planet, Cedar Point has something to offer the entire family; whether it’s thrill rides, children’s rides, live shows, or water activities you’re after, it’s all here.
You’ll probably have to pick and choose the rides you tackle, but I highly recommend Millennium Force (the 310-foot steel giant that broke 10 world records when it opened in 2000), the GateKeeper (which “guards” the entrance of the park), and the Maverick (with a first hill that dips down at more than 90 degrees).
Be sure to get a map of the park and have a plan of attack when it comes to the rides you want to experience. The park is large, and you’ll want to make the most of your time there! (Cedar Point also sells Fast Lane passes, which will help you skip long lines and get more rides in.)
Sunday
Morning: Marblehead
Even though I know you’ll be nursing sore feet, get up bright and early and make the 20-minute drive to Marblehead, which sits on a peninsula that juts out into Lake Erie, separating the lake from Sandusky Bay. Here there’s a very pretty lighthouse that’s great for photos.
Late morning: Kelleys Island
Continue on to the boat docks near the Marblehead lighthouse, where you can hop a ferry over to Kelleys Island, the largest island on Lake Erie. With a permanent population hovering around only 400, this island is primarily a vacation destination and sees thousands of visitors each summer.
While the popular Put-in-Bay is also nearby, Kelleys Island is a less-well-known alternative that is more family-friendly (and I personally like it better!).
The Kelleys Island Ferry runs from Marblehead every half hour in the summer, and costs $24 for adults and $16 for kids for a roundtrip ticket. There’s ample (paid) parking near the ferry dock if you decide to leave your car (you don’t really *need* one on the island, though the Kelleys Island Ferry does transport cars).
Once on the island, you can rent a bike or golf cart to explore – it’s much more fun than driving your car around. (Just be sure to book your golf cart rental in advance!)
The island is small (only about 5 miles wide), so don’t worry about rushing to see everything. You can also sign up for a fishing charter, or rent a kayak to explore the island’s 17 miles of shoreline if you’re looking for alternate ways to enjoy the area.
Afternoon: Kelleys Island
If you’re planning to stick to dry land, check out Kelleys Island State Park, where you can spend some time swimming at Sandy Beach. Or you can (and should) visit the Glacial Grooves on the north side of the island.
The Glacial Grooves are the footprint a glacier carved out 18,000 years ago as it moved its way across North America. The grooves on Kelleys Island are the largest and most easily accessible such grooves in the whole world.
You can also stop in to the Kelleys Island Wine Company, which was at one time one of the largest wineries in the United States. Established in 1872, the original winery shut down after two major fires destroyed its facility during prohibition. But the winery was re-established in 1982, and it operates today as a winery and tourist attraction.
Evening: Back to Marblehead
Catch the ferry back to Marblehead, and make the short drive back to Sandusky. If you’re lucky, you might get to spot a stunning summer sunset over Lake Erie.
Back in Sandusky tonight, try some beers at CLAG Brewing Company, or perhaps go axe throwing at Noble Axes if you have time.
Where to stay in Sandusky
For this trip, I would make your base Sandusky. Yes, there are cheap motels around Cedar Point to stay in, but why choose one of those when you can stay at a cool boutique hotel in downtown Sandusky?
Check out Hotel Kilbourne, a boutique hotel with a rooftop bar and lake views of Lake Erie. The rooms here are modern and comfortable, and the hotel is within walking distance of lots of cool restaurants and bars. (Read reviews on TripAdvisor)
Who’s ready to plan a long weekend trip to Sandusky?
Amanda was born and raised in northeast Ohio, and has always been a fangirl of her home state. Now, she’ sharing her love of the Cleveland area with the world, highlighting all the best things to do, see, and eat in the CLE. She’s been running Cleveland Traveler since January 2019.