15 Best Lake Erie Beaches in Ohio (2024)

Everyone loves a good beach vacation, including those of us living in the Midwest. Luckily, Ohio has many of the best Lake Erie beaches! These 15 beaches in Ohio highlight its 300+ miles of beautiful Lake Erie coastline.

Living in the Midwest, we don’t always have the time or money to take a beach vacation to Florida or California. But we do have some amazing Lake Erie beaches.

Many people have asked, “can you swim in Lake Erie?” The answer is yes, although some algae blooms may make swimming inadvisable at certain times. Be sure to call ahead before visiting these Lake Erie beaches to make sure they are open for swimming.

Ohio’s Beaches at Lake Erie

There are many Lake Erie beaches and beach towns to explore. While summer is prime beach season, many of these beaches are also really scenic in the fall and winter seasons, too! From West to East, these are just a few of our favorite Ohio beaches on Lake Erie.

Maumee Bay State Park Beach

Oregon, OH

This state park near Toledo has one Lake Erie beach and a second swimming beach on the inland lake. Between the two lakes, there are outdoor showers and restrooms.

The State Park has many attractions, including a golf course, hiking trails, the Maumee Bay Lodge, and the Maumee Bay State Park Campground. We suggest that you also take time to take a relaxing walk along the boardwalk at Maumee Bay State Park Lodge.

Lakeview Park

Port Clinton, OH

Lakeview Park in Port Clinton is one of many beautiful beaches in Ohio on Lake Erie. It also features a lighthouse and walking trails along the shore. The playground at this park is a local favorite, and you’ll also find concession stands, picnic tables, grills, and the restrooms are open from May through October.

East Harbor State Park

Marblehead, OH

Located near Sandusky Bay, this Ohio State Park has a family-friendly 1,500-foot beach as well as a separate dog beach where pups can run free. The beach has changing rooms, outdoor showers, restrooms, and vending machines.

The park also features wetlands that are perfect for wildlife spotting, as well as a disc golf course and several boat launches. Marblehead is also the departure point for Lake Erie ferries to Kelley’s Island and Put-In-Bay.

Kelley’s Island State Park

Kelley’s Island

Not only does Lake Erie have beaches, but it also has islands! A quick ferry trip from Marblehead brings you to Kelley’s Island, home of Kelley’s Island State Park. The swimming beach is perfect for small swimmers, with a gradual shallow depth.

This beach has toilets, a small boat launch, and a fishing pier. The park also includes hiking trails and kayak rentals.

Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point

Sandusky, OH

One of the best beaches of Lake Erie comes at a price because it’s at the Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point. However, if you are looking for beaches in Sandusky Ohio, this newly renovated hotel is a great choice. The hotel has a mile-long beach with cabanas and beach chairs. A Starbucks and the Surf Lounge Bar are just steps away. If you want a Lake Erie beach with lots of amenities, this is it!

Nickel Plate Beach

Huron, OH

At the mouth of the Huron River, there are 12 acres of sandy Lake Erie beach set aside for recreation. With tons of on-site amenities and activities, this is one of the best Lake Erie beaches. It’s also one of the best places to find Lake Erie beach glass.

Bring your own equipment to play ping pong, corn hole, and beach volleyball. The Paddle Shack rents kayaks, paddleboards, and beach gear from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Check out my 15 Must Know Tips to Find Beach Glass like a Pro!

Main Street Beach

Vermilion, OH

At the mouth of the Vermilion River, we have the Main Street Beach. This swimming beach on Lake Erie also has an observation deck and a canoe/kayak launch.

It’s an easy stroll from the quaint downtown area of Vermilion, and you can also find a concession stand on-site in the summer. The nearest restrooms are the porta-potties at the lighthouse, or in town at Exchange Park.

Lakeview Park

Lorain, OH

As you get closer to Cleveland, there are still some nice Ohio beaches on Lake Erie. Lakeview Park in the town of Lorain is really great, with 20 acres of land along the shore.

The park is best known for the Historical Rose Garden, but the beach is also worth visiting. They have a concession stand, beach volleyball, a bathhouse with showers, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and a seasonal cafe.

Huntington Beach

Bay Village, OH

As part of Cleveland Metro Parks, Huntington Beach is a welcome escape for Cleveland locals and visitors. This is a great swimming beach for all ages, and it is set below a bluff, so there are great walking trails and picnic areas high above as well. In addition to a kayak launch, this beach also has seasonal concessions and restrooms.

Edgewater Park

Cleveland, OH

One of the best Ohio beaches within the Cleveland city limits is at Edgewater Park. The park has a 1,000-foot swimming beach and lots of amenities to keep the whole family entertained.

With expansive Lake Erie views and a panoramic view of the Cleveland skyline, this beach has the best of both worlds. They also have a kayak launch, restrooms, a concession stand, and cabana rentals.

Headlands Beach State Park

Mentor, OH

Of all the Ohio beaches at Lake Erie, this one is the largest, at one mile long. 35 acres of sandy beach offer ample opportunity for sunbathing and swimming. The beach has restrooms and a seasonal concession stand near the parking lot.

The nearby Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve offer hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as access to some quieter beaches away from the main area.

Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park

Fairport Harbor, OH

Just across the Grand River from Headlands Beach State Park is the Lakefront Park of Fairport Harbor. This large beach has a boardwalk, changing rooms, modern restrooms, and a separate dog swimming area. Picnic tables and fire rings are nearby or visit the concession stand in the summertime. The Fairport Marine Museum and Lighthouse provide a scenic backdrop to this pretty beach.

Geneva State Park

Geneva, OH

This Ashtabula County park has nearly 700 acres of wilderness to explore, including a 600-foot sand swimming beach along the lake. With a northwest angle, this is one of the best Lake Erie beaches for sunsets.

In addition to restrooms and hiking trails, there’s also a dog beach at the park. If you wanted to stay the night, the state park has a campground and cabin rentals. The Lodge at Geneva on the Lake is also nearby.

Walnut Beach Park

Ashtabula, OH

This city park in Ashtabula features many family-friendly activities and amenities. There are courts for tennis, volleyball, and basketball, as well as a concession stand.

In addition to the swimming beach, there is also a nature trail winding through sand dunes and a nearby wetlands area. The park also has picnic tables, pavilions, and charcoal grills so you can enjoy the whole day at the beach.

Conneaut Township Park

Conneaut, OH

One of the last Ohio beaches on Lake Erie before you reach Pennsylvania is the beach at Conneaut Township Park. The park has many attractions like a huge playground, but the beach is amazing.

This beach is a ¼-mile long, with soft sand and shallow swimming areas. Wooden boardwalks connect the parking areas to the beach, and there is also a small concession stand and restrooms.

What are your favorite beaches in Ohio on Lake Erie?