Hotels in Sandusky

Tucked between Cleveland and Toledo, the city of Sandusky takes care of all ages with a handy beachside location on the southern shores of Lake Erie, and great historical significance as a key part of the Underground Railroad. More energetic visitors can boat and parasail on the lake or enjoy the water indoors at Soak City, and round it all off with a ride on some of the largest roller coasters in the world at Cedar Point.

Things to do

Lake Erie

Thanks to its Lake Erie location, Sandusky has plenty of sandy shores to go around, and the sunsets across the vast water are worth staying up late for. One of the best family beaches sits right outside Cedar Point amusement park, and there are numerous scenic parks along the waterfront offering guests the opportunity to boat, kayak on the lake or enjoy a picnic. Cold Creek Trout Camp is a favorite for fishing enthusiasts at the west end of Sandusky, with the water remaining at a constant 48 degrees all year long.

Cedar Point

The biggest asset of Sandusky is Cedar Point, the "roller coaster capital of the world.” With waterslides, thrill rides and family entertainment, it's a fantastic all-around venue for families.

Sandusky State Theatre

In need of some quiet time in the evening? The Sandusky State Theatre has been going since 1928 and has a reliable line-up of blockbusters and old movies, concerts and performing arts events.

The Underground Railroad and Sandusky Museums

One of the most famous landmarks here is the "Path to Freedom" in Facer Park. A life-sized sculpture of an African American man, woman and child, it marks the town's proud role as a stopping point for slaves escaping to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

Numerous museums are also worth your time. Have a go on the vintage carousel at The Merry-Go-Round Museum Downtown or practice your best pirate accent at The Maritime Museum, with its tales of shipwrecks and high sea adventures.

Where to stay

During the summer, Sandusky hotels can book up fast, but there is a wide range of accommodations to fit any budget. Noted chains like Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn offer basic lodging from around $60 a night or, for more luxury features, try the Hotel Breakers, a historic hotel near Cedar Point. Some local hotels offer packages including park tickets for between $200 and $500 a night. Various indoor waterpark resort hotels hold the family appeal, with Maui Sands and Great Wolf Lodge among the popular options.

Special events

Sandusky plans many events throughout the year and one of the most popular is the city's annual Ohio Bike Week. This 10-day celebration is a blend of motorcycle displays, swap meets and destination rides. Families also enjoy the annual Thumb Festival: a carnival weekend in June with all kinds of craft stalls, kids competitions, and oddball events like the Bed Races, where participants compete in pajamas!

Meanwhile, come at the beginning of December, and the County Christmas Celebration will provide caroling, craft shows and live entertainment. But don’t miss one of the more unusual seasonal parades, where traditional farm tools are lit up like festive decorations and floats come in the shape of tractors.

Best time to visit

Winter is quite cold, with temperatures in the low 20s, so outdoor activities are limited. However, the indoor waterparks are open all year and tend to be less busy during this season. July and August are the busiest months to visit, and amusement park attendance is high, as are the hotel rates. Fall is a good choice, as temperatures are cooler (in the 60s), and crowds are more sparse.