Ready for another weekend away from home? In 48 hours, we will discover Sandusky-Port Clinton Area getaway activities and get the most out of short weekend hours, unless you prefer to spend the entire weekend on the beach of Lake Erie.
SANDUSKY GETAWAY – GETTING THERE
Drive, ride, or fly – you have options. If flying, you will need a rental car. The Cleveland Airport is 45 miles away, and Detroit is 62 miles. The drive from Chicago NW suburbs is 5.5 hours, and a train ride is about six hours.
We booked a roomette on the Amtrak train 48 Lake Shore Unimited on this trip, going from Chicago, IL, to New York, NY. We started our journey at the Metropolitan Lounge in the Union Station, with snacks, beverages, and many sitting options. The roomette had bunk beds, various lights, a storage area, and a convertible sink.
SANDUSKY GETAWAY LODGING
While in season, most places around Cedar Point (the area attraction) are pricey. Want to stay by Cedar Point Park? You will pay $350 to $800 a night. While expensive, staying in Cedar Fair properties come with some perks. You will get early access to the Parks, discounts on tickets, free drinks at the Park, access to the Lake Erie beach, and free parking.
Staying in the Port Clinton / Sandusky for a getaway would cost around $200-300 a night, and it would depend on the location.
We stayed in the two-bedroom VRBO house in the Port Clinton area, a walk away from the beach and restaurants. We also splurged on the night at the Hotel Breakers in Cedar Point.
ACTIVITIES
Here are the area activities we absolutely love, but we suggest you pick a few for each day, depending on your travel schedule.
White Star Quarry
901 South Main Street, Gibsonburg, OH
Plan to spend: 1-3 hours
White Star Quarry was a dolomite aggregate quarry that stopped its operations in the 1970s. Today it has a sandy beach a swimming, snorkeling, and diving areas. It is also a fantastic budget-friendly way to spend a few hours by the water – admission is only $5
Cedar Point Shores
1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH
Plan to spend: 4-6 hours
Cedar Point Shores is a water park located next to the Cedar Point amusement park with various water activities the whole family would love. Cedar Point Shores Waterpark features 18 acres of splish-splashin’ family fun! On a sunny summer day, it is crowded, so plan accordingly.
Portage River Paddling Company
3134 W Harbor Rd, Port Clinton, OH
Plan to spend: 2-4 hours
Take a four or nine-mile river trip paddling downstream to the Oak Harbor livery. Consider a shorter trip for beginners or parents with young children. However, the extended trip will give you more scenic views and time on the river. You also can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard in Portage or Port Clinton to explore the area on your own.
Lake Erie Beaches
Plan to spend: Time Varies
Lake Erie Beaches are lazy fun. We love Cedar Point beaches and make a point to spend at least an hour there before the drive back to Chicago. The beach club there will also keep us more active with some activities. Port Clinton Beaches along W State Route 163 are free and very welcoming.
Cedar Point Amusement Park
1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH
Plan to spend: 4-10 hours
Cedar Point Amusement Park. A flagship activity of the area, it is busy and crowded this time of the year, but if you have never been to Cedar Point in summer, go for the water rides you can’t experience in other seasons – Snake River Falls, Thunder Canyon, and Snake River Expedition. If you stay in one of the Cedar Point properties, you also have an early admission to the Park to get to one of these rides ahead of the crowd:
- Millennium Force
- GateKeeper
- Wild Mouse
- Atomic Scrambler
- Matterhorn
- Calypso
- Dodgem
- Kiddy Kingdom
OTHER ACTIVITIES TO CONSIDER:
Marblehead Lighthouse
African Safari Wildlife Park
Ghostly Manor Thrill Center
Fast Eddie’s Sports Park
See more information about these activities at Rocking Weekend in Port Clinton.
Looking for other activities for your Sandusky getaway? Check out THINGS TO DO IN SANDUSKY, OHIO