6 Best Beaches on Lake Eerie to Visit

• Address: 1100 E. Perry St., Port Clinton, OH 
• Price: Free

Did you know you could experience a warm, sunny beach not much more than an hour away from Cleveland, Ohio? Convenience is one pro for Port Clinton City Beach, but we love it for so much more. 

This beach is located just across from Waterworks Park, where you can catch views of the Port Clinton Lighthouse or the historic American Expedition 1813 Memorial. A side of culture with your beach vacation makes it all the more compelling and memorable. 

Plus, our home city beach is incredibly clean. The city maintains the area quite well, and you won’t find scraps or garbage interrupting your relaxation. Instead, you’ll find ample benches to sit down on if you don’t feel like getting sandy, or recreate your own picnic tables with beach blankets for a more rustic experience. Sit back, feel the fresh breeze, and enjoy views of fluttering seagulls and herons, along with fishermen on their boats over yonder. 

And if you’re craving a delectable lunch? Head over to Jolly Rogers’ Seafood House, which is just a short drive east. Or check out the walleye festival on Memorial Day weekend for endless fish fries and live music. 



2. East Harbor State Park

• Address: 1169 N Buck Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 
• Price: Free

If Port Clinton City Beach gets too crowded, or you simply want to try something new? You’re only a 10-minute drive from the nearby East Harbor State Park, which sits along the Lake Erie coast and is shaped like a mini island (it’s really a peninsula). It’s a great spot for birdwatching, as you’ll come across various waterfowl like herons, seagulls, ducks, and sandpipers. 

Do the kids crave an energy outlet? Tire them out with a game of disc golf! This beachside park has an 18-hole course, along with abundant trails for hiking. You can even hunt certain types of waterfowl and go fishing as long as you carry the appropriate licenses to do so. 

3. Lakeside Beach

• Address: 236 Walnut Ave. Lakeside, OH 
• Price: Gate fee

Looking for a quick new beach close to Port Clinton? A mere 20-minute drive gets you to a tranquil beach with a more exclusive vibe: Lakeside Beach, located in the Lakeside Marblehead area. Here, you’ll have to pay a gate fee to access the shoreline. But the community vibe and old-time feel is worth it. You’ll see kids swimming off the docks, playing in sandboxes, and families riding their bikes along the coast boardwalk. 

But the real attraction of this place has to be the sunsets. The colors get warm and dewy orange and feel like they completely envelope the beach, providing the most relaxing experience and surreal views. 

4. Nickel Plate Beach

• Address: corner of Tiffin Ave and Nickel Plate Dr. Huron, OH 
• Price: $6 for parking 

You’ll need to drive a half-hour from Port Clinton to Huron, Ohio, to reach Nickel Plate Beach. But for a little afternoon treat? Turn up the volume, and you’ll be there in a jiffy!

The warm, shallow waters make it safe and enjoyable for all ages. Seriously, the water doesn’t go past your knees for nearly 100 yards! Views are stunning, with sights of lighthouses and curving shorelines in the distance. You’ll also find ample opportunities for recreation, from watersport equipment rentals and on-site grills for picnicking, or play areas for the kiddoes to frolic about. 

Our advice? Head there early because Nickel Plate Beach tends to get a little crowded, especially during the summer months. 

5. Pebble Beach (Kelleys Island)

• Address: 515 E Lakeshore Dr, Kelleys Island, OH 
• Price: Free

You’ll need to take a charter boat to get to Pebble Beach. Located on one of Lake Erie’s islands, Kelleys Island, Pebble Beach is, well, a pebble beach. Instead of sand, you’ll find small grey pebbles throughout, along with the odd piece of beach glass. 

We’d recommend that only experienced swimmers venture in the water, as the swimming area isn’t as shallow as Port Clinton or a few others on our list. Since you’re on an island, you can bet on gorgeous sunsets and tranquil vibes during your trip here. Lay down a blanket and build a stone tower out of the pebbles, or bring your picnic basket to enjoy sandwiches and snacks as you gaze upon the beautiful shoreline. 

And once you’re all beached out? Sip on a refreshing pinot at one of the island’s many wineries, like the Crooked Tree Vineyard or Kelleys Island Wine Co. 



6. Headlands Beach State Park

• Address: 9601 Headlands Rd, Mentor, OH
• Price: Free

This beach is a long way from Port Clinton — you’ll need about 1.5 hours driving to get there. But that’s not too far to go if we’re talking about treasure. You won’t find gold, but you will find sea glass at Headlands Beach, naturally tumbled by the sand. It appears as a glossy, shiny jewel and makes for a great scavenger hunt type activity with the kids or a keepsake to bring home from your vacation. 

On top of your treasures, Headlands Beach State Park features hiking trails for active, adventurous travelers, as well as an area with gradual sand dunes (a bit east, at Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve). It’s also the longest natural beach in Ohio, spanning a whole half-mile of smooth sands to enjoy. 

Indulge in a Lake Erie Getaway with Commodore Perry!

We feel blessed to have such gorgeous beaches and shorelines right here in Ohio. All you need is a car and a weekend away to finally relax on the vacation you deserve. 

While Port Clinton has ample restaurants with delicious seafood to enjoy, you can enjoy a few meals right here in your Commodore Perry suite. We have diverse, lakefront accommodations that host from 2 to 10 people, depending on your needs. Our suites all come with coffeemakers and refrigerators for morning cups of joe and quick snacks in between adventuring. 

Ready to experience Port Clinton’s gorgeous coastline? Book your Lake Erie vacation today!