A Traveler's Guide to Port Clinton, OH

Imagine walking down a historic main street — craft beer in one hand and delicious artisanal popcorn in the other. You hear the gentle waves of the lake over yonder and smell freshly caught catfish frying in the distance. Pair that with ample fishing from Lake Erie, a small-town warmth, and a culture full of boat adventures, arts, and festivals. 

Welcome to Port Clinton, Ohio! 

Here are Commodore Perry, we offer comfortable accommodations with small kitchens and gorgeous views of the Great Lakes. Our team of hospitality experts knows the Shores & Islands like the back of their hand. 

And today, we’ll channel that knowledge in this travel guide to help you make the most of your Port Clinton holiday! 

About Port Clinton, Ohio

Port Clinton is a small town of about 5,000 people on the coast of Lake Erie. It’s one of a few villages and towns (like Put-In-Bay) along the coast, between Cleveland and Toledo, that make up Ohio’s Shores & Islands region. 



The calm and indulgent lake life, including boat charters, glorious sunsets and beaches, and swimming, makes this Ohio gem an excellent getaway destination. Port Clinton is also dubbed the Walleye Capital, for the many Walleye fish you can catch in Lake Erie. 

Weather in Port Clinton, Ohio

Port Clinton, Ohio, has a refreshing breeze thanks to Lake Erie, meaning you’ll usually need a jacket most days. The annual average temperature is about 51 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). But if you visit starting in May, Spring weather blesses the town with mid-60 degree weather. 

Summer months from June to September reach as high as 75 degrees in July before coming down to a chilly 30-degree average in November and December for Winter. You can expect a decent amount of snowfall at that time as well — at least an inch on average. 

What to Pack for Your Port Clinton, Ohio Vacation

Scrambling to get everything ready before your trip? We’ll save you the guesswork with this handy packing checklist: 

• Swimwear: Beach towels, bathing suits, goggles
• Warm layers for evenings and boat rides: Sweaters, long-sleeves, jeans, cargos, leggings, Long Johns
• Outerwear: Hiking boots, aqua shoes, warm jackets, fishing hats
• Light clothing: Linen pants and shorts, t-shirts, tank tops
• Accessories: Fanny packs, visors, sunblock, moisturizer, bug spray

How about your kitchen essentials, like coffee makers, microwaves, or even a cooler for those cold ones? Commodore Perry accommodations are fully stocked with mini kitchens with ample space for beverages, coffee makers, and microwaves to warm up any leftovers from Jolly Rogers. 

Plus, you can embark on a few fishing charters that come with bait, rods, and everything else you’ll need to catch your fish dinner! Meaning you won’t have to lug all that equipment with you.

Our Favorite Things to Do in Port Clinton, Ohio

Wondering how to spend your vacation in Port Clinton? Here are some ideas on things to do in the Walleye capital of the world.



Go Fishing for Walleye

• Stinky Pinky Fishing Charters: 451 W Lakeshore Dr. Port Clinton, OH 
• Lured In Fishing Charters: Happy Day Marina 925 West Lakeshore Drive Port Clinton, OH

What could be better than a cold drink on a summer day, with wind from your boat ride invigorating your hair? Catching juicy Walleye along the way, of course! 

That’s just one of the delectable fish you’re bound to find on a fishing charter. And you don’t have to be in Marblehead or Cape Cod to do it. Port Clinton docks are filled with charters ready to take you on your next fishing adventure.

Fishing professionals at places like Stinky Pinky Fishing Charters and Lured In Fishing Charters will take your crew on a private boat ride to catch as many perch, walleyes, trout, or catfish as your heart desires!



Catawba Island State Park

Location: 4049 E Moores Dock Rd, Port Clinton, OH

Just a mere 15 minute drive up the coast from downtown, Catawba Island State Park is a great place to spend the day or even just a few hours of your vacation.

Here you can go swimming, fish off the fishing pier, or enjoy a picnic on the shore. This state park is ideal for those that want to spend a day relaxing in the sunshine, without much more on the agenda than just spending quality time with your family. 

Although do keep in mind that you don’t need to travel at all to enjoy Lake Eerie and plenty of green space. Right off of downtown is Waterworks Park and the Port Clinton Lighthouse. Here you’ll find a public park, beach, and the start of the Portage River. 



Visit the Liberty Aviation Museum

This is a great stop for any history buff, but especially those who are World War II historians. And if you're not? It’s a fantastic place to learn in a fun environment. Tickle your taste for history (and cool aircraft) at the Liberty Aviation Museum! 

The non-profit museum showcases the area’s deep-rooted history in aviation with incredible aircraft on display like the WW2 North American B-25 Mitchell Bomber, and multiple hangars to view other types of aircraft and war vehicles. 

You can also check out the on-site Goose Diner for a WW2-themed experience, complete with all your standard diner fare, like burgers and fried fish.

Check Out the Walleye Festival

• Date: Annually in May
• Location: Main Street, Port Clinton, OH

Traveling with the kiddos? The annual Walleye Festival is a must. Taking place every Memorial Day weekend, the Walleye Festival is chock-full of music, games, and food galore. 

Enjoy a carnival ride until your stomach drops, or participate in the fishing derby to score some fresh catches of Walleye, Rainbow Trout, catfish, and more. And if you just feel like kicking back with a tasty craft beer? Enjoy the parade, full of live music and suited up horses to boot!

If you just can’t get enough of the Walleye fun, visit us on New Year’s Eve for the Walleye Drop. Yep, we don’t drop a ball light other cities do, we drop a 20-ft walleye!



Walk Through Historic Downtown Port Clinton

Want to enjoy a drink but don’t feel like sitting at a bar? Port Clinton recently designated Madison Street as a “designated outdoor refreshment area,” meaning anyone of age can enjoy a drink outdoors while walking instead of staying inside an establishment. 

The laid-back vibe makes it easier for visitors to visit multiple bars and restaurants and experience it all like a local. Plus, it’s closed to auto traffic, making it safer and easy to bar hob.



Best Restaurants in Port Clinton, Ohio

Seafood palette strong in your travel group? You’ve come to the right place(s). Here are some of our favorite places to get some grub in Port Clinton, Ohio.



Jolly Rogers’ Seafood House

• Price: $$
• Location: 1715 E Perry St, Port Clinton, OH
• What to order: Walleye and Chips

Who doesn’t like fish and chips? Maybe you have a picky eater who isn’t satisfied with your average old haddock and chips, but Jolly Rogers has a fix. Choose from eight different fried fish varieties, like oysters, calamari, clam, and even chicken for the not-so-fishy eaters. 

And for one of the more chilly, windy, or even rainy Spring days? You can’t go wrong with a hot cuppa clam chowder. Come here for casual vibes, great service, and outdoor patio seating in the summertime. 



Tin Goose Diner (in Liberty Aviation Museum)

• Price: $$
• Location: 3515 East State Road, Port Clinton, OH
• What to order: Smash burgers
• 
  

The Tin Goose Diner is an experience that everyone who visits Ottawa County should relish. Step back into the 1950s with this themed diner and watch airplanes fly by in the distance. You can pick from delectable American diner fare, like chocolate milkshakes, smash burgers, and your fully stocked breakfast plates with hashbrowns, sausages, and eggs. 

The best part? This is a whole afternoon event, as you can take your family to enjoy the historical aircraft at the Liberty Aviation Museum, too. 



The Brick House

• Price: $
• Location: 111 Madison St, Port Clinton, OH 
• What to order: The Meatball Pizza

The City of Port Clinton has a bustling historic downtown center with delicious restaurants. Many feature the neighborhood’s affinity for fried fish, but if you’re craving pizza? The Brick House is the place to be. 

Pick from a bunch of varieties, like meatballs, pulled pork, and even chicken parmesan pizza. If you aren't up for pizza, you can also enjoy wings, burgers, salads, and onion towers. Make sure to check the restaurant’s website for the latest insights on special events like Bingo or Karaoke. 



Enjoy Port Clinton with Commodore Perry

How do lakeside views, plush beds, and kitchen amenities sound? Commodore Perry welcomes you to Port Clinton with comfortable accommodations, many with a delightful view of Lake Erie and just 5 minutes away from the Jet Express.

Ready for a family getaway with delicious fish, a laid-back ambiance, and days on the water? Book your Port Clinton vacation today!