Of all the natural wonders of America, the Great Lakes truly stand out as some of the most impressive, rivaling the likes of the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park in terms of raw, natural and majestic beauty. All five lakes can be a joy to visit, but if you are looking to spend some time at a Great Lakes beach, Lake Erie may be your best option as it is the southernmost lake and tends to get the warmest temperatures and the best weather for much of the year. Lake Erie is the fourth largest of the Great Lakes.
Located on the international border, Lake Erie extends into the Canadian province of Ontario and the US states of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Ohio is one of the best states to visit if you are looking to check out Lake Erie’s beaches and visit the lake for recreational purposes. Ohio has the longest shoreline on Lake Erie of any state and is also home to some of the best beaches on the lake. Many of Ohio’s Lake Erie beaches can be reached quickly and easily from some of the state’s major cities like Cleveland and Toledo. Even if you happen to be in Columbus, it doesn’t take long to get to the coast.
Ohio’s best beaches for Lake Erie
Who needs the Atlantic or the Pacific when you have a Great Lake close at hand? Like all of the Great Lakes in North America, Lake Erie has some amazing beaches for people of all ages. Whether you are looking to swim, sunbathe, kayak, fly kite, throw the frisbee, eat picnics or something else deep down on the sandy shores of Lake Erie, you will find everything you need in some of the best beaches in Ohio.
Cedar Point Beach
When you hear the name “Cedar Point,” you probably think of fairground rides and attractions, with Cedar Point Park being one of the best places to visit in Ohio, but the beach here is also very pleasant. Indeed, Cedar Point Beach offers a pleasant and relaxing place to confront the noise and bright lights of the rides located a few hundred meters away. This is a great place to come in the evening, with a really relaxing vibe throughout the beach, and there are some good amenities nearby including restaurants and hotels.
Kelleys Island State Park
Just off the coast of Ohio is Kelleys Island. Kelleys Island State Park spans 650 acres of land, with many beautiful forests to explore and get lost in, as well as many sandy and rocky points on the coast to enjoy. The only way to reach the island is by boat, but there are regular ferry crossings from local coastal towns such as Marblehead, and the island is definitely worth the trip, offering really enjoyable swimming and picnic opportunities.
Edgewater Park Beach
If you happen to find yourself in the big city of Cleveland, Edgewater Park Beach is the best Lake Erie beach for you. It’s only a short walk from the streets of the city center, so you won’t even need to take your car to visit this beach, which offers majestic views of both the city skyline and the natural majesty of the lake itself. There are many good amenities on this beach, including children’s play areas and plenty of picnic tables and benches. It’s a popular spot with city dwellers, so crowds can gather here on weekends or on special occasions.
Maumee Bay State Park
If you are visiting or living in the city of Toledo, Maumee Bay State Park is one of the best Lake Erie beaches to visit. It is located a short drive from the city and covers more than 1,800 acres of land. Two large beaches can be found here, both with soft, comfortable sands and exceptional views. Plenty of useful and fun amenities are also found in the park, including a golf course, concessions, rental properties, a marina, scenic drives, and restrooms.
Headlands Beach State Park
Headlands Beach State Park is actually home to Ohio’s largest natural beach. It runs for about a mile in total, which means there’s always more than enough room for people of all ages. Whether you come here alone, as a family, with someone special, or accompanied by a group of friends, you will be able to find a nice sandy spot to spread out and feel totally relaxed and at one with nature. The waters are also very calm here and lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, so it’s a good Lake Erie beach for swimming.
East Harbor State Park
Accessible by car or ferry, East Harbor State Park is another excellent Ohio beach location for Lake Erie. The beach here runs for around 1,500 feet in total and is backed by beautiful natural scenery. The views here are good enough to take your breath away, so this is definitely an excellent Ohio beach to take some photography. Lots of wildlife can be spotted in the area, including herons and turtles, and there are some good amenities here including a disc golf course and restrooms.