By Heather Rader
Posted On: Apr 17, 2024
Dreaming of a beach vacation? Ohio has miles of beaches just waiting to be explored this summer! Home to more than 300 miles of Lake Erie shoreline and more miles of public beaches throughout Ohio's state parks, you don't need to go far to enjoy a day at the beach.
Grab your sunglasses, swimming suit, beach towel, and SPF! It's time to get ready to sink your toes in the sand at one of these great Ohio beaches!
Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor
Best Sunset Beaches
Sunsets are always beautiful, but there's just something special about watching sunset over the water. The sky is painted dramatic colors of orange, yellow, pink and blue while the sun slowly sinks into water.
There's no better way to end the day than watching the sun set at Lakewood Park, Edgewater Park in Cleveland, Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor and Marblehead Lighthouse State Park.
Conneaut Township Beach
Best Beach Glass Hunting
Naturally produced beach glass (or sea glass if produced in an ocean) originates as pieces of broken glassware which have been tumbled and rolled in lake water for years which smooths the surface of the stone. Beach and sea glass collectors spend hours searching for the perfect piece of colorful beach glass to add to their collection.
With a nice consistency of sand and pebbles, Walnut Beach Park in Ashtabula and Conneaut Township Park offer great beaches to hunt for beach glass.
Alum Creek State Park in Delaware. Photo credit: Cindi Wylie
Best Dog Beaches
As much as you love a day at the beach, so does your beloved four-legged, furry friend. Finding good, safe places for canines to chase their dog pals, frolic in the water and roll in the sand are great ways to keep your pet active this summer.
While not every beach in Ohio has dog access, these dog-friendly beaches allow Fido to have the best dog day ever: Doggie Beach in the Darby Bend Lakes at Prairie Oaks Metro Park and in Osprey Lake (plus the lake in the Pleasant Valley area) of Battelle Darby Creek near Columbus. Your dog can also go for a swim at the Friends of Alum Creek Dog Park at at Alum Creek State Park in Delaware and Bow Wow Beach Dog Park in Stow.
Cedar Point Amusement Park Beach in Sandusky
Best Family Beaches
Whether it be a tranquil spot to spend quality time with your loved ones or an action-packed beach with fun amenities, you'll find both at an Ohio beach. For a quiet day at the beach with the kids, set your beach chairs up at East Harbor State Park in Marblehead or Kelleys Island State Park Beach. Both offer gentle sloping beaches, little surf and a calm atmosphere.
Cedar Point Beach in Sandusky offers fun amenities such as parasailing, beach volleyball, jet ski rentals, and numerous other family-friendly activities to keep everyone busy. Other family-friendly beach spots include Lakeside Chautauqua, Salt Fork State Park in Lore City, and Geneva State Park.
Lake Erie Bluffs in Perry Township. Photo credit: Kevin Vail
Best Beaches for Peace & Quiet
Sitting on a quiet beach listening to the waves lapping the shore is the perfect way to find your inner peace. Whether you want to spend the day alone reading a book, doing beach yoga or just watching all of nature's glory, you'll find an Ohio beach perfect for a day of relaxation.
Conneaut Township Park Beach, Euclid Beach Park in Cleveland, Lake Erie Bluffs in Perry Township, Burr Oak State Park in Glouster, and Lake Hope State Park in McArthur are all great options for a day of peace and quiet.
For more things to do this #SummerinOhio, check out #OhioTheHeartofitAll at Ohio.org.
