Erie County, Ohio grew up on the water. Shipbuilders, fishermen, quarrymen, and captains shaped this Lake Erie shoreline, while 19th-century entrepreneurs in nearby Milan gave the world Thomas Alva Edison. Today, the harbor towns hum with a summer rhythm—ferries gliding out to emerald islands, bike bells chiming on quiet streets, gulls overhead.

Visitors come for headliners—Cedar Point’s record-smashing coasters, Kelleys Island’s otherworldly Glacial Grooves, and beaches in Huron—but stay for the breezy patios, sunset piers, and simple, perfect plates of Lake Erie perch and walleye. Sandusky’s museums keep the maritime stories alive; wineries and patios pour local vintages; and island time slows the pulse, just enough.

Practical notes: This is a spring–fall destination at its best (May–October for full ferry schedules and island dining). A car is highly recommended. For flights, look to Cleveland (CLE, ~1 hour), Detroit (DTW, ~1.75 hours), or Toledo (TOL, ~1 hour). Lake weather changes fast—pack a light layer and check ferry updates the morning you sail.

Sandusky

Sandusky is your home base: a revitalized harbor town with a handsome 19th-century core, a working waterfront, and fast access to Cedar Point and island ferries. Stroll Jackson Street Pier for sunsets, dip into the Merry-Go-Round Museum’s hand-carved artistry, or tour the Maritime Museum to trace the lake’s shipwrecks and ice-harvesting past.

• Top sights: Cedar Point (Millennium Force, Steel Vengeance, Maverick), Jackson Street Pier, Merry-Go-Round Museum, Maritime Museum of Sandusky, Sandusky Bay Pathway.
• Eat & drink: Small City Taphouse (50+ taps, Vietnamese fare and sushi—lively and local), OH Taco (Baja tacos and excellent margaritas by the waterfront), Bay Harbor (seafood with marina views), Firelands Winery & Restaurant (estate wines, wood-fired plates), and a must-stop at Toft Dairy Ice Cream Parlor (family dairy since 1900s).
• Where to stay: Cedar Point’s Hotel Breakers (beachfront, easy park access), Kalahari Resort (indoor waterpark), Hotel Kilbourne (boutique, bay views), or downtown condos.

Book accommodations: VRBO Sandusky | Hotels.com Sandusky

Getting there: Fly into CLE/DTW/TOL; typical domestic fares run ~$150–$350 round-trip. Compare options on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. A rental car streamlines beach and ferry hopping.

Kelleys Island

Kelleys Island is Erie County’s serene counterpoint to busy Put‑in‑Bay: bikes and golf carts over cars, limestone quarries and shady lanes, and sunset decks where the water glows copper. It’s also home to the world’s largest easily accessible glacial grooves—ripples carved by ancient ice, mesmerizing in late-afternoon light.

• Top sights: Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve, Inscription Rock petroglyphs, North Shore Alvar and East Quarry trails, West Bay sunset.
• Eat & drink: Village Pump (famous walleye chowder and perch sandwiches—plus a classic Brandy Alexander), Kelleys Island Wine Co. (wood-fired pizza, family-friendly lawns), West Bay Inn (sunset bar with lake views), and casual bites around Caddy Shack Square.
• Stay (if you extend): Cottages and lakefront homes dominate—book early in summer.

Book accommodations: VRBO Kelleys Island | Hotels.com Kelleys Island

Getting there: From Sandusky, the Jet Express passenger ferry sails seasonally (late spring–early fall) to Kelleys Island in ~25 minutes; expect ~$45–$55 round trip per adult. In shoulder seasons, drive ~30–35 minutes to Marblehead for the Kelleys Island Ferry (~20-minute crossing; vehicles allowed). Check same-day schedules.

Huron & Milan

Huron is the quiet beach town locals love—Nickel Plate’s broad sand, a lighthouse-tipped pier, and bird-rich nature preserves. It’s minutes from Sawmill Creek’s golf and trails, and just inland, the tidy village square of Milan frames the birthplace of Thomas Edison.

• Top sights: Nickel Plate Beach, Huron Pier and Lighthouse, Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve, Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve, Edison Birthplace Museum (Milan) and Milan Historical Museum campus.
• Eat & drink: Berardi’s Family Kitchen (from-scratch comfort food; beloved fries), Marconi’s Italian Restaurant (classic red-sauce suppers since the 1960s), Gathering Grounds Coffee House or Sabbath Coffee Roasters for a proper latte.
• Stay: Sawmill Creek by Cedar Point Resorts (lodge by the lake), beachy rentals near Nickel Plate.

Book accommodations: VRBO Huron | Hotels.com Huron

Day 1: Arrive in Sandusky, harbor strolls and lake-to-table dinner

Morning: Travel day. Fly into Cleveland (CLE) or Detroit (DTW), pick up a car, and head to Sandusky (CLE → ~1 hour; DTW → ~1.75 hours). Compare fares and flight times on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Check in at your hotel and drop the bags.

Afternoon: Stretch your legs along Jackson Street Pier—ferries sliding by, sailboats tacking in the bay. Pop into the Merry-Go-Round Museum to watch artisans hand-carve and paint carousel animals, then wander the nearby historic blocks for 19th-century facades and pocket parks. If you’re a history buff, the Maritime Museum of Sandusky fills in shipwreck lore and the region’s Underground Railroad stories.

Evening: Dinner at Small City Taphouse—share crispy wings, pho, and a sushi roll while you sample Ohio brews. Or choose Bay Harbor for perch and walleye by the marina. Cap the night with a cone at Toft Dairy (look for seasonal flavors like Lake Erie Cookie Island Monster), then return to the pier for a copper-sky sunset. Early to bed if you’re tackling Cedar Point tomorrow—or linger over a margarita at OH Taco’s bar with the bay twinkling outside.

Day 2: Kelleys Island—grooves, kayaks, and slow island time

Morning: Grab a quick espresso and pastry from the market counter at Vine & Olive in Sandusky, then board the Jet Express to Kelleys Island (about 25 minutes; typically late spring–early fall service; ~$45–$55 RT adult). On arrival, rent bikes or a golf cart near the dock. First stop: the Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve, where a boardwalk overlooks undulating limestone fluted by ancient ice—one of the Midwest’s great natural curiosities.

Afternoon: Refuel at the Village Pump with their signature walleye chowder and a perch sandwich, then head to your guided paddle:

Featured activity: Kelleys Island Kayak Treasure Tour

Book on Viator

This guided outing provides gear and instruction, then leads you along the island’s limestone shoreline to tucked-away spots you’d miss from land—expect clear shallows, birdlife, and views back to the village. It’s a relaxed adventure suitable for most—bring sun protection and water.

Evening: Sip a local wine and share a wood-fired pizza at Kelleys Island Wine Co. while kids play on the lawn. If the sky looks promising, swing by West Bay Inn for a last golden-hour view, then ferry back. Back in Sandusky, decompress at Firelands Winery & Restaurant—order a flight (try their Gewürztraminer or Pinot Noir) and seasonal plates like mushroom arancini or a lakefish special.

Day 3: Huron beaches and Milan’s inventor, then depart

Morning: Drive to Huron (~15 minutes from Sandusky). Start with coffee at Gathering Grounds Coffee House or a pour-over from Sabbath Coffee Roasters. Walk the Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve boardwalk—warblers in spring, monarchs in late summer, and quiet lake views year-round. Continue to Nickel Plate Beach for a sandy stroll, then out the long pier to the lighthouse for photos.

Afternoon: Lunch at Berardi’s Family Kitchen—their crispy hand-cut fries are a rite of passage. If you’re a history fan, detour 10 minutes to Milan to tour the Edison Birthplace Museum and the green-framed Milan Historical Museum buildings around the square. Return to your hotel to pick up bags and begin the drive to CLE/DTW/TOL for an afternoon or early evening flight.

Evening: If time allows before departure, an early dinner at Marconi’s Italian Restaurant (hearty pastas, old-school vibe) rounds out the trip. Prefer one last lake view? Picnic fixings on the Huron riverfront—cheese, olives, and a baguette—make a simple farewell as the masts silhouette against the sky.

Logistics at a glance

• Base and distances: Sandusky is the hub. Sandusky → Kelleys Island (Jet Express ~25 min; seasonal). Sandusky → Huron (~15 min drive). Sandusky → Milan (~15–20 min drive).
• Best seasons: Late May–September for full operations; October is lovely for fall colors and lighter crowds (watch ferry schedules).
• Tickets to consider ahead: Cedar Point dated tickets and hotel packages; Jet Express peak-weekend departures; Edison Birthplace guided tour times.

Where to stay (quick picks): For families: Kalahari or Sawmill Creek. For coaster fans: Hotel Breakers or Lighthouse Point cabins. For couples: Hotel Kilbourne or a waterfront VRBO condo.

Book stays fast: VRBO Sandusky | Hotels.com Sandusky | VRBO Huron

Three days in Erie County blends coaster thrills, island stillness, and shore-town flavors. With ferries, beaches, and museums within easy reach, you can dial the tempo up or down as you please—then let the sunsets do the rest.