Best Northeast Ohio Beaches
Most people do not think of northeast Ohio as a beach destination. However, there are some great options for a day (or multiple days!) in and around a sandy stretch of water on a Great Lake. From east to west, here are seven beaches worth considering within 65 miles of downtown Cleveland.
Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park (Fairport Harbor, OH)
My younger daughter and I had a great beach day at this Lake County park last summer. There is a broad sandy beach with shade structures at the back. There are lifeguards in the summer months, playground structures, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, and a concession stand. Know that the parking lot can fill up. If it does, you will have to park up the hill in town and walk down. The town has a few sites worth poking around, notably the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse. Grab ice cream at the Fairport Harbor Creamery.
Headlands State Park (Mentor, OH)
Directly west of Fairport Harbor is Headlands State Park. At 35 acres of beach, it is the largest sand beach in Ohio and that is the draw. There are bathrooms, some shaded picnic tables and areas and basic restrooms, but other than that, no amenities. There is ample parking.
Edgewater Beach (Downtown Cleveland)
As I’ve previously shared, Edgewater Beach in downtown Cleveland is a terrific story of revitalization. Since being taken over by the Cleveland Metroparks system in 2013, it has become a destination in all seasons. There is an upper and lower part to Edgewater Park with trails along the lake that offer skyline views of downtown and an opportunity to take a picture with the popular Cleveland script sign. The beach is in the lower part of the park and has a pavilion with food and drink, lifeguards in the summer months, a specific dog-beach area, beach volleyball courts, and other lively amenities like a “book-box” outpost of the Cleveland Public Library. It’s simply a joyful place to be in the summer.
Huntington Beach (Bay Village, OH)
I enjoy Huntington Reservation for its multiple offerings, notably some beautiful wooded trails. The beach itself is also a nice option, although more limited square feet in both length and width than some other beaches. The shaded area above the beach has picnic areas, some swings and a food and drink stand. Across the road you can access the wooded trails and visit the terrific Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, which is ideal for children but also has plenty for adults as well.
Nickel Plate Beach (Huron, OH)
I referenced this beach in a recent post. Another potential destination if just a beach day is what you are looking for. Lots of sand, beach volleyball, kayak and accessories rentals in the summer months. The parking can fill-up on high volume days and bring cash for the parking fee.
East Harbor State Park (Lakeside-Marblehead, OH)
East Harbor is a unique location. It’s a peninsula jutting out into Lake Erie between Marblehead and Catawba Island. There are lots of paved trails for biking, wetland, and sandy beaches. It’s a great location for seeing waterfowl and migratory birds. East Harbor could be a destination on its own, or part of an exploration of the entire area.
Cedar Point Beach (Sandusky, OH)
This is a high-end, groomed, beach with a caveat. You access the beach from within Cedar Point Amusement Park meaning that you have to have purchased admission, a season pass, or be staying at a Cedar Point Resort. If this is the case, the beach is a great destination to take a break from the park crowds. There are games, hosted activities, and recreational items for rental as well as private beach bungalows for rent. In the evening there are fire pits and sometimes parties or live music.
If the beach isn’t your jam (I know some folks just do not like sand!), keep in mind that there are tons of other lakefront options around Lake Erie that offer beautiful walks in the woods and shade while looking out at the water. Worth consideration: Lake Erie Bluffs; Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve; Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve.
