Once the sun begins chasing the grays of winter away, Ohioans start gearing up for pleasant days exploring the great outdoors. The most magical places, however, are often tucked up against Lake Erie’s shoreline. Take a road trip and take in the sights or stay a while and soak up some sun at these dreamy destinations:
- Huron, Erie County
City of Huron/Facebook
City of Huron/Facebook This town markets itself as “A Great Lake Place,” and it is plain to see why. History, culture, and public beaches make this coastal city particularly memorable. Whether you are unwinding on Nickel Plate Beach or grabbing some grub in town, you are guaranteed to fall in love with this lovely place.
- Port Clinton, Ottawa County
Vicki Timman/Flickr The historic City of Port Clinton is the county seat of Ottawa County and it truly captures the spirit of its region. As it is nestled up against Lake Erie’s shore, this pretty place has earned a reputation as the Walleye Capital of the World. The city is rather petite, though, with only 6,000 residents, but locals love its small-town charm.
- Bay Village, Cuyahoga County
City of Bay Village/Facebook This gorgeous city is located just west of Cleveland, but its quaint atmosphere feels miles away from Cleveland’s urban jungle. About 15,000 residents call this pretty place home, and locals love everything from the dining scene to the community culture. You’ll adore exploring Huntington Metropark and taking in the lakefront views of the Cleveland skyline.
- Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ashtabula County
The Lodge at Geneva on the Lake/Facebook This enchanting Ashtabula County getaway offers one of the most scenic experiences one can find on Ohio’s coast. From arcades to public parks and beaches, there is much to keep you entertained in this magical village.
- Fairport Harbor, Lake County
Tom Gill/Flickr
LASZLO ILYES/Flickr Located about 30 miles east of Cleveland is a village with scenic views that will knock your socks off. This petite village is home to about 3,000 residents, but it also houses two stunning lighthouses. Whether you’re exploring the local culture or soaking up some sun on the gorgeous coast, Fairport Harbor is always a lovely getaway.
- Marblehead, Ottawa County
Frank DiBona/Flickr This charming village on the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula is just as quaint as can be, and it is truly magical in the summer. Around 900 residents call this dreamy destination home, and the village is home to Marblehead Lighthouse; the oldest continually operating lighthouse on any Great Lake. Even if you are just stopping by the village before you ferry out to the Lake Erie Islands, you must take a moment to see the gorgeous landscape of this coastal paradise.
- Kelleys Island, Erie County
James St. John/Flickr This coastal community is situated on the largest island in the state, and its landscape is truly remarkable. Pictured here is a portion of Glacial Grooves State Memorial, which features evidence of glacial movement during the Pleistocene Ice Age.
- Vermilion, Erie County
bsheets/Flickr This gorgeous community is about a 45-minute drive from Cleveland, and locals cherish it as an iconic small town on a Great Lake. This enchanting community was once known as the Village of Lake Captains, as it was beloved by Lake Erie sailors of yore. Featuring a charming history and a breathtakingly gorgeous coast, this pretty region is a lovely place to drop anchor and stay a while.
With a season full of day trips ahead of us, Ohioans are anticipating grand adventures. Clevelanders, in particular, are surrounded by adventure, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Which of these pretty places will you be exploring first?
City of Huron/Facebook
This town markets itself as “A Great Lake Place,” and it is plain to see why. History, culture, and public beaches make this coastal city particularly memorable. Whether you are unwinding on Nickel Plate Beach or grabbing some grub in town, you are guaranteed to fall in love with this lovely place.
Vicki Timman/Flickr
The historic City of Port Clinton is the county seat of Ottawa County and it truly captures the spirit of its region. As it is nestled up against Lake Erie’s shore, this pretty place has earned a reputation as the Walleye Capital of the World. The city is rather petite, though, with only 6,000 residents, but locals love its small-town charm.
City of Bay Village/Facebook
This gorgeous city is located just west of Cleveland, but its quaint atmosphere feels miles away from Cleveland’s urban jungle. About 15,000 residents call this pretty place home, and locals love everything from the dining scene to the community culture. You’ll adore exploring Huntington Metropark and taking in the lakefront views of the Cleveland skyline.
The Lodge at Geneva on the Lake/Facebook
This enchanting Ashtabula County getaway offers one of the most scenic experiences one can find on Ohio’s coast. From arcades to public parks and beaches, there is much to keep you entertained in this magical village.
Tom Gill/Flickr
LASZLO ILYES/Flickr
Located about 30 miles east of Cleveland is a village with scenic views that will knock your socks off. This petite village is home to about 3,000 residents, but it also houses two stunning lighthouses. Whether you’re exploring the local culture or soaking up some sun on the gorgeous coast, Fairport Harbor is always a lovely getaway.
Frank DiBona/Flickr
This charming village on the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula is just as quaint as can be, and it is truly magical in the summer. Around 900 residents call this dreamy destination home, and the village is home to Marblehead Lighthouse; the oldest continually operating lighthouse on any Great Lake. Even if you are just stopping by the village before you ferry out to the Lake Erie Islands, you must take a moment to see the gorgeous landscape of this coastal paradise.
James St. John/Flickr
This coastal community is situated on the largest island in the state, and its landscape is truly remarkable. Pictured here is a portion of Glacial Grooves State Memorial, which features evidence of glacial movement during the Pleistocene Ice Age.
bsheets/Flickr
This gorgeous community is about a 45-minute drive from Cleveland, and locals cherish it as an iconic small town on a Great Lake. This enchanting community was once known as the Village of Lake Captains, as it was beloved by Lake Erie sailors of yore. Featuring a charming history and a breathtakingly gorgeous coast, this pretty region is a lovely place to drop anchor and stay a while.
For more gorgeous lakefront scenery, check out this lovely Hinckley hike.
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