Lake erie beach vacation rentals

Lake Erie is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing lake vacation or an adventure-packed excursion, we have the best lake experiences for you.

Lake Erie is known for its amazing beaches. Whether you want to spend your entire vacation at one of our many gorgeous beaches, or just spend an afternoon on the sand and let the waves wash over your body as you enjoy the sun and beauty of Lake Erie, we have it all.

If you’re looking for an adventure-packed trip to Lake Erie, look no further than [company name]. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with a memorable experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Lake erie beach vacation

1. PORT CLINTON CITY BEACH (PORT CLINTON, OHIO)

Getting There: 45 minutes from Toledo
Where to Stay: , Fairfield Inn & Suites Port Clinton Waterfront
Ideal for: Gorgeous views, beach walks, sailors

Across the street from Lakeview Park is Port Clinton City Beach. This 2,180-foot-long beach is ideal for lengthy strolls, and anyone looking to sit back and relax with a good book for an afternoon. You’ll be able to snag gorgeous views of South Bass Island and hop over to several different marinas along the Portage River to check out crazy yachts or rent your own sailboat.

2. HEADLANDS BEACH STATE PARK (MENTOR, OHIO)

Getting There: 40 minutes from Cleveland
Where to Stay: Private, Pet-Friendly House
Ideal for: Sand dune lovers

Headlands Beach State Park is a 2021 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice location. Its beach along Lake Erie is 35 acres of sandy lakefront. Visit the Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve just north of the beach, bike the 1.5-mile trail nearby or simply relax in the sunshine. Grills are also available for use if you feel like cooking midday. (Note: The dunes are not pet-friendly.)

3. EDGEWATER PARK BEACH (CLEVELAND, OHIO)

Getting There: 10 minutes from Cleveland
Where to Stay: Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower
Ideal for: Dog owners, just about everyone

Edgewater Park is 147 acres of park with 2,400 feet of beach. The Edgewater Beach House and Centennial Plaza make changing, using the bathroom and grabbing a snack simple—and clean. Unlike many beaches on our list, you can get a huge city skyline view here, too. The beach even has a “K-9” section specifically for furry family members. Honestly, it’s a perfect location to experience both city and beach living.

4. MAIN STREET BEACH (VERMILLION, OHIO)

Getting There: 45 minutes from Cleveland or 1 hour 30 minutes from Toledo
Where to Stay: Vermilion Ohio Beautiful Lake Front Beach House
Ideal for: Small town vibes, romantic getaways

There’s nothing like the charm of a small town. Vermillion has it all—including an opportunity to take sunset strolls along Main Street Beach near the Vermillion Lighthouse. Swing on hammocks at nearby Wakefield Metro Park or watch the boats come in from Lake Erie from Harbor View Park. Rent a canoe or paddle boards together for a truly romantic excursion!

5. KELLEYS ISLAND STATE PARK (ERIE COUNTY, OHIO)

Getting There: 20-minute ferry ride from Marblehead, OH, then 5-minute drive
Where to Stay: Water’s Edge Retreat, Kelleys Island State Park Campground
Ideal for: Secluded lake vacations, camping enthusiasts

A hop, skip and a jump away from the Kelleys Island State Park campground is a small swimming beach. Take a dip after a day of hiking, kayaking or fishing (though you need an Ohio fishing license to participate). We recommend a fall visit so you can witness the monarch butterfly migration!

6. MAUMEE BAY STATE PARK BEACH (OREGON, OHIO)

Getting There: 30 minutes from Toledo
Where to Stay: Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, Bayview Bed & Breakfast and Tea Cottage
Ideal for: Nature conservancy lovers, quieter stays

Maumee Bay State Park has two beaches to choose from: one on Lake Erie and one on an inland lake. Folks rave about the two-mile long, ADA accessible marshland boardwalk and the many biking trails in the area. The Maumee State Park Golf Course nearby could be a perk for anyone interested in playing a quick (or leisurely) 18 holes.

7. NICKEL PLATE BEACH (HURON, OHIO)

Getting There: 1 hour from Cleveland or 1 hour 30 minutes from Toledo
Where to Stay: Comfort Inn River’s Edge, Beach N’ Peaks Old Homestead Lake House
Ideal for: Bigger groups, volleyball enthusiasts

As the largest public swimming beach in Ohio, Nickel Plate offers plenty of room for big groups (and small ones!). There are beach volleyball nets for active types and a playground for kids. If you don’t want to lug water gear to the lake, you can rent floaties, paddleboards and kayaks there. Reviewers rave about the soft sand and expansive, ocean-like views of Lake Erie.

8. LAKE ERIE BLUFFS (PERRY, OHIO)

Getting There: 45 minutes from Cleveland, OH or 1.5 hours from Erie, PA
Where to Stay: Residence Inn by Marriott Cleveland Mentor, Family Summer House on Lake Erie
Ideal for: Non-swimmers, geocachers

Less a beach and more a work of art, the Lake Erie Bluffs offer an exceptional nature experience. Climb up the 50-foot coastal observation tower for spectacular views or hike along the rocky lakefront. Chances are good you’ll spot rare birds, bugs and plants. Participate in the area’s geocaching community or toss a canoe into the water for a completely different experience. Note: This not a swimming beach.

9. EAST HARBOR STATE PARK (LAKESIDE MARBLEHEAD, OHIO)

Getting There: 1 hour from Toledo
Where to Stay: Modern Boho Waterfront Condo
Ideal for: Small kids, disc golfers

Set up shop along the 1,500-foot sandy beach in East Harbor State Park for a relaxing day of swimming and picnicking. Unlike some Lake Erie beaches, this one is known for being a bit calmer (aka, little-kid-friendly). There’s a legit disc golf course for anyone looking to show off their frisbee skills. Since East Harbor State Park is situated on a peninsula, there’s plenty of delightful views to take in on both sides.

10. CEDAR POINT BEACH (CEDAR POINT, OHIO)

Getting There: 1 hour 30 minutes from Cleveland or Toledo
Where to Stay: The Glass House
Ideal for: Thrill-seekers, families

While Cedar Point is known for its incredible amusement park, its beach is worth a visit, too. Soft, clean sand and a wide expanse of lakefront makes for an ideal day. Admission is free with park passes, but you can also go parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking and paddleboarding through North Coast Parasail without buying park tickets.

11. SOUTH BASS ISLAND STATE PARK (PUT-IN-BAY, OHIO)

Getting There: 20-minute ferry from Catawba Island
Where to Stay: Island Club House
Ideal for: Party people, boat people

The attractions on this small island (it’s just 3.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide) pack a punch. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to rent a boat or has a boat, as the beaches are not easily accessible for swimmers. However, there is a wildlife center, a scenic lookout, an aquatic center, a nature preserve, a winery and lots of restaurants. Though the vibe is slightly more party animal than family friendly, there are tons of educational opportunities and several state parks ripe for exploring. Rent golf carts or bicycles on the island to visit historical sites and the state park.

12. PRESQUE ISLE BEACH (ERIE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA)

Getting There: 2 hours from Cleveland, OH or Buffalo NY
Where to Stay: Courtyard by Marriott Erie Bayfront, Sunny & Stylish Townhome
Ideal for: Groups with multiple interests, Pennsylvania residents

As a 2021 Traveler’s Choice on Tripadvisor, it’s hard to go wrong with Presque Isle Beach. There’s 3,200 acres of space and 13 unique beaches to explore. Make sure you know the lifeguard schedule, as swimming is only allowed when they are present (typically 12 to 7:30 p.m. in the summertime). If you can’t—or don’t want to—take a dip in the water, opt for a kayak cruise or a pontoon boat tour instead.

Lake erie beach vacation rentals

1. Toledo, Ohio

Located on the western end of Lake Erie on the bank of the Maumee River, Toledo is a perfect vacation rental base from which to explore the region. The city has a lot of great things to do, like visiting the Toledo Zoo and the African Safari Wildlife Park. Peruse the exhibits at Toledo’s many museums, including the National Museum of the Great Lakes and the Toledo Art Museum. Take the kids to the Butterfly House, the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, or the Merry-Go-Round Museum. Shop at farmer’s markets or upscale boutiques — whatever you’re in the mood for.

2. Kelley’s Island, Ohio

The largest American island on Lake Erie, Kelley’s Island is a great place to look for a vacation rental if you’re excited to unwind and relax with a small-town feeling. The island’s four square miles have an amazing diversity of activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and bird watching. Take the kids to the island’s beautiful playground, or play a round at the miniature golf course. Rent a bicycle or golf cart and tour the island. You can even learn how to scuba dive, and explore some of the many shipwrecks in the area. Interestingly, sometimes it’s warmer on Kelley’s Island in the winter than it is on the mainland, so this is a fun place to go when it gets cold.

3. Sandusky, Ohio

Staying in Sandusky puts you within easy distance of beaches and islands in Lake Erie. The city is best known for its theme parks (people from all over Ohio travel to them), and the city has a number of unique indoor and outdoor water parks where you and your family can cool off in the summer. Sandusky’s main attraction is the immense Cedar Point amusement park, which has over a mile of beachfront and one of the largest collections of rides in the world, including over 15 roller coasters.

4. Cleveland, Ohio

Rock fans know Cleveland as the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and football fans know it as the site of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (which is actually in nearby Canton, Ohio), but in fact, choosing a vacation rental in this fascinating city on the shore of Lake Erie ensures that everyone can find something to interest them. Besides using the city as a base to explore the coastal area, enjoy exploring local attractions such as the Great Lakes Science Center, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Cleveland Aquarium, and the Botanical Garden. Cleveland also has a number of lakefront parks where you can hike, cycle, observe wildlife, and go boating. Definitely go to an Indian’s game on a warm summer night – you’ll love the energy!

5. Erie, Pennsylvania

A vacation rental in Erie, Pennsylvania, provides easy access to a multitude of water activities. Presque Isle State Park has long sandy beaches and opportunities for swimming, surfing, fishing, and cycling. Stroll the lovely landscape on foot, or rent a pontoon or kayak and explore it on the water. Take the children to one of America’s oldest amusement parks, the Waldameer Park and Water World, or view the flora and fauna at the Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

6. Chautauqua, New York

A vacation rental in the town of Chautauqua near the eastern shore of Lake Erie offers you access to Chautauqua County’s many sights and activities. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, fishing, and boating at the numerous beaches. Take advantage of the ideal conditions that make Chautauqua a bird watcher’s paradise at Dunkirk Harbor, Point Gratiot, Luensman Overview Park, and the Watts Flats Wildlife Management Area. Hike or cycle the trails at the many local parks.

7. Buffalo, New York

Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Erie on the bank of the Niagara River, the city of Buffalo bursts with attractive sights and activities. A Buffalo vacation rental offers quick and easy access to world-famous Niagara Falls. The city itself is a treasure trove of museums, galleries, and opportunities for shopping. Parks and marinas line the impressive waterfront. At the nearby Outer Harbor, enjoy hiking, cycling, boating, and fishing.

8. Port Dover, Ontario

During the summer months, a vacation rental near the long sandy beach lined with palm trees in Port Dover, Canada, can fool you into thinking you’re in the tropics or on the Mediterranean. After a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing, take a stroll along the scenic pier and watch the local watercraft. Have a drink or a meal at a beachside cafe or restaurant.

9. Port Stanley, Ontario

Located in the middle of Lake Erie’s north coast, Port Stanley, Canada, offers vacation rentals near family-friendly wide sandy beaches where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports. The picturesque harbor has a lighthouse at the end of a long pier and a large marina full of diverse watercraft. Play 18 holes at one of several nearby golf courses. Hike the valleys and forested hills of the Elgin Hiking Trail.

10. Port Burwell, Ontario

Located at the mouth of Big Otter Creek on the north shore of Lake Erie, Port Burwell is renowned for its beautiful, expansive sandy beaches. Its premier attraction is Port Burwell Provincial Park, a family friendly location with great swimming, sunbathing, and bird watching opportunities. Check out the Marine Museum, and climb to the top of the Port Burwell Historic Lighthouse for a commanding view of the village, the countryside, and Lake Erie.

Lake erie beach vacation rentals