Sandusky, Ohio
The perfect spot for a weekend getaway, Sandusky is ready to spoil you with delicious eats, water views, and activities!
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Our Itinerary:
Friday
left Cleveland around 11am
Stopped in Vermillion for shopping, specifically Erie + Anchor.
Headed to the public beach because it was such a nice day to sit by the water (Main Street Beach)
Met some friends/family for lunch at Rudy’s - you must order the truffle burger and the cheese curds!
Had ice cream at Romp’s Dairy Dock
Headed out to Sandusky to check in to our Airriva property.
After checking in we got ready and headed out for our Reservation at Orchard Bar + Table in Catawba.
Orchard Bar + Table has fantastic outdoor seating and an outdoor bar. Order the Pork Chops!
After dinner, have a drink at The Coop.
You can also choose to have pizza at the Farm Stand.
Saturday:
We woke up and walked around town to get some exercise
We had breakfast at Wake up and Waffle - anything on the menu is good.
We loaded up the car and drove back to Vermillion to launch our kayaks on the river.
There are not a lot of spots to launch in Sandusky, and the bay is VERY busy in the summer, we prefer the calmness of the river.
We launch at 777 W River Rd, Vermilion, OH 44089 in Vermillion, it’s $3/kayak
We came back to Sandusky and had lunch at Great Lakes Grinders. The way the waterfront is utilized in Sandusky is just the best!!
We walked around town and had a drink on the rooftop at Moseley's
We had light bites and wine at Crush Wine Bar
We met family for more food at Saucy Brew Works
We drove out to the Toft’s location on X for ice cream. Their large is a half gallon of ice cream!!!
Sunday:
We stopped at Sandusky Bay Pancake House on our way out.
Order the Cinnamon roll french toast + one of their custom coffee drinks!!
Pro-tip: Arrive before 9AM to avoid a wait.
This was just our most recent weekend, we’ve listed a bunch more ideas + options below!
Where to stay:
Hotel Kilbourne - Hotel Kilbourne is a locally owned hotel set in the heart of downtown Sandusky. It features two public spaces, Moseley’s Public house, and a rooftop venue. Walk around downtown and discover an eclectic variety of restaurants, shopping, activities, and culture.
Cedar Point Express - Owned by Cedar Point this Express hotel is great for families who don’t plan to spend a lot of time in the room. It’s located right over the bay from Cedar Point, but close to downtown.
Find a local AirBNB - but hurry, they book up quickly in the summer!
Meals:
Small City Taphouse - features draft microbrews, sushi & Pan-Asian plates in an industrial-chic interior. We loved the appetizer sampler plate!
J Bistro - Classic American fare & cocktails with a seasonal, modern spin in a chic wood-accented dining room.
Landmark Kitchen and Bar - Landmark has water views from its patio and Water Street vantage. It’s a great spot for bar food and drinks. We like the California Chicken Sandwich.
Shore House Tavern - Shore house is a great spot to catch a sporting event on TV. Their menu offers tasty tacos, salads and sandwiches, tempting burgers, and lobster mac & cheese. Shore house features a huge outdoor bar and patio.
Great Lakes Grinders - Great spot to take a sandwich to go on your adventure!
Breakfast/Brunch:
Sandusky Bay Pancake House - Locally owned and operated since 1966. This breakfast and brunch eatery incorporates numerous local farmers, small businesses, and purveyors.
Wake up and Waffle - A brunch-style restaurant serving hardy classic liege waffles made into sandwiches, and eggs benedicts from Savory to Sweet!
Mr. Smith's Coffee House - Coffee, espresso, or specialty drink just how you like it! They have many quick, delicious, and made-to-order breakfast and lunch options to enjoy while dining in, for carryout, or for delivery.
Activities:
Visit Cedar Point - a stay at any of Cedar Points properties lets you in to the park an hour before the general admission. You can easily spend a few hours or two days at the park. In the summer we reccomenda a trip to Cedar Point Shores! We did a few slides at Cedar Point Shoresand then headed to CP for a few rides - it was a blast!
Stroll along the waterfront
Rent a kayak at Paddle and Climb
Head over to Put in Bay
Drinks:
CLAG Brewing Company - A craft brewery located in downtown. Plenty of taproom exclusive brews and some beer to carry out.
Moseley's Rooftop Bar - great views of the water, craft cocktails, and beers!
Volstead Bar - Volstead Bar takes patrons back to the fascinating days of the speakeasy by artfully crafting classic cocktails.
Crush Wine Bar - an award-winning wine list, full bar, creative drinks, warm atmosphere, and a deliciously prepared menu items to please everyone.
Bait House Brewery - Completely handmade, each style of our beer will delight those going out for a day’s fishing, and fine craft beer lovers alike.
