The Lake Erie Shores and Island region is FULL of incredible one day and overnight trips.
From Lake Erie views to full-day adventures and thrills.
If you’re looking for easy summer road trip ideas, weekend getaways, or places to explore with the kids, a group of friends, or even on your own, get ready to add these Shores & Islands road trip destinations to your list.
Road Trip Adventure #1
Cedar Point
🎢 No matter how young or old you are, Cedar Point can still check off that full-day-fun bucket list item. For thrill seekers, there are 66 rides and 18 roller coasters, including Top Thrill 2, the tallest and fastest roller coaster in North America. For the little ones there are two Kiddie Park areas, so everyone in the family can enjoy the rides.
Don’t like roller coasters or extreme rides? There is still plenty to enjoy: live entertainment, foodie stops, and classic rides like the Midway Carousel, Cedar Downs Racing Derby, and those Cadillac Cars!
Enjoy a meal at the beautiful Grand Pavilion & Bar with Lake Erie views or spend time strolling the beach area. Buffet options change daily.
Take the CP&LE Railroad to Frontier Town and enjoy a refreshment at the Last Chance Saloon or Red Garter Saloon, catch a show, or have a meal at The Farmhouse Kitchen & Grill.
Like strolling and people-watching? Grab a bite to eat at Coasters Diner. It’s centrally located and a great place to enjoy a quick refreshment while you review the park map.
Don’t forget to take advantage of Cedar Point’s upcoming 2026 events like the Barrels & Bites festival (June 5th–29th), the Star-Spangled Celebration (June 29th–July 4th), and fall HalloWeekends (weekends from late September through October). Other great ways to enjoy the park. Check their website for additional details.
My Ohio Fun Road Trip notes:
1. Purchase tickets ahead of time. Review the various drink and meal plan options if you’re spending the day. Decide whether paying extra for Fast Lane passes fits into your day’s ride itinerary.
2. When planning a visit, weekdays are usually less crowded.
3. Of course, drink plenty of water while you are there and bring sunscreen—even on cloudy days.
4. Above all, wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Avoid slides, flip-flops, and strapless sandals. You will not be able to get on some rides.
5. Cedar Point is a cashless park. There are kiosks in the park that will convert your cash to prepaid credit cards for no fee.
📍1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870 | sixflags.com/cedarpoint
Where to Stay
Sawmill Creek Resort by Cedar Point Resorts
This beautiful resort recently underwent a total renovation. Guest rooms and suites include all the amenities you would expect to make your stay comfortable, along with a nice selection of hotel lounging areas, both inside and out. Also on the premises are two pools, an 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed golf course, as well as restaurant options that include The Miller’s Table, The Hideout, and the Harvest’s breakfast buffet, which includes fresh fruit, pastries, cereal, and a rotating selection of hot breakfast items throughout the week.
During my stay, I took time to enjoy dinner at The Miller’s Table. Cozy vibes and views of the outdoor waterfall made it a great dinner choice. Although limited, the menu offers something for everyone: appetizers like Short Rib Poutine and Lake Erie Walleye Cakes; salad bowls, soup, burgers, and hearty entrées like Veal Cutlet and Filet Mignon; and local favorites like Lake Erie perch or almond-crusted walleye. Make sure you order a piece of their Flourless Chocolate Cake or Pistachio Crème Brûlée with your meal—or save one in your room’s fridge to enjoy later.
My Ohio Fun Road Trip notes:
- Before making your reservations, make sure you check their exclusive Cedar Point Sawmill Creek offers that include special rates and ticket combinations.
- The resort is approximately 8 miles from the park, and adjacent to Sheldon Marsh, a Nature Preserve that attracts plenty of local wildlife and over 300 bird species.
- Sawmill Creek is also centrally located to other nearby worthy stops and attractions.
📍400 Sawmill Creek Dr. W., Huron, OH 44839 | sixflags.com/sawmillcreekresort
MORE NEARBY DESTINATIONS TO ADD TO YOUR ROAD TRIP:
🐦 Explore Sheldon Marsh Nature Preserve– Don’t forget your binoculars. –
🎠 Visit the Merry-Go-Round Museum
Make sure you take time to visit this area treasure. Get ready to see a beautiful collection of lovingly restored American hand-carved pieces. Be sure to take a ride on the 1939 Allan Herschell Carousel. There is even a Cedar Point exhibit.
🛥️ Visit the Maritime Museum of Sandusky –
For $19, your whole family can enjoy this museum. Discover the area’s maritime history. Learn about Sandusky’s role in the Underground Railroad, shipwrecks, and so much more.
📚 Stop in at the Sandusky Book Bar – a great place to grab a brew and a book.
🚶➡️ Take a stroll along Shoreline Park and enjoy beautiful views of Lake Erie.
🍟 Order a plate of Cedar Point’s original French fries at Berardi’s Family Kitchen. Don’t forget to shake a little malt vinegar on those fries.
Take time to read their “About” page to learn about the family and their history with Cedar Point. (If you want to know a secret about the their salad dressings and the two Berardi locations, you’ll have to send me a message. I have the goods.)
BEFORE YOU LEAVE ⬇️
Order or download Shores & Islands FREE visitor guide. It’s a great resource when traveling around the area.
➡️ Road Trip Adventure #2: posting soon.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thank Cedar Point, Sawmill Creek and Shores & Islands for hosting me as their guest. As always, my opinions are my own.
WHERE DID THE TIME GO?
As long as I can remember, Cedar Point has been part of my family’s summertime vacation plans. With great fanfare, my father would load the cooler into the car, my mom would pack the suntan lotion, and we would head out at the crack of dawn to be among the first cars to cross the causeway and get premium parking. It was always one of the highlights of summer. Pure excitement.
That same feeling of Cedar Point excitement stayed with me in college when a Cedar Point recruiter came to campus looking for summer employees. A college friend and I didn’t think twice: free rides, a sandy beach, and a new adventure. We couldn’t sign up fast enough.
That summer created memories that have stayed with me and brought new friendships, new experiences, a love of roller coasters, and a deep understanding of the commitment it takes to keep Cedar Point operational. Like every night after the park closed, as I headed back to my dorm, I would see mechanics inspecting the rides and preparing them for the next day’s operation.
The year I worked at Cedar Point, the Gemini had just opened (which just dated me). Most mornings, and especially after a tremendous amount of rain, I would walk from Zone 2 (my sweeperette area) to the roller coaster, then walk the cat walk partway up the hill, and climb into a car so they could conduct brake tests. Today, you would probably call me a test dummy.
This year, I had the honor of being hosted by Cedar Point and Shores & Islands for an afternoon in the park. It had been a few years since my last visit, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would the park still create the excitement I remembered? After all I was a little older. Would my old friend be there, waiting to give me a ride in one of its dual-racing cars?
I am happy to report that Cedar Point did not let me down. My nerves about getting on some of the roller coasters did. And to think, I used to be fearless on all of them. What happened to me? Sadly, the day of my visit, the Gemini was not running, which just means I need to plan a return trip.
THE BOARDWALK
Probably one of my new favorite places in the park is The Boardwalk area. The park has done a beautiful job of bringing back that yesteryear feeling, with the Giant Wheel anchoring the area and old-time favorites like the Matterhorn and Dodgem nearby. Also located on The Boardwalk is the Grand Pavilion Restaurant & Bar, where you can enjoy the daily buffet, refreshments, and views of Lake Erie. I could easily spend a few hours just taking in the views and the beach.
If you have not been back for a while, I am here to tell you: don’t let getting older stop you from enjoying this Northern Ohio treasure that so many people from all over make a pilgrimage to every year.
Keep on exploring!
~Diane